Spirited Driving - C230 Kompressor - TIPS PLEASE
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From: Charlotte, NC
2013 S550, CLS500, ‘03 SL500, “92 190E Sportline
Spirited Driving - C230 Kompressor - TIPS PLEASE
Hey all. I was wondering if we could share pointers on spirited driving here. I would like to hear tips for the manual transmission c230K with the M271 engine. I have an '03 C230k sedan (6spd).
I've come across comments online where people have said "you have to know how to drive it", referring to the C230.
So, how do you drive your C230 when engaging in Spirited Driving? If you have an automatic, feel free to share your thoughts as well.
I know there's a thread on here about shifting, but it seems directed towards normal, everyday driving type of shifts...
Thanks! And remember, Don't Leave Canned Drinks In Your Car During Winter!
I've come across comments online where people have said "you have to know how to drive it", referring to the C230.
So, how do you drive your C230 when engaging in Spirited Driving? If you have an automatic, feel free to share your thoughts as well.
I know there's a thread on here about shifting, but it seems directed towards normal, everyday driving type of shifts...
Thanks! And remember, Don't Leave Canned Drinks In Your Car During Winter!
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: South Fla.
06' C230SS
lol, im auto but when i wanna have some fun i just throw it on S-mode and drop into the "tip-tronic" tranny so i can manually shift.. such a lag when shifting though from 1-2 i gotta hit it at like 4 grand or im in the red 
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01' C32o
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From: Alhambra/Irvine, CA
W203 Kompressor 6spd SS, Audi B5 S4
Spirited Driving, eh?
Pretty general, but a blind spot mirror is a must. Unless I'm going 90+ and not driving fast with anybody else, I don't need my side mirrors. I also try to stay away from tint, so I can spot cops easier. haha
As for the 6spd shifting, personally, theres not much to it. Its a world of difference for when I drive my RSX. I can mess around with V-tec and everything, so thats pretty satisfying.
Pretty general, but a blind spot mirror is a must. Unless I'm going 90+ and not driving fast with anybody else, I don't need my side mirrors. I also try to stay away from tint, so I can spot cops easier. haha
As for the 6spd shifting, personally, theres not much to it. Its a world of difference for when I drive my RSX. I can mess around with V-tec and everything, so thats pretty satisfying.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 340
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From: South Fla.
06' C230SS
Spirited Driving, eh?
Pretty general, but a blind spot mirror is a must. Unless I'm going 90+ and not driving fast with anybody else, I don't need my side mirrors. I also try to stay away from tint, so I can spot cops easier. haha
As for the 6spd shifting, personally, theres not much to it. Its a world of difference for when I drive my RSX. I can mess around with V-tec and everything, so thats pretty satisfying.
Pretty general, but a blind spot mirror is a must. Unless I'm going 90+ and not driving fast with anybody else, I don't need my side mirrors. I also try to stay away from tint, so I can spot cops easier. haha
As for the 6spd shifting, personally, theres not much to it. Its a world of difference for when I drive my RSX. I can mess around with V-tec and everything, so thats pretty satisfying.
VTEC!?!? OOOOH SHEEEET THATSS FASSSTTTTT 
:rolf :
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From: San Diego, California
2003 C230 Kompressor Coupe, 2003 E320, 2003 Chevy Corvette Z06
Just know how to keep your revs up with heel/toe downshifts. Drive safe though, do all your spirited driving on the track.
Drive safe though, do all your spirited driving on the track.
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From: Alhambra/Irvine, CA
W203 Kompressor 6spd SS, Audi B5 S4
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From: Alhambra/Irvine, CA
W203 Kompressor 6spd SS, Audi B5 S4
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
For me "spirited" driving came with suspension upgrades.
Prior to that it was a slush machine, fight to stay in the seat on corners.
With upgraded sways and springs that when things got spirited.
(I won't mention pulley since y'all cain't get one, or least not that works properly unless you get the Kleeman kit).
As far as driving, I use the Auto like a manny, and generally keep in 3rd gear except in tight corner when I drop to 2nd.
3rd gear if good for up 85 mph or so. And if you hit redline at that speed, it just flies when it hits 4th.
Prior to that it was a slush machine, fight to stay in the seat on corners.
With upgraded sways and springs that when things got spirited.
(I won't mention pulley since y'all cain't get one, or least not that works properly unless you get the Kleeman kit).
As far as driving, I use the Auto like a manny, and generally keep in 3rd gear except in tight corner when I drop to 2nd.
3rd gear if good for up 85 mph or so. And if you hit redline at that speed, it just flies when it hits 4th.
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From: Sacramento/San Gabriel/Riverside
01' C32o
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From: Alhambra/Irvine, CA
W203 Kompressor 6spd SS, Audi B5 S4
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2005 C230SS 6-speed, 2003 Audi S8, 1970 Camaro SS/RS
Drive it like you stole it, but...
At least with the '05 C230 SS 6-speed there's really no point in revving it beyond about 5200 rpm. The shift recovery on the M271 is great with that shift point since each shift lands right in the meat of the torque peak, at about 3500rpm. I raced a kid with a lowered, stock-engined '06 Civic Si coupe from 65-85 several times starting in 4th, letting the torque do the work. Needless to say, he was pissed that he could never pull on my car. But if I played the Honda game in the C230, he'd have wasted me. Our cars make all kinds of sweet noise at 6000rpm, but they're not pulling much at that point.
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
On my 07, I keep mine is "S" most of the time and find it works pretty well by itself in spirited driving. But for the most fun and control I use the touch shift. I don't experience the lag everyone here complains about. It shifts when I tell it to shift. Maybe the programming on the 07's for the 7G transmission are improved 
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 340
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From: South Fla.
06' C230SS
well i doubt it.. it is still an electronically controlled unit therefore 'drive by wire' so of course there is still lag.. we just over-exaggerate how long it takes to shift 
last night on 84 i was messing with a v8 s/c, and he was obviously having fun playing with me too- letting me catch up and then pulling 2 cars on me, lmao...
i just left that baby in auto (s) and stomped it - hit 6200 about to red and shift then i seen i had to get on the on-ramp so i had to left off 
last night on 84 i was messing with a v8 s/c, and he was obviously having fun playing with me too- letting me catch up and then pulling 2 cars on me, lmao...
i just left that baby in auto (s) and stomped it - hit 6200 about to red and shift then i seen i had to get on the on-ramp so i had to left off
