Im debating for a next car. I need a nice daily ride. Looking at getting the C320, C32 AMG (but kinda too much) or a BMW 330i. I really do not know much about the C320, I know more about teh BMW cause I worked in a dealership for 3yrs. What kind of proplems have you had with the car? How do you like the performance of the C320? Are there aftermarket items that will increase the performance of a C320 that can make the car perform as well or better the C32 AMG? My big question, what kinda gas milage are you getting? My current car gets 19mpg on Highway, but it is geared towards dragracing.

Thanks people

 

If you got the C32 in mind already then that means you can probably afford it, so go for that car! Luxury, performance, sporty kit and rims-you can do NO wrong and of course it is AMG. You WONT regret the extra few bux you send in every month. That woulda been my first choice had that car been out in early '01. And the other thing, these days you gotta spend a lotta $$$ to mod a 3 series to jaw dropping status since there's SO many, while you rarely see W203's heavily modded....just my opinion

 

I just bought a C320 Coupe and the last trip I got 27.1 MPG. This was 50% highway (stop lights in every town) and 50% interstate at which I drove 80. Started the trip with 900 miles and ended with 1600 miles on the car. So, now the Coupe is broken in and the power is wonderful.

 

Sounds good. Errr I just can't decide

 

I'm very pleased with the performance of my 2002 C320 Sedan. It is a very comfortable and quiet car. My fuel economy with the air conditioning on all the time here in Phoenix has never been below 19 mpg city and is most always between 20 and 21 mpg. My only long trip was to Colorado last summer where I got 28.2 mpg for the entire trip. On the way home, I drove 500 miles tha last day and got 31mpg. This was driving as fast as possible without getting stopped.

 

My C320 Coupe only has 3000 miles, but I've had no problems. It is very comfortable and quiet, but is still a capable handler. I chose it over a 330i and A4 3.0 and don't regret it. My mileage has average over 20 mpg in the city and that includes a trip to the autocross.

P.S. It will turn heads.

 

I bought by C320 sports coupe in late July. I chose it over the BMW 325i (once was my dream car at age 17) and Infiniti G35. Most important reason: overall value. It's a lot more powerful than 325i. It handles a lot better than G35. The interior looks much more lux than both. AND IT'S THE CHEAPEST. I didn't consider Audi because I heard there is a lot of problems with it (of couse you heard that for every brand). I didn't like SAAB at all. So here I am. I get free car wash every week. Great service rep. This was one of my best decisions in my life. So... look at my signature line

 

Very nice Im leaning more towards the MB would like to maybe see about a used C32 I really like the power that car has.

 

Wouldn't we all!!

 

The only thing I have to warn you is that don't expect the C32 to get 20mpg on average if you don't do a lot of freeway. My average as of now is around 17.8mpg. On the freeway I can get 21mpg, but the local 14-15mpg is the one that kills the average.

If you don't mind used car, the C32 is definitely the one you want. If you want a new car, but in your mind that a NEW C32 is too much for you right now your best bet is to go for the C320 sport.

Currently if you want a C320 to perform better than the C32, you'll be spending more than what the C32 cost.

If you have another performance machine in your garage and only needs a daily driver then I would think that the C320 is what you only need and save some money for future use. The C320 can be had with 4WD or sport pkg, which ever you prefer.

So my conclusion:

USED: get the C32, period.
NEW: get the C320, so you don't have to strain your wallet while having fun.

 

Sounds good. I do mostly freeway driving now. I just need a car taht will be really comfy 2 drive and get good gas milage as I drive from NC to NY. By good milage anything above 20mpg will due. I do have another car, by January it will have 650rwhp and will be driving on ET Drags and teh suspension is set up for 1/4 mile racing. i like the C320 sport but I cant get away from power and thats why I really like the C32.

 

not to hate or anything i kind of regret getting a 2002 C230... i wish they had the C320 coupe when i brought my 2002 C230... The 2002 may have more power than the new version C230.. but it also have the most problems i believe =P...

I wish i went for the BMW 330CI

 

err, isn't your C230 coupe a HELL of a lot cheaper than a 330Ci? If you're talking used, then used C32 all the way. Drag racing power and fairly comfy freeway ride.

 

I have one of the original C320 2001 Sport.
Things I like.

The ride is exactly what I was looking for: 1) Great cornering
with a comfortable ride. It is the best car I have driven as
far as ballance goes, my opinion of 330 sport is a little harder
ride. It's always a trade off. I wasn't looking for autocross
car, I just want to take the freeway turns at 100 in style
while the a.s.s.hole in the SUV has to slow down.

Second reason I like the C320: It's quiet. I almost tried to
start the engine at a stop light because I thought it stopped.
That's what happens when you drive a normal vehicle then
switch over. After a week it might seem noticeable.

Reasons why I wouldn't buy this car again.

1) The transmission. The worse transmission I have
ever driven bar none. Hear me out. Not only is
it the slowest to shift between gears, the time
for kick down during full throttle is so bad I have
almost been killed, seriously. Please, go see for
yourself. On a freeway try changing lanes and dump
the throttle and see how long before you get what
you want.

Note: the transmission in the AMG is suppose to be 35%
faster and after driving it appears to be correct. It does
feel llike a fast transmission.. Did I mention I hate the
transmission in my car.

What about the manual / auto shift. This is a great concept
and fun to drive but again the time it takes to shift sucks.
If I ask to shift up a gear under full throttle at 5000 rpm
it will still continue to almost 6000 before kick down, which
isn't the worse thing as you can learn to deal but it just
reminds me how slow it is.

2) A diipstick (measuring tool) cost me $100.00.
Call me what you want, but all cars should come with
a dipstick. I wouldn't complain if the computer gave you
an accurate reading, but in my car it's just yes the
level is okay, too much, needs oil. Yes, there are some
hidden menus but it's a pain and un acceptable.

Don't forget, to change the oil you suck it out the top
or remove a skid pad under the front to drop a drain
bolt. This is another example of such BS engineering.
Germans obviously don't work on cars at home.

So, if I had to do it over again. My first choice would
be a C32 otherwise I would consider a G35 but probably
go with a 330. My biggest complaint with a G35 is the
interior but it's raw power is awesome. I think a 330
is more common then a honda accord arround here.

Just my $02 worth.

Good luck,

 

it was actually quite nice in the c320... comfortable, quiet, absolutely solid, a dash u can actually use (unlike on the w202), and a very nice interior.... but so much lean and body roll. my friend's gf had one and first thing she said was it's a pu$$y car... they later got a 330i instead.. they needed something that handled more to their liking. i've driven both...and stock for stock, the 330i just handles better. they also happen to be m coupe and 318 e36 owners...so go figure. what are u looking for? surely, a tuned c320 would be just as good in the handling...but u do have get aftermarket stuff and lose a bit of comfort (which i'm guessing isn't a big deal, as i just saw a slammed w203 with 19...so it can't be that bad). a c320 does look better than a 330i imo tho, with or without aftermarket stuff... and forget about the new 3-series...not that good looking either....it's a chic car here in nor cal too... as for getting a c320 up to par or better than c32...well pump in another $20k and yeah, it'll be good... u're better off with a c32 if u are looking for that kind of performance. between c320 and 330? i'd take the c320... the 330 interior is so boring and monotonous... just get at least 17" and minimize the wheel well gap..

 

Thanks for all the responses some very good advice

 

Thanks for the advice and comments

 

personally, if there's not 1 million 330's around your area, I would go with that car...with the sport package or performance pkg, its a LOT sportier in my opinion. Just read any magazine with those 2 cars compared and the 3 series kills the C320 in just about every category.

That said - there IS 1 million 3 series in my area and I wanted something different. I do like the C320 and have had my share of probs with it - but bad part is I ended up spending $1000 on bi-xenon headlites, $1200 on 17" AMG wheels just to make it look good or equal to the 330 (again, in my opinion).

MB is geared more towards luxury than sport....