Author Topic: 01/02 MB C230 vs 01/02 BMW 3 Series (Read 6671 times)

croat · « **on:** August 22, 2005, 02:06:43 pm »

I am a owner of 2001 5-speed VW Jetta 2.0 w/ luxury package, but want to go bit higher in class

I have my eyes set on 01/02 MB C230 and 01/02 BMW 3 Series.

Now I did some research and if I am right C230 4 door from that year come with 2 engines: 2.6 and 1.9 super-charged. They also come with 6 speed manual.
Can someone confirm this?

As for BMW, I am interested in 320i or 325i. Now I am 'pretty' sure 325i comes with 2.5 engine producing 184 hp (or later year models produce this much HP??)
But what I couldn't find is 320i 2.2L info. Is that the only engine available in 320i and how many HP does it produce?

If anyone can give me some insight, I would greatly appreciate it

(Message edited by croat on August 22, 2005)

bmorton · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2005, 02:31:55 pm »

C230 from those years uses the 2.3-litre supercharged four-cylinder only. The C-class with the 2.6-litre V6 was called the C240. If memory serves, you're right about the standard 6-speed manual. Could be hard to find in a sedan, somewhat easier in the coupe.

The 320i used a 2.2-litre six, 168 hp.

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2005, 02:32:00 pm »

Benz C-class:

earlier C230 = 2.3L Supercharged (189 hp)
later C230 = 1.8L Supercharged (same)
C240 = 2.6L V6
C320 = 3.2L V6 (I think)

BMW 3-series:

320i = 2.2L I-6 (168 hp)
323i and later 325i = 2.5L I6 (184 hp)
330i = 3L I6 (225 hp)

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2005, 02:32:28 pm »

Nerts... beat me to it Bmorton.

bmorton · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2005, 02:44:39 pm »

Well, you look better because your answer was more complete! Just one picky note: although the E46 323i and 325i both used the 2.5 engine, the power ratings were different. 170 hp in the 323i, 184 hp in the 325.

croat · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2005, 02:49:25 pm »

damn, you guys are some quick. thanks alot.

I guess it's going to be be either C230 or most likelly 320i. 320i is alot cheaper that C230 or 325i. also 168 hp is plenty of HP (especially when compared to my 115 hp jetta)
6 speed is the only reason why I wanna go with MB. otherwise I prefer BMW

hows the reliability on MB side? I know BMW has a solid reliabilitu. didn't MB have bunch of problems around then?

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2005, 05:30:38 pm »

I'm not sure what the braggin' rights are with having a 6 speed over a 5 speed, but I'd take a smooth, solid and precise 5 speed over a less-quality-feeling 6 speed any day.

Keep in mind that your Jetta with a luxo package is probably better equipped than most 320i's. I'd look for a good, solid, well -maintained 325i and enjoy a reliable and fun machine.

I've got no Benz experience, but I can recommend the 3-series as a great car.

Best of luck and do keep us posted here on your progress!

croat · « **Reply #7 on:** August 22, 2005, 05:38:18 pm »

jeff, one more time thanks a lot for all input.

so pretty much difference between 320 i 325 is the engine and level of equipment. this kinda makes sense as almost all 320i's I've seen on Canadatrader didn't have sunroof. And there is no way in hell I'd ever get a car without a sunroof.

I think I will look at 325s and forget about 320i's.

But I am still very eager to get a 6 speed.
Does anyone here have any experience with 01/02 C class MBs?

airbalancer · « **Reply #8 on:** August 22, 2005, 07:42:53 pm »

Go with a a 330 if you can
The 330 usually has more extra then 325
check out http://forum.e46fanatics.com/ and http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/ for difference between 325 and 330

tpl · « **Reply #9 on:** August 22, 2005, 08:37:51 pm »

The 320 was a stripped Canada special to meet a price point. I went through the pricing for someone and a 320 and 325 with equal options.... the 320 cost more.

Try for a good 325 with full service history which should include proof of more oil changes than the BMW required ones! Take it to a BMW specialist to check it out.... OR with an 02 maybe look for a perfect ex-dealer one with 6 months to a year warranty left on it.

By all means look for a 330 if you can find a good clean one in your price level.

You dont say where you are Croat, but there are some serious BMW specialists in TO for a check up

croat · « **Reply #10 on:** August 22, 2005, 09:47:58 pm »

I am in New Brunswick. very little amount of Bimmers for sale around here. and the ones for sale are overpriced, so that's why I will go to Quebec to get one.
I think I will go with 325. 330 is bit too pricey for me and it has bigger engine, hence uses alot more gas than 325 would. 184 hp is plenty

tpl, can you suggest anyone in Quebec? you can PM me if you don't wanna do it publicly.

(Message edited by croat on August 22, 2005)

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #11 on:** August 23, 2005, 01:47:12 pm »

I can't recall off the top of my head, but I'd be surprised if the 330 took considerably more fuel than a 325.

Before you get your heart too set on either the Benz or the Bimmer, be sure to drive both models you're considering -- as I said before, 5-or-6-speed really doesn't matter when you're driving the car if the transmission is geared appropriately for the car. Nobody cares if the fan has 6 or 7 blades, as long as it gets the job done right. Same thing with the transmission -- having a 6 speed just means you've got to keep it rowing more (1st gear always seems so short) and in many of the different 6 speeds I've driven the 1-2 shift is often met with a small crunch -- something about syncro woes with 6 speeds (even Acura / Honda's vaunted ones).

BMW Canada offers "Certified Series" cars which will usually cost a bit more than the ones you can find at "Joe's Used Cars" -- but they're the cream of the crop of used Bimmers usually and come with a good warranty and attractive finance rates that can often make up the difference in extra cost. It's worth looking into and you can search the whole inventory here:

http://www.bmw.ca/content/preowned/preowned_fs.asp?lang=en

Good luck!

croat · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2005, 10:33:24 pm »

BMW Laval in Quebec has ALOT of them that are certified. That's the place I will go to for sure.
After some thinking I don't think I will go for MB at all. My dad's got ML320E. By all means car is awsome, but I always liked BMWs better. I am still young and BMW just suits me better, IMHO.

tpl · « **Reply #13 on:** August 24, 2005, 06:41:45 am »

Croat I know nothing about BMW dealers in PQ.
The 330 fuel consumption under steady state conditions is not much higher than the 325. Obviously it is higher under accel... you have to feed those extra 40bhp somehow.

my 330xi which is heavier than a 330 and has extra clockwork whirring away averages month over month about 27miles per gallon in commute mode ( 27km each way some at 130 km/h and some at 5 km/h)
this holds in winter with snow tires and in summer with the a/c on all the time. I get 33-34mpg at 120km/h, flat road a/c on four on board.

so the gas consumption isn't bad for a 3500 lb car.

Regardless of whther you get a cpo bmw or not, still find a good specialist shop to service it especially as you are not in Bc,Ont or PQ where you have a good choice of dealers.

ghost · « **Reply #14 on:** August 24, 2005, 08:48:33 am »

I suggest that you save some and try to swing for a 330i. the 325i are too numerous! i swear it outnumbers Civics in Toronto core! Beside the obvious hp/tq.

croat · « **Reply #15 on:** August 24, 2005, 01:10:28 pm »

BMW's in New Brunswick are pretty rare so for now, 325i 'will do the trick'. Hey I am only 22. Maybe in few years I'll be looking to get M3

tpl · « **Reply #16 on:** August 24, 2005, 08:05:52 pm »

The only visible differences

330 has chrome around the side windows and 17" wheels amd a badge of course perhaps on 01/02 had Xenon lights

325 black trim and 16" wheels although a lot of them have the sport package which has 17" wheels.

on an 01/02 the sport package is worth having, lower, stiffer, nicer seats bigger wheels on the 325 on the 330 I think the sport has staggered wheels which is a pain

we will want pics of course when you get it

initial_D · « **Reply #17 on:** August 26, 2005, 03:54:11 am »

The E46 323i and 325i have complete different engines and management system. In short, the 2.5 in the 325i is double VANOS, with "drive-by-wire" throttle, and lot more responsive with the 14 extra Hp (even tho it has less torque, by about 6 lb-ft)

Agree with Tpl, buying a 3-series, sport package and manual tranny is a MUST. I would rather have an E30 325is with the sport suspension than a regular E46 325i. The total driving dynamic of the 3-series just isn't there without the sport package. Of course, there is always the aftermarket.

Since you are buying used, should look for one with Montana Leather interior than the ones with Leatherette seats.

johngenx · « **Reply #18 on:** August 26, 2005, 09:25:18 am »

Maybe in few years I'll be looking to get M3

Is the "money in bank?" Smelling a little draino-y in here lately.

airbalancer · « **Reply #19 on:** August 26, 2005, 01:02:05 pm »

my 323 has chrome trim, with 17"
I thought it was M3s that came with black trim