New Guy with Questions 2005 or 2006?
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Wife wants a C230
New Guy with Questions 2005 or 2006?
Hi guys
My wife has been bugging me about buying her a newer (2004-2007) MB C230 and I have found a few around $19000-$22000 (2005) and $22000-$26000 (2006) and wondered what you guys think is the better year.
I know the 2005 in an inline 4 turbo and the 2006 is a 6. Any problems with the 4-turbo???
Also, she wants the MB nav, when I was at the dealer a few months ago, they said they only come from the factory with the nav and you can't add it after market which sounds like BS to me.
Can I buy a non nav MB C230 and then buy a MB nav unit and have it installed for a reasonable price $1000? Are there batter navs available that can be installed and still look stock?
Any help would be greatly appreciated...Tim
My wife has been bugging me about buying her a newer (2004-2007) MB C230 and I have found a few around $19000-$22000 (2005) and $22000-$26000 (2006) and wondered what you guys think is the better year.
I know the 2005 in an inline 4 turbo and the 2006 is a 6. Any problems with the 4-turbo???
Also, she wants the MB nav, when I was at the dealer a few months ago, they said they only come from the factory with the nav and you can't add it after market which sounds like BS to me.
Can I buy a non nav MB C230 and then buy a MB nav unit and have it installed for a reasonable price $1000? Are there batter navs available that can be installed and still look stock?
Any help would be greatly appreciated...Tim
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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I have the '05 and its great on gas which is nice, but I would go for the '06 just for the fact that you'll have another year of warranty coverage and assumably less milage.
You can add a nav unit aftermarket, its pretty simple, there are a ton of posts about it in this forum. It costs about $1250 for the euro-nav or about $2500 for the us-nav. Do a search if you want to know the difference.
You can add aftermarket nav units pretty easily with a dash kit. Nothing but the OEM nav units look stock though.
You can add a nav unit aftermarket, its pretty simple, there are a ton of posts about it in this forum. It costs about $1250 for the euro-nav or about $2500 for the us-nav. Do a search if you want to know the difference.
You can add aftermarket nav units pretty easily with a dash kit. Nothing but the OEM nav units look stock though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,415
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From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
I'm loving the gas mileage on my '03 4-cylinder. 32-35 on the highway, 29.5 combined city/hwy over the past 44k miles. Don't think that the 4-cylinder is a typical 4-cylinder. The balance shafts ensure that the engine is as smooth as the V-6, and it's quite refined as well. Torque is abundant above 2000rpm, and the engine pulls nicely to about 5000 (where it runs out of steam). No point revving this engine, shift to the next gear & let the torque pull you along.
Some of the '04's had issues with carbon build-up on intake valves, but I haven't heard of that problem occurring with later cars. Some of the early engines also had a problem with oil leaks at the cam sensor - the engine wiring harness must be replaced if it is oil-soaked. There is an update to prevent this from occurring on newer models.
Some of the '04's had issues with carbon build-up on intake valves, but I haven't heard of that problem occurring with later cars. Some of the early engines also had a problem with oil leaks at the cam sensor - the engine wiring harness must be replaced if it is oil-soaked. There is an update to prevent this from occurring on newer models.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Sarasota, FL
2007 C350 6M
Obviously you know the W204s are out. If your willing to spend 22-26k for an 06, you should look around for a brand new left over C-230 2007. I've read alot of crazy deals for those old left over MY07 C-230s .....
Oh I have an 07 C-350 and I wouldn't change a thing. I have the lighting (Bi-X and factory NAV) MSRP was 45k I paid just under 33k out the door.
Good luck
Oh I have an 07 C-350 and I wouldn't change a thing. I have the lighting (Bi-X and factory NAV) MSRP was 45k I paid just under 33k out the door.
Good luck
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 178
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From: Garden Grove, CA
06 Granite Grey c230
not to plug my thing but if u are into a c230 i have a near PRISTINE 06:
i am a fan of the 06 beacuse they are NON compressor not that its a bad thing i just feel the v-6 is more stable. the 07s i dont really like the dual exhaust tip so much and i dont like the rims as much... but its a cool car too.
if u have any questions about owning an 06 c230 (perhaps not mine) id be happy to answer you directly if you message me! or post here.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=216695324&dealer_id=59439839&car_ye ar=2006&model=C230&num_records=100&systime=&make2= &start_year=2006&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine= &certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_ty pe=both&distance=10&marketZipError=false&search_la ng=&make=MB&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aisp searchform&min_price=27400&drive=&default_sort=pri ceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDE SC&address=92843&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&tr ansmission=&max_price=27500&cardist=0
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...7500&cardist=0
i am a fan of the 06 beacuse they are NON compressor not that its a bad thing i just feel the v-6 is more stable. the 07s i dont really like the dual exhaust tip so much and i dont like the rims as much... but its a cool car too.
if u have any questions about owning an 06 c230 (perhaps not mine) id be happy to answer you directly if you message me! or post here.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=216695324&dealer_id=59439839&car_ye ar=2006&model=C230&num_records=100&systime=&make2= &start_year=2006&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine= &certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_ty pe=both&distance=10&marketZipError=false&search_la ng=&make=MB&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aisp searchform&min_price=27400&drive=&default_sort=pri ceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDE SC&address=92843&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&tr ansmission=&max_price=27500&cardist=0
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...7500&cardist=0
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Member
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From: Garden Grove, CA
06 Granite Grey c230
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 511
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From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
I would highly recommend you drive both a 2005 and a 2006. They are very different due to the engine. IMO the 2005 leans more toward sport, and the 2006 leans more toward luxury.
I personally prefer the 2005 C230k, with the supercharged 4-cylinder. It seems more powerful (better acceleration), but gets better mileage. It is great fun with the 6-speed manual transmission. The 4-cylinder also weighs a bit less, so the car is better balanced. Disclaimer: this is the car I own, so I am not unbiased.
As you will soon find out, opinions here will vary. There has been a lot of debate on the 4 vs. 6 cylinder version of the C230.
In terms of the navigation system, yes it can be added to a car without it. You may be stunned at the cost, however. Installation is not cheap or easy. I would highly recommend getting a car already with that feature, if it is important to you (or your wife).
I personally prefer the 2005 C230k, with the supercharged 4-cylinder. It seems more powerful (better acceleration), but gets better mileage. It is great fun with the 6-speed manual transmission. The 4-cylinder also weighs a bit less, so the car is better balanced. Disclaimer: this is the car I own, so I am not unbiased.
As you will soon find out, opinions here will vary. There has been a lot of debate on the 4 vs. 6 cylinder version of the C230.
In terms of the navigation system, yes it can be added to a car without it. You may be stunned at the cost, however. Installation is not cheap or easy. I would highly recommend getting a car already with that feature, if it is important to you (or your wife).
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4
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Wife wants a C230
Thanks so much for the info. I just found this website when I was doing a search about the 2005 model and have already learned a ton just reading through all these threads.
I'm actually a big Shelby and Boss 302 fan and my wife has wanted a new one for the 3-4 years. But, after seeing alot of mods you guys have done on the 2005-2008 models, I like them a lot more.
I actually want to buy her a 2008 right now, but, I just took a 50% paycut this year at my new job. Good thing is that it will double or triple after my first year...so...I think I'll just get her the 2006 and wait for the 2009 model. I think MY next car is gonna be that GL....looks pretty awesome for an SUV!
Thanks again, Tim
good choice 2006 is pretty cool!
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: Garden Grove, CA
06 Granite Grey c230
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 252
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From: CT
I drove my cousin's '05 C230 a week after I bought my '07 C230. They're both great cars, but the 6cyl seems to be a lot quieter, and a smoother ride overall. I'd be happy with either or. 
Sell me your Tein Basics!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 316
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
'05 C230
do you have to have camber correction/kit done after you install your tein basic? i was planning on installing them but if it still needs a camber kit then i will just get 19" ssr gt3s.
I drove my friend's 06 and i think the '05 accelerates just a tad quicker than the 06. I love the engine sound of my '05 btw.
I drove my friend's 06 and i think the '05 accelerates just a tad quicker than the 06. I love the engine sound of my '05 btw.
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: Garden Grove, CA
06 Granite Grey c230
do you have to have camber correction/kit done after you install your tein basic? i was planning on installing them but if it still needs a camber kit then i will just get 19" ssr gt3s.
I drove my friend's 06 and i think the '05 accelerates just a tad quicker than the 06. I love the engine sound of my '05 btw.
I drove my friend's 06 and i think the '05 accelerates just a tad quicker than the 06. I love the engine sound of my '05 btw.
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 226
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From: Sarasota, FL
2007 C350 6M
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excites your girlfriend
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
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Wife wants a C230
Hey guys,
I just wanted to thank you for the great info from this thread and message board. I bought my wife a Silver 2005 C230 K with only 15,000 miles for $21,000. I bought it from a single mom who really took great care of it. I could not find one thing wrong with it...not even a scratch.
Only thing is that it does not have navigation. So...do I try and find a MB nav unit and either have the dealer or a car stereo place install it...Or...buy an after market unit like a Garmin and have it installed???
Thanks again guys, Tim
I just wanted to thank you for the great info from this thread and message board. I bought my wife a Silver 2005 C230 K with only 15,000 miles for $21,000. I bought it from a single mom who really took great care of it. I could not find one thing wrong with it...not even a scratch.
Only thing is that it does not have navigation. So...do I try and find a MB nav unit and either have the dealer or a car stereo place install it...Or...buy an after market unit like a Garmin and have it installed???
Thanks again guys
, Tim
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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2006 C230
You may need to go with the C280 or the C320 in order to get a NAV system. I have the 2.5 V6 (2006 C230), which is OK; a little sluggish in the lower RPM range. I would think the Kompresssor model (2005) would be better in that regard.
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From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
ooh nice! congrats! don't bother with a benz navi if it doesn't have it, just get the Magellin 3100 GPS, sticks onto the windshield and works great! $150 at Staples.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,543
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From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
Magellan Maestro 3100 Portable GPS $149.99 - Staples.com
http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/st...ProductDisplay
