6-speed cars--do dealers ever stock them?
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6-speed cars--do dealers ever stock them?
On a thread I was just reading someone suggested getting the six-speed. But I haven't seen a stick-shfit C-Class at a dealer in the Detroit area since 2001. And the C240 manual wasn't much to write about. (I posted a review of that car here: http://www.epinions.com/auto-review-...39F5DE20-prod2 .) I like the C-Class much more in recent years (my latest review is here: http://www.epinions.com/content_197584391812), but I've never seen much less driven a Sport trim with the stick.
So, how many of you have manuals? Were you able to test drive a six-speed C-Class before ordering a car? Are dealers elsewhere in the country better about stocking them?
So, how many of you have manuals? Were you able to test drive a six-speed C-Class before ordering a car? Are dealers elsewhere in the country better about stocking them?
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From: Long Island, New York
'05 C230SS 6MT, 1966 Triumph TR4a IRS, Shelby Cobra 427 Supercharged
Originally Posted by k_lundquist
Seems to me the C230 is easier to find in a manual. The dealers in my area always had them.
Here on LI, good luck finding a dealer with a 6 speed in stock! Whatever they have here in stick were custom orders.
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From: little ferry nj
08 Silver Lexus IS250 (manual),73 air cooled super beetle-- black 2004 230 ss is gone
When I bought my car in '04,dealer had manuals other than mine on lot. 6 speed is so much more fun,better MPG,performance too
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From: West
2006 C350 sport sedan (for my daily driver).
I just bought a new diamond black 230 sport sedan with the CD changer, sunroof package, heated seats, and a couple of other options that I can't remember and it came in manual and was sitting on the lot. It had only just come in, too.
I think that some dealers stock them pretty regularly.
I think that some dealers stock them pretty regularly.
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2005 C320wz
According to edmunds.com, only 5% of the Mercedes C230 and C350 are manual transmission cars (C280 is not available with a manual transmission in the US). So, it's not easy to find them on the dealer's lot. For the BMW 3-series, 1/3 (33%) of all the cars they make got a manual transmission.
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C230 WZ - Six Speed
I was able to test drive a manual before ordering my car. I had exactly what I wanted shipped to the dealer within 1 week, with a small deposit... 2005 c230 sport sedan... with the 1.8l kompressor.
If you have not driven one, I will tell you it is fun, but 1st gear ratio is very low. The transmission is a bit notchy overall too. 6-speed is definitely a more engaging driving experience and I wouldn't have my car any other way.
If you have not driven one, I will tell you it is fun, but 1st gear ratio is very low. The transmission is a bit notchy overall too. 6-speed is definitely a more engaging driving experience and I wouldn't have my car any other way.
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When I drove the C240 in 2001 the stick wasn't much fun because the engine didn't have much power and, even more than that, the redline seemed awfully low at 6,000. It never felt as if the engine was hitting its stride, as near the engine was still quite smooth and quiet and wasn't producing much power. Finally, there was no Sport trim at that time.
If I end up spending this kind of money for a car it'll probably be a 3-Series anyway, because I'd like a wagon and there is no C wagon in Sport trim. But I'd still like to see what the current C-Class feels like with a stick.
If I end up spending this kind of money for a car it'll probably be a 3-Series anyway, because I'd like a wagon and there is no C wagon in Sport trim. But I'd still like to see what the current C-Class feels like with a stick.
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From: SugarLand,TX
06 C230 01 Burban
the one I bought in Dec was the only one the dealer had in 6 speed. 
They said there were non in the Houston area at the time of purchase 
so I bought on the spot. On top of that I did the paperwork and left in my old car not to return a couple days later to take ownership of the Benz which was the first time driving it. Man was that different than my Mustang GT
They said there were non in the Houston area at the time of purchase so I bought on the spot. On top of that I did the paperwork and left in my old car not to return a couple days later to take ownership of the Benz which was the first time driving it. Man was that different than my Mustang GT
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2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by Humbucker87
My dad talked to a dealer, and the dealer said that most places dont stock manuals because they are more difficult to sell off the lot. I guess most people just want an auto.
I remember in the movie the Graduate, Dustin Hoffman called it a "foreign" shift. He drove an Alfa Romeo in that film.
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From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
Originally Posted by mick1
I remember in the movie the Graduate, Dustin Hoffman called it a "foreign" shift. He drove an Alfa Romeo in that film.
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From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
my c230 6 speed was actually sitting on the dealer's lot when i found it, way in the back behind about 3 rows of cars! i guess i got lucky they had one in stock with the 6 speed.
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From: Austin, TX
2006 C350
I test drove a 2005 C-class with a manual transmission in Austin last summer. I think it was a C-230 (it was the one with the supercharger). It didn't seem like a big deal when I asked my salesperson to fetch a C-Class with a manual transmission for me to try. I just assumed they keep a few in stock to keep people like me happy.
However, when I ordered my vehicle, that salesperson mentioned that when he places an order for a car with a manual transmission, he usually gets a call from the factory to check if the customer really wants a manual transmission.
However, when I ordered my vehicle, that salesperson mentioned that when he places an order for a car with a manual transmission, he usually gets a call from the factory to check if the customer really wants a manual transmission.
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From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
Originally Posted by mick1
hehe. I just got the dvd some months ago. I like those Simon & Garfunkel songs from that film.
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Saw an '06 C230 with a 6 speed just today on the lot of one of the MB dealers here. Black/Ash if you're interested. Send a PM and I'll hook you up. Pretty basic car with a sticker of $32k. Nice looking though!
