C230k Bat

Hey guys, so i've owned a c230k 6spd coupe before and now i have gotten into a gti with big turbo. I will be selling the gti soon so my question for you guys is... i'm looking for a long term build. An investment that will give me decent power and reliability. When i owned the c230k it never left me stranded. it was awesome. I'm thinking about getting back into the same car either an 02 c230k or 04 c230k. Again it's been a while since i have been on the benz forum so sorry for my ignorance. The power that the c230 put out was decent, but i was wondering if i could build the motor without spending 5k+ or am i best off getting a turbo and tunning it? or is my best bet to check out another car. I do not want the older body style benz i want a sporty look and i do not want another turbo car, either supercharged or N/A. Also it must be a manual. If you guys can help me out id really appreciate it

C230k Bat

BTW budget is 15-20k so i'd like to buy the car for under 10 and invest the rest in power, stance, wheels, ext.. thanks guys

C230k Bat

bump

samaritrey

I would personally buy a different car as getting power out of a c230 will get very expensive very fast. That said no one does it so it would be special!

jayspeedy24

in my opinion, the C230K isn't a great platform to build if you're looking for power. I've had a 07 WRX and 03 350Z and those cars were great for power building, but lacked the sophistication of a Benz. I've been researching parts for my 05 C230 and I can't find anything power wise that is worth it. You can't throw many bolt-ons for this platform so you're left with custom building. This car does look great stanced though and I plan to do a VIP type build that focuses more on asthetics and comfort rather than trying to squeeze more power out.

tommy

I'd agree. E46 3 series would be a much better option, imho.

flying_whale

Honestly, depends on how much power is enough. The more you want, the older and non-luxury you will have to go. On the W203 platform, an 04 C320 or a C350 could give you plenty of power and a little room to go a bit further.

An 04 C320 will probably run you around 7-8 grand, you can chip it to about 245HP/torque if I'm not mistaken and then invest the rest in other features. It would fit within your budget if that's the kind of power you would be happy with. Also, keep in mind that, while 240ish HP doesn't sound like much by today's standards, my stock 01 C320 can still pull like a **** and be a very rewarding daily driver.

Good luck.

tommy

That pretty much eliminates any 320 or 350 except maybe a handful (literally) of W203.

And the mannies on Benzes aren't the best anyway (though still better than slushboxes, obviously).

elektron3030

I got my c230k because it is a 4 cylinder and gets great mpg. It has enough power for my use. The pulley and ecu tune would be a nice upgrade. Maybe headers/exhaust, but I still haven't seen any proof that it does much.

Anyway, if you're looking for more power, I'd look at the c32 or c55. You will be spending more for the car, but less on mods.