general views on manny box?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Oro Valley, AZ
2001 C240 6spd
I think the manual gearbox is okay..like you said..maybe a bit floppy...I would call it "long" shifts. If you got the sport package option - I believe that the shifter would feel better - since the shifts are shorter. However, there is no more sport option here in the US on the C-class. Did you have an option to get the sport package in the UK?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
nope theres no "sport" option here in the uk, only elegance. classic and avantgarde !
Mines the classic, with 15" steels and fake wooden trim on dash oh and also the crappy fake "mb lex" synthetic leather. do u get that in the states ?
is it possible to upgrade the fake wooden trim to the aluminium one that comes with the avantgarde package? also is there no short shift kit available for the manuals?
I also feel its totaly impossible to shift fast on the mannual cause the gaiters are just so far away !
Mines the classic, with 15" steels and fake wooden trim on dash oh and also the crappy fake "mb lex" synthetic leather. do u get that in the states ?
is it possible to upgrade the fake wooden trim to the aluminium one that comes with the avantgarde package? also is there no short shift kit available for the manuals?
I also feel its totaly impossible to shift fast on the mannual cause the gaiters are just so far away !
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Oro Valley, AZ
2001 C240 6spd
Yes, we also get the MB tex here in the states. Some people really like it...I have all leather. I dont know if anyone could really tell the difference.
I believe you can change out the interior trim - from the wood to the CF/aluminum.
I believe the C230 Coupe has a shorter throw 6spd manual. I dont know how cost effective it would be to exchange it out. You can also probably check with Renntech or Brabus - they make manual trans and may offer a shorter throw shifter. But, again, i think the cost would be greater than the benefit. Unless you have an unlimited supply of cash - Euro's and/or Pounds.
I believe you can change out the interior trim - from the wood to the CF/aluminum.
I believe the C230 Coupe has a shorter throw 6spd manual. I dont know how cost effective it would be to exchange it out. You can also probably check with Renntech or Brabus - they make manual trans and may offer a shorter throw shifter. But, again, i think the cost would be greater than the benefit. Unless you have an unlimited supply of cash - Euro's and/or Pounds.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
the money isnt the problem, its the availability of any parts for the new C over here in the uk, i cant even get hold of lowering springs for it over here !! any idea how much the cf/aluminium interior trim would cost ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
6 speed
I've driven three of these, including our car, and the gearbox is excellent - clean shifting, precise, quiet. Perhaps if you're into brutalising the gearbox with power shifts and the like it's not ideal, but for regular/fast driving it's superb.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: OR
Both Bos and Davidta have already changed their shifters to the C7 short-throw (the dealer did the work, if I remember properly).
http://www.zvolution.com/c230k/C7Shifter.htm
jlm
http://www.zvolution.com/c230k/C7Shifter.htm
jlm
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
'01 C240/6
I find the 6 speed in our C240 to be excellent. Very smooth shifting, light but solid action, no problems at all.
I've also driven the C7 Hatchback and thought its manny transmission was also excellent.
The only thing I would change on both is making 1st gear (and maybe second) a little higher.
I've also driven the C7 Hatchback and thought its manny transmission was also excellent.
The only thing I would change on both is making 1st gear (and maybe second) a little higher.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
The C7 (or Evolution) package shifter is a factory Mercedes shifter. The part was around $435 US. I think it's about an hour of two or labor to swap it out. Since it's a factory part, the dealer shouldn't have any problem swapping it out (I'd guess it fits in the sedan - but not sure).
Cheers, BT
Cheers, BT
Last edited by trench; Nov 14, 2002 at 12:30 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by SoCal240/6
I've also driven the C7 Hatchback and thought its manny transmission was also excellent.
The only thing I would change on both is making 1st gear (and maybe second) a little higher.
I've also driven the C7 Hatchback and thought its manny transmission was also excellent.
The only thing I would change on both is making 1st gear (and maybe second) a little higher.
I wouldn't raise the ratios. Those "granny" gears are great for slow moving traffic (along with the low end torque). Saves riding the clutch. I do wish 6th was a bit higher though (or at least further away from 5th).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by avlis
I like the manny too. Yes it's sometimes hard to get into first when moving...
I like the manny too. Yes it's sometimes hard to get into first when moving...
I do wish 6th was a bit higher though (or at least further away from 5th).
Cheers, BT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally posted by avlis
I like the manny too. Yes it's sometimes hard to get into first when moving, but 2nd is so low and the 2.3 so torquey that you can start in 2nd from a very slow crawl. I don't bother with 1st unless I'm stopped anyway. So what's the problem?
I wouldn't raise the ratios. Those "granny" gears are great for slow moving traffic (along with the low end torque). Saves riding the clutch. I do wish 6th was a bit higher though (or at least further away from 5th).
I like the manny too. Yes it's sometimes hard to get into first when moving, but 2nd is so low and the 2.3 so torquey that you can start in 2nd from a very slow crawl. I don't bother with 1st unless I'm stopped anyway. So what's the problem?
I wouldn't raise the ratios. Those "granny" gears are great for slow moving traffic (along with the low end torque). Saves riding the clutch. I do wish 6th was a bit higher though (or at least further away from 5th).
On the C240 I wouldn't change em, the car is too underpowered as it is thru the first three gears.
And yes, the C7 shifter makes a world of difference...the throws are too long on the stock shifter. Otherwise its a nice gearbox.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
'01 C240/6
Originally posted by avlis
I like the manny too. Yes it's sometimes hard to get into first when moving, but 2nd is so low and the 2.3 so torquey that you can start in 2nd from a very slow crawl. I don't bother with 1st unless I'm stopped anyway. So what's the problem?
I like the manny too. Yes it's sometimes hard to get into first when moving, but 2nd is so low and the 2.3 so torquey that you can start in 2nd from a very slow crawl. I don't bother with 1st unless I'm stopped anyway. So what's the problem?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I'm not a huge fan of the manny (but anything's better than an auto).
For those of you who might want an improvement over the C7, UUC should be finalizing their short shift kit before Turkey Day (and hopefully will have a billet shift knob as well), and I should have pics/report of how well it works about then. Stay tuned!
For those of you who might want an improvement over the C7, UUC should be finalizing their short shift kit before Turkey Day (and hopefully will have a billet shift knob as well), and I should have pics/report of how well it works about then. Stay tuned!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Behind the Orange Curtain, CA
C230K, 325iT
In line with other's comments, I'd say 1st is waaaaay too short. The other ratios are fine. Feel is a little rubbery, but the clutch is very forgiving, so overall I'd say it's a good manual. Only other downside I can think of is the pedal spacing, but that's not really a fault with the transmission per se.
The 5-spd in my 325 has ideal ratios and far better shift feel, but the clutch is an unforgiving monster and I sometimes wish for a 6th (5th is direct drive, so at 70 MPH it's turning around 3,300 RPM).
The 5-spd in my 325 has ideal ratios and far better shift feel, but the clutch is an unforgiving monster and I sometimes wish for a 6th (5th is direct drive, so at 70 MPH it's turning around 3,300 RPM).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by MR325iT
The 5-spd in my 325 has ideal ratios and far better shift feel, but the clutch is an unforgiving monster and I sometimes wish for a 6th (5th is direct drive, so at 70 MPH it's turning around 3,300 RPM).
The 5-spd in my 325 has ideal ratios and far better shift feel, but the clutch is an unforgiving monster and I sometimes wish for a 6th (5th is direct drive, so at 70 MPH it's turning around 3,300 RPM).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by c200k uk
Mines the classic, with 15" steels and fake wooden trim on dash oh and also the crappy fake "mb lex" synthetic leather. do u get that in the states ?
is it possible to upgrade the fake wooden trim to the aluminium one that comes with the avantgarde package? also is there no short shift kit available for the manuals?
I also feel its totaly impossible to shift fast on the mannual cause the gaiters are just so far away !
Mines the classic, with 15" steels and fake wooden trim on dash oh and also the crappy fake "mb lex" synthetic leather. do u get that in the states ?
is it possible to upgrade the fake wooden trim to the aluminium one that comes with the avantgarde package? also is there no short shift kit available for the manuals?
I also feel its totaly impossible to shift fast on the mannual cause the gaiters are just so far away !
The C240/C320 sedans have MB-Tex bolsters w/ leather center inserts standard. Full leather option adds leather bolsters, headrests, side door inserts and nicer (i.e., "French seam") stitching.
I saw both the standard and full leather interiors before I ordered my car -- you would be very hard pressed to notice or feel the difference. The visible clues are the double-row stitching and "gathers" on the door insert trim.
Actually I think the gates are pretty close together, compared w/ my previous '99 Passat.
Originally posted by SoCal240/6
I find the 6 speed in our C240 to be excellent. Very smooth shifting, light but solid action, no problems at all.
I find the 6 speed in our C240 to be excellent. Very smooth shifting, light but solid action, no problems at all.
Last edited by MarkL; Nov 14, 2002 at 03:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
So the overall opinion is that its a decent gearbox ? cause overhere in the uk 99% of mercs are bought auto's and if you do buy a manual ure seen as a bit of a dick as they totally slate the manual box here? even though i bought the manual as the thought of an auto just pissed me off.
Also overhere they rate the new A4, 3 series and is200 much better than the c200k sedan, why is this? bmw's are sooo common over here !
Also overhere they rate the new A4, 3 series and is200 much better than the c200k sedan, why is this? bmw's are sooo common over here !
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
C230 coupe 6sp
Originally posted by tommy
I'm not a huge fan of the manny (but anything's better than an auto).
For those of you who might want an improvement over the C7, UUC should be finalizing their short shift kit before Turkey Day (and hopefully will have a billet shift knob as well), and I should have pics/report of how well it works about then. Stay tuned!
I'm not a huge fan of the manny (but anything's better than an auto).
For those of you who might want an improvement over the C7, UUC should be finalizing their short shift kit before Turkey Day (and hopefully will have a billet shift knob as well), and I should have pics/report of how well it works about then. Stay tuned!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
Originally posted by MarkL
I didn't know MB had fake wood trim -- my C240 has real wood trim -- are you sure it's fake?
The C240/C320 sedans have MB-Tex bolsters w/ leather center inserts standard. Full leather option adds leather bolsters, headrests, side door inserts and nicer (i.e., "French seam") stitching.
I saw both the standard and full leather interiors before I ordered my car -- you would be very hard pressed to notice or feel the difference. The visible clues are the double-row stitching and "gathers" on the door insert trim.
Actually I think the gates are pretty close together, compared w/ my previous '99 Passat.
I agree -- I'd like to drive an example of one of the "problem" tranny's. Also, I'm wondering if the short throw linkage is standard on the C240 because I don't find the throws long.
I didn't know MB had fake wood trim -- my C240 has real wood trim -- are you sure it's fake?
The C240/C320 sedans have MB-Tex bolsters w/ leather center inserts standard. Full leather option adds leather bolsters, headrests, side door inserts and nicer (i.e., "French seam") stitching.
I saw both the standard and full leather interiors before I ordered my car -- you would be very hard pressed to notice or feel the difference. The visible clues are the double-row stitching and "gathers" on the door insert trim.
Actually I think the gates are pretty close together, compared w/ my previous '99 Passat.
I agree -- I'd like to drive an example of one of the "problem" tranny's. Also, I'm wondering if the short throw linkage is standard on the C240 because I don't find the throws long.
also when i test drove the 02 it was a non C7. when i test drove a 03 it was was equipped with C7. though the test drives were 4 months apart i didnt notice a difference in the manny's from non C7 and C7. probably because of the time frame. the auto was never an option for me so i never test drove one. i just prefer a manual transmission!
Last edited by CitronC230K_03; Nov 18, 2002 at 12:22 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally posted by speedfrk
Tommy, make sure you let us know when the new shifter is done! I have a non-C7 shifter and it is terrible. Sloppy, vague, and still has that nasty 1st to 2nd shift. Hopefully, the UUC shifter will fix some of these problems.
Tommy, make sure you let us know when the new shifter is done! I have a non-C7 shifter and it is terrible. Sloppy, vague, and still has that nasty 1st to 2nd shift. Hopefully, the UUC shifter will fix some of these problems.
