Have a 2005 C230 kompressor sedan as a loaner car right now. I'm really impressed by how nice it actually drives. The car has 2400 miles on it.

Compared to the 2002 C32, I think the interior upgrades are nice...the dash/controls and the speedometer. It looks so much sportier and more modern. I'm not sure if I'm too big of a fan of the silver trim though. It isn't smooth, so it appears kind of cheap IMO. I actually like the shift knob a little more than the C32 one. Although the cars aren't manual, the shift knob that comes on the C230K feels better.

The three spoke steering wheel looks and feels better also. It seems like the steering feels tighter than my C32, has anybody else noticed this? The steering just feels so much more solid.

I also noticed that the supercharger whines much louder. Is it because of the difference in the superchargers between the C230K and the C32? It has more of a small turbo spool up sound. On my C32, it sounds more of a quiet whine.

The C230 also has less of that diesel sound at idle. This is probably because of the difference in the engines.

The exhaust is significantly louder. Actually sounds like the car has an aftermarket exhaust.

The windshield wipers are different also, do they function better? I can't compare because these wipers are brand new compared to the ones I have on the C32, haven't changed them in awhile. =)

Sound system sounds pretty close, except there seems to be more bass and thumb. Did they change anything in the systems for 2005? Is the sub still located under the rear shelf?

Cigarette lighter outlet in the rear passenger ashtray, something i don't have.

Honestly comfort wise, I think the seats, although not Nappa and not as sporty as the C32 seats, actually feel more comfortable. It feels like theres more cushioning under the leather, especially on the bottom half of the seat.

Besides the power, I'm really enjoying this car. Its not bad for a mercedes that starts at $29k. I'm assuming the C55 would carry these differences and have the power =)

 

I am sure someone with a 230K will be more than happy to trade with you.

 

I just had a C240 as my loaner and couldn't wait to get my C55 back. Just not sporty enough at all. BLAH.

 

go to the w203 forum...i have my impression of the c230k ss there.

 

I have a 04.5 C230K SS
It handles better than my C32 did stock...

 

I don't think I would trade my C32 for a C230K. I also wouldn't mind having one though.

I had a C240 wagon loaner at first, and traded it in after a few days for the C230K. Yeah, it probably wasn't sporty enough, but it was comfortable and didn't feel big for being a wagon....its only like a half inch longer though. The C230K is sportier, not like C32/C55, but not bad or horrible at all.

I agree with you on the brake feel FrankW, a large portion of the initial braking is mushy, nothing really happens, then it suddenly bites. It stops well, just doesn't feel like there's enough control over it.

Car feels pretty solid and tight for the amount of comfort. Its much less harsh. Yeah, it kinda feels like it handles better, but probably like Frankw mentioned, the engine is smaller and lighter. But then again, IF a larger engine was in there, then the suspension would probably be changed anyway.

 

I still have the C32..the C230Kss is a commuter

 

That would be perfect =)

Now if only I can get my car back and keep this car :p