I guess it's safe to say that each model caters to certain individuals. Some wouldn't dream of driving a 4-cylinder Benz. Others couldn't see themselves driving a similarly styled C, but with a big 3.5L V6 or maybe even a 5.4 V8...why "waste" all that gasoline. Others prefer mid-pack performance but still want a V6 for its' smoothness and reliability.

I never thought I'd go with the 1.8L 4-cyl in my C230. But it catered to me perfectly...it was less money than a C320, it would cost me less money to fill up, it's smoother than most other brands' 4-cyl engines, it's supercharged, and I'm not especially worried about durability, since I only put about 5,000 miles (9,000km) per year on the car. Plus I always like to answer people's question on what "KOMPRESSOR" means

For others such as my good friend Glyn, they chose their model C based on their preferences and their desires. Which is why I think is great that M-B offers so many models (C180, C200, C230, C240, C280, C320, C350, C32, and C55). Did I miss any?

Cintoman

 

I realize we're getting a little OT but I did drive a 2003 C Coupe with the 3.2, and yes, it was smooth as buttuh compared to the 4 banger. Any 4 banger is not as well balanced as a V6. But I could see no reason to have the 2.6 6cyl. for the reasons listed.
My GF has the 3.5L ML, and yeh, it's very nice.
I like having only 4 coil packs and 4 plugs and no wires to worry about vs 12.. And I've been able to get a lot of power out of it. + only one cat to replace as well.
Stock exhaust does sound like a lawnmower in 2002 I'll agree. It finally got to me, and that when I got the Remus.

 

+1 - Well said & then of course you have all the diesel varieties that are remarkably tough, refined & frugal for a diesel that suit so many personal & taxi requirements & the C230 V6 2.5l a la Johnand which is sold as a C230 in the ROW where C180 & C200 cover the 4 cyls. One might say why a 2.5l - well once again it is a gorgeous engine for those not chasing power they can't really use. The reason for the E200 Kompressor in countries like Singapore although quite a lot of E200Ks get sold right here in South Africa. OK at coast - a gutless wonder at our high altitudes on the reef in Johannesburg.

If one is fair the M271 also get's an unfair rap. In it's sorted form with new head or running on the kind of fuel it was designed for - namely narrow distillation 95 Eurograde & with pigtales installed in case of the dreaded cam sensor leaks it is a little gem that addressed the complaints of the past by customers & press alike. I have not heard of a single W204 with cam sensor leaks on the M271 and we have some high milers here already - so I think it is a thing of the past. It is free revving & smooth for a 4. It's the free revving that I so enjoy in the small sixes.

All that said. We are all members of the Benz family with different requirements, likes & dislikes & sometimes prepared to put up with niggles for the sake of pride of ownership & pleasure of driving. They are at the end of the day great safe cars.

 

All we are saying...is give peace a chance....oh pullease!
yeh yeh yeh...stop being such a kissass...
Can't we all just get along?
Ha, what fun would that be?
C240's are overpriced gutless wonders.
There I said it....shoot me.

 

M111s were designed in a shed at the bottom of your garden & belong in an agricultural implement.
I wipe M111s off the sole of my shoe when the neighbour's dog has been around & it smells!! Would not want that on the C240's carpets or spoiling the smell of good leather.

Bang!

 

m112 ftw!



jk!

 

Oh! I forgot to say it's a South African C240 - Full leather including door trim & other niceties like Parktronic & BiX for it's excessive price - No MB Tex & rubbish cloth falling off the door panels.

 

The 4 banger feels and sounds like a cheap hyundai, not a benz, but let's say you disagree about that. The fact still stands that whenever you hear of an engine issue, engine failure, oil leak, etc on this or any other benz forum, it's one of the 4 cylinder engines 90% of the time. They are junk engines based on reliability, AND the way they feel / run. If I had the misfortune of owning an MB with such engine I would sell it before the warranty ran out, that's for sure!

For fear of starting a flame war I'm not going to post anything further in this thread. Go ahead, have at me.

 

I'm just laughing my *** off....
hopefully we can all still have a laugh...I was a little shocked by the seriousness of that one thread without naming names. I think for some people the stress of the economy is leaking into other areas.

I laugh at your silly C240. I breath upon it's underpowered engine, and cough on it's leather.
M111 is a reliable engine. No problems with the powerplant, knock on wood. Cross my fingers.
138K troublefree miles, at least as far as the block and head goes.

BTW- Glyn, why is your avatar silver, but it appears from your pics your car is white? (wow, SA is nice)
and
PS, I've already concurred that the 6 is smoother...but I got more power.
With less fuel.
Excuse me while I fire up my 240HP M111 and head to the beach to catch the sunset and a margie with my lady.

 

Todd, are you blind as well as obtuse. My car is Zircon silver with pale grey leather. Your car roadtested at 20 mpg by Road & Track. The M111 is known as a guzzler when pushed - unlike the M271 which is frugal.

Bring your 2 door plough with it's rough breathless & coarse pump engine to South Africa & I'll take you on through our killer Karoo from Johannesburg to Cape town - 1400 Kms flat out. I know I will arrive first and use less fuel & likely be more fresh after the run. The record stands at 7.25 hours in a BMW 325IS Homologation Special for non exotics.

I think that you have pissed off your gf & she's put you on rations - making your less than pleasant disposition even more so.

LLMAO

 

...what was the straight time...




funny thread guys...good job....and it's M271 FTW!!!

 

Wow. Take THAT.

 

I wish I hadn't found this thread....Must resist!!!!!

 

Please resist Ed. You & I have had this chat before and I thought it was dead. The stiring just went too far.

 

12.5 hours observing the speed limit.

 

I'm a very lucky carefree chap. I don't owe a cent. I own a lot of property. I'm very comfortably off. Although retired I have a company that desires my services as a consultant when it suits me. The stock market has even been kind to me. I live in a beautiful part of the world with the winelands close by. I can ride out the storm in relative comfort.

Had to severely resist the temptation to buy the most perfectly preserved C55 I've ever seen the other day with 17,000 miles on the clock in Palladium Silver.

A spot of self reflection going on maybe?

 

Glyn, you ignorant ****.

I suppose your knowledge of American Television might be at a disadvantage, and the classic 'point counter point' on Saturday Night live. Watch this, and you'll get the idea.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/sa...ola/4120730573

"Glyn, you ignorant ****.
My pointed insults would be wasted on a brain so dull as yours. Your life so boring and unfulfilled as to have nothing to do more than spend your days in this forum spewing automotive disinformation to to the huddled masses.

Your comments while occasionally useful, are mostly intended to increase your post count, and in turn your own image of self importance. Nothing could be further from the truth, as you rot away a lonely man, who's only diversion is to tout the geriatric capacity of an underpowered inefficient engine of a bygone day.
Have a good day and a pleasant tomorrow. "


Of course I'm kidding.
Have a nice day. Speaking of wine, I'm heading to David Bruce today to sample some of the finest Pinot Noirs the US has to offer.

 

Excellent!!! You old Tart I've been insulted by professionals in my day Just back from the beach, popped a bottle of good Merlot & about to retire to my Jacuzzi for a soak & the wench can massage my back.



BTW appropriate Avatar

 

I was working on another line, but you'd already replied...

"Your perceived acerbic wit, as tasteless and humorless as the vinegar that passes for wine grown in the vineyards of your local region"... he he...

That line needs a little work..... off to taste some wine...

 

From my days of living in Marin County I enjoyed some of the wine of the Region. Sonoma Valley boutiques impressed the most.

My palate is more attuned to South African & Australian reds.

 

What no snappy comment? Yawn.....

 

Could not be bothered - better things to do.

 

Interesting that European motoring scribes rate the C240 & the C270 CDI as the pick of the bunch - how sensible!

 

I think some people in the US had disdain for the C240 based on two things.
1. The first year or two of the W203 had many quality issues, and it took a while to overcome that reputation.
2. The marketing effort in the US was really poor. MB never provided consumers much of a reason to buy a C240 over an equivalent BMW or Audi.

The C270 CDI was never offered here, and would have been my first choice. I consider myself very lucky to be able to afford the nice things in life like a Mercedes; however, fuel economy is still important to me. Yes, the E Class is offered in Diesel here, but I wish to make less of a social statement than that.

The C230K with the M271 was the best choice for me. It offers good mileage, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a pleasing body style. I drive reasonably, over-maintain my car, and have done the wiring and hose modifications. I am hoping for good durability.

I am happy with my car. But, if someone were to offer a C250D with the new 2.2 liter Diesel and 6-speed manual in the US..............

 

I just can't believe there is a spat here in which I have stayed out of it.

E