Anyone driven the new C230/C280?
We will only have C230 ready for order.
I guess C280 is the best choice for fuel economy and enough power.
Not sure if C280 also has 7G-Tronic like the new C350?

 

here's the review for the c230 v6 from autocar

http://www.autocarmagazine.com/First...p?RT_ID=215457

 

thanks, here as I read from a local mag; the C230 is not a replacement of C240 ; but priced same as the previous 230K. C280 is priced as the previous C240; i.e.priced lower than previous C320. whereas, C350 is same price as C320. all the new 4-Valve engine will come with a 7G.
It seems the power battling with the new 3 series begin even before the new generation C-class launch........that possibly a sign of the new generation C might only be launched in 2007. Which, means the road will be flooded with W203's before 'W204' . Another good thing is , the new generation S will be using the new engines from the W203 !
Just my guess

 

The S using the C's Engine?

 

Just as we suspected - slower, heavier and worse gas milage! Now tell me why anybody would want the v6 over the blown 4?

 

I would not call them C engines! There used to be S230's available! Not in the US but elsewhere. The 350 engine is too be shared accross the lineup as well. And there is to be an S350 coming to the US as well.

 

The new 4Val '350' engine was first being used on the SLK350. This is a 4Val 3498cc V6 ~272hp newly designed engine. This engine is now being used on the E350, CLS350 and new ML350.

At least as I know, the S350 I see in the streets here now , are using
a 3Val 3724cc V6 ~245hp old designed engine. This old engine is also used by the SL350.

Please check for me whether the S350 that you said 'coming to US' is
a 3Val or a 4Val ?

I heard someone said the old engine is more 'stable' but being myself an idiot of car mechanics; I would love the new one with less cc but a much more powerful 4Val design. :p


cnt

 

Yes, may be a dog, may be not, we can't trust every article.
I would like to know first hand user experience with C230K and new C230.
MB is moving away from Kompressor anyway.
I read another article on a local mag tested the new C230 and said it is very quiet (except the tuning of more sporty exhaust sound is deliberate) and with very soft suspension (unless to get the sports edition); but more comfortable for long hours journey.
If we are patience enough, MB might come up with a bi-turbo version ! :p

 

8.4sec 0-100 that's friggen slow!

I like the rough nature of the kompressor, altough I prefer the 2.3L to the 1.8L

Etienne

 

so the 2006 w203's will have 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 L V6's, wow that makes my 320 in an odd spot, oh well, it drove nicely cross country, got 23mpg at 75mph for 2000 miles

 

If I knew there would be a C350 with 268hp and 7G; I probably would not need to pay fortune to get a C55. Now, I am looking for something different to replace my Honda and I must get RWD this time. So, I take out Audi A3, A4 already. Now, C230 with 200hp 7G seems to be the best for power and fuel economy. My major need is a MB classy enough and most important is comfort and enough power when I need it. I thought the C230K was a good buy but it is faded out already. Rule of thumb is to avoid buying top versions of fading model i.e. the C-Class will be replaced with new generation modesl in 2-year. Here in HK, the new C230 specification will make it the best pre-owned market seller.

 

We of course will not know until it shows up. I am not sure which engine they are unsing the the S350 yet! As for the US, the first 350 engine we had was in the E350! The ML350 had the diferent engine and the SLK350 came out after the E did! If I recall correctly!

 

That's funny. Its over a second slower than the M111 powered C230, and still slower than the 1.8....and the mileage is awful.

The folks who tout smoothness and refinement might be better off just buying a Buick. It might be quicker and if its the 3.8L six, its gonna get better mileage.

 

I already have a supercharged 3.8L Buick regal GS! The thing is smooth and it only costed around $500 to put it over 300HP. 28mpg on the highway to boot - the supercharged Buicks are the luxury market's best kept secret. 130K miles on the overboosted engine and no problems yet.

In a few years I would like to get an Ultra and put on an alky injection and intercooler system on it.

I am just waiting for the cheap reliable mods for the 1.8L Kompressor