Kurt

I'm interested in C-coupe, but I tend to think there's a bit too much engine noise in 230K. Is there any rumor of the 320 V-6 for MY2003? Any comments from current owners about engine noise?

Buellwinkle

I think there's more engine noise in the C320 than the C230. IMHO it's a little too quiet and would love slightly louder pipes. Here's version of the coupe that may get the 3.2L V6.

gab

the engine noise mainly comes from the whirl of the supercharger personally I think its not bad just like you have the spooling sound from turbo car.

the C230K with pulley upgrade will put the 320 engine to shame

tommy

With the V6 in the ccoupe, MB would bundle: auto, leather, Bose, prob. roof, prob. comand. So, that puts it at around 34 or 35 base. I can think of a ton of cars that would be kicking its ****.

In Europe, a mid-priced v6 hatch makes sense, but here in the US, it wouldn't sell. Americans like their mid-thirties 2-doors to be big, heavy, and REAL coupes. I don't think that it would sell here, and more importantly, I don't think that MB would take that risk and bring it here. Look at their hesitation to bring in all of the good stuff that's available over there for the ccoupe already.

If you want your car to be Lexus-quiet, then the ccoupe isn't for you. I like the engine noise, and don't think it's intrusive at all.

BTW: you could be talking about ashtrays, and he'd still manage a way to throw in that damn pic of the ccoupe conv. anyway.

Flashman

Coming from a Mazda Miata... when we went to test drive, my wife drove it first and her first comment stepping out was "you wont like it, too quiet, you can't hear the engine at all". I got it in and she was right, closed there was no engine noise. But top down, I could hear that sweet supercharger just right.

So I guess car noise is subjective to where you are coming from. My aftermarket exhaust Miata was kind of like a harley, without being too loud. But compare it to the Benz, and I'm not sure how I will ever be sure if I left the C230 on or off. :p

MB-BOB

Let's see... 192hp plus 30 hp (assuming the upgrade would net a full 30hp) puts us at 222hp, only 7hp more than the stock C320 (215hp). I wouldn't exactly say it would put the 3.2L "to shame." I also would like to see what the pulley does for torque.

gab

according to my research pulley kit can achieve around 220-225hp and 230lb/ft to 240lb/ft that is on a very wide torque band

MB-BOB

OK, the C320 pumps out 215hp (5700 rpm) and 221 lb-ft of torque (3000-4600 rpm)... with my "slushbox."

Now, add 225 pounds for the mandatory Panorama Roof and C7 Package wheels, and your Coupe will weigh 75 pounds more than my sedan. That should negate the nominal differences in hp/torque. I might have to turn off my A/C compressor... maybe.

But while you're furiously stirring the pot with your 6-spd, I'll be scanning the radio presets, looking for that Geggy Tah song...

Kurt

Thanks for the responses. I'm actually considering the car for my wife. My "noise" question had more to do with the vibration and engine hum typically associated with a 4-cylinder (230K) rather than exhaust sound, performance differences, etc. Seems there is the opportunity for several different perspectives with this question.

zimmer26

The roof isn't mandatory Bob! Its loud and buffets like a SOB. I highly doubt it and 1" larger wheels and tires add that much weight either but whatever your point is on target. The coupe should keep the 4 and lose some weight. Alloy block and turn that sucker up to about 220. I don't know where else you can save the weight without detracting from the structural integrity, but hey MB that damn CD changer probably goes about 4lbs! And Bob and I still can't figure how the coupe is only 40lbs or whatever it was lighter than the 240 being 7" shorter and only packin a 4?? Figure it out, give us a smoother higher tech(not vtech!) all aluminum supercharged 4 that puts out about 20 or 30 more! Downside: you'd see more coupes than 325s in a few years- but that's the winning formula MB!! I'll give ya a few years before tradin in the 02(that is of course unless the CLK55 comes into view, ok maybe the C32- but lets see some manual options for pete's sake!!)

C230/6speed/orion/C7/changer - soon(1mo.) but not soon enough

zimmer26

The roof isn't mandatory Bob! Its loud and buffets like a SOB. I highly doubt it and 1" larger wheels and tires add that much weight either but whatever your point is on target. The coupe should keep the 4 and lose some weight. All alloy block and turn that sucker up to about 220. I don't know where else you can save the weight without detracting from the structural integrity, but hey MB that damn CD changer probably goes about 4lbs! And Bob and I still can't figure how the coupe is only 40lbs or whatever it was lighter than the 240 being 7" shorter and only packin a 4?? Figure it out, you're smart, give us a smoother higher tech(not vtech!) all aluminum supercharged 4 that puts out about 30 or 40 more! Downside: you'd see more coupes than GTIs in a few years- but that's the winning formula MB!! I'll give ya a few years before tradin' in the 02(that is of course unless the CLK55 comes into view, ok maybe the C32- but lets see some manual options for pete's sake!!)

C230/6speed/orion/C7/changer - soon(1mo.) but not soon enough

viper

My information says no V6 in 2003. However there will be some power improvements in the current engine.