Which 230 is better?

[Hal Adams]

Hi everyone
I am thinking of jumping ship and moving accross to a 230.

I have a choice of a few what appear to be good ones, so, does anyone have any opinions on:

1. were there any real horror surprises on the pre facelift ones (2003?) - eg roof mechanism etc..?

2. Of course, my preference is for another 500, but I am wondering if the 350 is any good as an engine. Is there power enough for a 230?

3. A couple I am going to see say that COMMAND is included, and others list 'COMMAND with Navigation'... I thought all COMMAND units had satnav...?

Thanks for some comments!

[BobbyHowie]

Drove the 350 before getting the 500 and it felt fine, though depends on what you're jumping from. Doesn't have the 7-speed transmission though.

As far as I know, if you get COMAND you get SAT NAV.

Good luck!

[bobterry99]

Originally Posted by Hal Adams

I am thinking of jumping ship and moving accross to a 230.

Smooth move. The biggest improvement over the R129 is the chassis, Hal. Ride comfort is much improved, cowl shake and shudder is greatly diminished, and performance handling is a little better. I would guess that ABC suspension may have alot to do with this, and I mention so because not all 350s have ABC -- many have conventional spring suspension. If looking at 350s I would try to experience both types and decide if you want ABC. The drawback of ABC is that some replacement components are very expensive.

[tiggerfink]

The R230 comes standard with Nav in the command. SAT and the phone were options in 2004. I have thoses options in my 2004 SL500. I also purchased the bluetooh adaptor last month for my bluetooh phones. I believe the SAT radio equipment and phone equipment connection are standard in the later models except for the bluetooth adaptor. I also purchased the lifetime telaid.