Jim Banville

For those that own the '06 C230, what are your opinions about its V6 engine as compared to the old supercharged 4 banger? Any potential problems like the excessive carbon build up some 4 banger owners have suffered?

C43AMG

I have a 00 - 230K - can you elaborate on the "excessive carbon build-up"?

nlpamg

back from the Lexus forums eh Jim? missing the C?

since, you're not a newb, I won't tell you to STFF but that perhaps C230_617 may still be lurking...

actually, I've posted a comparison as have others have of the 05 to 06, in short, I like the 4 better... but as for your question, I think it's too early on to know of any carbon buildup on the new v6's, I don't think there have been any reports yet.

welcome back.

Outland

Jim will feel right at home in the new V6 C230...its a little quicker than his old C240, and somewhat slower than his previous C230 SS.

4 banger all the way over the new V6 version. Faster, cheaper, better fuel economy.

BadAssC230k

agreed. The new V6 has, and i say this very sparingly, a little more power than the 230k [i think its by 10hp or so]. So the fact that its a small V6 and that the old I4Komp can pretty much hang with it, its just kinda pointless you know?

I would think MB would soop up the I4komp and make it a bit more beefy, hp/torque-wise.

TA-9FF

IMHO, there's essentially no difference between the V6 and the I4K engine; if anything the V6 is a bit smoother, and lacks the whiny SC sound. You guys treat it like these engines are worlds apart from each other, when they're actually pretty close in comparison.

As for those claiming the I4K engine being faster...that's only during initial acceleration. The V6 is faster once it gets up to cruising speed (80mph+), and is able to gain more speed a bit faster compared to the I4K, which loses its steam after 90mph+. So it's basically a stalemate.

anthuny85

my 06 is a slug off the line..but after 3rd gear and 4k rpm its a different story, its a fwy car not street machine, and the v6 is smoother and sweeter sounding when it shifts between gears at 6k the throaty-ness and intake "sucking" and "whooosh" sounds are great...makes u wanna waste gas incredibly lol..

Gentlemanjim

V6 - Smoother, revs quickly, great mpg. A tad sluggish off the line, but I think that's a software issue by M-B design.

drho2004

ive driven both, i have a '05 and wasa given a loaner '06 2 weeks ago. i gotta say the v6 is for sure quieter and smoother. but it just doesnt 'feel' faster than the 4.. off the line the v6 is quiete slugish as others have mentiioned. its def a fwy car. but what ive also noticed is that when u lane change or step on it while already cruising, the 4banger gives u a 'kick' that the v6 is missing. i think it has something to do with the 7speed auto though, because on paper the v6 is a nice little engine, perhaps the 6-speed manuals feel better? i dont know. all in all i think the '05 is just funner, and i love the s/c whine :-D

iriefreek

The V6 is smoother and quieter... a little more refined than the blown I4. Has a certain pleasing low purring sound when given gas.

Gentlemanjim

The V6 and the I4 are putting out about the same power so there should not be any real performance difference. Cars like most things are a result of perception. Loud exhausts seem faster, kompressor whine sounds faster, harsh shifting seems faster while quiet and smooth is perceived slow. If you want more boost two staging the blowers is not a practical solution.
Instead of fighting the lack of performance upgrades accept that M-B and especially the C230 is not embraced by a very large enthusiast community, so very few upgrades and the ones out their are expensive. It's the law of supply and demand and demand is low.
Take the $5, 6 or 10k and plank it down on a C350 268 HP, if it's a M-B you want or choose from a dozen other crs that have the beans you seek. Deep down you want a new ca anyway.

Gentlemanjim

One m ore thought. A couple cars ago I had a 2001 Audi S4 6 speed an awsome car ride, handling power where stellar and part of that equation besides the AWD and twin turbos was a 4.10: drive ratio, the M-b is 3.27:1. Maybe an rear end change can provide that kick we all seek.

patrick_y

Actually, in my experience, the I4 seems to be much faster on the highway in the higher end acceleration (say around 50-70mph) than the V6. The V6 also requires much more downshifting as well with the automatic transmission.

I think both cars are great and personally I don't see a major difference in either of them.

TA-9FF

Though I agree, I think it's still somewhat retarded that we are not offered performance parts.

Oh well.

k_lundquist

I love watchin the 05 guys vs. the 06 guys.

drho2004

true. a louder car is PERCEIVED as faster. because most people associate race cars as being loud and fast. correct me if im wrong but the v6 puts out 10hp more than the I-4, but it puts down 10lbs of torque less. by this, it tells me the I-4 has more 'get up and go' power, but it should take the I-4 in the top end. from my understanding, torque gets you going, hp keeps u going. that being said i think thats why the I-4 'feels' faster off the line and in passing lane situations (40mph-60mph). oh man, if i had the loot, i would have def gone for the C350 SS

Kompressed_Benz

Having traded an '03 C230 coupe w/ the 1.8 Kompressor for an '06 C230 Sport Sedan with the 2.5 V6, there are definite differences between the two engines.

- 1.8K definitely felt faster off the line and when you need to pass. The coupe would put me back in my seat...the V6 sedan does not.
- 1.8K got better gas mileage than the 2.5 V6.
- 1.8K had sweet blower whine on hard acceleration, but the 2.5 V6 exhaust note is definitely much better.
- 5 speed auto found the right gear a lot quicker and did not need to downshift near as much as the new 7 speed auto.

I love our new sedan - don't get me wrong. Looks-wise it hands the coupe it's **** and the exhaust note is very nice. I just miss the put-you-back-in-your-seat feel the coupe had and the V6 is a slug unless you give it hell, foot-to-the-floor style. Based on the sporty looks of the car, the 2.5 V6 definitely leaves a lot to be desired. My wife is probably tired of me griping about "shoulda bought a C350" every time I drive it!

Cheers!

bender73

you can never have enough horsepower!!! i had an e46 M3 and craved more power. i realized at that point that no matter what i buy, i'll want more. so, i am happy with 201HP and a nice looking comfy sedan. more power than you need 99% of the time.