'02 C240 - high RPMs at Highway Speeds
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Okay I understood it to be that a tall gear was a gear that allowed you to go fast and keep the RPMs low. Like Corvettes with their top-gear cruise of like 1,600rpm at 80mph. And short gears to be like my Civic Si 6MT was, requiring constant changing. I guess I should go back and study my terminology again
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Okay I understood it to be that a tall gear was a gear that allowed you to go fast and keep the RPMs low. Like Corvettes with their top-gear cruise of like 1,600rpm at 80mph. And short gears to be like my Civic Si 6MT was, requiring constant changing. I guess I should go back and study my terminology again
Just did a quick google search and no, you are absolutely right. Sorry for messing you up. 
Posts have been fixed.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
1st is a very "short" gear to get rolling when carrying a lot of weight or on very steep hills. I find that people only complain about it when their gearboxes get a bit clunky. When the box is smooth you hardly notice that the car has even used 1st gear.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1
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From: Indianapolis, IN
2002 C240
That' funny...
I was driving my c240 into work today and noticed the high rpm's and wanted to check this site on any posts on this issue. My numbers are exactly the same as yours. Thank you for asking the question!!
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 791
Likes: 37
From: Detroit Area
W203 C230, W210 E350, W166 ML63
I'm at about 3,100 RPM at 80MPH. I could have sworn I was lower than that before I put on my winter tires but it looks like it matches up with everyone else's numbers.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1
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2002 C320
summer winter mode on transmission, or sport/comfort mode
I saw some responses about the two driving modes, and what they actually do. When in (s) mode the car will start in 1st, but it also makes the transmission shift more aggressively , while at the same time holding the gear a little longer depending on driving situation. When in (w) mode, you start out in 2nd gear and it shifts smoother between gears. Also, the car has 2 reverse gear ratios, one for (w) and (s), try it out for yourself and see.
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
2004 c230 kompressor
04’ c230 rpms
I'd appreciate it if you both would test & let me know. I did another road test & had it at about 60MPH in the manual 4 gear & then shifted it to 'D' & it did shift fine. It just feels like it is running at higher RPMs & does not coast at all.
I am not much of a car guy, just trying to either accept the dealer's suggestion that its fine or get more info on what to have checked.
Thanks
Andy
I am not much of a car guy, just trying to either accept the dealer's suggestion that its fine or get more info on what to have checked.
Thanks
Andy
Last edited by MyMBLeaks; May 11, 2025 at 07:01 PM.
