C 230k/280

[stringbag]

Hello.:) Just popped over from the TVR forum to ask a couple of questions about my next car.
I am looking for a C230k or c280 estate of '98 ish vintage as a family car with a reasonable amount of power. Does anyone have any experience of either of these? By the book figures they are similar in performance. Can anyone shed any light on running costs/mpg. Which one shall I go for?
I have looked at a c43 AMG too, but think the mpg would be awful for 12-5k per year going up and down the motorway.
All advice will be greatfully received.

Thanks
Stringbag

[steve-p]

I would look at the 280. The four cylinder Kompressor engines are powerful but not all that pleasant, and the V6s are much smoother. I get 27mpg from an E320 auto so I should think you could see close to 30mpg from a 280 C class.

[stringbag]

Thanks, thought as much. On paper the 230k is ahead on top end torque but in real life I think a v6 would have a far better & more useable spread. It would be interesting to hear from somone who had experienced them both.
I must admit I am tempted by the c43....