Thinking of going back to the c230
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Thinking of going back to the c230
I keep going back and forth between bmw and MB.
Had a 01 325i with sport package/stick
Went to 04 c230ss/auto
Then traded for 03 325cic with sport package
Now thinking of going back to 05 c230ss or 06 c230ss
Can someone give me any info on the 06 model. Engine changes? Anything else?
Am I crazy or what...I just really like both of the cars...they both have there great attributes...its like choosing between a blond and a brunette. I cant choose...I want both but cant afford it...and in the girl situation...would get caught really quick...what do I do???
Had a 01 325i with sport package/stick
Went to 04 c230ss/auto
Then traded for 03 325cic with sport package
Now thinking of going back to 05 c230ss or 06 c230ss
Can someone give me any info on the 06 model. Engine changes? Anything else?
Am I crazy or what...I just really like both of the cars...they both have there great attributes...its like choosing between a blond and a brunette. I cant choose...I want both but cant afford it...and in the girl situation...would get caught really quick...what do I do???
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1963 220Sb
What are the things that you like about each over the other? I would like to hear your opinions on them since you have spent a lot of time behind the wheel of both. How is the interior quality between the two, features, reliability, drive, etc.
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What I love about MB c230ss: Exterior and rims def beet the 3er. Interior is lacking. The interior and seats are probably the low points of the mb. Its also not driver centric like in the 3'er. Shifting of the auto is very smooth. Highway driving is great.
Bottom line: Driving an MB is like dating an ivy league brunette that is very elegant but not so exciting behing the sack as a wild blond. But she is great to be with in everyday living...just a little boring when driving her...
What I love about BMW 325cic: Interior materials are much nicer then mb. Seats much better. Feel behind the wheel is much nicer.
The driver experience is amazing, but passenger does not appreciate the car as its what I would call "clunky". You feel every bump and the road unlike the mb
Bottome line: Driving a beemer is like dating a wild blond. Fun in the sack...but questionable when you stay with her for a long time. You get sick of the wild stuff and just want to relax behind the wheel.
As you can see I am in the MB mood today...but this changes...again..both cars have there great attributes...I would not say one is better then the other...just different...depending on what your personallity is...you might like one over the other...but I like both in different ways!
Bottom line: Driving an MB is like dating an ivy league brunette that is very elegant but not so exciting behing the sack as a wild blond. But she is great to be with in everyday living...just a little boring when driving her...
What I love about BMW 325cic: Interior materials are much nicer then mb. Seats much better. Feel behind the wheel is much nicer.
The driver experience is amazing, but passenger does not appreciate the car as its what I would call "clunky". You feel every bump and the road unlike the mb
Bottome line: Driving a beemer is like dating a wild blond. Fun in the sack...but questionable when you stay with her for a long time. You get sick of the wild stuff and just want to relax behind the wheel.
As you can see I am in the MB mood today...but this changes...again..both cars have there great attributes...I would not say one is better then the other...just different...depending on what your personallity is...you might like one over the other...but I like both in different ways!
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Citron...I was very lucky when I got out of the c230 ....
bought for 29,100 5k below sticker...and sold for 28,500...after driving for 6 months and putting 8k miles on it...
In terms of the first bimmer...bought for 26,400 with 25k...drove for 2 years...and sold for 22,500
Second bimmer...bought for 32,000...still worth around 30 trade in...or around 32 retaill...its a cabrio...bought it in the fall...best time to buy it...that is why I stole it...it was worth around 36k when I bought it...
So...its not about wasting money...its getting in and out of cars smartly...
or maybe I have been lucky...
bought for 29,100 5k below sticker...and sold for 28,500...after driving for 6 months and putting 8k miles on it...
In terms of the first bimmer...bought for 26,400 with 25k...drove for 2 years...and sold for 22,500
Second bimmer...bought for 32,000...still worth around 30 trade in...or around 32 retaill...its a cabrio...bought it in the fall...best time to buy it...that is why I stole it...it was worth around 36k when I bought it...
So...its not about wasting money...its getting in and out of cars smartly...
or maybe I have been lucky...
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From: hawaii
'05 C230 coupe
Originally Posted by MBBoston
Driving a beemer is like dating a wild blond.
So, I'm about to sound like a real *****, but it's not meant that way... how old are you? you just sound indecisive. you need to sit your butt down, look at it, and just decide what you can live with. stick to your decision. you may doubt it down the road, but just remind yourself why you bought what you bought.
lots of ppl have doubts, esp. when throwing this kind of money around. well, unless the money isn't an issue, in which case, you wouldn't be cross shopping the entry level
sometimes I feel like I should've bought a beater car instead of the benz... because then I would have bought my ducati. but, I stick to my decision. the toy will have to wait.
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hey man...no worries...I am 24...
I do not have lots of money...you dont need a lot of money to drive these cars...they are all 30-40k cars...for which you can lease for 500dollars or below and buy for 600-700 a month...any schmuk making like 50k a year and not wasting there money on beer can afford these cars...of couse ...unless they are morgaged out or have 300k of loans from school...
I know I have to live with my desitions...by these desitions are fun...so that is why I ponder...
I do not have lots of money...you dont need a lot of money to drive these cars...they are all 30-40k cars...for which you can lease for 500dollars or below and buy for 600-700 a month...any schmuk making like 50k a year and not wasting there money on beer can afford these cars...of couse ...unless they are morgaged out or have 300k of loans from school...
I know I have to live with my desitions...by these desitions are fun...so that is why I ponder...
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C320 Coupe
Originally Posted by MBBoston
I am reading what I wrote...and I dont think I made any sence with the analogy. I think the best way to describe it is MB is a passenger car and bmw is a driver's car. 
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I would try something different. I think you might be bored with the 3 series because you already had one before. No use going back to a W203. Maybe try an A4 or G35, or wait for E90. Try doing some modding or buy a car with more power so you wont get bored so quickly.
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Drove the g35x...my mother in law has one...hate it...it drives like a boat with no personality...very fast thought...
had an older a4 (1996) 2.8q...nice car...but not a big fan of the new design...looks plain...and the 2.0t is a dog with turbo lag...and the 3.0 is too expensive for a vw...opps sorry.audi...
in terms of the e90...that is a good thought...but I think its a bit ugly...compared to the current mb c class...I will have to wait for the coupe...maybe that will do the trick
in terms of modding...I think its a money pit...rather not start...as I will never recover the money for modding...
in terms of more power...that is probably the better idea...I am thinking the c350...but I think its going to be a bit pricy to be worth it...I want to stick in the 35k range...and not be bored...I seem to switch cars every 8 months
had an older a4 (1996) 2.8q...nice car...but not a big fan of the new design...looks plain...and the 2.0t is a dog with turbo lag...and the 3.0 is too expensive for a vw...opps sorry.audi...
in terms of the e90...that is a good thought...but I think its a bit ugly...compared to the current mb c class...I will have to wait for the coupe...maybe that will do the trick
in terms of modding...I think its a money pit...rather not start...as I will never recover the money for modding...
in terms of more power...that is probably the better idea...I am thinking the c350...but I think its going to be a bit pricy to be worth it...I want to stick in the 35k range...and not be bored...I seem to switch cars every 8 months
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2005 C320wz
don't know about the "new" to be released 3-series but recently I built a M3 at bmwusa.com and found out the cd changer was still mounted in the trunk. That really sucks because most other cars (including mb) nowadays have the cd changers somewhere close to the driver's seats.
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From: Providence,RI
C230
Hey thats intrestin I want to know who you are buying and selling your cars too. I would like to get that type of money out of them, then I be switching whips every 6 months. Bad thing is tax's and fees you dont recover.
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From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
Originally Posted by benz401
Hey thats intrestin I want to know who you are buying and selling your cars too. I would like to get that type of money out of them, then I be switching whips every 6 months. Bad thing is tax's and fees you dont recover.
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From: New York City
95 Audi urS6 Quattro
Dude if you have that kinda money to burn, keep your current car, save for a few extra months and get like a 545i or a E500.. or take it a step further to the M or AMG divisions =D
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From: hawaii
'05 C230 coupe
Originally Posted by MBBoston
in terms of more power...that is probably the better idea...I am thinking the c350...but I think its going to be a bit pricy to be worth it...I want to stick in the 35k range...and not be bored...I seem to switch cars every 8 months
I'd say get a moderately equipped, manual A4 quattro, then APR stage 3...
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From: Abingdon, MD
Originally Posted by MBBoston
hey man...no worries...I am 24...
I do not have lots of money...you dont need a lot of money to drive these cars...they are all 30-40k cars...for which you can lease for 500dollars or below and buy for 600-700 a month...any schmuk making like 50k a year and not wasting there money on beer can afford these cars...of couse ...unless they are morgaged out or have 300k of loans from school...
I know I have to live with my desitions...by these desitions are fun...so that is why I ponder...
I do not have lots of money...you dont need a lot of money to drive these cars...they are all 30-40k cars...for which you can lease for 500dollars or below and buy for 600-700 a month...any schmuk making like 50k a year and not wasting there money on beer can afford these cars...of couse ...unless they are morgaged out or have 300k of loans from school...
I know I have to live with my desitions...by these desitions are fun...so that is why I ponder...
So, for auto-x and driving events (HPDEs), I use the ~200whp c-coupe, and I bought a 1991 (final year) e30 325i to build into a track *****. I paid $350 for the e30, installed a racing seat, and I am further prepping it for a cage now.
I honestly think I have the best of both worlds. The '02 coupe interior is better (fit and finish) driver oriented (you feel like you are tucked in behind a monster of a machine, and the e30 is being built for all out handling (arguably still the best handling BMW ever vs. the e36)
If I were you, I would get another C230 SS, however you've made it sound like the newer Bimmer interiors have improved. The ride day to day is more reasonable than the Bimmers, the newer e46s aren't as attractive as the '00 -'02, and once paid off (the C230SS) and you're ready to start a family (yes, I know you're still 24), the C230SS provides the perfect balance between kid kart and "I am still hip" sports car. If I were YOU, I would then look for a real drivers car. Something along the lines of the e30 M3 in good condition and save that for a project/ weekend car.
***
Disclaimer. The above statement has nothing to do at all with my own intentions and if you choose to follow this advice you choice to follow it at your own risk
***
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From: Bay Area, CA
'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
Sporty is cool and all, but once you sit down and look at it, sporty's going to cost you at the pump, and with gas prices at near-$3 a gallon, that is a very serious descision you want to be making.
I loved the sportiness of my 535. However, I can't deny the 28+ MPG I'm getting every single day, with enough sportiness and power for my needs, until I can go out and buy my M5 or AMG, is a much better trade-off.
Plus, if this were any car: BMW, MB, whatever, I'd tell you to hold off anyway. Most of the time I hear early adopters whine about how they changed this and how they changed that in later models of their series. If you do go with the new 3, realize that anything they find and fix is not going to be something you can take advantage of (just talk to our CLS owners; they know
)
There is one thing that does put me on the MB for now (at least in the things you mentioned). The interior design team of BMW needs a big kick-in-the-rear. The design hasen't really ever made a great impression on me; I've always felt that things could have been done better. With the exception of the placement of the window controls, I feel that MB has done better in their interior design, especially in regards to the integrated computer (I-drive vs COMAND).
I loved the sportiness of my 535. However, I can't deny the 28+ MPG I'm getting every single day, with enough sportiness and power for my needs, until I can go out and buy my M5 or AMG, is a much better trade-off.
Plus, if this were any car: BMW, MB, whatever, I'd tell you to hold off anyway. Most of the time I hear early adopters whine about how they changed this and how they changed that in later models of their series. If you do go with the new 3, realize that anything they find and fix is not going to be something you can take advantage of (just talk to our CLS owners; they know
)There is one thing that does put me on the MB for now (at least in the things you mentioned). The interior design team of BMW needs a big kick-in-the-rear. The design hasen't really ever made a great impression on me; I've always felt that things could have been done better. With the exception of the placement of the window controls, I feel that MB has done better in their interior design, especially in regards to the integrated computer (I-drive vs COMAND).
Last edited by jedcred; Apr 20, 2005 at 02:36 AM.
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From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
I know it's been said twice already but you must have $$$$$ to burn!
Comparing my 99' 323i to my 05' c230 SS, well there is no comparison. First thing I notice when jumping into the 323 is a heavy and sluggish feeling, lots of body roll in hard cornering compared to the 230, sluggish acceleration, loose, flimsy shifter with a tall long throw, a more cramped interior feeling and seats that don't adjust the way you want them to, regular, non-sport steering wheel is too big and soft and thick, but... engine is quiet until you step on it, nicer than the always loud supercharger, more fun to drive hard and easier to throw the back end loose for hard cornering *****s and giggles until the body roll kicks in, a much more raw driving experience with a feeling of being connected to the road and car but you feel every bump and uneven surface.
Overall I prefer the C230SS. Now if I had an 05' 330 ZHP on the other hand, it would be a very different story.
Comparing my 99' 323i to my 05' c230 SS, well there is no comparison. First thing I notice when jumping into the 323 is a heavy and sluggish feeling, lots of body roll in hard cornering compared to the 230, sluggish acceleration, loose, flimsy shifter with a tall long throw, a more cramped interior feeling and seats that don't adjust the way you want them to, regular, non-sport steering wheel is too big and soft and thick, but... engine is quiet until you step on it, nicer than the always loud supercharger, more fun to drive hard and easier to throw the back end loose for hard cornering *****s and giggles until the body roll kicks in, a much more raw driving experience with a feeling of being connected to the road and car but you feel every bump and uneven surface.
Overall I prefer the C230SS. Now if I had an 05' 330 ZHP on the other hand, it would be a very different story.
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From: Massachusetts
2005 C230K Sedan
Beamers suck and I would NEVER buy another one
I had a '00 323i and think it is the biggest piece of deuce compared to my '05 C230SS.
The MB has a sportier look and sportier feel. I think the BMW 3-series has over-rated handling. It is VERY top heavy. And what's with the stupid looking black stripe surrounding the 3-Series sedans? If it's a hot blonde, she has ugly braces on or something.
3-Series interior is crap too. I would rather sit in a public toilet in Fenway Park (which I have season tix...GO SOX!)
Finally, the RELIABILITY on the 3-Series is why I traded it in for my MB. Horrid and I have many colleagues with Beamers with HUGE problems.
The MB has a sportier look and sportier feel. I think the BMW 3-series has over-rated handling. It is VERY top heavy. And what's with the stupid looking black stripe surrounding the 3-Series sedans? If it's a hot blonde, she has ugly braces on or something.
3-Series interior is crap too. I would rather sit in a public toilet in Fenway Park (which I have season tix...GO SOX!)
Finally, the RELIABILITY on the 3-Series is why I traded it in for my MB. Horrid and I have many colleagues with Beamers with HUGE problems.
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I cannot stand those black stripes around the sedans as well. Not to mention the 1980s amber headlights and tailights. I agree with pretty much everything else you said as well. Althought I love the handling on the sport models and the engines are sweet.
