Weight distribution
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Weight distribution
Been checking all sources but can't seem to find the weight distribution of the various W203 models. I am thinking that the 03-05 Kompressor SS will have the best weight distribution closest to 50/50 of the bunch due to a lighter engine than the V6 (2005 C230 is about 150lb lighter than a 2006 C230)
Does anyone have the specs for all the combinations?
Does anyone have the specs for all the combinations?
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2006 E55 and 2002 E320
If I remember correctly, the 2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan had either a 54/46 or 52/48. One of the two. I do hope that it's the latter.
A lot of people say that the car tends to understeer a tad bit. Personally, I've had more experience with oversteer on my C230 but this is probably comparing different maneuvers.
Overall, the handling of a C230 is fairly good, I give it a B-. The favorite part about my C230's handling I like is the steering feel, very precise steering in my opinion.
However, there is still a bit of body roll and the suspension is still too firm. These are usually mutually exclusive, but there is a bit of body roll in hard corners, yet the suspension is uncomfortable on bumpy roads.
Compared to BMW's sport suspension, Mercedes Benz's sport suspension feels much firmer. I do love the BMW in this aspect since it's sporty yet not a compromise in comfort. Additionally, you'd expect since the Merc's suspension is so firm, that it would be more capable in handling than the BMW. Unfortunately, it isn't, not noticeably. I'm comparing the 2005 C230 Sport Sedan to the 2005 325i with Sport package.
A lot of people say that the car tends to understeer a tad bit. Personally, I've had more experience with oversteer on my C230 but this is probably comparing different maneuvers.
Overall, the handling of a C230 is fairly good, I give it a B-. The favorite part about my C230's handling I like is the steering feel, very precise steering in my opinion.
However, there is still a bit of body roll and the suspension is still too firm. These are usually mutually exclusive, but there is a bit of body roll in hard corners, yet the suspension is uncomfortable on bumpy roads.
Compared to BMW's sport suspension, Mercedes Benz's sport suspension feels much firmer. I do love the BMW in this aspect since it's sporty yet not a compromise in comfort. Additionally, you'd expect since the Merc's suspension is so firm, that it would be more capable in handling than the BMW. Unfortunately, it isn't, not noticeably. I'm comparing the 2005 C230 Sport Sedan to the 2005 325i with Sport package.
Last edited by patrick_y; Jan 30, 2007 at 01:19 AM.
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From: Southern CA
05 C230K SS
If I remember correctly, the 2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan had either a 54/46 or 52/48. One of the two. I do hope that it's the latter.
A lot of people say that the car tends to understeer a tad bit. Personally, I've had more experience with oversteer on my C230 but this is probably comparing different maneuvers.
Overall, the handling of a C230 is fairly good, I give it a B-. The favorite part about my C230's handling I like is the steering feel, very precise steering in my opinion.
However, there is still a bit of body roll and the suspension is still too firm. These are usually mutually exclusive, but there is a bit of body roll in hard corners, yet the suspension is uncomfortable on bumpy roads.
Compared to BMW's sport suspension, Mercedes Benz's sport suspension feels much firmer. I do love the BMW in this aspect since it's sporty yet not a compromise in comfort. Additionally, you'd expect since the Merc's suspension is so firm, that it would be more capable in handling than the BMW. Unfortunately, it isn't, not noticeably. I'm comparing the 2005 C230 Sport Sedan to the 2005 325i with Sport package.
A lot of people say that the car tends to understeer a tad bit. Personally, I've had more experience with oversteer on my C230 but this is probably comparing different maneuvers.
Overall, the handling of a C230 is fairly good, I give it a B-. The favorite part about my C230's handling I like is the steering feel, very precise steering in my opinion.
However, there is still a bit of body roll and the suspension is still too firm. These are usually mutually exclusive, but there is a bit of body roll in hard corners, yet the suspension is uncomfortable on bumpy roads.
Compared to BMW's sport suspension, Mercedes Benz's sport suspension feels much firmer. I do love the BMW in this aspect since it's sporty yet not a compromise in comfort. Additionally, you'd expect since the Merc's suspension is so firm, that it would be more capable in handling than the BMW. Unfortunately, it isn't, not noticeably. I'm comparing the 2005 C230 Sport Sedan to the 2005 325i with Sport package.
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C55 ///AMG, 535xi
no offense, buy I believe the coupe handeling is better than the sedans.
well if both cars have amg sways. lol then ignore the line above.
BMW's weight distribution is better than MB, but MB has the slanted tires so that gives MB a +
well if both cars have amg sways. lol then ignore the line above.
BMW's weight distribution is better than MB, but MB has the slanted tires so that gives MB a +
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2006 E55 and 2002 E320
I have to agree with you. My buddy's 2002 325ci sport does ride better and has less body roll than my C230 Sport. I also think the C230 has precise steering for city and freeway driving. However I took my car to the canyons a few times, and I wish that it responds faster and have more feedback.
Can you elaborate a bit more about the faster response you wished you could get out of the car? I love driving windy canyon roads myself and I found my stock C230 to be quite proficient at it.
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2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Now, 50/50 weight balance is dependent on what kind of car it is. For example, a Porsche would not be at its optimum with a 50/50 weight balance.
I wouldn't doubt it if the Coupe was a more capable handler than the sedan.
Now, when you said that MB has slanted tires, are you referring to the camber settings or are MB tires actually slanted?
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2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
owning both cars, I think I can confidently make that statement.
the steering is great on the C230, but it's not close to the precision of the M3...
there's also something called speed sensitive steering that wasn't put on the 2005 C230 but has been standard in BMW's for years.
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2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Mercus and Ultraseven: I find that when I have the back with people in it, I find that the car is more prone to oversteer actually. Now while we are complaining that the C230 is front heavy, the solution in my opinion isn't as simple as simply adding people in the back.
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hmm... a... NO.
owning both cars, I think I can confidently make that statement.
the steering is great on the C230, but it's not close to the precision of the M3...
there's also something called speed sensitive steering that wasn't put on the 2005 C230 but has been standard in BMW's for years.
owning both cars, I think I can confidently make that statement.
the steering is great on the C230, but it's not close to the precision of the M3...
there's also something called speed sensitive steering that wasn't put on the 2005 C230 but has been standard in BMW's for years.
The Mercedes-Benz power steering is indeed inferior to BMW's power steering. I could be mistaken, but I think the BMW speed sensitive power steering made its debut on either the 2002 7 series or 2003 5 series. If I'm not mistaken, the current M3 still features the engine-speed (instead of actual speed) sensitive power steering. I apologize in advance if I'm mistaken, but if you could confirm that for me I'd be enlightened.
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I would definitely trust your judgement, it's also been a while since I last drove one and I've only driven three (all SMG) to date. But if you'll refresh my memory, is the steering feel heavier on the M3 or on the C230? Personally, I thought the steering feel was heavier on the C230. And for me, a heavier steering artificially lends a more precise and easy to modulate feel.
The Mercedes-Benz power steering is indeed inferior to BMW's power steering. I could be mistaken, but I think the BMW speed sensitive power steering made its debut on either the 2002 7 series or 2003 5 series. If I'm not mistaken, the current M3 still features the engine-speed (instead of actual speed) sensitive power steering. I apologize in advance if I'm mistaken, but if you could confirm that for me I'd be enlightened.
The Mercedes-Benz power steering is indeed inferior to BMW's power steering. I could be mistaken, but I think the BMW speed sensitive power steering made its debut on either the 2002 7 series or 2003 5 series. If I'm not mistaken, the current M3 still features the engine-speed (instead of actual speed) sensitive power steering. I apologize in advance if I'm mistaken, but if you could confirm that for me I'd be enlightened.
the BMW power steering is engine sensitive and I'm pretty sure it was in 2002 on the 7's then made its way down the line quickly. speed sensitive is an option on the 07's, just like the parametric steering option on the SLK's.
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2006 E55 and 2002 E320
well, heavier is ok if you can't get a good grip on the wheel... perhaps gloves would be in order. but it is lighter (not considerably) and its reaction to movement is quicker and much more precise. at high speeds it is much easier to control than the C and less wheel movement is needed.
the BMW power steering is engine sensitive and I'm pretty sure it was in 2002 on the 7's then made its way down the line quickly. speed sensitive is an option on the 07's, just like the parametric steering option on the SLK's.
the BMW power steering is engine sensitive and I'm pretty sure it was in 2002 on the 7's then made its way down the line quickly. speed sensitive is an option on the 07's, just like the parametric steering option on the SLK's.
I'm not the expert, but what I can say is that I like the BMW M3's steering the most out of any BMW I've driven. The only one that comes close is the 2002-2003 BMW 530i Sport from the previous body style. That one had significant heft and weight to the steering wheel which I appreciated.
Oh, I do wear driving gloves! I never drive without gloves on.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Yes, seriously.
I have three driving gloves, each of them I use a cotton liner glove in them (since the leather driving gloves are expensive to clean).
I can say that the steering wheel to my car has probably never been touched by my bare hands.
I have three driving gloves, each of them I use a cotton liner glove in them (since the leather driving gloves are expensive to clean).
I can say that the steering wheel to my car has probably never been touched by my bare hands.
