This is true, the car is tremendously underpowered and the sales are falling here in Miami as well. The cruiser was the first and only car that i bought without test driving or even researching the car, that's why i'm here getting as much info before i go out and buy a first year model car(granted the Coupe is a huge improvement,and better quality car)

 

Funny you both mention that, because i just got off the phone with my sales rep from Bill Ussery Motors in Coral Gables, and they told me,and I quote"that's just not true,Mercedes does not make two different manual trannies for the 230,all you get is the different knob." So it looks like the wishful thinking was just that,wishful. Sorry to burst anyones bubble, but I just want to make sure we are getting and sharing the right info.

 

sal, your salesman is correct in that they don't make two different transmissions for the C coupe, but MB certainly does make two different shifters. I have driven cars with and without C7, and the C7 shifter is a shorter throw. renncoupe and Bos can give you the parts numbers for the two shifters, if you want them.

 

Lynn, I would apprecitate that, let me see what they tell me now.

 

I own an automatic, and I regret not waiting for 6 speed manual, but I love my car.

 

I would choose the manual with C7, just like someone said earlier.

 

I have the manual in my C240...and would do the same if I got another C240. If I decide to go with the C320 the next time....and if the manual was an option...I would have to think twice about it...am I showing age now? or it me getting lazy?

 

Hey Sal,


I don't want to argue that a manual gives you a slight more advantage in acceleration, however it seems like everyone in here is bashing on the auto. I live in Miami just like you and I know the wonderful traffic at every road and every hour. I have an auto. and it's very responsive and once I get on I-95 and mash it at say 65mph, I usually reach 110mph in nothing. ON the low end it pulls very very well for an auto. 4 cylinder. It's quick MB claims 7.5 to 60 mph in the auto. and I had mine in a few time runs and it does so in 7.2-7.5 sec. I have had all of my previous cars manual and can tell you that there is nothing like an auto. especially in Miami. I used to drive a very fast S4 Audi and it was manual, but I can tell you that my little 230 Coupe Auto is real nice and sufficient and more comfortable to drive in Miami than the S4 I had. Anyhow why would you want to be drag racing with a Benz, for that get something else that won't be expensive to fix if you trash it.

 

wait, not everyone... i love my auto. and w/ the hold the tipshifter to the left to downshift while passing, i'm very impressed w/ it. i mean, i'm lazy and old...

and sal, i remember that Bos got part numbers for the c7 manny shifter versus the standard, and they were different (not just the knob) so i'd believe that there is a difference but not sure exactly what. shorter? ok.

 

Thanks young i'm gonna try and find out some more info myself.

 

which cars are faster...?????

c320
c240 manual
c230 manual
c230 auto (is there one)

 

I believe the 320 is the faster of the three. 0-60 in 6.8

 

It would go:

c320
c230 manny
c230 slushbox

c240 manny









c240 auto

 

Sal,
looks like you can't lose either way, judging by the submissions to this thread (not counting the extra money...).

You seem to appreciate the joys of manual shifting, so you can't go wrong with the sexy sixpack of gears...unless you commute and are in a constant traffic jam.

But DO get the C7 (wheel) package with the shorter shifter - sweet!

I have no regrets and would rather spend the extra money on, say, the COMAND system.