Went from a 97 C280 Sport to a 05 C230 Kompressor, my Impressions
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2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Went from a 97 C280 Sport to a 05 C230 Kompressor, my Impressions
I was the original owner of my C280 Sport, I got it back in Oct. of 96. I was there for me in hard times, and I finally traded it in last month for a C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. I was going to get the C320 SS, but I just couldn't justify the $7k difference for only a 20hp boost combined with the 300lb weight gain, so I settled with the C230K. My C230K is an automatic, has the lighting package, sunroof package, and entertainment package.
So far, coming from the C280, I haven't noticed any difference in power. I haven't driven it hard yet b/c it's still in break in, but I can't tell a difference yet...
The transmission is much smoother. The shifts aren't as harsh and they seem to be timed better. (Maybe it's b/c I have it in comfort mode now, but I think the transmission is a lot better).
The interior just blows away the old w202. The electronics and controls are much better. The revised window controls are still very akward though. And I really hate the analog climate control. I liked the digital climate control on my w202, but at least my w203 has dual zone climate control and rear vents.
As far as handling, the w203 handles so much better. I can corner and take turns at least 15mph faster and not really feel worried. My C230K feels a lot lighter and more nimble than my C280...
In summation, for those of you that are getting tired of your w202, the w203 is a very worthy upgrade.
Hopefully in a week or so I'll start driving my w203 faster and hitting the engine harder to test it out some more...
So far, coming from the C280, I haven't noticed any difference in power. I haven't driven it hard yet b/c it's still in break in, but I can't tell a difference yet...
The transmission is much smoother. The shifts aren't as harsh and they seem to be timed better. (Maybe it's b/c I have it in comfort mode now, but I think the transmission is a lot better).
The interior just blows away the old w202. The electronics and controls are much better. The revised window controls are still very akward though. And I really hate the analog climate control. I liked the digital climate control on my w202, but at least my w203 has dual zone climate control and rear vents.
As far as handling, the w203 handles so much better. I can corner and take turns at least 15mph faster and not really feel worried. My C230K feels a lot lighter and more nimble than my C280...
In summation, for those of you that are getting tired of your w202, the w203 is a very worthy upgrade.
Hopefully in a week or so I'll start driving my w203 faster and hitting the engine harder to test it out some more...
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2000, C230 kompressor sport,
w203 is a good ride?
Does your 230k have full power seats? I had a loaner w203 and it had non power seats, (Only the backrest tilt was power). i guess there are options..... I also don't like the window switches on the door...and I also don't like the double windshield blades. The newer ones do not handle much better to me. You can upgrade the handling in your w202 and that will take care of the problem.... Come to think of it, the w203's feel like a Chrysler :p Aren't they all made here now in the US?? Or just some of the parts that are put together here? i dont know...i'm just rambling!!
What i do like is the steering tilt that goes up and down....i think the older one's should have had that.
What i do like is the steering tilt that goes up and down....i think the older one's should have had that.
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From: LI, NY
02 W163, 84 W123, 03 E39, 98 E39
Originally Posted by nlpamg
The revised window controls are still very akward though..
I don't like the new window controls either.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
I couldn't get the full power seats... For some reason bi-xenons are really tough to get, and if I wanted to get the power seats with every available package, I would have had to order it and wait 4 months (which I really didn't care for).
I'm not a fan of the dual windshield blades or new windows buttons either, but all new MB's are like that now, so I guess it's something we'll have to live with.
As for the handling, yeah it's true you can do something to the w202 suspension, but the same can be said about the w203. If you're comparing stock sport with stock sport, the w203 wins hands down.
As far as the Chrylser connection, I do hate it... My new car was made in Germany like my old 202, and I will still stand by my notion that it does feel better.
However, my old 202 had it's fair share of bugs, the transmission had to be FULLY replaced (under warranty of course), and I had a few other problems.
The Harmon Kardon audio system just blows the old Bose system out of the water. (Again stock on stock comparison, you can say almost anything about adding aftermarket things for any car...)
I'm not a fan of the dual windshield blades or new windows buttons either, but all new MB's are like that now, so I guess it's something we'll have to live with.
As for the handling, yeah it's true you can do something to the w202 suspension, but the same can be said about the w203. If you're comparing stock sport with stock sport, the w203 wins hands down.
As far as the Chrylser connection, I do hate it... My new car was made in Germany like my old 202, and I will still stand by my notion that it does feel better.
However, my old 202 had it's fair share of bugs, the transmission had to be FULLY replaced (under warranty of course), and I had a few other problems.
The Harmon Kardon audio system just blows the old Bose system out of the water. (Again stock on stock comparison, you can say almost anything about adding aftermarket things for any car...)
