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

C320 vs. C230K

Old Jun 4, 2008 | 03:36 AM
  #1  
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2007.5 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
C320 vs. C230K

I'm currently looking at a 2005 C230K and a 2004 C320.
I test drove the 230K and it seemed a bit lethargic, but I'm looking for MPGs more than performance.

I'm pretty new to the world of MB and looking for some opinions and data.
Thanks All!!

2004 C320


2005 C230K
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 03:51 AM
  #2  
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the 05 got teh facelift and its a 4cylinder. go with the 05
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 03:54 AM
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I second BadAss' comment. If you're looking for mpg more than performance, this is especially true. Mine gets over 30 on the highway and not bad in city driving. I feel it has decent performance. The price on the window is about right depending on how many miles are on the car.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 03:59 AM
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No love for the V6? How bad is the mileage?

I think the mileage on the 2005 was around 65K.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 04:05 AM
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Originally Posted by WestCoast_Heavy
No love for the V6? How bad is the mileage?

I think the mileage on the 2005 was around 65K.
i get about 26 on highway, and like 18 on local.
usually about 22-23 combine for my C320
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 06:30 AM
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the 320 avg mpg's around 22-24 depends on how you drive like yeuchau said.

the 230k should avg something like 30-32mpg. not a whole lot of difference.

btw, the C320 you are looking at is a 2004.5 which has the same front brakes as the C32/55 but only says "mercedes" instead of "AMG" on it. same suspension setup as the 2005. the only drawback is the 2004 has the old interior. go test drive and sit in them and see how you like both.

personally I think you'll be happier with the 2005 c230k if you are not into modding. if you are into modding it gives you more reason to take the C320 since it has a more refined engine and gives you some fun to change the look of the car to the updated ones. 2004 C320 sport is rare btw.

Last edited by FrankW; Jun 4, 2008 at 06:33 AM.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by yeuchau
i get about 26 on highway, and like 18 on local.
usually about 22-23 combine for my C320
same here. except i barely get to 25 highway, but no biggie.

Originally Posted by FrankW
the 320 avg mpg's around 22-24 depends on how you drive like yeuchau said.

the 230k should avg something like 30-32mpg. not a whole lot of difference.

btw, the C320 you are looking at is a 2004.5 which has the same front brakes as the C32/55 but only says "mercedes" instead of "AMG" on it. same suspension setup as the 2005. the only drawback is the 2004 has the old interior. go test drive and sit in them and see how you like both.

personally I think you'll be happier with the 2005 c230k if you are not into modding. if you are into modding it gives you more reason to take the C320 since it has a more refined engine and gives you some fun to change the look of the car to the updated ones. 2004 C320 sport is rare btw.
i don't think i ever seen a c320 sport.. well, okay my cousin's gf has one, but damn it's like a needle in a haystack.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 10:22 AM
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on my C320, I get about 12.5mpg in the city.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 10:29 AM
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2002 C230 Kompressor, Capri Blue
c230k just looks better, in that year model.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 01:03 PM
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2005 C230WZ SS Capri Blue/Ash
Have to agree with the above comment on the improved looks of the 05. I have an 05 C230, and people are amazed at the fuel economy, especially for the size of it...it's not a tinny 3 cylinder japanese car. The best I've gotten has been 36.7mpg. Did a little test when I had to bring mine in for service a few years back. Brought mine down to the local stealer (about 25 miles away), and I got about 34 mpg. Took the loaner C320 back the next day to pick up mine. Same drive, same speed, very similar weather conditions, and that one came back with 24 mpg. About 10 mpg less.

I also prefer the interior of the 05, as this was the first year of the slight re-do. I prefer the 05's front and rear bumpers, and lower vaelance panels.

Although, like mentioned earlier, an 04 C320 Sport is indeed a rare find. I originally thought the previous owner just replaced his stock 16" with the Adharaz (funnel) style that came on the C230 Sports. Guess not.

Cintoman

Last edited by Cintoman; Jun 4, 2008 at 01:03 PM. Reason: add info
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Mu9enx
same here. except i barely get to 25 highway, but no biggie.



i don't think i ever seen a c320 sport.. well, okay my cousin's gf has one, but damn it's like a needle in a haystack.
I've got one. Before 2004.5 they weren't all that much different from the regular ones.

OP: I think you should go with the c230k especially with today's gas prices. Plus you'll get the updated interior and exterior.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by WestCoast_Heavy
No love for the V6? How bad is the mileage?
I really wanted the 4-K, but I'm glad I got the six. It's doing 24~26.

But then, I like the older interior styling better, too... once that cassette player went in the river.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 06:42 PM
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if your lookin at mpg get the 230 and plus it has the facelift kit on it

my 320 eats gas
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 06:52 PM
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Get the 2005. I like the updated look.
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Old Jun 5, 2008 | 01:36 AM
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WOW. Great info. Thanks all!!!

How much is a Kompressor rebuild?

I found another C230 locally, without the K. How slow is the n/a version compared to the K?
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Old Jun 5, 2008 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by WestCoast_Heavy
WOW. Great info. Thanks all!!!

How much is a Kompressor rebuild?

I found another C230 locally, without the K. How slow is the n/a version compared to the K?
Are you talking about a 2006? Those have the 2.5L v6. I'm not 100% sure but they probably get slightly worse MPG if that is what you're going for.
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Old Jun 5, 2008 | 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Ryanr317
Are you talking about a 2006? Those have the 2.5L v6. I'm not 100% sure but they probably get slightly worse MPG if that is what you're going for.
werd
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Old Jun 5, 2008 | 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Ryanr317
Are you talking about a 2006? Those have the 2.5L v6. I'm not 100% sure but they probably get slightly worse MPG if that is what you're going for.
The 2005 C230K.

side note:
Last night I took the wife to check out this 2005 C230K.
She totally digs it. Except she said it would look better with Blacked Out wheels.


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Old Jun 8, 2008 | 04:35 PM
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2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
The 2005 C230K with the supercharged 1.8 liter engine will definitely give you the best fuel economy of the choices mentioned. If you want more power and better economy, skip the automatic transmission and find one with the 6-speed manual.

The 2.5 liter V-6, used in the 2006-2007 C230 is a nice engine. But expect about a 10-15% increase in fuel consumption over the supercharged 4-cylinder. Also expect slightly slower acceleration. Again, the 6-speed manual will improve performance and economy.

The C320 has a very nice 3.2 liter V-6. This is a strong running engine with good power and torque. This is NOT the engine to buy, if economy is a top priority. Expect about 30% increase in fuel consumption over the C230K. Also, this engine has 3 valves per cylinder (older technology).
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Old Jun 8, 2008 | 07:06 PM
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2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
For what you're looking for, definitely get the 2005 230K. Plus it has the updated interior, which is much much better than anything pre-2005 model year.
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