delija

Guys i am in market for one of those cars.
What do u guys think 230 or 320? 230 is little bit cheaper little bit less power. I think it has same features.
I am looking at 2000 model avantguard or should i go with elegance. But planning to pun 19" brabus rims and lowering, i have read somewhere that elegance only has softer suspension.

And overall would you recommend those cars. I can get CLK230 Kompress year 2000 with about 70 000km for AUD $26 000

Thanks.

joeljp

Delija, if money isn't an issue, I'd go for the 320. That bit of extra power and torque do make a lot difference. I had a 98 model 230 for years and wish I had the 320 instead.

Ausmbtech

320 is the better buy, the 230 is good but it feels like its always working hard, the 320 feels like it has plenty of reserve. The real world fuel consumption is almost the same.

Acez

if you're going to put 19" on it, i'd suggest go for the 320. 230k will feel underpowered with those huge wheels.

delija

Well i came across really nice 230 compressor 2000 (built october 2000) with only 60 000km on the tacho, one owner, it is black with 'orion grey' leather which i am not really great fan, would prefer black. But price is attractive as it is about trade in value.
Also prefer if it had digital climate control.

I think it is better on fuel than 320 and not sure if those v6 engines are that reliable.

So power is not that of an issue as long as it turns heads
I'll test one this week and see if i like the car.

Thanks.

Ausmbtech

The V6 are very reliable, probably a bit more so than the 4 cyl. The 4 and the 6 are very close on fuel, the 6 i think is better if you have a bit of a heavy foot because then the supercharger is on (it has a clutch) much more often and it uses alot of extra fuel.

Also the 6 cyl will work fine on std unleaded while the 230K really NEEDS premium (both specify that premium is the minimum grade)

delija

5 speeds transmission, should it be really smooth?

Please advise what should i look for and be wary off when i inspect one of those? I am 2-3 days from purchasing one!


Thanks.

Ausmbtech

Check that the 1-2 shift under light throttle and the 3-2 shift when slowing is smooth. Also check that when at approx 1500rpm in 3rd with light throttle that there isn't a "droning" noise in the driveline. Apart from that I would just change the transmission oil and filter when you purchase it for piece of mind.

There isn't much else you can check in regards to the transmission that would indicate an imminant failure.

On the 230 i would check that the supercharger for excessive noise, check for a rattling noise when passing the 2000rpm mark (noise when the cam adjuster operates). It doesn't fail completly but is very irritating and expensive to repair.

On a 320 check the engine for smooth and even idle, check under the oil cap for moisture and sludge, check the exhaust for rattles.

delija

Thanks for the hints.

delija

Guys i choose 230 as it was in spotless condition.
I drove it from Sydney to Melbourne 900km, it used only one tank of petrol. It is just amazing.
It is 2001, Black with spotless light interior, 63 000km on the clock...
I will post some pictures as soon as i get a chance.

LOVEE ITTT

joeljp

Delija, great buy and great mileage!! I could never get that much out of my old 230 but then again, I never took it from Syd to Melb. All the best with your new pride and joy!

delija

Thanks mate,
i was about 50km to Melbourne and had about 8-10 litters. Did not wanna risk it i filled up.
I had it on cruse 95% of time, car is just amazing!

Car is so good that on the same day i picked up a chick in Sydney, she showed me around as i was first time there heheh