C270 versus C320

[gmilton]

Hi all

The time has come to think about changing my car, I currently drive a C180 coupe on an 02 plate which I have had for 6 years and 90k miles it has been a painless car to own in this time requiring nothing more than routine servicing and wear and tear items replaced. I would like to purchase either a C270 or C320 diesel for the smoothness and torque this would bring. I would appreciate any advice regarding potential pitfalls with these cars.

Thanking you in advance
GM

 

[jberks]

The 270 is a well proven engine, lots of power and fairly smooth.
The 320 is the V6. As such, in 203 form its not as well proven, has a few known issues as does the 7 speed gearbox that go with it. On the other hand it makes the 270 5 pot unit sound and feel like a tractor, plus of course it has that nice additonal 35bhp, which given the 270 already has more power than it needs, is a very nice bit of extra oomph..
So, both good, the 320 is obviously nicer to drive but you'll need to research known teething issues with the V6 CDI engines and ensure any updates and fixes have been done. I'd imagie the 270 is a tad more economical though the difference will be minimal.

 

[Chrishazle]

The C270 is enought of a rocket ship for me, so is the extra 35hp worth having? I'm averaging about 42mpg over 3500 miles, and with diesel £1.239/l this morning, every mpg is worthwhile! Also, inside the C270 you hardly ever know you're driving a diesel - now I've got the front suspension, tyres etc fixed the only thing we hear under way is the radio!

There are quite a few known potential issues with w203 models, as a quick search on here will reveal. Many are quick / cheap to fix (MAF, front suspension bushes, ATF/Filter change) but rust can be another matter (I only have a little on mine).

Delightful car to own and drive.

 

[S.Speed]

I like my C270 very much..
Very smooth and loads of grunt..
I can easily get over 50mpg on a long run...In fact Last time I did a long run was this forums Oxfordshire meet and the fuel range showed 830 miles !!!!!
Mine does seem to have the large fuel tank fitted..
On a seperate issue the sound system may look basic but it actually sounds superb on mine.. Even my mother comments on how good it is !!!

 

[whitenemesis]

Just completed 200mls mainly motorway and averaged 59.6mpg!

Mine has the Sport exhaust fitted and I love the growl emitted under acceleration
When cruising you cannot tell it's a diesel...

 

[ryanadam]

I am sure the 270 is a excellent motor but i am afraid compared to the 320 cdi it is old tech.and sounds like it. The 320 v6 sounds like a petrol and goes like one you only need to drive both cars to see the difference and my avg mpg on a run 45mpg.bill

 

[st4]

203 C320cdi is just like any other V6 CDi merc, shall be ok. Try both, IMHO the 270cdi is the one to have, but most are prefacelifted and all 320cdi's are facelifted and these are better for nicer dash, all galvanised and nano paint.

 

[Chrishazle]

If budget allows I would agree with you that a post 04/03 car for galvanising or 04/04 for nano paint as well would be preferable. However, don't discount earlier cars, they can be very cost effective (just wish mine was pre 03/2001 instead of 07/2001 with the new VED rules!). 6K for a one owner, 7 year old 67k miler with full MB service history (documented) and comprehensive 12 month warranty - Ok that was 18 months ago but delivered new price was £29425 so I reckon I got a good deal.

 

[K3LVC]

I've had 2 x 270's (1 pre and 1 post f/l) and now a 320 (albeit with Brabus D6).

Pre f/l 270 (03/53) was a manual Avantgarde estate - most economical and a great mile muncher but not so good round town with it's mushy gearbox

Post f/l 270 (04/54) was a 5sp auto Avantgarde SE estate - 10mpg less on average but a better drive and a nice kick when you put your foot down

Current 320 (05/55) is a 7g auto Sport Edition saloon - beats the 270 auto for economy by a couple of mpg (can average 50mpg from York to Man Airport) and the power/drive is amazing. IMHO there's no such thing as too much power - the question is how you use it.

 

[turbopete]

I've had 2 x 270's (1 pre and 1 post f/l) and now a 320 (albeit with Brabus D6).

Pre f/l 270 (03/53) was a manual Avantgarde estate - most economical and a great mile muncher but not so good round town with it's mushy gearbox

Post f/l 270 (04/54) was a 5sp auto Avantgarde SE estate - 10mpg less on average but a better drive and a nice kick when you put your foot down

Current 320 (05/55) is a 7g auto Sport Edition saloon - beats the 270 auto for economy by a couple of mpg (can average 50mpg from York to Man Airport) and the power/drive is amazing. IMHO there's no such thing as too much power - the question is how you use it.

10MPG LOST???!!! now that doubly confirms it! at the price of fuel i DEFINITELY dont want another auto! even if i DID like them, thats just put me off!

 

[dieselman]

On a seperate issue the sound system may look basic but it actually sounds superb on mine.. Even my mother comments on how good it is !!!

She'd probably rather you had video installed though...