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

curious...would the C230coupe (I guess 2.3L '02) have been more beneficial if it had

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 06:13 PM
  #1  
tberry's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
2002 C230 Coupe Black/Charcoal C5 C7 Auto
curious...would the C230coupe (I guess 2.3L '02) have been more beneficial if it had

curious...would the C230coupe (I guess 2.3L '02) have been more beneficial if it had 5spd manual then 6spd? I mean 6spd sound freakin cool but is that excessive for the kinda power/engine it has? I know 6spd would probably gain more high end (top speed?) but would a 5spd give you better 0-60 or 1/4mi times? Thanks for any input.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 06:26 PM
  #2  
TimmyC230boy's Avatar
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 think that its more for a fuel milage reason. Performance wise the auto and the manny are very close in times. But the manny gets better highway milage
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 06:34 PM
  #3  
trench's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
The 2.3L motor has such a broad power (torque) band that a 5-speed probably would have been sufficient. I imagine that the 6-speed is more useful in the "peakier" power bands of the C240 and 1.8L C230Ks, as it's easier to select a gear that keeps the car in the middle of the power band. My guess is that this 6-speed is used in most of the manual MBs for this reason and that its just a cost savings measure that it ended up in the 2.3 L C230K.

If redline in second gear was above 60 mph that would shave a couple of 10ths off of the 0-60 speed (instead of having to do a 2nd-3rd shift at 54 mph). Quarter mile might be less too - depending on where the shift points are.

Cheers, BT

Last edited by trench; Dec 13, 2002 at 06:37 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 06:43 PM
  #4  
gab's Avatar
gab
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
my 2psi worth:

auto vs manny

the mileage not neccesarily very different. while the auto tranny absorbs more horsepower but its very smart in using the lowest gear you always find yourself cruising around streets at below 2000 rpm while in manny you are too lazy to shift to highest gear to save gas you just remain on 3rd or 4th while you could have use 5th or even 6th gear in around the city

5sp vs 6sp

on paper 5 sp might be better coz on the 6sp, 2nd gear only goes up to about 52mph then you have to shift to 3rd to get 0-60 times where you probably lose what half a sec or 1/4 sec there so 0-60 time suffer. if you compare 0-50 time the c230k is very competitve while 0-60 time might seem slow. It's not a surprise if the coupe had the 5sp it could go 0-60 under 7sec easily.

on 1/4 mile you might lose some time if you had to shift for extra gear depends what is your trap speed i think stock coupe can go about 85-90mph trap
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 07:05 PM
  #5  
Matt230K's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
MB didn't build this transmission so that the car could get the fastest 0-60 time. A 5-spd probably wouldn't have gearing much different because 5th and 6th are already so close together.

One reason is marketing. For some reason, people think that they are getting more by getting 6 gears instead of 5. I see some people amazed that it is a 6-spd, like it must be something special since it has 6 gears. I don't know if this is enough for someone to base their purchase on, but it can't hurt.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 07:37 PM
  #6  
gab's Avatar
gab
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
if they really wanted to go all the way with the 6sp they could place the gear ratio in such the way that it will produce better 0-60 times say 6.9sec 0-60 14.99 1/4 mile time.

IMHO the coupe doesnt come alive until like 4th gear and up where it really shines
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 07:42 PM
  #7  
Matt230K's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
Originally posted by gab
IMHO the coupe doesnt come alive until like 4th gear and up where it really shines
With my pulley, I think it really starts to move in 2nd gear, but I don't like first at all. It's WAY too short and the shift into 2nd is one of the hardest to get right. It requires too much effort to be fun. But after that, the car runs great.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 07:46 PM
  #8  
avlis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by gab
if they really wanted to go all the way with the 6sp they could place the gear ratio in such the way that it will produce better 0-60 times say 6.9sec 0-60 14.99 1/4 mile time.
I disagree. I think they could have made 6th a little taller.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 13, 2002 | 10:43 PM
  #9  
Outland's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally posted by gab
if they really wanted to go all the way with the 6sp they could place the gear ratio in such the way that it will produce better 0-60 times say 6.9sec 0-60 14.99 1/4 mile time.

The performance for 0-60 or 1/4 mile has nothing to do with whether it has 5 gears or 6. Its all about the ratios. You'll never get into 5th or 6th anyway in the 1/4. If first and second were just a smidgen taller , the 2.3 would pull a sub 7 to 60..easy. The 15.3 in the 1/4 would come down a little, but not as much as the 0-60time. The car launches great, its that idiotic shift at 53 that puts you off. Frankly, I'd like to see 1st and 2nd just tall enough that you hit 60 or so in 2nd gear...and then stretch 6th gear way out. I wan't to be turning 2K at 70...this car has the torque to do it. You only need 8hp at 60mph to overcome drag and friction, why spin it to 2600 at 70? Don't get me wrong, I love the six speed...but the gearing could use a little tweaking. Anyone know if the ratios are the same as the 240? If so, its probably that low so the underpowered 240 can move along better out of the hole.

One reason is marketing. For some reason, people think that they are getting more by getting 6 gears instead of 5. I see some people amazed that it is a 6-spd, like it must be something special since it has 6 gears. I don't know if this is enough for someone to base their purchase on, but it can't hurt.
In a market where a sub 20K Ford Focus has a 6speed, not offering one on a car which usually runs closer to 30 would be foolish.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2002 | 04:59 AM
  #10  
speedfrk's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
C230 coupe 6sp
I think a taller rear gear would help since 1st is so low. It is a lot easier to change the rear axle ratio than the transmission ratios. Then you might be able to hit 60 in 2nd.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2002 | 08:01 AM
  #11  
Outland's Avatar
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
I think a taller rear gear would help since 1st is so low. It is a lot easier to change the rear axle ratio than the transmission ratios. Then you might be able to hit 60 in 2nd.
I thought about that, but I don't think there's anything but lower(shorter) final drives available.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2002 | 09:13 AM
  #12  
MB-BOB's Avatar
Admin Alumni
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 19
See Garage
Another possibility...

Remember, this is a German car, built primarilly (first) for sale in Europe and Germany. Perhaps it has 6-speeds to make it more flexible on the high speed Autobahns, Autostrada (Italy) etc.

I don't know if the ratios are the same in Germany as they are in the US, but I would think a sixth gear in Germany stresses the car less while running 20-30 min stints above 100 mph.

Here in the states, I agree that a 6-spd is needed for Marketing reasons. F1 cars have 7 spds. It won't be long...

Last edited by MB-BOB; Dec 14, 2002 at 09:15 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2002 | 04:49 PM
  #13  
avlis's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by MB-BOB
Here in the states, I agree that a 6-spd is needed for Marketing reasons. F1 cars have 7 spds. It won't be long...
That's true. And it's also for emissions. As engines get smaller, the only way to get accectable performace from them will be to offer more gear ratios. Big rigs can pull 80,000lbs only becuase they have so many gear ratios to choose from (I forget how many).

Here's a link everyone should read: http://www.howstuffworks.com/transmission1.htm
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2002 | 02:34 PM
  #14  
trench's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by Outland
The performance for 0-60 or 1/4 mile has nothing to do with whether it has 5 gears or 6. Its all about the ratios.
I beleive most of us were going with the assumption that a 5-speed box would have ratios spaced further apart than the 6-speed (not just losing 6th gear).

Anyone know if the ratios are the same as the 240? If so, its probably that low so the underpowered 240 can move along better out of the hole.
They're the same.

1 (4.46), 2 (2.61), 3 (1.72), 4 (1.25), 5 (1.00), 6 (0.84)

Cheers, BT
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2002 | 05:33 PM
  #15  
speedfrk's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
C230 coupe 6sp
Usually they add more gears to keep the ratios close for performance driving. The 2.3K engine has such a broad torque curve, that it doesn't really need 6 gears, but the 1.8 probably can use the extra gear. The peakier the torque curve, the more gears you need to keep the engine in the fat part of the torque band. The 6sp is probably way more useful on the less powerful European models that are not imported to the US and Canada.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:17 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE