updating a w203

[b21playa]

Seen a w203 Im in terested in, its a 2002 c270 cdi Avantgarde in mauve/purple.

Has the amg wheels on which makes it looks better, but what things need changing to make it look like the facelift model?

 

[gurpz]

Externally you need facelift front lights, rear lights, fogs, grill and clear mirror repeater lenses. You could get away without changing the bumpers but for the real facelift look those would need changing too.

Internally you need the facelift steering wheel, gear knob, centre console with square switches, climate control panel, cd player and speedometer.

 

[b21playa]

Externally you need facelift front lights, rear lights, fogs, grill and clear mirror repeater lenses. You could get away without changing the bumpers but for the real facelift look those would need changing too.

Internally you need the facelift steering wheel, gear knob, centre console with square switches, climate control panel, cd player and speedometer.

Im more concerned externally.

Anyone got pictures of the differences in the rear lights and fogs, I know the front lights ae clear lenses.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

No pictures, but the changes to the rear lights are most noticeable when ther're on - the tailamps have a slightly different configuration when illuminated.

 

[R2D2]

check my gallery for facelift interior and exterior photos.

 

[verytalldave]

Apart from the cosmetic/appearance differences, there is the question of the difference in general quality control issues between the pre and post facelift models.
I cant speak for the estate cars (and the coupes?) which were german built, but the south african produced saloons certainly had problems pre-facelift. Mercedes recognised these issues and in conjunction with the introduction of the post-facelift improved QC dramatically. Many seem to find problems with early W203's which are attributable to poor quality and manufacture, more than poor general design. Facelifted W203's (post summer 2004) are acknowledged by many to be much improved in many areas and are worth paying the not inconsiderable price premium these models attract.
There are many invisible improvements made in design and execution, not just the obvious ones like headlamps and instrument cluster.
You CAN of course give a pre facelift car a makeover and give it a post facelift look, but there will be many minor, but still important differences which make the post f/lift car the one to go for.

 

[1998K]

furthermore manual gearbox, suspensione and steering system should be improved on face lifted cars

 

[whitenemesis]

Were there not some suspension mods as well? Slightly rejigged geometry at the front?
Plus chassis strengthening?

Thanks 1998K

 

[jeremytaylor]

Seen a 2002 c270 cdi Avantgarde in mauve/purple.

That is the best colour (can't remember the name) - don't know why Merc dropped it for yet more shades of grey!

 

[verytalldave]

I suspect they dropped it for a very good and logical reason.
It didnt sell.

 

[b21playa]

lot of difference in price.

Seen a few c220's on 55/06 plates for around £7500, but this 02 plate ive seen isn £4500

 

[fuzzer]

its gonna cost a few quid to make it facelift on the outside. having owned both the post facelift is much better. Id save up for that.