lars

OTH, the 2003 weighs 25 kg (about 55 lbs) less than the 2002, which should make the 4 HP and 8 ft-lb losses unnoticeable at their peaks. That weight is coming off over the front wheels, which carried 56% of the car's weight in 2002. Since the tires and suspension haven't changed, handling should be improved.

DCX Engineer

My friends at the engine plant always want to look under the hood. They all drive Chrysler Group products or GMs and are impressed with the engine. They love the red head cover.

mdp c230k

The balance shafts are why the engine is so smooth most likely. They counter the crankshafts forces by spinning weights opposite in force. I think Mitsubishi or another Japanese company has the rights to the idea so MB had to license it. The torque band is less than the 2.3 by a longshot so it will be harder to get all the weight moving around town without revving higher. I'm glad I've got the 2.3l!

dswildfire

this is true. the 2.3L has a single lanchester balance shaft whcih makes it smoother than a lot of 4 bangers out there. the dual lanchesters make it all that much quieter.

Lynn

I can't find any info which says the 2.3 has a balance shaft. Please post your source.

toki999

wat are the major difference between 02 and 03 models?

in terms on specs or just interior wise?

i wanna know~~!

dswildfire

I can't seem to find it right now, but i'll get it to you as soon as i locate it. I do remember reading it though because i was excited about it after reading it.

grn300m

I am aware of only 2 areas of change for the 2003 over the 2002. The engine is the main difference. 2003 is a 1.8 whereas the 2002 was the 2.3. Both engines are great engines, the 1.8 is new with an unproven history. The HP for 2003 is 3 less and the torque is less as well. The 2003 is lighter (due to the new alum engine) getting closer to a 50/50 weight dist than the 2002. Performance is about the same, the 2002 is .1 sec faster 0-62. Depending on the driver, that is a moot point.

Another difference is the A/C controls on the dash. The graphics changed a little, no functional changes. Some optional packages are a little different and 2003 has bi-z's available.

lars

The REST feature has been deleted on Canadian cars, at least.

Lynn

The MBUSA web site shows the REST feature for the C320, but not for the C240 or the C230k. I think this may be an error on the web site and REST is on the C240 and C230k. The web site also says the C230k has TUNNEL MODE, and I'm pretty sure that is an error.

tb2

The 2002 C230k does indeed have "Tunnel Mode" and I do not believe this has been changed for the 2003's.

Outland

Excuse my ignorance, but what is tunnel mode?

Lynn

The 2002's have a half assed tunnel mode. It works the windows, but not the roof because the roof does not have one touch close. To me, calling that Tunnel Mode is a misrepresentaion of the facts, but yes, Mercedes does call it that.

grn300m

Lynn, my 2003 has full on tunnel mode. Driving home tonight with the windows down and the roof opened all the way, it got a little chilli. I pushed and held the recirc button and both windows closed and the roof closed completely, no stops! This might also work when the car is running but sitting still, like in a parking lot.

Lynn

That is a nice inprovement for 2003. On my 2002, only the windows roll up when the recirc button is pushed. Does the roof have one touch close for 2003?

grn300m

The roof buttons do not have auto close for 2003. You have to push and hold the button. However, holding the recirc button will also close it. If I would have let go of the button before it closed all the way, it might have stopped. I will check it out tomorrow morning.