C240 or C320
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Atlanta, GA
2000 ML 320
C240 or C320
My ML320 is in the shop this week and they brought me a C240 to drive. I kinda like it despite the troubles I have had with Mercedes. I was wondering if the 320's extra hp is consideribly noticeable behind the wheel?
Can I put a chip on it? I don't want to go to Brabus or Lorinser.
Can I put a chip on it? I don't want to go to Brabus or Lorinser.
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2002 C32
The C320 is definitely quicker than the C240 and you will notice the difference. The C240 is a very nice car, smooth, comfortable and relatively quiet. The question you should ask yourself is: ''Is the premium for a C320 worth it given your driving style and requirements?''
You can have the C240's ECU reprogrammed but the performance gains would be modest at best if you do not perform other modifications to the engine.
You can have the C240's ECU reprogrammed but the performance gains would be modest at best if you do not perform other modifications to the engine.
Last edited by Franco; Dec 10, 2002 at 01:06 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Atlanta, GA
2000 ML 320
OK thanks. I drove a C320 back when Mercedes released the new C but I can't recall the power it had. I have been looking at S4's real hard. I think that for the same price ($30,000) I can get a 2000 S4 and put an APR chip in it to boost it to 310hp and 368ft torque.
What would you recommend, C320 or S4?
What would you recommend, C320 or S4?
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: CA
03 C320 Sedan
RE: C240 or C320
If it is not a money issue, then go for the C320. For a few thousands more, you'll get the extra HP and more standard features than the 240. Of course if your budget is high enough...heck go for the C32 (no mods or chip required), fast right out of the 'box'.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2000 ML 320
I thought about the C32 as well, I really don't want a car payment. I can afford it, I just would rather set myself at $30,000. Anything over that and I will have to finance, that's why the S4 is looking so appealing.
You're right though, the C32 runs like a spotted-butt ape!!
You're right though, the C32 runs like a spotted-butt ape!!
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2002 C32
The C320 compares itself more to a A4 3.0 than an S4. A new C320 is USD$35,000 plus.
The C320 and the S4 are two different cars. The C320 is a much more luxurious, more comforatble. The S4 is much sportier and less comfortable as a daily driver.
The C320 and the S4 are two different cars. The C320 is a much more luxurious, more comforatble. The S4 is much sportier and less comfortable as a daily driver.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2000 ML 320
The C240 that I am drving has the Bose package, sunroof and the other package that I cannot recall and it's at $35,000. I like the sportiness feeling. The roads here are pretty smooth.
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I drove the 240, it was available on the dealer's lot, and I walked away .. Then the C230 came out , and that was much more powerful so I bought one.
If you're a casual driver and don't care too much about acceleration, then you'll like the 240. ..but for $30-$35K , shouldn't Mercedes put in a decent engine.
Even those with the C230 Kompressor would like more power.
If you're a casual driver and don't care too much about acceleration, then you'll like the 240. ..but for $30-$35K , shouldn't Mercedes put in a decent engine.
Even those with the C230 Kompressor would like more power.
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I agree the C320 and S4 are different cars. C240 is a fine car, but if you really like the S4, then I wouldn't think the C240 would meet your lead-foot needs. The C320 would come a bit closer, but still fall short (accelleration wise). And if $30K is the limit, the three-year old Audi is going to fit your current plan better than a new $37K+ C320. You could look into a 2001 C320 lease return?
Time to reacquaint yourself with a couple of test drives of the C320 and S4. Then decide.
Time to reacquaint yourself with a couple of test drives of the C320 and S4. Then decide.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2000 ML 320
$30K is my cash limit. I have an ML320 now and I want something a little bit more....quick. I also have an A4 2.8 but it's just not all there. The C240 is subtly fast but also lacks in the hp department. It's not that I have a led foot, I just want something to play with and still be able to "drop the hammer" if I have to.
I will be heading to the Audi dealership this weekend to spin the S4 around. I like this C240. I started to tell my service advisor to keep my ML for a few more days!!
I will be heading to the Audi dealership this weekend to spin the S4 around. I like this C240. I started to tell my service advisor to keep my ML for a few more days!!
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From: Obama Land
K Car
Originally posted by JJunkins
$30K is my cash limit. I have an ML320 now and I want something a little bit more....quick. I also have an A4 2.8 but it's just not all there. The C240 is subtly fast but also lacks in the hp department. It's not that I have a led foot, I just want something to play with and still be able to "drop the hammer" if I have to.
I will be heading to the Audi dealership this weekend to spin the S4 around. I like this C240. I started to tell my service advisor to keep my ML for a few more days!!
$30K is my cash limit. I have an ML320 now and I want something a little bit more....quick. I also have an A4 2.8 but it's just not all there. The C240 is subtly fast but also lacks in the hp department. It's not that I have a led foot, I just want something to play with and still be able to "drop the hammer" if I have to.
I will be heading to the Audi dealership this weekend to spin the S4 around. I like this C240. I started to tell my service advisor to keep my ML for a few more days!!
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Like Crazy
when i got mine.. i had the same dillema. but after reviewing it i saw that you are only paying like 2,000 or 3,000 more for the engine because you get the auto as standard (for 2002) bose sound and full power seats. i didnt mind getting the extra hp
those c230ks are quick too! my sister just got one of those and a supercharged car is fun! love that sound anyway i recommend getting a c320!
those c230ks are quick too! my sister just got one of those and a supercharged car is fun! love that sound anyway i recommend getting a c320!
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If going used, look at a E36 M3
If you like the S4 performance and are looking at used, then take a look at an E36 M3 too. One of the most well-balanced cars ever made and available with 2 or 4 doors, manual or auto. Save considerable money too.
The C240 is great but what level of performance are you really looking for?
The C240 is great but what level of performance are you really looking for?
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
a used E36 M3 is a very good performer, but it won't be as good as a used S4. The last year of the E36 M3 was 99, sure you can find a decent one but you are more likely to find a better conditioned 2000 and up S4 for the same price and it has better interior quality.
either way. they both will make you very happy.
either way. they both will make you very happy.
