those of you who own the new c230 or c320 sport sedans - how does the car handle/feel with the new, improved AMG-tuned suspension and wider tires? i'd assume it gives the car a much sportier feel, and less soft of a ride. but is it dramatically different....can you "feel the road"? and how does it compare to the 3 series or IS300? thanks.

 

so i guess no one's dared to evaluate the handling capability of their new sport sedans, despite the AMG tuning screaming for a challenge, eh?

 

i must say the IS300 does handle quite nicely and a very smooth ride. i havent driven one but have riden in one. ive driven the 04.5 C230WZ and would like to drive a 2005 C230WZ as well to see if there is much improvement.

 

I was told by the service foreman that the suspension on the 04 was lowered and retuned for the 04.5 update along with the brake upgrades. He told me the 05 brakes/suspension is a carryover from 04.5. What do you guys think?

 

I test drove a '04.5 hard for about 5 miles and have 1500 miles on my '05 C230 SS. With that in mind, I "feel" they are the same and agree with Dr. Chill. Have no experience with the Lexus or BMW.

 

The only way to get an answer you want is to plant your buttdyno into each one of them cars. Because no matter what; someone else's impression can't match your own real world experience. $0.02

 

I have a 05 c230 sport sedan and an 04 BMW 325 sedan too. The BMW is superior in handling, road feel, steering response at all speeds, braking, suspension and general control of the car. The Mercedes just does not compare favorably to the BMW 3 series when it comes to overall feel.

 

I have an o5 c230, it handles really good! I am going to lower it tommorow with some H&R's. My sister has an IS300. The Lexus handles well too but the steering wheel is way too hard. My car brakes really good. It is lower than previous models but not low enough!!!

 

We traded our 2002 C230 coupe for a 2005 C230 sedan. The differences are not dramatic. The 2005 seems to roll a bit less when cornering, but that's my subjective opinion, not something I've measured. Also, the 2005 tracks better than the 2002, which would tend to drift, but again, it's not a dramatic difference. I took the new car on a 1000-mile trip last weekend, and it was comfortable on the interstates, but so was the 2002. In corners, it's easy to place either car right where you want it.
Bottom line: neither is a Mini Cooper, but both competent, sure-handling cars with a balance between ride and handling that works well in real-world driving. If you want a road racer, it would be simpler (and probably less costly) to buy something else - a Mini, a Z car, a WRX, etc. - rather than rework either of these cars.

 

very well put!

 

May I ask if you bought your BMW after the MB, and if not, what did the MB "give" you, or have, that made you decide to purchase it instead of another BMW (since you seem to like the BMW better). Really good $$$ deals always count as a reason ...

 

Mr JayinLauderdale:
I could not agree with you more on your comment... I don't think anyone would dare compare a Mercedes Benz! to a BMW???? who would???... .
Though BMW is also a premium brand, nice, well built, etc, etc, etc, I don't know what you mean by "favorably" though... ...in many cases it will come down to a personal choice, what do you like the best... my wife loves and drives a BMW and I like and enjoy my C32-AMG

BMW 330i

Front View:


Rear View:



C32-AMG

Front View:


Rear View:



Let the blood battle begin!

Cheers!

Wiedermann

 

Heres why I chose Mercedes instead of getting another BMW:
The BMW is lower and harder to get in and out of frequently.
The standard (vinyl) seats in the BMW do not breathe as well as the standard Mercedes seats causing me to perspire more while driving.
The Mercedes exterior paint color palette appears to have more depth and shine than the BMW.
The Wheels/rims look nicer on the Mercedes.
The blue tinted windows
Updated DVD Nav with integrated Sirius radio
The center console is more substantial for my elbow to rest on
The car feels more comfortable inside