mkaresh

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?

k_lundquist

Seems to me the C230 is easier to find in a manual. The dealers in my area always had them.

wingless

Just order one, set up exactly the way you want and a short time later the dealer will present the keys to your new ride.

Sauceboy01

I had to have mine shipped from another state, because the only one available in CA at the time was a Gold one.

Capt Nemo o2

CT always has the sportier cars! My friend had to get his CLK when they first came out up in CT. They had them sooner and better deals.

Here on LI, good luck finding a dealer with a 6 speed in stock! Whatever they have here in stick were custom orders.

anonymouse

my dealer had 2 exact versions of my car in stock inw/6 speed. Shocked me so much I bought one of em.

johnp

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

Ferraristi23

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.

BabyBenz6spd

My dealer at Naperville, IL had like 3 6spds back in July 2004. I was able to test drive one before I bought my current car. No need to special order.

denim

I am search of a 6speed c280 or C320 in my area, cannot fork the loot for a C350

mick1

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.

C-Dub

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.

mkaresh

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.

r3v1ls

I live in the LA area and see a fair share of c230's, c320's and c320's at the dealer. Found the coupe at the dealer like this too.

white_w203

i have a 6-speed manual and it makes a fat difference for the smaller engine.

krs01gt

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

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.

mick1

most people (Americans) don't know how to drive a manual either

I remember in the movie the Graduate, Dustin Hoffman called it a "foreign" shift. He drove an Alfa Romeo in that film.

wingless

Now you're dating yourself.

mick1

hehe. I just got the dvd some months ago. I like those Simon & Garfunkel songs from that film.

ctC230K

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.

stingray

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.

advans

when I bought my car, 6-speeds were rare in NY, there was one new 230k coupe but I was looking for a 6-speed 320, no luck =T

wingless

Yes, I also like those Funkel brothers, Simon and Gar.

SteveL1

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!