chrissy

I want to buy the C230K in a 6 speed but after looking at some of the posts from people about all of the problems with them, I'm getting quite scared. I am the type of person that does not drive fast...my top speed is usually 60-65 mph. Is this a problem due to high performance driving or every day driving? I don't even think that I would ever make it into 6th gear. My car now is a 5 speed and I think I've only ever shifted into 5th like 4 times. Any help would be appreciated. Plan on going to the dealer on Saturday to order the car.

Harris

From what you're saying, I think its better for you to get an auto.

chrissy

I'm not particularly fond of automatic cars though, I like to shift. That's why I'm so concerned.

tommy

My six speed's fine, and I got an early '02 model.

It's not the best tranny out there; it's simply a little boxy.

As far as 6th, there's nothing wrong with only using the first 5, if you don't go fast enough to put it in 6th. If you value fun in your drive, you should still stick with the manny.

Benzer

That was the main reason I got the Touch Shift, too. Not driving hard and often enuf to merrit a 6er. Of coure You have to ante up a few more bucks, too

From what i read i dont think the 6er is that much of a concern anyway

speedfrk

I have one of the nasty 6sp trans, and all I can suggest is that you drive the car quite a bit before accepting it to make sure you are happy with the shift quality. Some are good, some are bad, and most are just mediocre.

Mercedes

I dont think there is anything wrong with my 6speed. You just have to learn how to adjust to it, and then you can make smooth shifting easily. Dont worry and go get the 6speed

VoyagerDude

I vote for 6-speed.

chrissy

If something does happen with it, the dealer is the one that has to pay to fix it right? Is it under the warranty?

Mercedes

Of course, but I dont think you have to worry about anything going wrong, transmission and engine wise in the mercedes. They are very reliable.

MarkL

Like someone else said, it doesn't matter how many of the gears you use, just that you are doing it yourself . BTW, I shift into 6th around 55 to 60 depending... I also had a 5-speed before and was wondering about using 6th gear. After you get used to it, it's no big deal. The main decision for you is just whether you want the manual at all. I have 15K miles on my C240 6-spd and haven't had a minute of trouble with the trans or anything else.

PS. Whatever you do, don't pay attention to Buellwinkle's posts about all his problems

Mercedes

LOLS buelwinkle, he always complains about the car, but says the reason he got is is for the food :p Damn if he was that hungry he can give me 30k, and I would give him good service at my house

taylor192

If you like shifting you might like the 6-speed, but if you're used to only 3-4 shifts, now it'll be 4-5 shifts, and your shift points will be much earlier for 1-2-3 gears than a typical 5-speed, but you'll notice that 4-5 are very similar to a normal 5-speed, and 6 is basically if you wanna get on a highway and cruise, or want to push the limits of the car (which doesn't sound like your thing).

I have had mine 4 months and actually like the 6-speed. It is notchy between 1-2, but after a few 1000 miles it gets a lot better (or maybe you get used to it....). Take a test drive and decide for yourself.

trench

I've driven two six-speeds and both were fine.

Mine has the C7-package with the shorter-throw shifter, I can only recall one complaint of a C7-car having a problem. Also, most of the bad trannys I've seen have been on '02s. I can't think of anyone off the top of my head who's had a problem with an '03, so you might be OK.

Cheers, BT

Matt230K

Yes, and it also doesn't matter how hard you drive, it can still be fun to have a 6-spd. I would get it if I were you, but just make sure you drive it before you buy it. I think it is a very small percentage of them that are bad. They may not be great, but it seems fine to me. I would go for it. I wouldn't expect any problems, but if it happens, it happens. What matters is how well the dealer takes care of you if it does happen.

Lynn

At 60 to 65 mph, you should be using sixth gear. Fifth gear in this car is the same as fourth gear in most five speeds.

mctwin2kman

I was skeptical about the 6 speed. But of the 2 2003's I drove they were both fine. Get the C7 since the short throw is much nicer. My wife learned on our car and has been shifting better then me in some cases. I like the tranny, the first gear is tight and accurate and the second is a little less tight, but still not sloppy. I would recommend it. ANd yes of course everything is covered under warranty, except wear and tear stuff like brakes, clutch and tires.

On another note I got a 2000 C230K for a loaner today. You can tell the torque diference between the 2.3 and the 1.8 at the lower RPM's between my C230 SC and the C230K sedan. But mine seems faster all around. The engine revs faster in my little 1.8.

DCX Engineer

Go for the 6-Speed.

Mine has been fine (28k miles), although 1-2 could be better. I generally use 6th gear above 50MPH. I have a 45 mile commute and cruise around 80MPH. I wish there was a 7th gear for even better fuel mileage.

20FHK02

I recall when I'm crusing at 80mph at 6th gear the engine rpm is about 3000. My friend has a '02 Mustang V6 auto and he said his car is only at 1500 rpm at 80mph. Is that true?

galaxygrrl

Chrissy,

You like driving a stick, so if you love the car, just get the six speed. If you don't just love the car, find one you do.

I went from an stick to an auto with this purchase becuase I just hated drving the hills of San Francisco with a stick, but I miss driving a standard.

Unlike many people on this board, I don't think MB makes a very good stick shift, but I do think it's good enough to get away with.

The touchshift on the auto is a joke, you don't have the sense of control or drving fun you have with a stick.

Get what you'rew going to enjoy driving, and if your worried about problems this car does come with a 50k warrenty.

Good luck!

Beth

steffen

I have a six speed with no problems and am really enjoying it.

But it is definitely more work.

And because of the way the emergency brake works (not a hand-brake but a pedal on the side) starting on a hill in manual is pretty awkward.

If you do a lot of hilly city driving, go with the automatic.

If you don't mind doing a little bit of extra work to get that sporty feel, get the manual.

--S

Rick

Chrissy....hi again from NJ

If you like the control of shifting a car yourself, the 6 speed is the way to go. Personally, I don't like auto-slush-box transmissions.

More than a few owners in this forum DO drive their coupes hard, and I would almost bet that most of the ones with 'all these reported problems' are these very same drivers.

My car was a little notchy for about the first 2500 miles. But after that, it's silky smooth. I've got 17,5xx on it now, and it's far better than new.

*Don't believe ALL the hype....some of it even comes from disgruntled BMW posers wishing they had bought the Benz instead.*

z3r0

Exactly what is the problem with the 6-spd on the cars with the faulty tranny? I drove a manual C230k and it was great, the clutch is as light as a feather!

TNblkc230wz

The two I've driven were shift great as well. They both had C7 package with short shifter. Most all manual get smoother once they get a few miles on them.

Outland

Get the 6 speed- but only with the C7 package. It really does make a difference. I would ignore the whining here...a handfull of problems is not indicative of ALL the manuals. My 6speed shifts perfectly.

If you do have problems...well, that's what the warranty is for. Get the car you want.