Just bought C230 sport..M271 or M111?
#26
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The one area in which the M271 beats the M111 and all the V6's is fuel economy. This is both in the EPA ratings and real world driving.
NVH is an emerging science, and most new engines are better than their predecessors. Although the M271 has a sport exhaust, the sound is smooth and melodious. The engine has almost no detectable vibration through the steering wheel or elsewhere, especially on cars with the 6-speed manual.
In terms of modifying the M271 engine, it seems hardly worth the effort. Gains are modest at best. The factory mostly optimized this engine. This is not necessarily a bad thing; most BMW's also now come optimized from the factory.
In short, the OP should feel good about purchasing the 2005 C230K. Enjoy your new Mercedes.
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
NVH is an emerging science, and most new engines are better than their predecessors. Although the M271 has a sport exhaust, the sound is smooth and melodious. The engine has almost no detectable vibration through the steering wheel or elsewhere, especially on cars with the 6-speed manual.
In terms of modifying the M271 engine, it seems hardly worth the effort. Gains are modest at best. The factory mostly optimized this engine. This is not necessarily a bad thing; most BMW's also now come optimized from the factory.
In short, the OP should feel good about purchasing the 2005 C230K. Enjoy your new Mercedes.
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
#27
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Having owned an M111 powered car since it was new in 2002, I wonder where all the vibration in yours is coming from, Glyn. The only thing you hear in ours is the sound of the supercharger and the exhaust. Personally, I think it is cool. Is it louder than most people would like at 4.5k rpm? Sure. But so is a 911.
All I can say is that driving BMW v-8 and I-6 engines regularly, and a Honda four cylinder of recent vintage as well, that the M111 is absolutely fine, with a sportier feel and sound than the v-8 in the BMW or the I-4 in the Honda.
Also, having spoken to many Mercedes techs (at some of our local club gatherings and DIY sessions), I've yet heard one of them say anything other than the fact that the M111 is a solid, durable, well engineered motor. While I personally have driven and think the 271 is a great engine, most of them have told me they would prefer a 111 because it is far more durable, in terms of what they see everyday at the dealer.
Here's one other thing, based on my long experience with German cars: If NVH is your primary concern, buy Japanese. Almost no German car can match the smoothness of a Honda v-6 or I-4, or Lexus v-8, for example, because the tolerances in those motors are tighter. The problem is the rest of the car is not as solid, but that's a different discussion. Someone who is looking for the best in class NVH in a German car? That tells me they don't know German cars that well, especially a Mercedes.
All I can say is that driving BMW v-8 and I-6 engines regularly, and a Honda four cylinder of recent vintage as well, that the M111 is absolutely fine, with a sportier feel and sound than the v-8 in the BMW or the I-4 in the Honda.
Also, having spoken to many Mercedes techs (at some of our local club gatherings and DIY sessions), I've yet heard one of them say anything other than the fact that the M111 is a solid, durable, well engineered motor. While I personally have driven and think the 271 is a great engine, most of them have told me they would prefer a 111 because it is far more durable, in terms of what they see everyday at the dealer.
Here's one other thing, based on my long experience with German cars: If NVH is your primary concern, buy Japanese. Almost no German car can match the smoothness of a Honda v-6 or I-4, or Lexus v-8, for example, because the tolerances in those motors are tighter. The problem is the rest of the car is not as solid, but that's a different discussion. Someone who is looking for the best in class NVH in a German car? That tells me they don't know German cars that well, especially a Mercedes.
#28
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Having owned an M111 powered car since it was new in 2002, I wonder where all the vibration in yours is coming from, Glyn. The only thing you hear in ours is the sound of the supercharger and the exhaust. Personally, I think it is cool. Is it louder than most people would like at 4.5k rpm? Sure. But so is a 911.
All I can say is that driving BMW v-8 and I-6 engines regularly, and a Honda four cylinder of recent vintage as well, that the M111 is absolutely fine, with a sportier feel and sound than the v-8 in the BMW or the I-4 in the Honda.
Also, having spoken to many Mercedes techs (at some of our local club gatherings and DIY sessions), I've yet heard one of them say anything other than the fact that the M111 is a solid, durable, well engineered motor. While I personally have driven and think the 271 is a great engine, most of them have told me they would prefer a 111 because it is far more durable, in terms of what they see everyday at the dealer.
Here's one other thing, based on my long experience with German cars: If NVH is your primary concern, buy Japanese. Almost no German car can match the smoothness of a Honda v-6 or I-4, or Lexus v-8, for example, because the tolerances in those motors are tighter. The problem is the rest of the car is not as solid, but that's a different discussion. Someone who is looking for the best in class NVH in a German car? That tells me they don't know German cars that well, especially a Mercedes.
All I can say is that driving BMW v-8 and I-6 engines regularly, and a Honda four cylinder of recent vintage as well, that the M111 is absolutely fine, with a sportier feel and sound than the v-8 in the BMW or the I-4 in the Honda.
Also, having spoken to many Mercedes techs (at some of our local club gatherings and DIY sessions), I've yet heard one of them say anything other than the fact that the M111 is a solid, durable, well engineered motor. While I personally have driven and think the 271 is a great engine, most of them have told me they would prefer a 111 because it is far more durable, in terms of what they see everyday at the dealer.
Here's one other thing, based on my long experience with German cars: If NVH is your primary concern, buy Japanese. Almost no German car can match the smoothness of a Honda v-6 or I-4, or Lexus v-8, for example, because the tolerances in those motors are tighter. The problem is the rest of the car is not as solid, but that's a different discussion. Someone who is looking for the best in class NVH in a German car? That tells me they don't know German cars that well, especially a Mercedes.
NVH issues are how, as an example, the sound, frequency & amplitude of the intake system reacts with the primary frequency & it's harmonics of the gearbox - and that with the diff - and that with the tyres - and that with the exhaust - and that with the all the body components etc. Then there is absorbsion of noise by the various components of a car to add to the mix. So your comment "The problem is the rest of the car is not as solid, but that's a different discussion." is not valid. The German's do hugely well in total NVH engineering with (now I'm going to be shot) Audi probably leading by a short head. At the same time the new Lexus GS450h Hybrid that I had the pleasure of driving the other day is a stunning example of good NVH engineering. While there is vast commentary on detailed NVH engineering our local CAR magazine published an article on NVH engineering 101 for us ordinary citizens that I have scanned with their permission to give you a flavour - It is by no means exhaustive but a good start - Sorry I'm picky but vibration analysis, it's interactions and destructive ways have been a subject of study for me over many years in the industrial sphere of my job. This has probably been futher enhanced by my interest in High End Audio although the connection might be hard to understand by those with no interest in the subject.
Read this - then we can discuss briefly if you wish - I don't want to irritate the moderators. We need them for proper & usefull control of this forum.
I've said what I intend about the M111 and I'm unrepentant & I quote "If you want me to say that the M111 is a tough & durable if slightly crude affair with poor NVH engineering that was easily modded I'm more than prepared to say that - hows that?"
On reliablitity - once modified (optimised?) I'll bet the M111 is no more reliable than the already optimised M271 driven similarly. Fuel has a lot to do with M271 ills. Your Gasohol does not help as it only really increases Research Octane not Motor Octane.
And hey! - if the M111 contribution to NVH problems doesn't bug you then lucky you. They bug a lot of others - owned one - never again! I now drive a V6. Please enjoy your car.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 08-28-2008 at 07:57 AM.
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You do realize, I hope, that you come across as a patronizing ***, and if your reading skills were as well developed as your ego you would understand that my statement about engine tolerances was not meant to be an all-encompassing explanation of NVH, but rather just a single point of consideration.
In the interim, thanks for reminding me that the internet is a great place to find yet further proof that a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. You would be well served to better utilize your time on the internet somewhere else maybe -- perhaps attach your "backgrounder" to your resume and send it to Mercedes? Heck, they don't know anything about building motors or NVH, and I am sure they could use help. You sound like the candidate for whom Mercedes has been searching.
#32
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This is great. A new way to fall out with someone you've never even met. For my point of view if you want to drive a car that feels like it was built in someones shed you don't buy a Mercedes. Only the most generous person would say that the M111 was a good engine for Mercedes. Great for putting in something else, but not a quality marque like Mercedes.( I'm thinking of a piece of plant machinary or a rock crusher) The only 4 cyl Merc worth a damn was the 190e cosworth and then you wanted performance. I seem to remember the manual gearboxes took a bit of getting used to. That's another argument for another day. If you want to drive a car with class, comfort and performance you buy a Mercedes, but not one with a M111 engine in it.
#33
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2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
+1 Ouch! the motor industry would be horified to hear you calling NVH an emerging science when they have been spending millions on the subject since the early sixties. Certainly agree that huge strides have been made in recent years. The Germans & good old Toyota Lexus probably lead the way in recent times in real world cars
I will not argue with the great amounts of money spent on NVH in the past. However, I think only recently have we started to see great results.
Example, virtually all 4-cylinder engines in the 1980's and into the 1990's suffered from poor balance, second-order vibrations, and resonant frequencies. They made harsh sounds and were generally rough-running.
You could feel these engines vibrating through the steering wheel, or almost any place on the body. Noisy drivetrains and vibrating body panels often added to the racket. Manufacturers addressed this problem with more cylinders in the engines, especially on more expensive cars.
These days, most four cylinder engines are smooth and quiet (except some basic economy cars). This did not happen by accident, nor did it happen cheaply. The M271 engine benefitted from this newer technology.
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
#34
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2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
This is great. A new way to fall out with someone you've never even met. For my point of view if you want to drive a car that feels like it was built in someones shed you don't buy a Mercedes. Only the most generous person would say that the M111 was a good engine for Mercedes. Great for putting in something else, but not a quality marque like Mercedes.( I'm thinking of a piece of plant machinary or a rock crusher) The only 4 cyl Merc worth a damn was the 190e cosworth and then you wanted performance. I seem to remember the manual gearboxes took a bit of getting used to. That's another argument for another day. If you want to drive a car with class, comfort and performance you buy a Mercedes, but not one with a M111 engine in it.
Funny part is that you talk about performance? Where is the performance in the C240?
I'll happily continue to drive my C230 with the M111.
E
#35
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Emerging instead of static, perhaps?
I will not argue with the great amounts of money spent on NVH in the past. However, I think only recently have we started to see great results.
Example, virtually all 4-cylinder engines in the 1980's and into the 1990's suffered from poor balance, second-order vibrations, and resonant frequencies. They made harsh sounds and were generally rough-running.
You could feel these engines vibrating through the steering wheel, or almost any place on the body. Noisy drivetrains and vibrating body panels often added to the racket. Manufacturers addressed this problem with more cylinders in the engines, especially on more expensive cars.
These days, most four cylinder engines are smooth and quiet (except some basic economy cars). This did not happen by accident, nor did it happen cheaply. The M271 engine benefitted from this newer technology.
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
I will not argue with the great amounts of money spent on NVH in the past. However, I think only recently have we started to see great results.
Example, virtually all 4-cylinder engines in the 1980's and into the 1990's suffered from poor balance, second-order vibrations, and resonant frequencies. They made harsh sounds and were generally rough-running.
You could feel these engines vibrating through the steering wheel, or almost any place on the body. Noisy drivetrains and vibrating body panels often added to the racket. Manufacturers addressed this problem with more cylinders in the engines, especially on more expensive cars.
These days, most four cylinder engines are smooth and quiet (except some basic economy cars). This did not happen by accident, nor did it happen cheaply. The M271 engine benefitted from this newer technology.
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
#36
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You have given nothing to substantiate what you say. Waste of a post. But hey, at 3 posts, you are going to need to get some count.
Funny part is that you talk about performance? Where is the performance in the C240?
I'll happily continue to drive my C230 with the M111.
E
Funny part is that you talk about performance? Where is the performance in the C240?
I'll happily continue to drive my C230 with the M111.
E
You have the weirdest way of measuring things
If post count is important to you then this sensible quote by Drex who qualifies by your measure, and I might say by many more important ones, should RESONATE with you
"The main reason they made the m271 was to adhere to the consumers that would complain about the m111 being too "noisy" and "rough." What that did, in turn, was limit the capacity of what any enthusiast could do with the m271 engine without A LOT of money to put into very custom power modifications."
Consumers in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Australia etc. & I dare say a lot in the Americas, did not like this engine one bit and Benz had to respond to their customer's complaints
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 08-30-2008 at 07:26 AM.
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'05 S60R, '99 A4 1.8T avant Stage 3
....
Here's one other thing, based on my long experience with German cars: If NVH is your primary concern, buy Japanese. Almost no German car can match the smoothness of a Honda v-6 or I-4, or Lexus v-8, for example, because the tolerances in those motors are tighter. The problem is the rest of the car is not as solid, but that's a different discussion. Someone who is looking for the best in class NVH in a German car? That tells me they don't know German cars that well, especially a Mercedes.
Here's one other thing, based on my long experience with German cars: If NVH is your primary concern, buy Japanese. Almost no German car can match the smoothness of a Honda v-6 or I-4, or Lexus v-8, for example, because the tolerances in those motors are tighter. The problem is the rest of the car is not as solid, but that's a different discussion. Someone who is looking for the best in class NVH in a German car? That tells me they don't know German cars that well, especially a Mercedes.