MBBoston

OK.

I know some people might dissagree, but I think the c230k lacks low end tourque like crazy. I came from an 01 325i stick with sport package to a c230k auto. I feel like to get any power out of my car, I have to drive it tipronic and beat the %^&% out of it. Is it me or the 325i just had a bit more kick. This probably has been discussed hundreds of times but I am just a bit dissapointed with my car (4.5 c230k sedan with 6k miles on it) and know thinking of going back to a 3-series (maybe 330ci). The only thing that is holding me back is the 230k is gourgeous car that I dont see them out a lot but the 3-series is everywhere. Also, what is up with the crazy depreciation on these cars? Went to a dealer and they offered me 25k for my car. Not cool to loose 4k on a car in 6 months....hmmm....Advise???

Buellwinkle

I wouldn't want a C230 with an automatic either, too much delay off the line. 6-spd is the way to go. You may want the new 325i, it's 215 HP and the 330i is going to be 255 HP, not too shabby when you consider they include free maintenance and MB doesn't. I think MB is going to have a hard time competing this year but that's good, teach them to not take away the free maintenance.

MBBoston

Thanks for the reply...when is the new 3 coming out. Are you talking about the 05 or the o6 having the 215 hp. Looks like MB is going to get killed when the new 3 is out. Guys....I think I am going to wait and then bail to the 3 (my 01 was the most favorite car I have owned)...to bad my wife kept bichin she cant drive stick and made me get an auto

FrankW

the 3's coming next year, but that's if you'll want the ugly design over the E46.

PRHeloPilot

OK lets see.... I've been a BMW fanatic since I can remember and at one time owned 3 diferent ones (2002tii , 323, 325i ). When I had them all parked in front of my yard at the same time to wash them, my neighbors would joke that I started a dealership. When I decided to buy a new car a few months ago, I saw so many BMW 3 series that it was rediculous ! Everybody and their grandmother and their kid had one and if I wanted something everyone had I would have gone with a Toyota or one of those other asian sardine cans with wheels (nothing against Asian people, I love the Asian woman). Since I wanted something a little special, I went with the C230 not to mention that it already comes sport packadged so not much to mod there, just a few small things. I'm changing the rims, flat hood badge, CL grill, rear trunk lip spoiler, and that's pretty much it for me.

With regards to the depreciation, the dealers will do that. These cars lose a lot during the first 2 years but then they settle down.

Talos

Don't worry about depreciation, buy what "feels right". Personally, I would take a manual 3-Series over a C-Class... i'm really not a fan of the C-Class, and I love the agility and overall "feel" of the BMW 3-Series. Test-Drive them both and see which suits you best. The new 3-Series will be released in the US in November.

FrankW

did you even read his post?

PRHeloPilot

I don't think he read it. I think he just read my post and went for it.

ilko

The 3-series have more power than the C230K. But they also are everywhere and their interior looks outdated.

New (E90) models will be shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this year, but from what I've seen, they look a lot worse than the outgoing ones (E46). I'm said to say it, because I love the way BMW has progressed with their styling over the years but that's the truth. The E90 won't be available in the US until next Fall at the earliest.

Audi is doing a revision of the A4, you should check it out. It will be available with the DSG transmission, which is amazing! And your wife will be happy with it as well.

Guest0001

That is your problem.

Anaheim_Drew

I myself would do the following;
1. Work a deal to trade in the automatic for a 6speed.
2. Teach your wife to drive a stick which was the reason you changed to an automatic.

Guest0001

Drew Im disapointed in your philosophy. Tsk Tsk.

He should suck it up and stick with it. No use losing a **** load of money with depreciation.

Anaheim_Drew

Mr. Noble,
You should know me by now No where in my post was there a mention of losing a **** load of money.........
As for sucking it up That won't feel to good when he is paying for something that he is unhappy with each month when it is payment time

nicedeboy

I went from a BMW M3, to a 328i, then to benz with a c240 and then a c55. Benz compared to BMW, lacks the "get up and go" feel in its cheaper line of cars. Spend another 20k to 30k, and you'll get that feeling you want when you had a BMW.

CitronC230K_03

**** M3, to 328 lacks the get up and go

FrankW

wow you had 4 cars in 7 years. did you crash'em all or you change car very fast because you can get'em at like 60% off discount. i.e. $25k for a C55.

anywayz, got a pic of the C55? I'm not talking about other ppl's car btw. maybe a picture with a bottle of water next to the front wheel from you. how does that sound? or you gonna say you don't have a camera?

nicedeboy

Get a life Frank... You are totally a stupid loser.

PRHeloPilot

Now that makes sense.
FINALLY able to see your car and I like the rims !

Saprissa

why do people keep comparing a BMW 325i with 215hp to a MB C230K ???

if you wanted something comparable in horsepower to the 325 then you should of gone with the MB C320 V6. Now they are rated at an equal 215hp.
[[ My 2003 C320 Coupe was rated at 218 hp, and now with an ECU Upgrade is up to 231 hp. With high-flow air filter & AMG exhaust, add another 7-10 hp ]]

People argue about the additional cost of a C320 vs a C230K, but if you love the gorgeous body style so much as compared to the BMW, and looking for power (with the optional suspension modifications, that will make it equal to or better to BMW in handling and maneuverability), then the cost shouldn't be that much of a deal.

In my experience the C320 improves dramatically over the C230/C240 in low-end torque. Perhaps with an ECU upgrade, the C230K can be improved.

Rather than spending the money on a BMW 330ci, special order a 6-speed C320... just my $0.02

jinijazz

Agreed. I test drove c320 before purchase of my c230, no question it's better car. However, c230 delivers what i promises perfectly, sport + comfort + luxury at great price.

For those who compare c230 to 325i, TL, G35, A4, everthing comes down to personal preference.
If it is your only vehicle and can't sleep on horsepower war, get G35.
If handling is what you care most, and don't mind Camry like image and it's interior, get 325i.
If interior is what you care, you may consider A4.
If you are fine with Acura, TL may be fine for you.

As I said, c230 delivers what it promises and near perfect combination of them that no other cars do. I sometimes feel the handling could be a little better, but good enough & better than most cars out there. My love for c230 grows everyday.

FrankW

LOL...so no prove or what?

mctwin2kman

The current 325 has only 184Hp out of the inline 6! The next generation is getting bumped to the 215 level, but MB is also increasing its Hp numbers as well. Next fall there will be a change of engines and the I-4 SC will be gone and a small 2.3L V-6 in its place, as well as mnay other engines including the same engine in the new SLK350 generating 268 or so ponies! The Coupe will be gone in the US as well as the C230K Sedan according to the rumor mill!

MBBoston

The c230k gone after this year? Really? Where did you hear this?

Guest0001

Good points

BabyBenz6spd

I bought my current 05 C230 Sedan not too long ago. I have a 6spd btw.

A little of my previous car before my C230. I had a 2k2 Nissan Maxima SE 6spd. It had 3.5L V6 with 255HP and 246Ib/ft of Torque. It was a blast to drive and engine roar like music to my ears. Anyway, I had to replace it because it was flooded.


Now, when I drive my C230 6spd, I wasn't use to it at first, because of how "powerless" it felt compare to my Maxima. But I fell in love with the suspension work (Way better than Maxima), and RWD, Short throw shifter, etc..

Imagin how I felt coming from 255HP and 246Ib/ft of torque to 189HP and 192Ib/ft of torque. I can't pass cars "as fast" as I use to. Unless I revv the engine a bit and shift at higher RPM.

The point is, like what other guys mention in the thread. Pick whats important to you and choose a car. To be honest You can't go wrong with either BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-class, Acura TL, or Infiniti G35. They are all great cars with Pros and Cons.

Btw, I test drove a 03 325i (automatic) and that thing was not very exciting to drive, I put the pedal to the floor entering the highway and it struggled to put my back against the seat , then I drove a manual 330i and that was a different story. too bad it cost an arm and a leg~