WC68

Hi everyone! I have been following this forum for over a year now and have been gathering great information. I need help, I plan on buying either the 2003 C230WZ (sport sedan released on 1/6/03) or 2003 C320WZ4 (sport sedan with 4Matic released 1/6/03). For the C230WZ I plan getting auto tranny, C2, C3, C4, CD changer, Bose stereo upgrade and heated seats, MSRP is $33,120. For the C320WZ4 auto tranny, 4Matic, C1, C2, C3, C4, full leather, CD changer, heated seats MSRP $44,270. The color will be pewter with charcoal interior. The price difference between the two is $11,150 with tax it is $12,131.20. Which car would you recommend to buy considering the price difference??? 0 to 60 estimated for the C230WZ is 7.6 sec and for C320WZ is 6.9 sec. The major difference is the engine size and some climate control stuff and partial power seats compared to full power seats. I live in the Pacific Nothwest and 4Matic is not really needed so I thought I might save some money and go with the C230WZ, what does everyone think??? I will probably get a good discount off MSRP also! Thanks for your help!!!

KWiK

If you don't need 4-matic, why are you pricing it into the C320. You also have leather in the C320 price but not the C230. Equip the cars more equally and the difference might not be so big.

patronus

The biggest difference you will feel between these cars is smoothness. The V-6 is silky smooth and quiet. The 4-banger is, well, a 4-banger, yet a nice one and rather smooth. But still a 4-banger.

On the other hand, the torque/hp at lower rpm's is probably higher with the 230. In other words, you will have more power available where you do most of your driving (2000-4000 rpm) with the 230. I am guessing at this, curves are available to verify, but this is often the case with boosted engines.

If you want sport, why would you order a slush-box?

bagwell

The C230 Sedan is a good deal...(comparable to a 325i...FINALLY)

Lynn

I would bet that the 1.8 with balance shafts is just a smooth as an odd firing 90 degree v6 which also needs balance shafts.

WC68

Ok is you subtract out 4matic $1,800 and full leather $1,440 from the C320WZ4 the cost difference between the two would be $7,910 and with tax $8,606.08. Now the car is more comparable to the C230WZ. Is that price diffence worth it to get the bigger engine? I am getting an auto tranny because I am tired of shifting, I don't plan to drive the card hard but just like the look of the sport better than the regular sedan!

EmMtEe

go with the 320 w sport. it is a much better looking car with the graphite insterts and it is with in range for a lux/sports car. my .02 cents. i think you can get one for under 39k

speedfrk

Drive them both! I bet the 320 is much better suited to an automatic trans than the 230. Also, if money is not the big issue, I think the 320 will have better resale.