~~ My 2005 C230 Kompressor ~~

I was on the market for a new car in July and August of this year. My old Camaro was not cutting it any longer and would not serve as a family vehicle. Plus, I was getting tired of the lack of trunk and passenger space. I test drove several vehicles including the 2006 BMW 325i, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240, 2005 VW Passat, and the 2006 VW Passat. The 2005 C230 was the winner, hands down.

The Car
My car is as follows:

2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan ($29,250.00)
Color: Brilliant Silver ($680.00)
Interior: Ash Leather Inserts ($0)

Optional Equipment and Packages
5-Speed Automatic Transmission ($1,390.00)
Entertainment Package 6-Disc CD changer ($970.00)
Sunroof Package ($1,790.00)
Destination & Delivery Fee ($720.00)

Total Retail Price: $34,800.00

Performance and Handling
I was a bit worried about the I4 engine. Going from a V6 Camaro to a I4 was going to be a change. The C230 has 189 horsepower at 5800 RPM and has 192 lb-ft of torque at 3500 – 4000 RPM. My C230 has a 5-Speed automatic transmission (+ $1,390.00). There are also two program modes to choose from: Sport mode is when the transmission gear starts in first gear and Comfort mode, when the transmission starts in second gear. I have just driven the car in Sport mode. I enjoy how the C230 performs. The car handles twists and turns in the road very well; I drove it up the windy Pacheco Pass and the Grapevine and really enjoyed the car’s handling during the curves of the road. The engine also performs nicely and adequately; I did not have to downshift when going up graded inclines when going up the mountains. The I4 engine took a little getting used to but it provides ample power. I find no problems with acceleration to merge into traffic. The ride of the C230 is a bit stiffer of a ride than the C240. But despite it being a sport car, the ride of the C230 is still quite smooth.

Gas Mileage
For city driving, the C230 averages between 20 – 28 mpg. For highway driving, the C230 averages between 27 – 37 mpg. During my recent drive from Northern to Southern California, the C230 averaged 31.5 mpg.

Safety
Safety was one of the most important factors that helped my decision-making. The C230 comes with dual front airbags, head protection curtains, and side airbags that are mounted in the front and rear doors. There is also a steel reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones. Another cool safety feature that I love about my Mercedes is that it has auto-dimming rear view mirrors. The driver’s side and the interior rear view mirror will adjust when headlights from cars behind shine onto the interior rear view mirror. There is no longer a flood of light, especially from SUVs, and I am no longer blinded during nighttime driving. I really like the feature because it really tones down the glare during nighttime driving.

Security Features
The C230 has an anti-theft alarm and an engine immobilizer with anti-tow. There is a handy panic button on the key that sounds the alarm when it is depressed for three seconds. The security features also helped me save a bit on car insurance.

Roominess
The car has ample room for the driver and the passenger. The room in the backseats is a bit more limited, but still enough to fit three adults … though a bit squished. It provides enough room for two adults comfortably. Leg room is also adequate, but this is dependent on how the front seats are positioned. I have set the driver’s seat mid-way, so leg room in the back is adequate. The back does feel more spacious than the 2006 BMW 325i. The trunk space is amazing! I would have not thought that the C230 would have had so much trunk space, but it does.

Styling
The 2005 C230 Kompressor looks very sleek and stylish. The car does not look boxy and the straight lines have been rounded, contributing to the sleek look. The interior is very attractive. Because it is considered a “sport” car, it does not have the standard wood trim of typical Mercedes. It has aluminum trim, which I think goes well with the Ash colored interior.

Miscellaneous
1. Entertainment package – the package comes with a Harman/Kardon sound system and a 6-disc CD changer. The CD changer is located in the space-limited glove compartment. In addition to the 6-disc CD changer, there is an in-dash CD. I can load seven CDs!
2. 4-year/50,000 mile warranty.
3. Loaner car is provided when vehicle is being serviced.
4. 24-hour roadside assistance.

Final Price
The out the door price I paid for my 2005 C230 Kompressor with all the options was $29,200.

Overall Thoughts
I am very, very pleased with my 2005 C230 Kompressor.

Thanks for reading!
Pooks
Copyright 2005