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

thinking of going from w208 to w203

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Old Apr 21, 2006 | 06:17 PM
  #1  
Phade's Avatar
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From: Orlando, FL
2000 CLK 430
thinking of going from w208 to w203

what do you all think .. let me know some pro's cons besides engine of course.. i wanna hear everything you love about your cars..
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Old Apr 21, 2006 | 06:41 PM
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by Phade
what do you all think .. let me know some pro's cons besides engine of course.. i wanna hear everything you love about your cars..
If you're going from the 430 w208 to a C55/C32 w203, then I'd say it's worth it. Otherwise, I'd definitely keep the w208!

I've always loved the body styling of the w203 sedan, ever since it first came out (and before the sport sedan was even available). Since I've got the 230K SS (m271 engine), I can only give you my take on my car. Pros are that it has okay power for the price and several aesthetic outside mods available, but the cons to that is power mods are not that abundant.

No question I'd keep the 2000 430 w208 over the 240 and 320. If you're talking 2006 350 SS (w203), hmmm...that's debatable, but worth some consideration.

Hope that helps.
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Old Apr 21, 2006 | 06:42 PM
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C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
Love the 6 speed....wasn't available on the CLK430 in your flavor. Other than that, do you need 4 doors? The new CLK350 or 500 might be a better choice of you don't.
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Old Apr 21, 2006 | 08:53 PM
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From: Orlando, FL
2000 CLK 430
hmm maybe ill just stick with the 430 then if i just love the body styling of the w203's i'd prob. go with a c230 ss .. just want something brand new since my car is a ****en dinosaur now.. 2000 clk 430 and dont want the honda accord looking w209
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Old Apr 21, 2006 | 09:30 PM
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I don't see anything wrong whatsoever in dropping the older gen CLK for the current gen C-Sedan. Since you described the W208 as a dinosaur, I would agree it's as passe as the older E-Class. There have been many updates in the newer C-Sedan that outweigh losing the 430 engine, especially if you go with any of the V6 engines with the newer tech valve system. I would pick a C350, myself, which would not be much of a performance loss.

Of course, we're in the last year of the current C, in terms of styling, so it too will be passe in 2007, replaced by the more angular look of the new C (same as the W209 replacing the W208). That would be the only drawback to me, and style seems to be important to you.

However, to offer some counterpoint to the previous posts, the 4-door will always be more practical than any Coupe. Never thought I'd say that, but it's quite true.

You'll get opinions that that cover the entire map. But ultimately it's your choice.
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Old Apr 22, 2006 | 12:13 AM
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From: Orlando, FL
2000 CLK 430
going to test drive some c models tommorow.. thanks for the advice bob..
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Old Apr 22, 2006 | 04:35 AM
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W206 PHEV AMG
W203 Pro: more fun to drive, newer interior, 4-door, use less gas, many mods to choose from.
W203 Con: every body has one, some think it lacked the old MB solid feel, too many mods to choose from.

W208 Pro: that 4.3 V8 you have is a work horse and very underrated, more luxury car feel, better sound system because if you have the BOSE it has 2 6x9 BASS I believe, and that thud when you close the door.

W208 Con: more than 10 year old chassi from the W202, zero to none steering feedback, faulty auto window sensor, crank position sensor tends to die, and a/c unit will die sooner or later.

That's my take on it comparing the CLK430 to some of the new C-class.

If I have a W208 I would move up to the W211.
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