[whippersnapper]

Just wondered why no-one ever mentions this car? Notionally it is a class competitor yet everyone talks about the Audi and the Lexus / Infiniti and the TL (somewhat less).

What gives?

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by whippersnapper

Just wondered why no-one ever mentions this car? Notionally it is a class competitor yet everyone talks about the Audi and the Lexus / Infiniti and the TL (somewhat less).

What gives?

Errr...all the other cars are import brand names and the Chrysler 230 is a domestic

Actually, the e90 is traditionally closer to the A4, IS, G35, TL and TSX dynamically as a sport sedan regardless of the sport lean on the 230 model.

Personally, the 230 was on my short list. Its value (heavy discounts) couldn't be denied, for less than I'd paid for my lean 325i, I would've gained the 17 inch wheels, the sports body kit, suspension, steering, seats, pedals and trim, the leather-faced front seats and the 7speed auto. The interior space and general solidity is pretty good too and in terms of brand image, the 3 pointed star (for those who care, I don't) holds much cachet. I was not to thrilled by interior materials quality, MB's less than stellar reliability image, no paid maintenance, too many W203s around, old design, wooden handling, fussy autobox and MB's fuddy image.

[r_liebo]

As an owner of C320, I can comment extensively on this issue (same car, bigger engine). The C230 does get mentioning occasionally, and it does have some strong attributes. MB styling is more classic, the paint is vastly superior than any competitors, the ride is very solid and secure, tops in its class for highway cruising, and dealer service is excellent. There is also the brand issue, and as mentioned before that does matter to some owners (same is often said of BMW owners, by the way).
The downside, and why it really lags behind the competition in this segment can be explained by many things
Firstly, this car has luxury car bones. Very hard to make it a sports sedan without a total overhaul. Like putting track shoes on a pig -- it still runs like a pig. The car handles well, but not well enough in today's market.
Secondly, the car is underpowered. HP wars have left it ill equiped to handle the competition, which is why I went with the C320 (now it is underpowered too!!). With MB it is all or nothing. Get the C55 AMG and you will leave Porsches in the dust, get the C230 and Camrys are showing you their taillights.
Thirdly, while the base car is a very good deal, you have to load up the options to make it competitive, and MB options are second only to Porsche in expense. Power seats, sunroof, leather, etc. Combine that with no Bluetooth availability, and an outdated Nav system andthe total package lacks appeal in the demographic it plays in.
Fourthly, reliability is horrendous. Several years ago MB outsourced much of its electronics to cheap suppliers, and they are paying a dear price. Just one sample, but my car is less 3 years old and has been back to the dealer 12 times for service. In fact, as I write this, my check engine light is on.
Lastly, MB has yet to shake the "luxury" image and move into the "sport" image. The stereotype of 50 year old executives as the market segment has been tough to shake.
If you spend a lot of time highway driving and don't mind risking buying a lemon, the C230 isn't a bad choice. I personally won't be going back to MB for many years, if ever (or at least until I can afford an E63 AMG).:rocks:

[ZuerstBMW]

Since purchasing the E90, I believe I wont be going back to Mercedes. BMW has won me over.

Until the new c230 comes out, their is just NO comparing the 2. The body styling to say the least looks VERY outdated.

[mkoesel]

With the release of the 215hp 325i last year, and soon, the 230hp 328i, the 201hp C230 is being left behind. It even lags behind the base model 210hp Saab 9-3 and 208hp Volvo S60, which start well below 30k. Of course you could say the same about the IS 250 as well.

IMHO 200hp no longer cuts it for this class of vehicle in the US market. And now that I've said that, BMW will bring a 200hp 323i to the US for MY08.

[tonee8519]

Cause if i were to drive a mercedes, it would either have to be ATLEAST a clk or a slk.


Mercedes is too much of a status symbol.

[hks786]

Originally Posted by tonee8519

Cause if i were to drive a mercedes, it would either have to be ATLEAST a clk or a slk.


Mercedes is too much of a status symbol.

yeahhh i agree

[Agni]

Only Benz i would buy is the CLS63.

I'd get the new Lexus LS over the new S.

[utica]

MB = Chrysler (with a tuxedo)

[whippersnapper]

lol on the chrysler comments, strange reaction from people

[utica]

strange but 100% true. Facts are facts. Chrysler owns MB and there is no doubt in my mind that Chrysler parts are used in MB cars. No different from the RR phantom equipped with a BMW motor. VW, porsche, audi, lamborgini all have shared parts, as its owned by 1 corporate giant.

[Nikki]

It's boring to drive, the manual transmission is crap. It's very comfortable and plush but it isn't sporty at all.

[r_liebo]

Originally Posted by tonee8519

Mercedes is too much of a status symbol.

I guess BMW is a status symbol you are willing to live with.

[BMW F22]

I've always thought that RR and BMW are two separate entities. I mean BMW owns it but they dont allow crossovers???

Originally Posted by utica

strange but 100% true. Facts are facts. Chrysler owns MB and there is no doubt in my mind that Chrysler parts are used in MB cars. No different from the RR phantom equipped with a BMW motor. VW, porsche, audi, lamborgini all have shared parts, as its owned by 1 corporate giant.

[whippersnapper]

Originally Posted by Nikki

It's boring to drive, the manual transmission is crap. It's very comfortable and plush but it isn't sporty at all.

Let me start by saying I don't like Mercedes at all.

However I would have thought that the c class would be attractive to at least as many as BMW. This board isn't representative of the average buyer so the great majority of buyers wouldn't sporty from spotty

[whippersnapper]

Originally Posted by utica

strange but 100% true. Facts are facts. Chrysler owns MB and there is no doubt in my mind that Chrysler parts are used in MB cars. No different from the RR phantom equipped with a BMW motor. VW, porsche, audi, lamborgini all have shared parts, as its owned by 1 corporate giant.

Funny.

I think you'll find it is the other way around, Daimler owns Chrysler. Also unless I've forgotten Mercedes was in trouble quality wise long before the acquisition. If quality was all that mattered we'd all drive Lexus

[E90-4life]

Drive a W221 S-class then talk crap about MB all you want.

MB's (even the C-class) aren't suppose to be sporty, so you really can't hold the C-class to the same std. you hold the 3er, they're simply two different cars that fulfill two very different roles as a means from point A to B. The C230 is very underpowered, but it's not the engine so much as it is the weight that works against it being a great car. I believe the W204 generation will deliever more promising driving dynamics in terms of chassis and engine performance. Lastly, for those that want to take cheap shots at the DaimlerChrysler merger and try to say that MB's are nothing more than glorified Chryslers, just remember it's the Germans pulling the strings, not the Americans.

[utica]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

I've always thought that RR and BMW are two separate entities. I mean BMW owns it but they dont allow crossovers???

Correction, the RR Seraph....
"In place of the 6.75L V-8 engine, hand-assembled in Crewe, England, is a 5.4L 322hp V-12 hand-assembled in Munich by BMW."

http://www.autofan.com/september/4/index.htm

[utica]

Originally Posted by E90-4life

Drive a W221 S-class then talk crap about MB all you want.

MB's (even the C-class) aren't suppose to be sporty, so you really can't hold the C-class to the same std. you hold the 3er, they're simply two different cars that fulfill two very different roles as a means from point A to B. The C230 is very underpowered, but it's not the engine so much as it is the weight that works against it being a great car. I believe the W204 generation will deliever more promising driving dynamics in terms of chassis and engine performance. Lastly, for those that want to take cheap shots at the DaimlerChrysler merger and try to say that MB's are nothing more than glorified Chryslers, just remember it's the Germans pulling the strings, not the Americans.

"The next generation of Mercedes and Chrysler cars will share even more components than they do today, according to Edmunds. Citing supplier sources, the report indicates Mercedes will use the new 'LY' platform for the 2010 E-Class, 2012 R-Class, and 2012 CLS-Class. The LY platform is widely expected to underpin the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler Imperial, as well as the next-generation Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger. Another common platform will be used for the post-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander and well as the next Mercedes ML-Class, suppliers say."

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/06/...edes-chrysler/

[BK]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/index.html

330i versus IS350 versus C350 Sport comparo in Motor Trend. The C350 Sport did pretty well and surprised the reviewers. I think the design looks nice, too (I realize I'm in the minority). The C350 was on my list of cars before I bought the 330i. The C230, though, not so much.

[XxLancaxX]

I Had a c230 renntech coupe. It was an awesome car. I really loved it and modded the crap out of it. 12K+ in mods. Pics and a list of mods are in my website listed in my sig. Mercedes and BMW both make great cars. I love my 330xi. One thing is for sure. BMW's drive much better than mercedes but mercedes is still a solid car.

[XxLancaxX]

The modding begins in my 330xi, cant wait to see what my final project looks like