MB C230

[BimmerBum]

I have spent sometime in a 2.3 version. I was not a fan of the rear window (honda CRX style) and all the MB 4cyl kompressor engines sound like a tin can filled with marbles.

The manual version is nice but the MB just does not give you the feedback that a BMW does. These are just not drivers cars.

[THAT318]

what he said! lol

[nilknarf]

Funny I ran across this thread. I've been driving a '98 ti for over ten years now and my wife has an '02 C230 coupe that we bought new. The reason I went for the C230 was that I thought it was the closest thing to another ti that I could buy new at the time. The coupe seems heavier and is definately much more powerful (The '02 has the larger 2.3 engine and more hp than the later models). Many more features in the MB, such as auto sensing wipers, memory power seats, trip computer, side airbags, etc. Interior finish is also a tad nicer in the MB. The ti ride seems livlier in a handling sense, even though it's underpowered. The ti has also been more reliable. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd rate the ti an 8/9 in regards to reliability and the C230 a 6/7. Gas mileage seems similar. I know this is a BMW forum and I have LOVED the ti, but overall I'd have to say the C230 is a nicer car. Of course, with options, the msrp on my C230 was about $10,000 more than the ti was. If you factor in original cost, I'd still take the ti.