Sedan
2003 C320 six speed
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2003 C320 six speed
Hi Guys:
I got my paws on a rare 2003 C320 6 speed manual. There are 14 cars imported so far in this configuration, and the car will be shipped from California where it was initially spec ordered.
None of the 7 dealers in WV, OH, PA could get this car earlier than 02-02-03 and i live in the middle of nowhere, so BMW and SAAB have no representation here, but don't ask me how the local Ford dealer ended up putting the MB sign on the outhouse at the end of the lot ?! You should see the local hot rides, Lincolns and the ubiquitous perlescent white shoebox Caddies.
Initially my first choice would have been the smotth BMW 330i but i am very happy with the Merc. I can only imagine the laughs when people see me in a Merc at age 30, but i think that it will be even more fun passing them while working my shiftstick. BTW track 0-60 is as low as 6.5 on the manual shifter (this from the worldwide MB site).
BTW manual trannys really bring out the performance in a car. My 2002 Saab 9-3 developed 210 lb/ft at a dismal 2000 RPMs but unluckily i totaled it last week. 5 star crash ratings mean a lot to me, esp. after i was extricated out of the car after a 65 mph collision with a milk truck and walked out of the ER with 2 stitches(no i didn't drown in it
))) This 2003 C320 exceeds all standards for safety in its class
Man, am i excited. My prior rides are VW GTI VR6, Mitsu 3000GT, and the unlucky Saab.
Are there any other owners of the 6 speed C32o out there?
Thank you all for the useful info on the forum.
B
I got my paws on a rare 2003 C320 6 speed manual. There are 14 cars imported so far in this configuration, and the car will be shipped from California where it was initially spec ordered.
None of the 7 dealers in WV, OH, PA could get this car earlier than 02-02-03 and i live in the middle of nowhere, so BMW and SAAB have no representation here, but don't ask me how the local Ford dealer ended up putting the MB sign on the outhouse at the end of the lot ?! You should see the local hot rides, Lincolns and the ubiquitous perlescent white shoebox Caddies.
Initially my first choice would have been the smotth BMW 330i but i am very happy with the Merc. I can only imagine the laughs when people see me in a Merc at age 30, but i think that it will be even more fun passing them while working my shiftstick. BTW track 0-60 is as low as 6.5 on the manual shifter (this from the worldwide MB site).
BTW manual trannys really bring out the performance in a car. My 2002 Saab 9-3 developed 210 lb/ft at a dismal 2000 RPMs but unluckily i totaled it last week. 5 star crash ratings mean a lot to me, esp. after i was extricated out of the car after a 65 mph collision with a milk truck and walked out of the ER with 2 stitches(no i didn't drown in it
))) This 2003 C320 exceeds all standards for safety in its class Man, am i excited. My prior rides are VW GTI VR6, Mitsu 3000GT, and the unlucky Saab.
Are there any other owners of the 6 speed C32o out there?
Thank you all for the useful info on the forum.
B
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,769
Likes: 37
From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
Re: 2003 C320 six speed
Originally posted by bobpaule
Hi Guys:
I got my paws on a rare 2003 C320 6 speed manual.
Man, am i excited.
Thank you all for the useful info on the forum.
B
Hi Guys:
I got my paws on a rare 2003 C320 6 speed manual.
Man, am i excited.
Thank you all for the useful info on the forum.
B
You gotta take pics and post them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Is that the new C320 Coupe or the sedan? I like that 3.2L motor, nice responsive engine. Wish my coupe had it but then I wouldn't be spending my free time figuring out how to squeeze that little supercharger harder. Check with Evosport, they have a pulley kit for that car that will give you about 13hp more in first gear.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
They are taking orders for the C320 Coupe now so it should be due in any day now. Don't know if they'll call it the C230 3.2L or C320 Coupe.
They are taking orders for the C320 Coupe now so it should be due in any day now. Don't know if they'll call it the C230 3.2L or C320 Coupe.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
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
Originally posted by CitronC230K_03
SoCal240/6 will call it either the C230 3.2L Hatchback or C320 Hatchback. he will eventually. sorry MB-BOB, its sad but true, we all know that!
SoCal240/6 will call it either the C230 3.2L Hatchback or C320 Hatchback. he will eventually. sorry MB-BOB, its sad but true, we all know that!
Will that be the same motor as in the C320. if so thats only 25 more HP. To me its hardly worth the extra $$$ to get it. When, for under 2 grand, you can have the same performance with the pulley, intercooler, and ECU mods. I don't know the specs onthe 3.2 liter but if it is heavier then that will make them even closer in performance.
Last edited by TimmyC230boy; Oct 27, 2002 at 12:03 AM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 960
Likes: 0
I agree with you Tim.
My dad has a Clk 320.
I have the C230K
I only have 400 miles so far, but the difference in performance between the two seems negligable. He has the convertible and that weighs like 3600 lbs so thats where the diff probably comes in.
I do like the sound of his engine tho. I installed an intake on his and mine, but his sounds nice and deep. Mine sounds like an electric motor.
My dad has a Clk 320.
I have the C230K
I only have 400 miles so far, but the difference in performance between the two seems negligable. He has the convertible and that weighs like 3600 lbs so thats where the diff probably comes in.
I do like the sound of his engine tho. I installed an intake on his and mine, but his sounds nice and deep. Mine sounds like an electric motor.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
Originally posted by TimmyC230boy
even the semi-new members know this. lol
Will that be the same motor as in the C320. if so thats only 25 more HP. To me its hardly worth the extra $$$ to get it. When, for under 2 grand, you can have the same performance with the pulley, intercooler, and ECU mods. I don't know the specs onthe 3.2 liter but if it is heavier then that will make them even closer in performance.
even the semi-new members know this. lol
Will that be the same motor as in the C320. if so thats only 25 more HP. To me its hardly worth the extra $$$ to get it. When, for under 2 grand, you can have the same performance with the pulley, intercooler, and ECU mods. I don't know the specs onthe 3.2 liter but if it is heavier then that will make them even closer in performance.
plus looking at the numbers i dont think there will be much of a difference. the 2002 auto C320 and 2002 auto C230, the dieffernce to 0-60 was only 0.6 seconds. i havent seen the ratings for the 2003 6 speed, so i cant say for sure. but with the weight of the extra 7inches of the car taken off, and the performance of the 2003 1.8L shaving 0.1 sec off, maybe the difference is going to be close to a full second. just my $.02
Last edited by CitronC230K_03; Oct 27, 2002 at 08:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
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
the only reason i could see for maybe getting the C320 coupe would be so Kleemann could stick a Sc on it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 1
From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
ok, there is some value to maintaining the car's warranty and keeping it stock. some people like to tune the car, but most people, i think, don't. for those people, a C320 coupe makes a lot of sense (depending on the final price).
having driven the 320 cars, they had very smooth acceleration and good power. i'd have to drive it again, but it didn't feel lacking at the time (pre pulley upgrade on my car). it also had much less vibration/noise like our puttering 2.3l engine. (although, i hear the slk owners enjoy the sound - sometimes i do; sometimes, i feel like she's going to blow up). the 3.2l engine is also ULEV compliant.
i still think that a c320 coupe will be a nice counterpoint to the bmw 330ci. (a c350 coupe would be even nicer
).
having driven the 320 cars, they had very smooth acceleration and good power. i'd have to drive it again, but it didn't feel lacking at the time (pre pulley upgrade on my car). it also had much less vibration/noise like our puttering 2.3l engine. (although, i hear the slk owners enjoy the sound - sometimes i do; sometimes, i feel like she's going to blow up). the 3.2l engine is also ULEV compliant.
i still think that a c320 coupe will be a nice counterpoint to the bmw 330ci. (a c350 coupe would be even nicer
).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
If you're looking for smoothness, the new 230 probably beats the 320. I was impressed with how smooth the new 1.8 can run.
And even the 2.3 is pretty smooth, in my opinion, you just have to listen to the engine and not the exhaust. This is why I love the pulley. It revs great and sounds great.
As far as V6's go, I think the old inline 320 was smoother.
And even the 2.3 is pretty smooth, in my opinion, you just have to listen to the engine and not the exhaust. This is why I love the pulley. It revs great and sounds great.
As far as V6's go, I think the old inline 320 was smoother.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by Matt230K
If you're looking for smoothness, the new 230 probably beats the 320. I was impressed with how smooth the new 1.8 can run.
And even the 2.3 is pretty smooth, in my opinion, you just have to listen to the engine and not the exhaust. This is why I love the pulley. It revs great and sounds great.
As far as V6's go, I think the old inline 320 was smoother.
If you're looking for smoothness, the new 230 probably beats the 320. I was impressed with how smooth the new 1.8 can run.
And even the 2.3 is pretty smooth, in my opinion, you just have to listen to the engine and not the exhaust. This is why I love the pulley. It revs great and sounds great.
As far as V6's go, I think the old inline 320 was smoother.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
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
i drove that hot-rod Camaro for too long. I think my "smoothness" factor is a little messed up. I think the 2.3 if smooth ebough for me. Granted, I have driven other cars thast were much smoother.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
Originally posted by MarkL
Excuse me, are you saying the 2.3L 4 cyl. runs smoother than the 3.2L V6? I have a C240 (same block as 320) and I test drove a C230 for comparison months after I bought mine. Have you driven a C240 or C320? The 2.3L is very rough in comparison, not even close, IMO. I haven't driven the 1.8L yet.
Excuse me, are you saying the 2.3L 4 cyl. runs smoother than the 3.2L V6? I have a C240 (same block as 320) and I test drove a C230 for comparison months after I bought mine. Have you driven a C240 or C320? The 2.3L is very rough in comparison, not even close, IMO. I haven't driven the 1.8L yet.
With the 1.8L, I had one that was sitting in the showroom for a while, so when I pulled it out, I was revving it for a while to charge the battery a little. And it revved all the way up to 4000, which is the rev limiter in park, and I could barely hear or feel the engine. I was impressed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by CitronC230K_03
SoCal240/6 will call it either the C230 3.2L Hatchback or C320 Hatchback. he will eventually. sorry MB-BOB, its sad but true, we all know that!
SoCal240/6 will call it either the C230 3.2L Hatchback or C320 Hatchback. he will eventually. sorry MB-BOB, its sad but true, we all know that!
I wonder if the reason 1.8 L badges are beginning to appear on the sides of the 2003 C230s is that when the V6 becomes available it will still be a C230 but with a 3.2 badge on the side?
Side note - when the C320 becomes the C350 after the bigger motor becomes available next year - I wonder if they will change the C240 to C270 (which it really is) to differentiate it more from the C230? Perhaps at that time only the 3.2 L motor will be in the Coupe, so then C350 will be a sedan designation and C320 a Coupe designation.
- BT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by CitronC230K_03
1.8L badges are apprearing on the sides of the 2003's? like the kompressor for the C32, on the front fender behind the front wheel?
1.8L badges are apprearing on the sides of the 2003's? like the kompressor for the C32, on the front fender behind the front wheel?
Cheers, BT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
interesting, im curious to see one now. i havent seen any in brochures, ads and such. its a nice touch i think, it least it signifies the engine displacement so MB isnt fooling the public as much.
Admin Alumni
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 19
See Garage
Originally posted by CitronC230K_03
SoCal240/6 will call it either the C230 3.2L Hatchback or C320 Hatchback. he will eventually. sorry MB-BOB, its sad but true, we all know that!
SoCal240/6 will call it either the C230 3.2L Hatchback or C320 Hatchback. he will eventually. sorry MB-BOB, its sad but true, we all know that!
As for the 1.8L or 2.3L VS 3.2L comparisons, I agree with MarkL. There's no substitute for displacement. No comparison at all.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
Originally posted by trench
Correct, the badges are visible in most of the print and TV adds for the 2003 Coupe. However, no one on the forum has taken delivery of a 2003 with the badge, although one forum member who works at a dealership said they just received one with the badges.
Cheers, BT
Correct, the badges are visible in most of the print and TV adds for the 2003 Coupe. However, no one on the forum has taken delivery of a 2003 with the badge, although one forum member who works at a dealership said they just received one with the badges.
Cheers, BT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
Citron, the new full line brochure has a picture of coupe with an obvious 1.8 badge. We just received these brochures, so your dealer may or may not have them. But they are the brochures that tell a little about all the models.
