ravex911

For the past 8 years I've been driving the 3 series BMW. My current is a 335i and am looking to move over to mb world. Any idea on the best c-class in the 2004-2007 range? I want to spend no more than 14K and want something reliable yet still fun to drive. I've test driven a couple c230/c240's but they seem a bit sluggish on acceleration.

I have yet to drive the c320/c350 and based on what I've researched and read on here, the c350 is perhaps the way to go. Any thoughts and help on this would be greatly appreciated especially with year/model and mileage concerns.

Thanks

JB

e1000

C350 is your best bet. They were only produced for 2 years, 2006-2007. The other alternative is to scrounge up a bit more and get a C55 AMG.

As far as reliability is concerned, anything after the facelift in 2005 is a pretty good bet.

ravex911

Thanks for the info. Just need to find a c350 in my price range. What should one expect to pay for a 2006 with 50-70K miles? Is there a certain mileage range to avoid? I've seen a few listed on auto trader for 14,900ish with 70K miles, what do you consider a fair price?

Thanks

OneOfaKindTrini

May I suggest a G35 Sedan 6mt. They 6mt sedans were in production from the facelift 05 and up. I don't want to make it seem like I am pointing you away from the Mb, but you drive a 335i.

If you do want a C350 theres a 06 C350 on CarMax for $20,500.

ravex911

I've seen the g35, I agree the 2005+ look a whole lot better. I've always wanted a mercedes but have been use to the bmw's. I am ready for a change!

e1000

It all depends. The value of the car will depend heavily on what options the car has and how it was maintained.

OneOfaKindTrini

IMO I would honestly point to you to the G35 because there is much more aftermarket for the cars. Don't give me wrong the W203 is nice and a great platform but im just saying keep the G35 in your mind as well. You should drive both of them. Look for the 05+ 6MT sedan because those aren't affectly by the Rev-up in the 06-07 coupe oil consumption problem.

Glyn M Ruck

Buy a V6 whatever you do coming from a BMW - A 350 would be a fine choice.

LILBENZ230

A 2009 335i to a 2006-07 C350 is quite a backwards step.

alpinweiss

I think the main question is: are you wanting the same level of performance you had in your BMW 335i? If so, you will probably have to get one of the AMG models. Even the C350 will not be as fast.

If you can live with less power, you can buy a nice 2005-2007 C230 at your price point. A 6-speed manual transmission will definitely liven up the performance.

OneOfaKindTrini

It would have to be a 2006 and up because the 05 would be roughly 100WHP down from the 335i. The C350 will be outperformed by the 335i easily. I know people will be ready to start flaming my post for this, but..

Has the OP looked into a EVO? It's 4dr, more fun than the 335i, can be driven in any weather..The aftermarket is INSANE and you can buy a 03-04 GSR privately in the 14k range.

LILBENZ230

There is no performance advantage in buying a 2006 C230 over the 2005 C230K. The performance is very similar with the 230K having a slight edge.

You are correct about a C350 being absolutely no match for a 335i - it isn't even close.

W203E35

^^ Bro he wants to spend 14k. You wont find a good condition Evo for that much. Sure he can even get a beat up C32 for 10k and it'll blow the doors off the evo and the 335i and the G35 but the main concern is reliability. I believe with 14k you'll get a decent C32 which has great power.

ravex911

My lease is up on the 335, and with a family and new baby on the way, I am looking to pay cash and forgo monthly payments. Plus, I am also looking at overall luxury, then 0-60 performance. My 335 was a blast to drive but where I live BMW is all too common. I am excited at the prospect of driving something different. Here is a list of the cars I am Test-Driving in the next 2 days:

2006 c320 Auto
2005 c230K 6spd
2006 C350 Auto
2006 C240 Auto
2006 G-35 Sedan Auto (OneOfaKindTrini Req)

I'd love to get an AMG, but will have to hold off on that for a few years...

LMK if you think that should give me a good feel for the c-class line.

LILBENZ230

This is what I think:

1. 2006 C350 Auto
2. 2005 C230K 6MT

There is no C320 or C240 in 2006.

I have no opinion on the G35. I don't really care for Nissan.

ravex911

Opps, 2005 for those 2. I have an apt in the morning to check out the 2005 c230k. How long do the clutches usally last on these? The car tomorrow has about 80k miles, is that something I need to be concerned about? Thanks for all the tips/info!

LILBENZ230

That depends on how well you drive it is what I gather. The highest mileage 230K on this board is a 2005 and had 203,000 miles at last check in (a year ago) and it is a 6MT still running the original clutch.

I have almost 101,000 on my 2005 C230 and the thermostat is stuck but that's common across the board on these cars regardless of engine. You need to check the cam magnet connectors on the front of the engine for oil leakage and if they're dry, fit the adapter wires. More info can be found all over this forum about that issue. Mine were dry at 40,000 and I put the adapter wires on (for about $40) then and have not had any issues. My car has been extremely reliable.

The 2005 C320 would be a good bet, too.. but less fun to drive with the standard auto. I'd probably go with the C230K to get the 6MT - it's something I wish every day I had done.

I would pass right up on a C240 of any year. None of these cars are fast, especially compared to an N54 BMW, but the C240 is simply too weak for my tastes.

cpbeasley

me wonders if the "slight" (SLIGHT!) edge the 05 c230k has over the 06 c230 has anything to do with the lower gear ratio (ya im own a gearing kick)... because isnt the "difference" noted between the two in the lower gears, rev ranges?

i know matt is in love with the 230k engine, but just remember that the m272 engine line (06-07 c230) is still in production today. they did something right with it IMO.

LILBENZ230

Is the M271 not still in use in ROW? What are these W204 C200s I see people asking about on the W204 side?

In any event, the gearing might have something to do with it. But more torque and less weight certainly play a factor, as well.

cpbeasley

I forget about the ROW c200s or whatever they are so I guess maybe they are?

I just wouldn't discount a v6 c230 on account of the 4cyl having a teeny torque advantage when the v6 has advantages of its own. If the OP could find say an 05 and 06 at similar price point, he need to judge for himself without a preconceived disregard.

either way if OP likes a c230 whatever the flavor its a FTW.

That said, buy a c350

OP: I got lucky and scored my c350 6mt for $13,5.

ravex911

Excellent deal on your c350!! How did you manage that? Most places I've seen are in 15k and still have 70k miles.

What are the main advantages of the c350 over the c230? Any diff in car size/features?

W203E35

Why not look into a C320 facelift? That's a much better option than the C230 V6.

W203E35

Don't even waste your time on a G35. I also like Matt don't care for Nissan. They are great cars but I am bias about them because I feel it's too over hyped. Once at the track this guy came with us he had an exhaust and intake (MREV2) and it was 6MT (06 Sedan). The guy thought his car was the bomb dizzle and ran consistent low 9's in the 1/8 mile. He says he runs low 14s in the 1/4 mile. Same with the G37 Coupes...they run very high 13s and very low 14s. You know how much those G37's run 1/8 mile at the track? 8.9!!!

And then Nissan has the ***** to compare those cars to a 335i or the 135i????

On the C350 Rolling start is the main key. Off the line I couldn't take an 08 G35s Sedan (at track). Rolling start I have a great jump on the same car...go figure
At the track he would get the jump and it's playing catch up from there...I wouldn't be able to reel him in or nothing, It would be equal all the way till the end. Hope K&N solved my air starving problem and hopefully might see a change next time I go.

Cale's car is going to be a monster. With his tune I have no doubt he'll be able to take the G37.

chkoo

why is there no mention of the c280. i heard its got the best power to milage ratio out of all the c classes.

W203E35

C280 is great too (same engine as the C300) but I don't think it comes in sport.