Hey all,

Went looking at C's again for the wife. We drove a C230K and a C280. We thought they both were pretty fast, but the C230K sounded really nice.

Any pro's and con's between the two models I should know about?

Also, is it possible to "fine-tune" the supercharger to get a little more juice out of it? If that's possible, within safe limits, that would just about sell the car for me.

Thanks much for your input!


-m

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Now:
2018 Tesla Model X
1999 S500 Grand Edition 164k
1992 300D 2.5 Turbo 287k
2005 E320 4MATIC wagon
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L 99k (sleeping for a while)

Then: 96 Lincoln TC, 93 Lincoln TC, 87 560 SEL, 87 300 SDL, 80 300D, 89 560 SEC

One other question, what years was the C230K available? I can't seem to find anything older then 1998, but I could have sworn it as out before that.... Thanks much!

-m

__________________
Now:
2018 Tesla Model X
1999 S500 Grand Edition 164k
1992 300D 2.5 Turbo 287k
2005 E320 4MATIC wagon
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L 99k (sleeping for a while)

Then: 96 Lincoln TC, 93 Lincoln TC, 87 560 SEL, 87 300 SDL, 80 300D, 89 560 SEC

C230 K all the way. The newer C280's are a new V6 design with three valves per cylinder and only a single overhead camshaft. The 230 Kompressor (production began in 99) has 4 valves per cylinder (racey), double over head camshafts and a supercharger that has great potential. My mom has a C220, basically a 230 K without the supercharger, when it jumps on the cams around 3500, the car fly's, but the off the line performance whether you nudge it or floor it. Thats where the kompressor comes in with the supercharger to get the car off the line then it hits the cams and your gone. The sound that little four makes jumping on her cams sounds very spirited out to the 6250 redline. As for tuning the kompressor can have the obvious intake and exhaust, cams and chips that bolt on. One chip may increase power 30-35 hp alone (eurosportiff.com has great tuning links, the page is run by a euro show car champion who's vehicle of choice C230 Kompressor). You have my vote on the Kompressor.

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Elliot Easton
1987 300D Turbo 151K
1996 C220 stock (Mom's car)

I'd also go with the 230k. I have a 98 230, the 99 model was the first year the 230 shipped supercharged. I test drove a c280 before I bought my 230. The difference in power was hardly noticeable. Had I been blindfolded before I entered the car and not known which car I was driving I'm not sure I would have been able to tell the difference. The 280 is a much quieter car, both when accelerating and at idle. To some people that is important. The 230 engine is still a quick engine, the only complaint I've had is the performance off the line. The car tends to hesitate and really needs to be coaxed into a quick start. It took a while to get accustom to it. That's exactly where a supercharger will help. A broken in 230k should feel much quicker than a 280. The only reason to go with a 280 is if you plan on tuning it to death. The v6 is a better platform if you want to send the car off to Brabus or Renntech. But unless your interested in spending $20,000 or more on tuning, the 230k with a chip (as the previous poster mentioned) should be plenty quick for a relatively affordable price.

Without reservations and conditions, I would vouch unreservedly for the C230K. The engineering can not come any smoother and better than the C280.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

I disagree 100%. I test drove a 97 C230 before getting my C280 and could not believe at the lack of power it had from the C280. The difference was between night and day. The 230s seriously lag, they have a 0-60 time of close to 11 seconds, meanwhile my C280 is just under 8 seconds to 60.

The kompressor engines sound like a lawnmower. I have never heard a good thing about the sound of those engines until this post. The sound is atrocious, IMO. The 280 has a much more refined sound to it, and it's silky smooth. Also, they are about the same to 60, but the 280 pulls stronger to 100 than the kompressor's will.

Also the C280 comes standard with many more options such as the BOSE sound system, leather, power passenger seat, and others. I do not regret in any way whatsoever in getting the 280 over a kompressor. One of my friends has a 99 230 kompressor and another has a SLK kompressor, and both sound like mack trucks, if you ask me.

So, to answer your question, C280 ALL THE WAY!

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

As I said in my first post. The 230 does lag off the line. Once over 20mph I didn't think there was any noticeable difference between the 280 and the 230. My 230s off the line performance improved greatly after running up a few thousand miles. I'm not sure if that can simply be attributed to the engine being broken in or the computer adjusting to my driving. This improved performance would be even greater on a 230k. The handful of people I know who have installed superchargers (I should note, none were on a Mercedes)all talked about the "break in" period for a supercharger. I can say that my C230 does 0 to 60 is much better than 11 seconds. I's not close to being under 8 but I'd guess it's more in the high 8s or low 9s (Not many 230 owners drag race). I'm sure there is also a breakin period for the 280, but given I haven't owned one and don't know anybody that does, I can't really comment. Dave is correct about the options on the 230k. The base sticker price on the 99 and 2000 230k was roughly the same as the 97 and 98 230. But the 99 230k had a supercharger. To allow for this Mercedes dramatical cut the options on the base model 230k (Something they did again with the W203). The 99 230k that sold at the same price as my 98 230 did not come with the auto climate control, sunroof, leather, power seats or the Bose system. Among others I may not be aware of. And Davis is correct about the 280s ride. The six is a much quieter engine, like I said in my first post, to some people that is very important. The 230 and 230k do sound like something less than a Mercedes at idle. Some people like the engine sound when accelerating, others don't. Call me wrong, but If you looking for quickness first, I'd still go with the 230k. If you'd rather have all the options and quieter car, go for the 280. Just MHO

Up until recently I owned a 99' C280 sport and I just loved the car. I think you will be pleased with either choice. However, one thing that you should consider about the C230 Kompressor is the engine longevity. The C280 will more than likely give you more durability. The engine is not a turbo and does not have to work as hard to get the car up to speed. This is especially important if your daily commute involves a lot of stop and go traffic. In addition, aside from the regular oil changes and such, the car does not need significant maintenance until the 100K mark; whereas, the C230 requires spark plugs and such to be changed out every 30 to 35K.

Just a few thoughts for you to consider while making your decision. Good Luck.

I recommend the 1998 - 2000 C280 over the 1998 C230 or the 1999 - 2000 C230K because it is the newer modular V6 engine with 3 valves and 2 spark plugs per cylinder. As FSP stated the durability is better and the engine is virtually maintenance free due to the FSS (Flexible Service System) requiring 100K mile tune ups and oil changes that average 12-15K miles. Hope you can find one with Sport Package & Xenon headlights.

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• My Website - www.E55AMG.com

I think we've decided the C280 is the way to go at this point. We've looking for long-term reliability and that sounds like it. If I ever lease a car, I'd consider the C230K (sport, if they have it).....

Thanks all! Everyone's feedback was very valuable!


-Matt

PS: If there's more to be said, please do! Don't let me stop this thread....

__________________
Now:
2018 Tesla Model X
1999 S500 Grand Edition 164k
1992 300D 2.5 Turbo 287k
2005 E320 4MATIC wagon
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L 99k (sleeping for a while)

Then: 96 Lincoln TC, 93 Lincoln TC, 87 560 SEL, 87 300 SDL, 80 300D, 89 560 SEC