SpAcEmAn SpLiFF

hi guys,
im interested in gettin a c-class with the 4matic for college...

i have a couple of questions that i couldnt find the answer to

i want a manual tranny (i refuse to drive a slushbox), is that available on the awd models?

im tryin to keep it cheap, is there a specific model year thats better than others?

how powerful is the 2.6 L engine? im currently driving a bmw330, is it gonna be a big step down?

thanks guys

Buellwinkle

The C240 4matic is/was only available in an automatic and should get you to 60 in about the same time the bmw 330 gets you to 100. The oldest of the current C (W203) 4-matic is a 2003 and it books out at $23K for private party sale. Don't know your version of cheap is but if you want AWD and a stick, consider the Saab 9-2X (aka Saabaru), comes in stick, awd, 2 years free maintenance, 4 yr warranttee, turbo model (0-60 in 5 1/2 seconds) and with the GM employee pricing you can probably get that for low to mid 20's brand new.

nlpamg

wait, Saab and Subaru? huh?

wassup61

Ok, here is the deal. Go for a 330xi. It is the only thing that comes close to the 4matic and has a manual. Audi is ok, but newer ones are expensive and the older ones are underpowered without tuning (Save the S4). The saabaru commentary comes from GMs buyout of saab in the mid 90s. Since Saab kind of needed saving toward the end of the 20th century, GM came along and in 1998 bought them out completely. The 9000 and 900 monikers were scrapped in favor of 95 and 93. However, GM realized that market share was being lost because of the fwd only dedication that saab had. Therefore they decided to expand their market. Since GM owns both saab and a part of subaru (actually the parent company, fuji heavy industry) they decided that the subaru impreza wagon would be perfect to get into the AWD market. Under the skin the 9-2x is just a subie wrx wagon. However, it has a saab sheetmetal and interior which make it look a lot less cheap. Again, GM is doing what they always do and is diluting brands by platform sharing. Anyways, enough of my rant. Good day gentleman.

Jeff

Moviela

He said Saabaru, meaning that model Saab apears to be more Asian than European.

Brevity is the soul of wit -Shakespeare in Hamlet

wassup61

i guess im not witty, just well informed ?

pokerFACE

Spliff, I think I recognize your name from the e46 / e90 forums.

I would wait for the new V6s for 06, or try and get ahold of a C230 Kompressor.

Needing2knowDud

There was a 2001 C240 6 speed (non-AWD) manual available. When I was in college, I had it! Benz doesn't offer manual in the C240 class anymore, its only in the C230 and C320. Comparing a C240 and a 330ci, I would keep the BMW. C240 AWD is more a grandpa and grandma car. Trust me, I'm only 24 and feel more my age with the car I have now that's not a Benz. If you want to keep it cheap, stay away from Mercedes. They do not have a free service plan like BMW presently has.

GDawgC220

if you want something similar to the 330 your currently driving and stick w/ AWD, look at a certified A4 3.0 Quattro. They come with a 6-speed, 3.0L V6 putting out 220 HP/221 LB-FT tq. Quattro is awesome in the snow As well, if there is remaining factory warranty, maintenance is included (service, blades, brakes, etc). If you're looking for new, there are '04 or '05s on the lots that you should be able to get a good deal on because the new body style is in so they may be trying to rid old inventory.

My .02

CE750

Back in '94, shortly after I left the Army and returned to the U, my ride was a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup with a 2.3 I-4, no A/C and a 4 spd manual...

Would a All wheel drive C class be a good collage car?

Moviela

I'd say witty, and well informed, drive to the front, and lead the caravan!

Kev04C320

I think Saab and Subaru are strategic partners such that they share parts and technologies

Buellwinkle

The Saabaru is fantastic buy at about $7K off msrp making it less expensive than the equivalent cheaper Subaru Impreza. Combine the reliability, performance and AWD prowess of the Subaru Impreza WRX with the nose/tail, interior finess, aluminum suspension parts (Subaru's WRX are stamped steel), better sound insulation of a Saab, Saab service (higher end with free service loaners), longer warranty (4 yrs vs. Subaru's 3 yrs.) and free maintenance for 2 years it's a pretty nice car. Add to that, a 0-60 time that will blow the doors off the 330i, how can you go wrong for the price equivalent of a used C240 4-matic with questionable reliability, performance and handling equaled only by a minivan and no manual trans option?

Guest0001

no awd and manual with mbs. try an audi a4.

ArjunGFX

Spliff! What's up E46fanatics brotha!

I'm thinkin of an AWD C-class too

Maestro

Was that a joke? The C240 4matic's 0-60 isn't close to that of the e46 330i.

blkc230k

audi A4 qyattro,
Mitsubishi Evo 8,
Subaru Impreza,
Volvo S40 T5,
thos are some nice AWD vheicles that offer manual transmission!

FrankW

READ!!!

pokerFACE

:p

Maestro