List "Bang for your bucks" mods you've done on your C Class
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 45
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From: New York
C230
"Bang for your bucks" mods you've done on your C Class
The most cheapest mod done so far is the modifying the stubby intake hose connecting the radiator support to the airbox. There is a restrictive kink on the flex part of the neck of the intake. I decided to cut it off the flex accordian piece, tried to make a mock funnel piece that is much larger than the OEM piece. The butt dyno result is noticeable, especially in the top end, I must have picked up a few more ponies. No dyno nor pics yet. I'm not through, more mods to follow.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Los Angeles
GL450, Sienna SE
My most bang for the buck mod that I felt was the Evosport UD pulley kit. Especially for my C240, it was struggling for power in the hot summer days. Once I got the UD pulley kit on it was like night and day when I had my A/C on and it was 100F+. It def is worthwhile investment.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 792
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From: Las Vegas
2003 C230 K , 2001 ML320
Huge question, for Evosport. Does the underdrive pulleys for the C240/320 water pump, power steering pump and alternator also work on the C230K? At $499 this would be something I would order right away. The web site lists a 10- to 20-percent decrease in accessories speeds, reducing the load on the engine. The pulleys were good for 13hp (1st gear), 9hp (2nd gear), 7hp (3rd gear) gains on a 2000 E320.
The gains should be similiar for the 189 HP C230.
The gains should be similiar for the 189 HP C230.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Ohio
Originally posted by CarlssonCRS
haha, yea you could switch the engine for a brabus v8 one!
haha, yea you could switch the engine for a brabus v8 one!
We almost traded the thing back in for a 320. I love the relatively light front end and the good highway mileage, so it'd be nice to boost the 1.8 somehow (w/o doubling the cylinder #) just a little bit.[wrt the topic, no mods here other than a phone charger and tire pump, both powered by the cig lighter...]
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
Originally posted by breastroker
Huge question, for Evosport. Does the underdrive pulleys for the C240/320 water pump, power steering pump and alternator also work on the C230K? At $499 this would be something I would order right away. The web site lists a 10- to 20-percent decrease in accessories speeds, reducing the load on the engine. The pulleys were good for 13hp (1st gear), 9hp (2nd gear), 7hp (3rd gear) gains on a 2000 E320.
The gains should be similiar for the 189 HP C230.
Huge question, for Evosport. Does the underdrive pulleys for the C240/320 water pump, power steering pump and alternator also work on the C230K? At $499 this would be something I would order right away. The web site lists a 10- to 20-percent decrease in accessories speeds, reducing the load on the engine. The pulleys were good for 13hp (1st gear), 9hp (2nd gear), 7hp (3rd gear) gains on a 2000 E320.
The gains should be similiar for the 189 HP C230.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 792
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From: Las Vegas
2003 C230 K , 2001 ML320
I bought one of those Barabus 345 page glossy catalogs from eBay. Worth the $12 because any time I want to dream, just look at that catalog.
It is nice to know that MB builds enough strength into the
chassis handle a hopped up V8
0-62 mph seconds must be accompanied by LOTS of tire smoke in the Coupe!!! Very serious FUN for lots of bucks.
It is nice to know that MB builds enough strength into the
chassis handle a hopped up V8
0-62 mph seconds must be accompanied by LOTS of tire smoke in the Coupe!!! Very serious FUN for lots of bucks.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 792
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From: Las Vegas
2003 C230 K , 2001 ML320
The whole problem with the 2003 1.8 liter engine with auotmatic is that we (I) tend to treat it as I would a V6. I leave it in drive which is 5th gear overdrive. Many times I am doing 1500 RPM around town. If we treated it like a stick and kept the revs in the 3,000 to 4,000 range the car drives great.
Right now there is no way to bump up the low end torque. Even the ECU chips will not bring enough torque below 3,000 RPM. Bottom line the engine is only 1796 cc's. That is tiny for a 3500 pound car. Only through tremoundous developement can Mercedes get 189 horsepower out of 1.8 liters. That is in the race car specs from a few years ago, and Mercedes is getting great gas mileage, meeting smog specs, and able to warantee the engine for 40,000 miles. It far out performs the C240 V6 engine.
M271 rules for many years to come
Right now there is no way to bump up the low end torque. Even the ECU chips will not bring enough torque below 3,000 RPM. Bottom line the engine is only 1796 cc's. That is tiny for a 3500 pound car. Only through tremoundous developement can Mercedes get 189 horsepower out of 1.8 liters. That is in the race car specs from a few years ago, and Mercedes is getting great gas mileage, meeting smog specs, and able to warantee the engine for 40,000 miles. It far out performs the C240 V6 engine.
M271 rules for many years to come
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Originally Posted by benzmodz
I got the SUNMAN package added to my car thanks to MBENZNL. I am waiting for distronic and seat contouring to arrive in the future.
As for my best "bang for the buck" mods:
AUX Input $27
AL Door Pins $25
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,221
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From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by nlpamg
Damn! The SUNMAN package is pretty damn comprehensive, every w203 option possible along with options only found on the w209, w211, and w220...
As for my best "bang for the buck" mods:
AUX Input $27
AL Door Pins $25
As for my best "bang for the buck" mods:
AUX Input $27
AL Door Pins $25
Mini-Go is on the list but rear heated seat will never get used .....
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Gotta be these...
Door pin surrounds $30!...Without a doubt. All of the mods I've done have been with purpose and worth the money, but the door-pin surrounds were definitely the most unique out of all of them.
