C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Stick vs. Auto

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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 07:35 PM
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Wheens's Avatar
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From: sf bay area
'03 C320 coupe-manual, '07 530i
Stick vs. Auto

I know this has been discussed ad nauseum, but I'm interested in hearing from those who drive the manual in "heavy" commute traffic, like rush hour on the SF bay area bridges and congested freeways. I have a Porsche 911 that is "almost painful" to drive in these circumstances: Stop/Go, never out of 1st, constant engage/disengage of a heavy, tight clutch. Not much fun!

I know that the inherent Stop/Go won't change, but I'm interested in just how much a "pain" the coupe is in these circumstances.

Last edited by Wheens; Sep 2, 2002 at 07:55 PM.
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 08:23 PM
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peet's Avatar
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From: Chicagoland, IL
09 C63
Well the C230 clutch is non-existant! It seems like about 1 inch of travel, very light. I'd guess it was drive by wire if I didn't know better!

If heavy clutch is your worry - then move on and get it.

P
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 08:26 PM
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
yup the C230 IS dbw
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 08:47 PM
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Buick Park Avenue Ultra
Will the C320 manual be the same way? Really light clutch?

Tim
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 08:59 PM
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Originally posted by TimmyC230boy
yup the C230 IS dbw
Only throttle, not clutch
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 09:54 PM
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
yeah i knew that, i figured he would too lol
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 10:48 PM
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Originally posted by vadim
Only throttle, not clutch
The C230 Kompressor has no clutch!?
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 11:05 PM
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
if it doesnt have a clutch who do we shift the gears. lol I know you meant the supercharger itself doesnt have a clucth.
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 11:18 PM
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dbw

Originally posted by TimmyC230boy
yup the C230 (clutch) IS dbw
Dumb Blonde Weight?
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 11:34 PM
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
oops sorry dbw means Drive By Wire. When you hit the accelerator you are actually telling the ecu to give you more fuel. Its not like older cars that have a throttle cable. Its all electronic
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Old Sep 3, 2002 | 02:38 AM
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Re: Stick vs. Auto

Originally posted by Wheens
I know this has been discussed ad nauseum, but I'm interested in hearing from those who drive the manual in "heavy" commute traffic, like rush hour on the SF bay area bridges and congested freeways.
Wheens, I live in SF and opted for an auto for the reasons you mentioned, plus, I live on Russian Hill, and you know, I regret not getting a stick (except when parking on a hill). Just my two cents.

The Auto does purr along, it's a pleasure to drive, but this quasi mannuel thing is a joke.

Cheers,

Beth
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Old Sep 3, 2002 | 11:05 AM
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if you are into speed...get the 6-speed..the auto is a lil slow
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