JMASTERJ

Hi all! My first time on a Mercedes forum now, feels, "different" lol... anyways, a long time BMW owner, and sadly I need to look for a new car. My old 1997 328i 5-speed still serves me outstandingly well but it is time.

I have been looking at the 2002-2006 3-series, but in that search popped up an interesting car... the 2006 C230 6-speed. I still only want a manual, I like the feel of the engine and gears, automatic just feels mushy and I dont feel in "control" lol... this C230 doesnt seem that powerful, 190hp/~7 sec 0-60 sound right? But I like the look (except for the tail lights, ummmm) and the interior is nice, and this one on sale for about $11k seems great, off eBay. It as like 65k miles and just looks pristine.

Now I know, eBay is not the best, but if I can get a great deal, esp off a dealer who will take my trade in, it will save me a lot of time and angst, and just deal with it. There was another one on sale on eBay as well for about the same stats but with more mileage.

I am here because I have never driven a Benz and I dont know anything about them, except from a few old reviews. Can anyone just give me the 411 on the value for this car (it seems just below KBB and Edmunds value if I get it under $12k), i.e., driving fun factor, handling, speed/acceleration, overall comfort/accessibility to controls, vision, durability of the parts and the small stuff (like the ones that BMW's always go bad!!!), etc... I know its a Mercedes but this is pretty much as low end as it gets right... I just think it seems like an awesome deal if i can get it for around $11k. Is that too much?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

LILBENZ230

It's 201hp and more like 8 seconds to 60.

The value is probably 12-13k. The durability should be fine, check the VIN number against the balance shaft wear. Other than that the 2006 W203 is well sorted.

JMASTERJ

Thank you for the info... that will be noticeably slower than my current, but oh well, if I can get it around $11k I guess it is fine. But is it true that Mercedes are more expensive to fix than even BMW?

How do I check the VIN against shaft wear, I dont understand that concept.

tommy

Yes, Benzes are slower. They're also slightly more expensive to fix (finding a good independent garage that you trust is key, if you're not a DIY-er), not as sporty with the handling in stock form, and the mannies aren't nearly as smooth as with a BMW.

The tail lights can be swapped out for S class versions, or just tint them a bit, and they'll be less offensive.

I don't know if I could deal with a Benz without a sunroof, though.

JMASTERJ

Thanks for the useful info! I did find a garage near my office just now, who gave me very good advice and some stuff without even charging, nice guys, and they are mad busy.

So 3 series is still better from the driver's point of view, and I really like to drive hard so I guess I may be very underwhelmed with the C230, especially compared to a 3 series for much less? (I am eyeing one 2003 325i for about $7500, looks great too)

So am I not the only one who thinks the tail lights are, well... not the best feature? Ya I would not have a problem taking care of that on my own later.

I live in FL so a sunroof, eh... hardly use it except to let hot air out lol... but I was hoping the reason to get this over the 3 series was much better build quality in and out so I can expect less maintenance costs overall in the next few years... now it seems like that may not be the case when you combine everything.

MBfinatic

Want to buy my C350 with a 6spd manual? You will have extra hp

JMASTERJ

Seems like a sweet model but cost and your distance and mutate all.

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MBfinatic

The most rarest W203 sedan. Im in Va. Were are you located?

JMASTERJ

In South FL... rare and fast is nice, but then I would jus go get my dream car, Porsche GT2... I am sure u not selling that for my price range for the C230, let alone free delivery.

tommy

That about sums it up nicely.

Throw in the absolutely horrible MB aftermarket options also, if you have any intention of modding whichever car you buy.

LILBENZ230

It's pretty rare to find a W203 without the sunroof.. but yeah, I'd want it because it comes packaged with rain-sensing wipers and the rear sunshade.

JMASTERJ

Thanks guys, for making my decision easier, just a reality check, making sure I am not crazy.. I love Mercedes but not in my budget right now... I wouldnt turn down a 500+HP SLK if u know what I mean...

MBfinatic

GT2!? That is a little over anything in the W203 range! With mine being less than half the miles and more options and all the stuff I put into it. It would most deff be more than 11k.

JMASTERJ

The GT2 is my DREAM car... meaning it will be my next car maybe after this one when I have real cash. Right now I am looking to actually spend like 7-8k on a BMW, forget the Mercedes, there really is no cost effective Benz for me right now that drives as good or better than a 3-series almost any year, let alone my 328i, which is sweet and has spoiled me. Even the 325i is gonna suck without the Sports Package.

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MBfinatic

Well have fun with your bmw and enjoy.

LILBENZ230

It's been said that nothing is more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. I think the same can be said (possibly even more true) about BMW.

If an $11k Mercedes is over budget you need to look at cars not from Germany.

Viper98912

If you're looking to not spend more than $7k than you need to go back to your 97 BMW. There's nothing out there better buddy.

Jay_Soprano

Honestly BMW makes a really good car but IMO having had both brands MB is more prestige, if you find $11 for a C230 to much u may want to stick with Japaneese maybe a Lexus or Acura. Personally always liked the IS series

MBfinatic

I know I own a mb and im on the mb forum but every bmw my family has owned just about had terrible reliability (Always something wrong). My dad bought a brand new 7 series awhile back, The first morning he went outside and found that it leaked oil all over the driveway. My friend has a 01 330i and he is always calling me with problems his car is having. Its a one thing after another. Awhile back I was going to buy an E46 m3 (Ended up getting the C55), When I would go look at them and ask for the service records I would be handed a BIBLE.. . Now again im not saying bmw makes bad cars but I havent had the best luck with them. I agree with 7k I would stick in the JDM range.