C320 Avantgarde or Elegance?

[airbag]

Hello, Im new here so hi to everyone!

I am looking to purchase a 2001 C Class 320 Estate.
I have been looking at the AvantGarde and Elegance models, there really does not seem much difference between the two as almost all of the used models I have looked at have such varying spec anyhow.

Am I correct in thinking that Avantgarde has lower/harder suspension and alloys to make it a bit sportier, also the interior finish is not wood?

I really like the bells and whistles of the Elegance model with wood finish etc, is it noticeable the difference in suspension? (even though I am an estate driver.. I like a car to handle well in corners to a certain degree).

What actually are the suspension differences?
Many thanks for any information.

 

[jberks]

You've pretty much got it. I never liked the interior of the avantgarde, like you, preferring the interior of the elegance. Yes the AG does handle more 'sportily' but in the real world, whilst it will wallow a little more, the elegance handles just fine.

 

[Speedmaster]

My old CLK430 Cabriolet was an Elegance and v much wish it had been the Avantgarde. Really found it too soft and wallowy and all that power was wasted when it came to corners. Although different cars, i would imagine the same with a C320. Just depends on what you want really

 

[britnordic]

You don't mention the mileage of the car you intend to purchase. When "shopping" for my C270 I noticed a distinct difference in the handling between the AG and the Elegance. However, the AG had 30k less miles on the clock, which may account for some of the wallow.
I must admit I do prefer the interior of the Elegance, but I also like the harder sporty mod of the AG. You pays your money etc etc

 

[airbag]

Many thanks for your prompt replies, great to see active forums.

I appreciate your comments. I totally understand about suspension getting a bit looser having done 60-80000 miles. Within my budget, the mileage of vehicles is approx 50-70000.

I guess this leads to another question, if I got the elegance model.. what would be involved with fitting new suspension to it?.. and could you get the AG or AMG suspension?

I did lower a golf gti once with aftermarket shocks. I think this goes deeper than that though.... Would love to know the exact suspension differences.

 

[verytalldave]

Wouldnt the easier - and probably cheaper - option be get an avantgarde and then swap the interior trim to elegance?
I have an avantgarde and its OK. Wood would be nicer, but the alloy trim is quite acceptable.

BTW...........I nearly forgot.........WELCOME TO THE FORUM............

 

[airbag]

Hi verytalldave,

yeah... umm perhaps an avantgarde is the way to go, not heard a bad word about the ride yet.
Thanks for the welcome, seems a great crowd, I cant wait to get my new car and contribute back.

 

[verytalldave]

To give my personal opinion - the Avantgarde will hold its value slightly better than an Elegance.
My Avantgarde has the optional 17" rims with the wider lower profile tyres and its ride comfort is quite acceptable. The bonus is that it grips the road like a leech and goes round corners like a train. Not quite up to Lotus or Noble standards but better than most.
By the sound of it, I think you would find the Elegance a trifle "unsporting". But as I always say, try before you buy. You may be surprised.
Its like the perenial question diesel or petrol.
I went for the petrol because I didnt want to sound like a taxi standing at the lights. Not quite the whole story, but I am sure you get my drift.

 

[airbag]

I dont think I am perhaps as tall as you.... but we think alike.

Thanks for the posting... end of day I like going around corners, but have to have an estate for my lifestyle.. An AG sounds the way to go... I have just made a decision.

Now to find one with heated seats....
Regards, Al

 

[verytalldave]

The other BIG hidden advantage is that all C Class W203 ESTATES are built in Germany, Whereas the saloons are all built in South Africa.
Its just nice to know that your car IS actually built where it should be. Somewhere where quality control has never been compromised.

 

[verytalldave]

I dont think I am perhaps as tall as you.... but we think alike.

Thanks for the posting... end of day I like going around corners, but have to have an estate for my lifestyle.. An AG sounds the way to go... I have just made a decision.

Now to find one with heated seats....
Regards, Al

Try to source one with the optional Sport Pack fitted. That gives you much BIGGER ventilated discs and wider rims with lower profile tyres. Here is a picture of mine where you can see the difference if you compare with a standard Avantgarde.

 

[airbag]

I read about the different factories.. and was wondering how to find this info out. Many thanks for that.

I did also read that MB build quality was thought to drop from approx 95 to 2002.. and this I had assumed as the vehicles were getting made elsewhere.. but perhaps this was just hearsay?

 

[verytalldave]

I read about the different factories.. and was wondering how to find this info out. Many thanks for that.

I did also read that MB build quality was thought to drop from approx 95 to 2002.. and this I had assumed as the vehicles were getting made elsewhere.. but perhaps this was just hearsay?

Post a seperate query regarding this point on the relevant place on this forum. Mark your post "from a newbie" and you will get plenty of replies and welcomes. I am not sure about the points you raise and would not want to guess or give you duff information. There are plenty here who DO know their stuff inside out.

 

[Aussie Nick]

I have been told that the suspension swap is a case of swapping springs and rubbers.I believe it is relatively inexpensive.Around $2000.00 AUS. I prefer the avantgarde suspension myself.

 

[whitenemesis]

Try to source one with the optional Sport Pack fitted. That gives you much BIGGER ventilated discs and wider rims with lower profile tyres. Here is a picture of mine where you can see the difference if you compare with a standard Avantgarde.

Avantgarde SE with Sports pack and you get the leather heated seats as well

 

[whitenemesis]

Wouldnt the easier - and probably cheaper - option be get an avantgarde and then swap the interior trim to elegance?
I have an avantgarde and its OK. Wood would be nicer, but the alloy trim is quite acceptable.

BTW...........I nearly forgot.........WELCOME TO THE FORUM............

This is what I am in the process of doing myself. I have swapped out the AG Alu-Linear trim for the Black Birdseye Maple on the centre consul, just need to do the door cards now.

Checkout post 18 here;-

http://prestigepassion.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=259&page=2

 

[verytalldave]

Avantgarde SE with Sports pack and you get the leather heated seats as well

I have a facelifted late 2004 W203 Avantgarde SE with sports pack - with leather seats.

Are they heated?

If so, I was totally unaware.
Now that really would be a nice bonus. How can I find out? Where is the switch for the heater?

I am quite excited now. How sad is that?:Oops:

 

[verytalldave]

This is what I am in the process of doing myself. I have swapped out the AG Alu-Linear trim for the Black Birdseye Maple on the centre consul, just need to do the door cards now.

Checkout post 18 here;-

http://prestigepassion.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=259&page=2

VERY VERY VERY NICE.

Really lifts the interior to another level.

Is it a difficult job and what is the approximate cost please?

BTW......what is the thing the size of a small mobile phone to the right of the gearlever?

 

[airbag]

Hi again, thanks for all the info regarding my question.
I got myself a C320 AvantGarde Estate in the end, registered very end of 2001.
Got almost all the bells and whistles on it also. No parking sensors though.. but hey, got the heated seats...

I am chuffed to bits.

No doubt will have heaps of other questions about things. Thanks again for your opinions.

Al

 

[airbag]

This is what I am in the process of doing myself. I have swapped out the AG Alu-Linear trim for the Black Birdseye Maple on the centre consul, just need to do the door cards now.

Checkout post 18 here;-

http://prestigepassion.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=259&page=2

Yeah.. very nice indeed... umm. dont start me thinking of modding my new baby already... Oh the poor Credit Card!