I'm coming back to the W203, need purchase opinions!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: West Covina, CA
2004 C230k (SOLD), 2005 C230k (Lease ended), 2004 Carrera 4 Cab, 2007 530i
I'm coming back to the W203, need purchase opinions!
Hi all, I'm back...well very soon. I am currently in the market for a used C230, I've had an '04 and '05, both served me well as a daily commuter. I've never driven the '06 up (6cyl version), and now debating if I should go with the 4bangers + SC or the 6xer? I found many '05's for under $20k, and '06 up are in the $20s which really is not much of a big difference.
So I guess my question is how is the 6cyl compared to the 4+SC in terms of drivebility, mpg, fun factor, etc. All I know is the '05 was a great reliable car, had it on a 45months lease with 0 problem (except that one time I tried to change the brake pads myself =P I am sure some of you will bring that up again). I had the '04 for about 3 yrs and not much problem either, but I would prefer the '05 coz of the AMG kit. So my choice is now narrowed down to '05 to '07. Any input is greatly appreciated.
So I guess my question is how is the 6cyl compared to the 4+SC in terms of drivebility, mpg, fun factor, etc. All I know is the '05 was a great reliable car, had it on a 45months lease with 0 problem (except that one time I tried to change the brake pads myself =P I am sure some of you will bring that up again). I had the '04 for about 3 yrs and not much problem either, but I would prefer the '05 coz of the AMG kit. So my choice is now narrowed down to '05 to '07. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 736
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From: Haslett, Mi
2011 E350 4matic
i just purchased a 06 C230 and couldnt be more happy with it. the 04 and 05 4 cylinders kompressors that i drove werent too much faster than my V6, so i went with the newer car. plus i got a 6spd manual so that makes me even more happy. here in southern california there are so many of these cars that you can get a great deal too. all the research i did pointed to getting as new a model as you could because they have really ironed out some of the issues of older years. not that the 04's and 05's arent great cars too, i just think each year they seem to be getting better.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: West Covina, CA
2004 C230k (SOLD), 2005 C230k (Lease ended), 2004 Carrera 4 Cab, 2007 530i
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Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 86
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From: Chicago
2006 CLK350 Cabriolet Previous: W203,W202,W201, 2 Porsche 914s, 1965 Jaguar XKE Roadster
I love the torque of the supercharged 4. I've kinda got a history with 4 bangers though...this is my 2nd C class...before that, a 190E (died at 220,000 miles), and 2 Porsche 914's in a row in my early 20's. The Porsches were great off the line in first gear
, a little doggish in 2nd, screamers in the turns and cheap on fuel. By the way, they were only one syllable back then.
, a little doggish in 2nd, screamers in the turns and cheap on fuel. By the way, they were only one syllable back then.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: West Covina, CA
2004 C230k (SOLD), 2005 C230k (Lease ended), 2004 Carrera 4 Cab, 2007 530i
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: West Covina, CA
2004 C230k (SOLD), 2005 C230k (Lease ended), 2004 Carrera 4 Cab, 2007 530i
Oh yeah, I never thought of the 32s &55s. They are also in the $20s but how practical is a C32/55 as a daily driver? Maintenance and mpg? Any inputs?
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,194
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From: Diamond Bar & Anaheim, CA
2003 C-Class Sportcoupe
+1,
4 bangers make better daily drivers, especially if you are not heavy footed and don't try to engage the supercharger all the time. I get 30+ mpg going 75-80 mph in my '04 C230K. Blake has a W203 C230K Sportscoupe that's nicely modded. Good value IMO.
4 bangers make better daily drivers, especially if you are not heavy footed and don't try to engage the supercharger all the time. I get 30+ mpg going 75-80 mph in my '04 C230K. Blake has a W203 C230K Sportscoupe that's nicely modded. Good value IMO.
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From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
Out Of Control!!
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 511
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From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
The 4-cylinder cars (C230K with M271) have the following advantages:
1. better mileage
2. better acceleration
3. lighter weight
If these are not important issues to you, buy one of the 6-cylinder models. The 6-cylinders are smoother and quieter, but lose out on the above efficiency items.
1. better mileage
2. better acceleration
3. lighter weight
If these are not important issues to you, buy one of the 6-cylinder models. The 6-cylinders are smoother and quieter, but lose out on the above efficiency items.
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2005 C230 K and 2009 Smart
Hi all, I'm back...well very soon. I am currently in the market for a used C230, I've had an '04 and '05, both served me well as a daily commuter. I've never driven the '06 up (6cyl version), and now debating if I should go with the 4bangers + SC or the 6xer? I found many '05's for under $20k, and '06 up are in the $20s which really is not much of a big difference.
So I guess my question is how is the 6cyl compared to the 4+SC in terms of drivebility, mpg, fun factor, etc. All I know is the '05 was a great reliable car, had it on a 45months lease with 0 problem (except that one time I tried to change the brake pads myself =P I am sure some of you will bring that up again). I had the '04 for about 3 yrs and not much problem either, but I would prefer the '05 coz of the AMG kit. So my choice is now narrowed down to '05 to '07. Any input is greatly appreciated.
So I guess my question is how is the 6cyl compared to the 4+SC in terms of drivebility, mpg, fun factor, etc. All I know is the '05 was a great reliable car, had it on a 45months lease with 0 problem (except that one time I tried to change the brake pads myself =P I am sure some of you will bring that up again). I had the '04 for about 3 yrs and not much problem either, but I would prefer the '05 coz of the AMG kit. So my choice is now narrowed down to '05 to '07. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Last edited by maecclass; Sep 27, 2008 at 01:35 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: West Covina, CA
2004 C230k (SOLD), 2005 C230k (Lease ended), 2004 Carrera 4 Cab, 2007 530i
Yeah since I had an 05 and I had no complaints about it...I think I am sticking with the kompressor. Thanks guys for all your inputs.
Last edited by I KOMPRZ; Sep 27, 2008 at 03:11 AM.
