C230 mods?
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Joined: Mar 2005
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C230 mods?
I'm looking into possibly buying a C230 sport sedan. What inexpensive performance mods are out there? I did search, but alot of the threads were debates and figthing so I hope you guys don't mind me making a new thread. I'm looking for pulley kits, etc. that are relatively inexpensive.
Also, is the 2005 different from the 2001-2004? And is the automatic touchshift decent? Does it respond somewhat quickly?
Thanks!
Also, is the 2005 different from the 2001-2004? And is the automatic touchshift decent? Does it respond somewhat quickly?
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area, CA
'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
Most of the pulley kits I've seen tossed around these forums are over 1k (Kleeman has a boost kit for a little over $1000 installed for a 30hp boost, but that's for an '02), but the performance gain not as good as in other cars. Air intake and muffler upgrades (sorta performance upgrades) are the cheapest things out there, besides good Z-rated tires, of course. Beyond that, there are performance chips out there for about 1k. Again, kinda sorta worth it (10-15 hp) but my biggest problem is the experimental nature of most of these kits, as there is not much of a demand for them. Be careful about what you choose. I'd get the chip upgrade, if I had an extra $1000 lying around.
Regarding the touch shift, it's not bad. It will respond well enough, but it is a bit touchy
about when you shift; if it thinks your RPMs are too high or too low, it won't let you shift out of your current gear. It's no M3 paddle shift (shift is less than a second on that one), but it's definately faster than the standard auto. It takes some getting used to, but it's good for faster takeoffs and twisty roads where you may want to lie on a gear for awhile.
The '05 is different from the '03-04 only in styling (I believe). They've changed the center console, the radio, the speedometer, the steering wheel, and the front and rear lights. There was a difference in the '02s from the rest as it had a 2.3L engine at 192hp while we have a 189hp 1.8L engine. Not much difference, but I wish they'd just be honest about it and make the car a C180.
BTW, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but please search the forums. Others will not be as kind reminding you about that one. Search for 'pully', 'chip', or 'mod'. There are plenty of posts out there that haven't degraded into flame wars.
Regarding the touch shift, it's not bad. It will respond well enough, but it is a bit touchy
about when you shift; if it thinks your RPMs are too high or too low, it won't let you shift out of your current gear. It's no M3 paddle shift (shift is less than a second on that one), but it's definately faster than the standard auto. It takes some getting used to, but it's good for faster takeoffs and twisty roads where you may want to lie on a gear for awhile.The '05 is different from the '03-04 only in styling (I believe). They've changed the center console, the radio, the speedometer, the steering wheel, and the front and rear lights. There was a difference in the '02s from the rest as it had a 2.3L engine at 192hp while we have a 189hp 1.8L engine. Not much difference, but I wish they'd just be honest about it and make the car a C180.
BTW, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but please search the forums. Others will not be as kind reminding you about that one. Search for 'pully', 'chip', or 'mod'. There are plenty of posts out there that haven't degraded into flame wars.
Last edited by jedcred; Mar 14, 2005 at 11:52 PM.
