Dont know if anyone has already posted this, but the numbers are up for the new c230 as far as performance is concerned. I cant remember what they were for the I4, but I'm sure somebody has em.

I belive the 0-60 was 7.8 for the auto

thats what i thought.....so the increased hp numbers dont really do anything for the car I guess

Kompressor Faster, better MPG! :p

Yea, I don't know why they gave up on that I4

I've yet to hear a compelling reason for this as well. But if I were to guess, it probably is cheaper from an assembly point of view to make a smaller displacement V6 than to assemble a completely different I4, especially one with a supercharger, as I assume that costs more in parts. Also, there is a balance difference between a FI vs NA engine, so maybe MB felt it may work better in the sedan to have a NA engine vs the FI. Just guessing here, really.

Out of curiosity, what's going on in other markets, like in Europe where there are smaller displacements? Are they just using low comp/low displacement V6s or are they still putting out I4s? And is the 230 V6 the same engine as the 350, just lower spec?

From an image/marketing point of view, a V6 sounds better for potential customers than a 4-banger which is supercharged. Also, Mercedes wants to push their new 4 valve per cylinder engines to replace their ancient 3 valve motors.

At BMW, the entry level 3 series is the 325 in North America, and that car also has a 6 cylinder engine.

the I4 is 4 valve right?

Yes it's a DOHC 4-valve... the C320's used SOHC V6 3-valves

gotcha....oh ya and BTW the other numbers are out too, I was just a little excited/biased towards the c230 numbers and I figured you guys had enough iniative to look em up yourselves.

Wtf?

That's the ONLY reason.

THe new six is slower, gets significantly worse mileage, and it likely more expensive to machine and build. Two heads vs 1. 4 cams vs two. 24 valves vs 16...etc.. It all adds up. Remember, the supercharger is a purchased component, and everything else that goes with it as well. Simple, bolt on stuff. Low cost. Anything that's done in an MB factory is going to be expensive.

So glad I have the old 'crude' M111.

No and Yes. They got both.

Same family but different bore and stroke.

well, I'm glad that I got the I4...

anyone have the older specs and want to put them side-by-side?

I'm still debating which to get, the 05 or the 06. I'm leaning towards the 06. I drove the 2006 and 2005 back to back both in Manual for 3 hours. It felt as if the 2006 was faster, more responsive, and struggled less up hills. The I4 also struggled when turning the A/C on. Another remark my father made was that the V6 is conventional and will have less problems in the long run, as opposed to the I4 which is a high tech 4 with a kompressor. He works for mercedes as a service manager and always hears of problems with the kompressor. Just my 2 cents.

Are kompressor more prone to problems?