FD3S

I'm not sure if I should get a C230 or C240. I have quotes for both and want to get one this weekend.

Any input would be appreciated.

mick1

it depends on whether you like luxury sedan (c240) or sport sedan (c230) more. I like sport sedan more so I would pick c230

Blake P

Yeah man, it sounds like you haven't done much research and are looking for us to make the decision for you. I suggest you test drive both and weigh the pros and cons, considering how much you would like to spend. In my opinion, the C230 is more car for less money. Don't let the 4 cylinder engine fool you!

FD3S

Sorry, let me elaborate...I prefer the sportier 230 with the 4 piston calipers, bigger dimpled rotors and aggressive look, but the car doesnt seem to have alot of potential for upgrades. Maybe chip, headers, exhaust, suspension and that's it. I'm not sure if the supercharger can be upgraded, or if the the boost can be upped without fear of detonation. I think the compression on the 230 might be too high to mess with boost.

The V6 may start off with less HP but can be upgraded with the Kleeman supercharger or if I chose later to rebuild and port, I can pick up quite a bit of HP's on the V6.

I guess what I'm saying is that I cant afford any higher model right now, so what would be the better stepping stone to get there. My sister has a 2005 C240 and it seems really sluggish but does it have more potential? Also what would it take to get the C240 & C230 up to 240-250HP's?

delbomber

Whatever you do, don't base your decision off the recent thread entitled "C240". Unless you have a secret BS decoder, you'll be more confused afterwards...

Performance factors aside, the C240 will take a bigger value hit than the C230, as it is being discontinued here in the states for the '06 model year, replaced by the C280. Not sure how long you plan on keeping her, but if only a few years, this might be considered.

amdeutsch

If your decision is mostly based on modability you definitely need to do more research regarding availablity and cost. MBs are not With that out of the way look back at your own experience with your sisters car.
Also as delbomber has forgot to mention there is also a confusing thread on the C230 and its wishful soon to come power mods.

FrankW

with the mod potential and price the only way to get to the power range that you are hoping for for the C240 is to get it supercharged, but that will cost a lot. Plus, you'll have to compensate for the lack of sport seats, blue glass, brakes, etc. just to name a few.

if you don't want to spend like $10k on mods, my suggestion is to get the C230k because the Kleemann supercharger alone will cost you $7k. You can get the chip and pulley kit and some other upgrades for the C230k. These mods does give the 230k somewhat better performance.

mikefl52

By the way, you are really considering 3 cars in your statement above C230 auto, C230 6sp & C240. From a driving perspective the C230 auto and 6sp are two different cars.

My personal preference is the C230 6sp, but really only you can make the decision as to what is the right car. Drive some (more than just round the block as the dealers usually want to limit you to) and find out which matches your expectations best.

In this particular case I don't think you will find too much value by searching the threads as you will find more emotion & BS than fact, but if you are after any other information have a go at searching the thread.

Good luck with whatever you choose and don't forget to post some pictures when you get it.

essa

FD3S,
Buy the C230. Better price, looking, handling, gas milage and HP to start with compare with C240. Do your mods later when your warranty expired. Just my $0.01
Good luck

boynix

only reason I see for getting c240 is for the 4matic... If you don't need the 4matic then get the 230k

Capt Nemo o2

From the gains manufacturers are claiming the C230 can be put into the 230-250 hp range for around $3-4K. The C240 you need to buy the SC or do some major engine work to get any real power gains over stock. Like they said the SC alone is $7k plus install, but that does put you into the 320 hp range if I am not mistaken.

I personally chose the C230 because I wanted a 6speed and could not afford the 320, I like the look of the '05 SS both in and out, and while there is a current debate about it, the C230 is peppier at city speeds, especially the 6speed, which is where I use most of my monthly peppyness that is aloted to me. Whether the C240 is faster than the C230 at higher speeds, I dont know and really dont care!

Deutscher_Wagen

Or if you're like 90 years old


OK..

240 Luxury Sedan $33,370 (from US site) + $7000 SC + about $3000 labor ???

why not just buy a C320 Sports Sedan?


I love the 230 cause it's well rounded and has enough potential for what I need out of it.

delbomber

I agree...the C230 is the clear favorite in my opinion, but since you are performance oriented it becomes even less of a question. It will cost you $$ just to get the 240 up to 230 specs and handling, although some people are of school that the c240 is a better performer despite inferior specs...although handling, transmission, seats, and other performance aspects can't be argued.

x-tian-230k

For 43k you can get a used C32 with warrenty and decent milage and be done with it.....

Jim Banville

There's a used C32 in good condition in the classifieds here for about $30K!!!!!!!!!!!!

Justinius7

My opinion...

Start with the C320!

Yes, you will spend more money upfront, although you will be starting with 215 hp, and it would only take a chip ($900.00), a pulley set ($400.00), and a set of K&N ($200.00) to get your 250 hp.

I drove the same the 2nd gen Rx7, for 12 years (with some mods). Mods are addictive but also SEVERAL times more expensive on the benz.

Buying a 320 you can finance the diff, rather than trying to come up with 7k for a supercharger or other mods.

c320 sport - 215hp - base price invoice $ 34,736
c240 luxury - 168hp - base price invoice $ 30,365
c230 sport - 189hp - base price invoice $ 27,230

*figures taken from MSN auto

Just my thought.... I test drove the 230sc and the 320sc, In my opinion the 320 was worth the extra little bit of "up front" cash.

Also, a side note: your going to miss the RX's fun.

straightSIX

you can buy an e39 m5 for that price! now you have handling power and luxury

Saprissa

I second that opinion.
Of course, I bought my 2003 C320 V6 Sport Coupé for $28k and 2004.5 C320 V6 Sport Sedan for $31k brand new off the dealer lot. So I got really good deals by buying current MY as the new MY was released. Not as many options as I wanted, but for only $1,500-$2000 in performance mods (that may/may not be available for the C230K) the 250 HP level is attainable as stated.

btw, Justinius7... MBWerks has the K&N filters for your C320 for $45 each, so a pair is still under $100. Good deal !

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

FD3S

Thanks for the input everybody. I would get the 320, but it's over 8K more. I dont really want that 8k in my payments...It's bad enough that I will have to pay insurance for 2 cars (one of them being a sports car).

It looks like the majority say go for the 230. I will most likely get an automatic because I already have a rx7 in 5pd... and as for trying to get up to 240HPs, I guess that's wishful thinking and alot of money for these 2 sedans.

Thanks again for the help. I will let everybody know when I get it.

Jim Banville

When the new C350's are released in a couple of months, you can probably get a good deal on an '05 C320.

ctC230K

c230 no question

Capt Nemo o2

HAHA!!! ct, I just saw your new sig... I got pulled over last saturday for the same... 84 in a 55, but I didnt get a ticket thankfully...

Battery!

I've been driving an '04 C240 loaner for a day and I hate the auto tranny. It's mapping is horrible because it hesitates to downshift and is slow to respond off the line and throttle movements. I'm sure this is because of the more luxurious nature of the car because my mom's E430 is a little like this, but the V8 is a lot smoother in the tranny shifts and throttle response. Once it does get to the right gear and responds to the throttle based on how much it has been depressed, the car has decent acceleration for commuting purposes.

ctC230K

lol!

ctC230K

wtf??? where???????
i got it on the palisades parkway at exit 12 southbound, i was driving with 2 SLK's after we left a Benz meet at Bear Mountain!!