could use some advice

[davendeb]

I don't want to make this post too long but... this may take some time

I bought my ti for my son to go to university - long story short is he did'nt go.
So, in the process of caring for the car I got hooked on the ti - its a great car and fun to drive. (way more fun than my 325 all wheel)

I found and fixed most of the rattles, then added new larger rims and rubber , a Dinan chip, new paint, new lowering springs with bilsteins, new stereo and speakers, new transm cooler and lines and etc (meaning lots of small things).

After I learned how to drive this car, I found it had pretty good pickup, but not quite enough - I would consider a DASC, M3 or other 6C engine conversion. (then add M3 transmission???)

When I do the math and it seems at least $ 7500 C for a DASC supplied and installed, forget any tranny work.

On the weekend my wife convinced me to drive a MB 2003 320 Compressor, Evolution package, loaded (used with 42 KM) - The styling is ????? (my personal opinion)

Gentlemen - I'M TEMPTED TO MAKE THE MOVE - just for the speed and all the extras you get for the money

give me your thoughts - should I do it???

DnD

ps my son thinks these are old man cars - REALLY?

[drkblu318ti]

Originally Posted by davendeb

ps my son thinks these are old man cars - REALLY?

NOO wayy!! i got mine at 16 definatly not a old man car, its a hot car!

as for the c320.. my mom has a c230 kompressor and its pretty fun and would be really cool in manual. So i dunno, personally i would keep the ti and DASC it, i dont think it'll run you 7500. i think pretty well below that, but i dont have one so i wouldnt realy know.

[L84THSKY]

That's $7500.00 Canadian not US.

I'd keep the Ti, cause the styling is better, and build up the horsepower.

Originally Posted by drkblu318ti

i dont think it'll run you 7500.

[PettitWC]

i'd keep the ti too. you've already invested so much in it and forced induction'll give you better pick up

[jkilla71]

Keep the Ti! Buying new upgrades feels a whole lot better than another car payment does.

The DASC kit is like $3500 us. I am no mechanic either but if you can replace parts. The job seems really doable for a “DIYer”.

There are a lot of accessories out there to update the look of the TI and to me it has a lot more style than the c230 as is.

The Benz is nice but it weighs a lot and you will never feel the road that you’re driving on ever again...

HP is like money; you never have enough. 

[DustenT]

I looked at a couple c240 benzs about a year ago. I was going to get a c240 sedan for the misses, but I heard awful things about the quality of the c-series in general. All but the e-series have quality problems...so I've heard. The 318ti is solid, but you know that otherwise you wouldn't be posting this question on THIS forum.

You'll never find a support forum like THIS for a Benz. Not many DIY'er in the Benz camp. Install the DASC yourself, there are plenty of write-ups on it, or find someone on this forum to help.

You bought your son a BMW for college, then didn't go...his opinion doesn't count.

[pootie]

I just got my TI less than a week ago (bought it like 3 months ago, but didnt get home from Iraq until last week). I already love it (wish it wasnt auto..). I would keep the TI, I find it much more rewarding to work on a car yourself and make it what YOU want; as opposed to buying something that you really can't do much work on.. if that makes sense.

[FATHER]

In my opinion i not like the Benz, also the Kompresor(at least in Puerto Rico) have the same engine block of the Neon!!!!, i think BMW is the only choice, with the DASC you not need nothing more

[pnosker]

The neon is a 2.4l, the c230 is a 2.3l supercharged. (In the USA I don't think the blocks are related)

The 2.4l Neon turbocharged is a very peppy motor. My mom's 2.0l SOHC neon is from 1996 and has almost 200k miles on it with no major problems.

[FATHER]

in Puerto Rico the kompresor is 2.0l( neon block, like your mother noen) beleive the kompresor in Puerto Rico is very beauty but is low performance car, that is my opinion

[davendeb]

thanks for responding and helping me here - it seems to me that 318ti.org is somewhat of a brotherhood, and I appreciate those who offered me their opinions to me.

I really did not have much help viewing and posting on MB sites regarding purchasing a used MB product. In any case, what research I found was not very favorable for these cars, particularly in respect to the electronics.

Soo... as soon as I can get DA to give me some pricing, I will order a supercharger and have it put in (new cooling lines too).
I suppose I'll never get the money out of this but.......... what the eell it will be fun.

thanks again DnD