arifk

This thread was a great read. I wonder which direction did @GermanCarShow (OP) go with their upgrades and what the experience was with tracking the C230? I am looking into swapping out my 2.5l with the 3.5l and upgrade the suspension to track my car next year. My plan is to use the stock brake system with DOT5 fluid and PFC or Carbotech race pads. Possibly go the coil-over route but need more info on the improvements. I think Eibach/H&R spring and shocks might work too.

GermanCarShow

@arifk Hi. I never took that C230 down the heavy modification trail. Had it on track for maybe 6 or 8 HPDE events/weekends and maybe 20 autocrosses. Drove it for 100,000 miles in general. Dedicated 17" wheels with Nitto-NT01 tires, aggressive pads (which I believe heat-damaged my stock cross-drilled rotors, had to replace), and high temp brake fluid. I don't remember doing anything more. I miss having a manual transmission Mercedes!! I currently have a 2017 C43 AMG. I've got Enkie wheels (which required centering rings, spacers up front, and cone seat lug bolts) with Nitto-NT01 tires again. I tried Porterfield R4S pads this summer and went through them like butter. Need a true track pad for next summer. Using Motul brake fluid again. Am considering using the K-Mac camber kit bushings for next summer as well, to get more camber for more even tire wear on the front end.

arifk

Hi
@GermanCarShow
Sounds like you made good use of the C230 and I agree, the MT makes the car much more enjoyable to drive. In your experience how competent was the car relative to other cars like the Miatas especially given the weight and power output of the 2.5L? I've been participating in SCCA HPDE events in my area and for next year I would really like to take the 230. Your thoughts and experience with tracking your car would be much appreciated, not to mention a good read for anyone else thinking of tracking their MB.

GermanCarShow

@arifk Hi. Well, in autocross not many cars are going to beat the Miatas! The C230 with MT was fun, but I never participated in SCCA or anything truly competitive. It was always MBCA autocross (we'd invite other local clubs with us like Alfa Romeo, BMW, Porsche, and others) so nobody was trying to win any points or trophies. But, people would ride in each other's cars and talk about how to make performance improvements and be better drivers. If you've already got the car, then you might as well use it and have fun. There are many other cars better suited for autocross. If you're an MB fan who wants a MT to shift, then you could find a second gen SLK350 with a MT. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 for sale in Federal Way, WA - CARFAX Or, you could go newer and find a third gen SLK250 with an MT. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 for sale in Sarasota, FL - CARFAX These would be better for autocross than a C Class. If you're an MB fan and don't want to row your own gears, get the newest SLK AMG you can afford. If MB is not important to you, then you could try many other cars. If you really want to compete, just look at the cars used by the top drivers in various SCCA autocross classes. I assume you can get all their event results online. And, if you venture out on an actual race track, your autocross car would be good enough to have fun and learn track driving.