C320 2002 vs c240 2002
 

Hi I am thinking about getting a Mercedes 2002.

I have a choice between a C240 and a C320.

What is the difference between these two cars in terms of reliability and fuel mileage ?

Or should I go for another model alltogether ?

Thanks

________
Sexfactor

RE: C320 2002 VS C240 2002
 

They are both very nice cars. The difernce is that the C320 has a 3.2 v6 215bhp and the C240 has a 2.6 170BHP.You will notice the differnce. The C320 has full power seats and sterring wheel as where the C240 has semi power seats. As far as switching to another model that all depends. Do you have a family? Do you travel far with them? If so Then I would get a 2002 E320 or E430. They are wonderfull also.

RE: C320 2002 VS C240 2002
 

Ironically, the C320 gets better or at worst, the same fuel mileage as the C240. The C240 can be optioned like a C320 but the C320 came standard with auto trans, bose stereo, 6 way power seatswith memory vs. 4 way power seats, climatronic, which is more problematic than the standard climate control on the C240 but not as pretty, cheap part to replace so not a show stopper.

The problem most people complain about on the C240 is that because it's underpowered compared to the C320, the transmission hunts a bit and it it's very slow off the line but is actually reasonably peppy once going. Some people got the C240 because they wanted a manual trans which mitigates some of the performance problems.

As far as reliability differences between the two, the motors and transmissions are identical in every way except stroke so there's no reason one would be more reliable than the other. What makes the C320 slightly less reliable is the power seat control modules eventually short out, still works but drains the battery. The preferred fix is to shell out $400 each for the 2 modules, the cheap fix is to re-wire the power to the modules so they are only on when the ignition is on to mitigate the overnight battery drain issue. On the C240, check where it's made, many were made in Brazil and seem to have more electrical problems than ones made in Germany.

WWBD - get the C320, it's much more fun to drive a faster car, heck, if you have the extra money, get the C32 which came out in 2002.

RE: C320 2002 VS C240 2002
 

Were all the 01-02 C Classes made in brazil? I am looking to get rid of my C280 and get into a C240 OR C320 next year.

RE: C320 2002 VS C240 2002
 

No, just the C240 and just for a few years. Typically, the country of origin is on the plaque on the door jamb. The new C's are mostly made in South Africa. People think it's part of the VIN and it maybe but the country code W for Germany appears for all MB's despite where they are made, even my French made Smart car.