skylineawd

Alright, well first off I used the search and found some great threads. Especially the one discussing which car you have, mileage, issues, and how it was resolved. Most seem to have been handled by the dealer which makes me feel good about the warranty program.

Here's the deal I have an 06 350Z as of right now, and within a year will be purchasing a condo and the girl will be moving in, (been together 4 years now, just not married yet). I need to get something a little bit more practical. I am driving about 15 miles to work and back everyday and wanted to get something a little bigger, more luxury, and think the C230 Sport Sedan will be a good option.

The question I have is I'm going to look at 1 tomorrow. I'm looking at buying an 05-06, with fairly low mileage. I would also be purchasing an auto. What kind of issues should I look for with the car, or listen for. As, I have never driven an MB before I really have no idea and can't seem to find a thread answering it for me, (hopefully I didn't just overlook it somewhere).

I appreciate all the help.

Shawn

alpinweiss

The 2005 and 2006 C230 models are visually similar, but mechanically different.

The 2005 C230 Kompressor (sometimes shorthanded C230K) has a supercharged in-line 4 cylinder, displacing 1.8 liters. This engine is generally considered more powerful, and uses less fuel. It is an exceptionally smooth engine, but the exhaust has a mellow note, so this is more for car enthusiasts. It works really well with the 6-speed manual transmission (fairly rare in the US).

The 2006 C230 has a V6 engine displacing 2.5 liters. This engine is generally considered quieter and more luxurious. The horsepower rating is higher than the supercharged 4 cylinder, but it is slower in the real world.

My advice? Drive one of each version, and see which you prefer.

skylineawd

So would you consider the 05 engine to be a better engine to perform any performance parts to, or will the V6 be able to perform just as well.

BlackLiquorish8

get the last year of the w203, better looking wheels, C55 spoiler and a few other smaller features

aznmode

I have a 2005 c230K and I experience the throttle lag. Meaning it would sometimes take 1 to 2 seconds after pressing on the gas for it to accelerate. I'm not sure if this exist in the 2006 230s. That may be one thing you should look for when you test drive both. However, you could buy a Sprint boosters that is supposed to eliminate most of the lags but you're looking at another $220+. The 2005 has a little more torque however than 2006 even though it has less HP.

Besides the engine the only other difference i know is the 2006 CD player can play MP3s. I'm not sure about bluetooth. I know 2005 doesn't have it.

ctC230K

why not get the 06 C350? so much easier when trying to remember the name of your new vehicle, same as the old just swap the Z for a C!
you need a sprint booster

sanf

what model and color is your Z?

anonymouse

Is this from firsthand observations or are you regurgitating someone else's regurgitation?

While it is true the 05 is slightly quicker than the 06 with an automatic transmission due to the not so beloved 7 speed and its quirky shifting habits. However the same cannot be said for 06 with the 6 speed manual. I maintain that the 6 speed manual (after getting past that annoying flat spot in second gear) is just as quick as the 4 cylinder while having the upper hand in roll ons and high speed runs. As far as exhaust sound the 2.5 has a deeper more pleasing to the ear tone than the 4 cyl models.

And I am not at all biased towards the 06 models. Honest.

That all being said, there will be a significant power drop coming from a 350z and going to a C230. I would advise you to look for a C350. The loss of power won't be so signficant.

skylineawd

I do like the comment about going from the 350Z to the C350. I have a Pikes Peak White Z right now. Here are a few pics.





I'm going to test drive an 06 c230 tomorrow hopefully, weather permitting. It was raining this morning when I was going to go. Do not all the 06's come with HID's? I sure hope this one does, because I will never drive another car without them. I will definately look into the C350 though. What kind of fuel economy difference am I looking at with it?

ctC230K

no, they don't all come with HIDs. it's a $1000+ option.

CyberGypsy

Having had a 300TT and a 350Z and (4 )230c coupes and at present a 2006 C230 SS I can say that I like the SS the best, the coupes were lots of fun But like the Mix and look of my 2006 SS much better then the coupes and it a quick little car....

skylineawd

Yeah the one I was going to go look at today didn't have projects so I'm assuming it didn't, and I guess I need to be looking for ones with projectors. I have found another one that's black on black and has the projectors. The c350 seem hard to find for some reasons around the Dallas area.

anonymouse

BTW: Unless I have been an idiot for past 2 years the 2006 models do NOT play mp3s in the dash mounted player. Only the cd changer plays mp3s

skylineawd

You woulnd't believe how hard it is to find a 06 with projectors? I think I might just have to buy one without and do a bi-x swap over.

drexappeal

If you were to make a choice, get the 2005 over the 2006. The 2006 v6 230 only had 2 years of life. 2005 m271 had 3. Also, there are some '06 models that they went backwards on and took away some functions from what was on the 2005 model.

moosejaw

thats a beautiful car, I wouldnt part with it

skylineawd

Thanks moosejaw for the compliments, but just need something a little bigger.

skylineawd

I do like the idea of a supercharged 4 vs the N/A v6. I've been searching between both years 05-06.

drexappeal

Don't lose that car to get a w203. Fuel economy isn't really that much better. If you're looking for fuel economy, I'd suggest going with something else.

skylineawd

Hahaha, yeah I wish I could just keep it, but I'm buying a condo and the girl is moving in. Looking for something a little bit bigger. This will also lower my insurance a few bucks, and should lower my monthly payments. Sux, growing up and buying a home and all, hahaha. But, I'm glad I'm doing it, tired of renting. The girl is studying law, so hopefully will have another sports car a few years from now.

drexappeal

Oh yeah. Insurance will go down for sure. Monthly's will go down too, that's a plus. Your Z is super dandy though, but definitely understand the reasoning behind letting it go.

Tell me about it. I will be purchasing within the next 1.5 years. Thank God I know people in that industry, but it'll take a miracle to find an ideal location.

You're making a very educated decision. If you're pretty much set on getting a w203, definitely get the 2005. IMO, it out classes the 2006 no question and the supercharger whine will compensate for the exhaust sound you will probably miss from your Z.

Phin

skylineawd,I drove an 05' and an 06'(both automatics) before deciding which w203 to buy.I believe if you test drive both,you'll have no problem choosing between them.JMO

ctC230K

once you get blown there is no going back!!!

and put an eisenmann exhaust on that baby, you'll love it

skylineawd

Thanks for the help guys yeah I absolutely love my Z, but with just 2 seats and starting to settle down a bit, it's just got to go for now. I will go testdrive both. I guess I should look, but do the 05's come with the same wheels as the 06's?

Thanks

ctC230K

which wheels are you referring to? the ones I have or these