new here...and a question (rid my M3 for a C230?)
#1
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hello everyone, i am new here and i have a question that maybe you can help me with.
while searching for a new car for my wife we test drove the MB C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan and i love it!!!
AMG looks
beautiful interior
quiet as a mouse inside
comfy
i friggin love my e46 M3 but sometimes i yearn for a car that is more practical and less "racecar" like. sometimes you just want to go for a nice drive and relax and the M3 is always anxious, clunky, and noisy. now don't get me wrong, i love its anxious, clunky, noisy attributes but for the price of the benz its hard to beat. it certainly aint got 333HP but its a beautiful car...especially with its AMG look.
try really hard to not be too biased in your thoughts as i know this is a benz forum!!! i asked this over at a BMW forum and people thought i was nuts.
obviously, there is zero comparison in performance, but the C230 offers so much in practicality with stunning looks, more doors, and a better monthly payment for a married guy looking to get his first mortgage. the money is not a real issue in the decision, just a nice bonus.
so, am i nuts? thoughts?
thanks in advance!!!
while searching for a new car for my wife we test drove the MB C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan and i love it!!!
AMG looks
beautiful interior
quiet as a mouse inside
comfy
i friggin love my e46 M3 but sometimes i yearn for a car that is more practical and less "racecar" like. sometimes you just want to go for a nice drive and relax and the M3 is always anxious, clunky, and noisy. now don't get me wrong, i love its anxious, clunky, noisy attributes but for the price of the benz its hard to beat. it certainly aint got 333HP but its a beautiful car...especially with its AMG look.
try really hard to not be too biased in your thoughts as i know this is a benz forum!!! i asked this over at a BMW forum and people thought i was nuts.
obviously, there is zero comparison in performance, but the C230 offers so much in practicality with stunning looks, more doors, and a better monthly payment for a married guy looking to get his first mortgage. the money is not a real issue in the decision, just a nice bonus.
so, am i nuts? thoughts?
thanks in advance!!!
#2
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excites your girlfriend
I'd rather have an M3 but those are $$$$$ for everything, expensive payments, expensive mods, expensive repairs, expensive insurance.
Have you looked at the 330ZHP? That was my first choice but it's also expensive. What about the e90 330? Those might be nice.
Have you looked at the 330ZHP? That was my first choice but it's also expensive. What about the e90 330? Those might be nice.
#3
Originally Posted by ctC230K
I'd rather have an M3 but those are $$$$$ for everything, expensive payments, expensive mods, expensive repairs, expensive insurance.
Have you looked at the 330ZHP? That was my first choice but it's also expensive. What about the e90 330? Those might be nice.
Have you looked at the 330ZHP? That was my first choice but it's also expensive. What about the e90 330? Those might be nice.
ideally, if i had the funds to do so, i would get a C230 for my daily driver and the M3 would be my fun/toy/summer/track car.
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Mercedes-Benz
benderM3, I think you should. I own both (well not an M) and I prefer the W203 C-class. Personally I would get the 320 just because i dont like the sound of the 4 cyl. What dealer did you go to?
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excites your girlfriend
But isn't your wife going to be the one driving it?
Originally Posted by M3billy
well, i've kind of hit the peak with BMW performance buy owning/driving an e46 M3 (until the e90 M3 comes out). so, to go back to a 325 or even a 330 would be essentially the same cabin with a ton less power/performance. the C230 offers a totally new driving experience...minus a ton of HP. but, honestly, you get used to HP and you're never really satisfied!!!
ideally, if i had the funds to do so, i would get a C230 for my daily driver and the M3 would be my fun/toy/summer/track car.
ideally, if i had the funds to do so, i would get a C230 for my daily driver and the M3 would be my fun/toy/summer/track car.
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Missing my beloved Benz
You will miss the "get up and go" the BMW has over the benz. Benz lacks the quick 0-60 times that the BMW has. But the Benz feels much nicer.
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#8
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Originally Posted by nicedeboy
You will miss the "get up and go" the BMW has over the benz. Benz lacks the quick 0-60 times that the BMW has. But the Benz feels much nicer.
That being said, utimately, the e46 is not the best track car. The additional suspension adjustability can be had in the e30 and e36 M3 in the Imporved Touring and Prepared classes. And you can surpassed the M3 HP in a S52 e36 M3. Depends on what HIS comfort level is on the track, how much HP HE really should have.
If I was in M3Billy's position, the ultimate solution would be the C230 sedan on the street and a clean e30/e36 M3. 2/3's or less the wieght of the e46 M3 and 250HP. Highly tuned that motor can throw down 300.
I am using the '02 C230 Coupe at a decent level of tune for street/DE/autocross and preparing a 1991 325i for SpecE30 Club racing. Why? Learn to drive a slow car fast. That is what will make a fast driver.
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'05 C230 coupe
Originally Posted by M3billy
obviously, there is zero comparison in performance, but the C230 offers so much in practicality with stunning looks, more doors, and a better monthly payment for a married guy looking to get his first mortgage.
but that isn't what you are looking for, is it? there's a reason some of us have ended up buying the C230
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1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
wait for the C350 and you won't loose so much of the HP/torque feel.
The C230K has too little HP. The C320 is a bit better and can be tweeked (my V6 Coupe will running around with 240 hp) up from 215 hp stock.
Carlos
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Saprissa@aol.com
The C230K has too little HP. The C320 is a bit better and can be tweeked (my V6 Coupe will running around with 240 hp) up from 215 hp stock.
Carlos
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Saprissa@aol.com
#12
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08' BMW E92 Coupe
Originally Posted by 808_230K
but that isn't what you are looking for, is it? there's a reason some of us have ended up buying the C230
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i took a look at the 325Ci but like M3billy mentioned earlier comparing lower end bmw's over the M3, the 325 just felt like a slow azz 330. at least with the C230, i have a completely different car which is keeping me happy.
Last edited by mbny; 04-11-2005 at 05:44 PM.
#13
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'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
Coming from a 535i (slightly different from the M3, of course
), initially I was disappointed in the loss of power and the lack of balance in comparison. However, for the power given compared to the gas mileage, the more comfortable sport suspension, the much better interior (something BMW really has to do something about), I'm much happier with the C230. Plus, in comfort mode, you don't have to work to have a smooth takeoff when you are driving around, compared to an I6, where you have to be more careful that it's not rough.
One thing I do miss, though, is a really nice tiptronic. MB's tiptronic requires you to start from drive, then dial down. BMW had a nicer system where you can shift over a gate, then downshift from the current gear. A small complaint, but something I personally miss.
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One thing I do miss, though, is a really nice tiptronic. MB's tiptronic requires you to start from drive, then dial down. BMW had a nicer system where you can shift over a gate, then downshift from the current gear. A small complaint, but something I personally miss.
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2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, 2004.5 C230 Sport Sedan, 2005 E320 CDI, 2008 C300 4-Matic Luxury
Originally Posted by jedcred
One thing I do miss, though, is a really nice tiptronic. MB's tiptronic requires you to start from drive, then dial down. BMW had a nicer system where you can shift over a gate, then downshift from the current gear. A small complaint, but something I personally miss.
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Missing my beloved Benz
Originally Posted by nukblazi
Again, you're posts confuse me. Of course a C230 compared to a M3 is going to disappoint 0-60, but the C55, C32 or Kleemann supercharged C320 will leave nothing to be desired and/or surpass the M3 in simple 0-60. How do YOU know what HE'LL miss??? The Benz feels much nicer because the suspension is tuned for comfort. Install a set of coilovers and sways and you are at M3 feel.
That being said, utimately, the e46 is not the best track car. The additional suspension adjustability can be had in the e30 and e36 M3 in the Imporved Touring and Prepared classes. And you can surpassed the M3 HP in a S52 e36 M3. Depends on what HIS comfort level is on the track, how much HP HE really should have.
If I was in M3Billy's position, the ultimate solution would be the C230 sedan on the street and a clean e30/e36 M3. 2/3's or less the wieght of the e46 M3 and 250HP. Highly tuned that motor can throw down 300.
I am using the '02 C230 Coupe at a decent level of tune for street/DE/autocross and preparing a 1991 325i for SpecE30 Club racing. Why? Learn to drive a slow car fast. That is what will make a fast driver.
That being said, utimately, the e46 is not the best track car. The additional suspension adjustability can be had in the e30 and e36 M3 in the Imporved Touring and Prepared classes. And you can surpassed the M3 HP in a S52 e36 M3. Depends on what HIS comfort level is on the track, how much HP HE really should have.
If I was in M3Billy's position, the ultimate solution would be the C230 sedan on the street and a clean e30/e36 M3. 2/3's or less the wieght of the e46 M3 and 250HP. Highly tuned that motor can throw down 300.
I am using the '02 C230 Coupe at a decent level of tune for street/DE/autocross and preparing a 1991 325i for SpecE30 Club racing. Why? Learn to drive a slow car fast. That is what will make a fast driver.
You confuse your own self LOSER from Maryland. All the crazy freaks are from your state. LOL Just enjoy your cheap low class benz and shut up.
#16
thanks for all the replies guys!!!
you all seem like a cool bunch of people from the replies as well as from the threads i've been reading.
i think i've decided to keep my M3 for 2 reasons...
1. i love the car too much and i know i will eventually really miss the 333HP (as well as the laguna seca blue color)
2. my wife wants the C230 so i'll just drive her (our) car a lot :p
EDIT: so, since we will hopefully be having a benz in the family then i look forward to getting to know all of you!!!
for those that are interested, here is a pic of my M3 (her name is Mildred)
you all seem like a cool bunch of people from the replies as well as from the threads i've been reading.
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
i think i've decided to keep my M3 for 2 reasons...
1. i love the car too much and i know i will eventually really miss the 333HP (as well as the laguna seca blue color)
2. my wife wants the C230 so i'll just drive her (our) car a lot :p
EDIT: so, since we will hopefully be having a benz in the family then i look forward to getting to know all of you!!!
for those that are interested, here is a pic of my M3 (her name is Mildred)
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![](http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-4/161591/m3hampton1.jpg)
Last edited by M3billy; 04-12-2005 at 01:30 AM.
#18
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2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by nicedeboy
You confuse your own self LOSER from Maryland. All the crazy freaks are from your state. LOL Just enjoy your cheap low class benz and shut up.
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Originally Posted by nicedeboy
You confuse your own self LOSER from Maryland. All the crazy freaks are from your state. LOL Just enjoy your cheap low class benz and shut up.
You are the current mbworld dumb@ss.
You live in the armpit of NJ, PA and MD, funny a guy from the forgotten state is throwing blows...
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Oh wait, C230 sedan?, cheap *** benz too
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Go suck on one of those industrial exhaust pipes and save us the agony
You make no sense and you clearly know a little nothing nothing about cars
I have every option less teleaid and nav (~$33k) and around 15k in functional mods... Last thing I am worried about are your retarded insults. Most people read the threads here and know you're just full of *****. The shame is that you are the only one that fact seems to be escaping. Wish it was different but it isn't.
My assumptions;
You're a teenager or equivalent (mentally), otherwise you'd realize that a C-Class is a C-Class. Coupe or sedan, same fit and finish, same paint, same suspension, motors, mounts, leather, carpet, gauge clusters, headliner, transmission, etc. 4 doors and a C55 knock-off spoiler don't make it better fool. Dis the coupe you dis yourself. Funny to watch, please don't stop.
Secondly and most importantly, it's highly unlikely that someone with your inability to absorb information and simply restate it accurately could hold a job requiring any skill. So, you likely bought your Benz with an inheritance or Pops sprung for it.
Now that's cool, wish my parents could have done the same, but know your place. Check your ego at the door to the forums. Even the most knowledgable people learn something new frequently. Assuming the coupe is cheap is just stupid. Truths say differently.
Falsely driving around thinking you aren't the bottom of the barrel yourself is one of those "It's your lie, tell it the way you like" things. You're obviously not interested in any truths.
For you and others like you. Keep the bull***** on myspace and stick to facts about MB cars here... that might make some sense. The only thing truly classless on this forum is your dumb@ss...
Now come to one of our meets, park next to me and think about how nice it'd be to have what I've invested into my cheap *** coupe. Maybe you could learn something.
Tom
M3billy, sorry for the garbage on your thread but idiots like the dumb DE "boy" exist on every forum. Very nice M3. I've got a 91 325i I am preparing for competition in SpecE30 and the Improved Touring classes. Eventually I am going to transplant a e36 ODBI M3 S50 into her and run in it Mod. Both MBs and BMWs are great cars. You really can't go wrong either way.
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white and whiter
does Audi S4 ring a bell?
the one that's coming w/ the facelift is sexy and it can handle like a sports car with practicality.
anywayz, phoenix yellow > seca > carbon black :P
I'm not helping am I??
lolz
couple things you can do to the M. 1. painted bumper reflector. 2. some lowering would do wonders for the look or get some BBS LM or the CSL rims. Those are hot. 3. Tint the window. 4. ACS exhaust sounds the best IMO. My friend has GruppeM titanium exhaust which sounds like rice IMO. 5. don't read e46fanatics.com or you'll go crazy with mods...LOLz
enjoy the stay
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anywayz, phoenix yellow > seca > carbon black :P
I'm not helping am I??
![tard](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/tard.gif)
couple things you can do to the M. 1. painted bumper reflector. 2. some lowering would do wonders for the look or get some BBS LM or the CSL rims. Those are hot. 3. Tint the window. 4. ACS exhaust sounds the best IMO. My friend has GruppeM titanium exhaust which sounds like rice IMO. 5. don't read e46fanatics.com or you'll go crazy with mods...LOLz
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