W203 Sedans - C230s vs C240s

[Impala]

Hi all! Our family are in the market for a compact sedan, and we're researching the following models -- base prices MY 2004:

C230 Kompressor Classic Sedan - $37,290 CAD / $28,400 USD
C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan - $42,490 CAD / $32,400 USD
C240 Classic Sedan - $41,290 CAD / $31,500 USD
C240 Elegance Sedan - $46,090 CAD / $35,100 USD

which are within 10-20% of each other, and all within our budget.

We drive about 10,000 km (6,000 miles) per year, 80% city and 20% highway. Our priorities are: ride comfort, safety, and reliability (intend to keep the car for 5 years+). Performance, looks, and accessories are less critical.

We understand C230s are supercharged 4s rated 189hp, and the C240s are V6s rated 168hp. And all the other specs are available in brochures.

While we'll take test drives, we're very interested to learn from fellow members in terms of the models' real-world driving impression and reliability. All advice would be much appreciated, and our thanks in advance!

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

I have test driven the C230 Kompressor sport sedan and must say I think it is a fantastic value. You get large (13" I think) cross-drilled fron rotors with 4 piston calipers, sport trim, nice 17" wheels, a firmer suspension, etc. I was very impressed with the vehicle except for the fact that I have a personal bias against 4 cylinders and do not like them very much as personal preference. It was a nice car, overall, though. I was definitely impressed with it and the engine did have good power with that 6 speed manual.

[jpb5151]

Impala, we have a 2003 c230k automatic-transmission sport sedan. It's a fun car to drive; very nimble yet solid. Also, highway gas mileage is great. We've gotten 34 mpg average before, and have gone 450 miles on 1 tank. City mileage is just like any other car, though...

I'm right with Ali Al-Chalabi wrt 4-bangers. The 230k engine has a reasonable amount of power, but we've got to rev the engine to about 2500 to make it pull worth anything.

Can you save a bit more $$$ and go for a 320? Even perhaps a 2003 320? It doesn't have much more power on paper, but the torque curve is flatter. We had a 320 loaner for about a week once and I didn't want to give it back. On top of the better engine, the ride itself is far smoother and much more relaxing. I'd take a 2003 C320 over a 2004 C230 any day, no question.

Another minor thing you probably know is that the 17" wheels and summer tires on the sport sedan are very bad in the wintertime. You'd probably need a set of 16" wheels and some Blizzaks or something.

hth, best of luck. Regardless of what Benz you get, you'll still get a solid ride and lots of safety features.

[Impala]

Thanks for the feedback on the C230K. I also find the Sport version quite an attractive value, as it is only $1,200 CAN above the 'classic' C240 but has upgraded trims (quite impressive looking rotors & calipers for this price point!), & mechanicals (Kompressor, sports suspension, thicker stabilizers, etc). Except, it has the 4-banger -- you get what you pay for, I guess?

Though the 6-speed manual would be fun (and saves us $1,500 CAN), it is not feasible in our case as one of the drivers prefers auto. The C320 would be nice, but price wise it is another 10-20% more, putting it out of reach. With regards to the tires, if we go for the Sport version we would be swapping to all-seasons -- where we live, it snows only 1-2 weeks in the winter. But thanks for bringing up these items.

I've tried the 'Cars' link near the top here, but cannot find W203 featured. But inside the 'Customer on Track' article, there is mention of the C230K (W202 though), as follows:

< C230 Kompressor…this car is pure fun to drive. While not about performance numbers like some of its bigger brethren, it pushes all of the same buttons the M103 300E did. Those being nimble/tossable feel, rev happy engine, balanced handling, intangible "fun to drive", and total practicality. >

If the W203 is overall an improvement of the W202, then looks like the current C230K will be a good bet? What I don't know is, is the engine & Kompressor the same between the 2 generations, or there is indeed some improvement in the powertrain?

We've set up an appointment for test drives next week, but we would definitely keep tuning into this forum for input. Anyone with opininos on the C240 to share?

Have a great long weekend, everyone!

[Impala]

We ended up test driving all 3 engines. All things considered (price/performance), our choice would be: 1st C230K, 2nd C240, and 3rd C320...

We found the C230K -- even at low rpm -- has plenty of power for our driving style (sloooooow), and we only have 1-2 people riding in the car most of the time so the power demand is very modest. But when we stepped on it, that engine was very powerful -- the 'push' was much stronger than the C240. We also heard the compressor spin (or was it only in our heads?), and the sound was sweet!

We found the V6s feel & sound more refined. However, in our case the benefits are not as apparent because of our driving style.

We're now pondering trim/options etc; hopefully to make an offer within the month. The salesman said production of MY2004 units are closed, so there're only limited number of units left. New ones will be made and sold as MY2005, for delivery by Sep/Oct.

Thanks again for the advice from kind fellow members!

[PHAEDRUS242]

as an answer to your earlier question, the 4 cylinder kompressor motor is different in from the 202 model in '03 and above 203's. it went from the m111 2.3L to the m271 1.8L. the 1.8 is smoother than the notoriously loud and chattery 2.3 and doesn't really give up any power. and yeah, the 240's are dogs. no power to speak of...happy shopping

[Impala]

Thanks for the info that W203 C230K has the M217 engine, different from the M111 in the W202.

Searching for 'M271' in all forums yields a grant total of 8 threads -- including this one! Perhaps there just isn't much to say about the engine?

But going thru the threads we followed a link to MBSPY

http://mbspy.bacosys.be/index2.html

where we found some info about the upcoming W203 facelift, supposedly for Spring 2004. This is news to us.

We'll be checking with the salesman to see when the facelifted units will be available -- looks like they won't be for MY2005 which the salesman told us are due to arrive around Sep/Oct (that's like Fall 2004).

[jpb5151]

Impala, if your salesperson is anything like every single salesperson I've run into, he / she will tell you anything at all to make you sign for a car on the spot, even if a facelifted model is coming the very next week. I've read about people getting the 2004 MY just before the 2004.5 came out (on www.mbklasse.com , but registration is required -- and worth it, imho); their salespeople said the usual "we aren't aware of anything new coming out, just sign here" blurb. Still, if you need a car then you need a car; there's always something better coming out and you can't wait forever.

How did your 230k tester do over bumps? Ours (2003) makes us feel every single thing but concurrently handles superbly over bumps. Also, the tires tend to take their own route along uneven parts of the road. There are a few spots along our drive to the lab where I'm just used to gripping the steering wheel to keep the car going straight. This isn't bad, just a result of the grippy tires.

Heated seats have been very very handy for us. If there were any option I'd recommend, this would be it.

Best of luck with your upcoming purchase decision.

Hello,

I'd wait for the upgraded versions of any of what you are considering. The interior looks much better and the new type of paint will make make it worth your wait. Besides, it's not spring yet in Montreal yet is it?

Regards,

Richard

[Impala]

Jpb5151,

Yes it is a bit frustrating to find out the exact availability & scope of the facelifted W203s. So far the salesman has been vague (perhaps it is company policy?). Now reading your mail that 'people getting the 2004 MY just before the 2004.5 came out ', do you mean the faclifted version (2004.5) are actually out already?

From memory the C230K tester went over bumps well. But then again we're slow drivers, and so we would have eased over bumps anyway.

Thanks for the pointer on the heated seats -- will consider. So far, our option list is really very simple -- metallic paint + leather twin + automatic transmission.

Rcapi,

We're actually on the 'wet coast', and spring has definitely arrived. Just trying hard to find out if the 2004.5 have also arrived!

Hi,

Sorry, my mistake about your location. My dealer tells me that they will start arriving around mid to late May. I've seen photos in the European magazines and the improvements are very tasteful. Like I said, I'd wait. Keep us informed about what you end up with.

Regards,

Richard

[Impala]

Just an update on our car purchase.

We decided not to wait for the facelift models, partly because the dealer was giving us an attractive deal on the current units (including high trade-in allowance).

We took delivery of a C230K Classic sedan yesterday, options: automatic, metallic paint (black opal), leather twin (charcoal), and rain sensor.

Thanks again for all the helpful advice here. We're very happy with our new car, and look forward to staying in touch through this forum !

Hello,

Congratulations! Excellent choice and a great color.
Stay in touch.

Regards,

Richard

[Mystery]

I think you made a good choice too! I recently got myself a C230 Kompressor, in Desert Silver (gold) exterior, Java leather/mbtex interior, automatic, heated seats.

That little engine is quite powerful but at the same time very fuel economical.

[Mogmeover]

Yes, Black Opal Metallic is nice!



My wife ordered a 2004 C240 4-matic, and we did European delivery. Picked it up in Stuttgart, got the factory tour and everything. There is nothing like being in Germany and having your own new car to blast around in. It was a fantastic experience, even after I bought the Unimog.