Facelift models - when did they start?

[SAFC]

HI, new-found Merc lovers.

Bobby Dazzler, and others, have said things like ...

"If you get a facelift C-Class there are quality improvements ..."

The motor I'm thinking of committing to (tonight) is a 54 Plate C270 Elegance SE CDI.

Would this be classed as a "Facelift" Model does anyone know?

Ta, John.

 

[kwakdonut]

It is possible. Facelift C Classes can be identified by the fact that the headlights have clear lenses. Also, the dash is newer with a 'standard' instrument set up instead of the rather large central speedo on the pre-facelift. It depends when the car was manufactured, not when it was registered. Wikipedia has a list of all the MB cars and there production runs.

Am sure someone will be along shortly to clarify!

 

[npuk]

Facelift was from MY2005 so a 2004 registered car wont be facelift. A 2005 registered car may not be a facelift, you would need to check when the car was manufactured or another way to tell if it is post facelift is the dash around the stereo.

Pre-facelift on the left, post-facelift on the right:

 

[x332race]

Facelift was from MY2005 so a 2004 registered car wont be facelift. A 2005 registered car may not be a facelift, you would need to check when the car was manufactured or another way to tell if it is post facelift is the dash around the stereo.

Pre-facelift on the left, post-facelift on the right:

Sorry, hate to disagree with you but Facelift started around about June 2004. I have a 2004/54 CLK270 and that most defiantly is facelift.

 

[horsesuitedfool]

+ 1 I had a C270 54 Plate and it was also a facelift......I think they started on a 54 plate on the W203 as although these are late 2004 cars they are actually 2005 models from factory...

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Pre-Facelift:

Facelift:

 

[x332race]

I think it was the same with the CLK as well....when I was looking for one last year I saw several that were registered in mid 2004 with 54 plates that were def facelift models....ended up getting one with 04 plates that is def pre-facelift.

 

[SAFC]

Facelift or Not Facelift?

Hmmm, I'm none the wiser, considering the conflicting views.

I'll find out tonight by comparing the photos npuk posted.

Thanks to all, John.

 

[kwakdonut]

I think my description, using the headlight lenses as a reference, is probably the simplest!

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I think my description, using the headlight lenses as a reference, is probably the simplest!

Yep, or as said previously the Speedo:

Pre-Facelift Crescent shape:

Facelift 2 seperate dials:

 

[x332race]

The easiest way is to check the centre console/radio and then the dials as per the photos in the posts above...quite difficult to tell from exterior to untrained (ie my) eyes.

 

[pos.k]

Hi,
I had a July 04 W203, and that was a facelift car. It was the 2005 model, even though it was in the showroom in July. The facelift is when some significant changes came in - particularly the MOST fibre optic system, which controls the sounds, phone, CD Changer etc.

Another way to tell is the rear lights. With the tail lights on, the whole of the lowest section is lit. On the pre-facelift, only the outermost section on each side is lit.

 

[SAFC]

Turned out it WAS a facelift model. I'm buying it !!

Thanks again, John.

 

[SAFC]

Car as per the photos of the console - very useful - and the dash (no centre speedo) - again very helpful. Front lights are a giveaway too - you can see the housings for the bulbs through the lenses of the Facelift models. Thanks for all the photos.

Thanks again to all. Looks like I've got myself a C270 CDI SE Facelift !!

John.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Nice one!

Didnt you take any pictures though?

 

[JasM]

Congrats!

Post some pics when you get it.

 

[BQF]

Well done matey - sounds like a good purchase.

It reminds me of the time that I bought something - a flute, and I paid 50 pence. I could only play one tune though.

Couldn't resist it!!

 

[rubymardiono]

Hi,
I had a July 04 W203, and that was a facelift car. It was the 2005 model, even though it was in the showroom in July. The facelift is when some significant changes came in - particularly the MOST fibre optic system, which controls the sounds, phone, CD Changer etc.

Another way to tell is the rear lights. With the tail lights on, the whole of the lowest section is lit. On the pre-facelift, only the outermost section on each side is lit.

Also,,, the difference is in the side skirts ,, just have a look .. very subtle differences but smart enough

 

[Insain]

all you have to do is go by the inside.

if its got the new head unit it is the facelift. the older models have the old classic single din.

when i got mine i had the same concerns as it was a 2004. but this is the year it came out.

other differences are the interior roof lighting and spoiler end at the back.