C230 vs C32...huh?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2003 C32 AMG
Disppointed with Mercedes!
Personally, I think Mercedes should not make the C230 look the same as the C32. When I bought my C32, I thought I was paying for the special look as well as the performance.
I am sure Corvette owners would be disappointed if Chevy dropped a 2.3 liter engine in a Corvette, put a 230 decal on it and sold it for two thirds of the price of a C6. Chevy could sell a lot of these cars to those who like the looks of a Corvette but cannot afford the one with the 400 HP V8.
I am sure Corvette owners would be disappointed if Chevy dropped a 2.3 liter engine in a Corvette, put a 230 decal on it and sold it for two thirds of the price of a C6. Chevy could sell a lot of these cars to those who like the looks of a Corvette but cannot afford the one with the 400 HP V8.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by C32Guy
Personally, I think Mercedes should not make the C230 look the same as the C32. When I bought my C32, I thought I was paying for the special look as well as the performance.
I am sure Corvette owners would be disappointed if Chevy dropped a 2.3 liter engine in a Corvette, put a 230 decal on it and sold it for two thirds of the price of a C6. Chevy could sell a lot of these cars to those who like the looks of a Corvette but cannot afford the one with the 400 HP V8.
I am sure Corvette owners would be disappointed if Chevy dropped a 2.3 liter engine in a Corvette, put a 230 decal on it and sold it for two thirds of the price of a C6. Chevy could sell a lot of these cars to those who like the looks of a Corvette but cannot afford the one with the 400 HP V8.
WHAT??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 1
From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
Look guys. It's all about increasing sales of C-class sedans to the "younger" crowd in the USA.
When the C230K sport sedan became a "replica" of the C32 AMG for MY2005, the C32 AMG was discontinued. The "new" C55 AMG made its debut, with a CLK front end/grill, different front skirt and fog lights, a new rear spoiler, and quad exhaust to distinguish it from the rest of the C-class line. For anyone who is a car fan, there should be no confusion about the C55 vs the rest of the lineup.
I think it was a smart move on Mercedes to make the 2005 C230K sport sedan look like discontinued C32 AMG because it made it more attractive for the younger crowd wanting that AMG look without the major price tag of a real AMG car.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's only in the USA where the cheapest C-class sedan was actually the C230K sport sedan. In almost every other country (including Canada), the base C230K was actually a non-sport sedan. You have to pay a premium to get the sport sedan package almost in every country other than the USA. You guys should consider yourself "lucky" in this regard. Here in Canada, I very rarely see a C230K or C320 sport sedan. Almost all of them are the base model (which is your luxury sedan model in the USA).
When the C230K sport sedan became a "replica" of the C32 AMG for MY2005, the C32 AMG was discontinued. The "new" C55 AMG made its debut, with a CLK front end/grill, different front skirt and fog lights, a new rear spoiler, and quad exhaust to distinguish it from the rest of the C-class line. For anyone who is a car fan, there should be no confusion about the C55 vs the rest of the lineup.
I think it was a smart move on Mercedes to make the 2005 C230K sport sedan look like discontinued C32 AMG because it made it more attractive for the younger crowd wanting that AMG look without the major price tag of a real AMG car.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's only in the USA where the cheapest C-class sedan was actually the C230K sport sedan. In almost every other country (including Canada), the base C230K was actually a non-sport sedan. You have to pay a premium to get the sport sedan package almost in every country other than the USA. You guys should consider yourself "lucky" in this regard. Here in Canada, I very rarely see a C230K or C320 sport sedan. Almost all of them are the base model (which is your luxury sedan model in the USA).
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 3
From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
Originally Posted by ///CLKfiftyfive
yeah, but at least make it an option NOT STANDARD EQUIPMENT 
The C230K ss is a BARGAIN - most probably offered by MBUSA like that to attract new customers and get them hooked to the brand.
When adding up the costs for all the options that the US spec C230K comes standard with, we already pay as much for those options as the US customer pays for the car - it is an insane bargain and apparently the MBUSA strategy worked cause the roads are flooded with C230K ss's (at least they are in california).
It is all a matter of marketing - and personally I am jealous at the US customer!
greetingz,
