C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

So confused about C class

Old Feb 18, 2006 | 12:09 AM
  #1  
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So confused about C class

Hello everyone.

As the topic describes I am so confused. I have been researching all evening because I have settled on a MB c-class or 330ci to replace my current bmw 318ti. However, I am quite confused about the past variations of the c class and since I am looking for the car used, I am getting even more confused.

So I am wondering if you guys can help me out as I will be making the purchase around April, and want to know all my options before I buy.

These are some of the tidbits I've picked up so far but could you guys help me more?
230-current model. 2.5L V6-201 hp @ 6,200 rpm
240- slower and heavier than 320 supposedly. Some people said it's more sluggish.
280- current model. 3.0L V6 228 hp @ 6,000 rpm. more luxory than sport
320 (cdi?)- I've seen them around everywhere around chicago but they only seem to extend up to 2004.
350- completely out of my price range. haha.

when I search for used cars most cars that show up are 240's and 320's, and I wonder what is the main difference with the new models and these. I'm also trying to stay around $26k for a used one and somewhat more sporty.

thanks guys
Spiike
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 01:51 AM
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2005 C320wz
for $26k, I believe your only choices will be a 2005 C230 Kompressor (4-cyl engine), an older C240, and an older C320. I don't think you can get the 2006 C230 (with the 6-cyl engine) for $26k, unless it is a used one with high mileage or it has been involved in an accident.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 02:51 AM
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2003-2004 C230k sport sedan will be easily in your price range as well as 2001-2004 C240, 2001-2003 C320, 2002 C32 if you are really lucky, and 2005 C230k will just about max out on your budget.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 03:33 AM
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by FrankW
2003-2004 C230k sport sedan will be easily in your price range as well as 2001-2004 C240, 2001-2003 C320, 2002 C32 if you are really lucky, and 2005 C230k will just about max out on your budget.
If you're going to be "modding" the car, I'd say you should try and find a 2003 or 2004 C320 Sport Sedan. The engine has performance mods available (more so than the 1.8 L 230) and is faster than the 240. You should be able to find some nice pre-owned ones in your price range (depending on what options you are looking for). Another good thing is that, if you find one with good mileage (20K and under), you'll also be covered under free service. 2005 and up models no longer had free maintenance.

As for the newer models, if you plan on any power upgrades, don't expect anything soon.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 06:54 AM
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C320 Sport Sedan 4MATIC, Cayenne S, Bayliner Capri V8, Subaru STi
Originally Posted by Spiike32

I'm also trying to stay around $26k for a used one and somewhat more sporty.


Spiike



you want something sporty?

get a EVO9 MR


286 horsepower
All-wheel drive












youl'l be happier!
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 10:55 AM
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by Bing
you want something sporty?

get a EVO9 MR


286 horsepower
All-wheel drive












youl'l be happier!
Good luck getting an EVO 9 MR for 26K. I don't know many EVO owners that don't mod their car (and my cousin has an EVO VIII MR). All or most of them sell their car for much for than 26k.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 11:17 AM
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'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
After 4 weeks of doing the same thing you are doing, I found that $26k just won't get you much in the way of a really low mile C class. C32's in that range will be out of warranty, over 50k miles and could be expensive to repair. Aftermarket warranties cost $2-3k. '05 C320's are going for $30-32k although there was a white/black Spt, sold last week for $28k in GA. It had an accident in the history but not sure how bad. There are currently two C320 Spt's that can be bought for $32k with low miles and one owner. One's in Chicago and the other is in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I can get you info on them if interested. There's also an '02 C32 in St. Louis that has 17,xxx miles, but he wants around $35k.

I originally wanted to spend around $25-28k, but just could not find a really nice low mile car without some iffy history in that price range. In the end, it just made more sense for me to borrow a little and get the new car. The new 6cyl is so much smoother that the 4 cyl to me. Good luck on the search! There are lots of '05 C230's going through the auctions now and are going for $26-28k, but be careful and do your research.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 09:22 PM
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C320 Sport Sedan 4MATIC, Cayenne S, Bayliner Capri V8, Subaru STi
Originally Posted by drexappeal

Good luck getting an EVO 9 MR for 26K.

there !

2007 Honda Civic Si






200-horsepower, 16-valve DOHC engine



18-inch cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in 225/40R18 tires



four-wheel disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors and four-piston Brembo calipers




you still have $5000 left for engine mods to eleventyhundred horsepower

and its brand new
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 09:26 PM
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Mine 2005 C230 Kompressor, Dad's 2005 ML350
Originally Posted by Bing
there !

2007 Honda Civic Si






200-horsepower, 16-valve DOHC engine



18-inch cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in 225/40R18 tires



four-wheel disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors and four-piston Brembo calipers




you still have $5000 left for engine mods to eleventyhundred horsepower

and its brand new

The Evo I can understand but thats just degrading.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 10:32 PM
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is SOLD
remember the 03-05 c230 with the 4-banger 1.8L is just as fast as the 06 c230 V6 2.5L
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 10:58 PM
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C55 ///AMG, 535xi
a 230k would supposedly be more "fun" to drive, a 320 would keep ur drive heavy but quick, a 240 is great for crusing, fully up to u, depends on what kinda person u are, if u want quick fast response, the 320, if u dun mind the little lag of the supercharge and love that sudden thrust, the 230k is good, the 240 is....i dun really like
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