i am glad i already got my coupe...
Upgrades for C230 Coupe?
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Upgrades for C230 Coupe?
Hi, I've been considering buying a C230 coupe, but after the test drive, have a few questions.
My biggest problem while driving it was the shifter. It felt loose and disconnected, almost no feel while shifting. The one I drove did not have the C7 package, which after reading a few threads here, seems to have a short shifter. Does it really make THAT much of a difference, does it actually give you SOME kind of feel while moving the shifter? If not, are there aftermarket solutions available?
My second question is power. It was decently quick, but I was hoping for more. Are there chips or what not available to boost the power? Are there any plans to offer a 6 cylinder in it in the future? Thanks for any help you guys can give!
My biggest problem while driving it was the shifter. It felt loose and disconnected, almost no feel while shifting. The one I drove did not have the C7 package, which after reading a few threads here, seems to have a short shifter. Does it really make THAT much of a difference, does it actually give you SOME kind of feel while moving the shifter? If not, are there aftermarket solutions available?
My second question is power. It was decently quick, but I was hoping for more. Are there chips or what not available to boost the power? Are there any plans to offer a 6 cylinder in it in the future? Thanks for any help you guys can give!
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The short throw shifter with the C7 is much better. It is not up to BMW or Acura standards, but it was a big surprise when I got mine after testing a non-C7 car. The transmission and shifter improve with use. There isn't any aftermardet shifters that I am aware of.
Some members of this board have recently installed Upsolute chips. There are some other chips availaable. There are also pulley kits which increase the boost by about 2 psi. Some are sold with chips.
http://www.upsolute.com/eng/index.html
http://www.kleemannusa.com/
http://www.hs-elektronik.com/auswahl-e.html
http://www.renntechmercedes.com/
http://www.chip-tuning.com/introUSA3.html
http://www.vaeth.com/
http://www.brabus.com/
Some members of this board have recently installed Upsolute chips. There are some other chips availaable. There are also pulley kits which increase the boost by about 2 psi. Some are sold with chips.
http://www.upsolute.com/eng/index.html
http://www.kleemannusa.com/
http://www.hs-elektronik.com/auswahl-e.html
http://www.renntechmercedes.com/
http://www.chip-tuning.com/introUSA3.html
http://www.vaeth.com/
http://www.brabus.com/
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Dexter, Michigan, USA
2002 C230k
The rumors I'm hearing are the 2003 model will be available with a smaller four cylinder or a six cylinder. When I asked the dealer about this (I ordered one today) he confirmed that's what he had heard too...
-Craig
-Craig
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A Smaller 4? So no more 230k? Ughh, my father had a C230 before the kompressor, and that was no fun, 60 in the high 9s. However, he currently has a C320. If thats the engine they put in it next year, that will be LOTS of fun, considering it moves the sedan quite well, and the coupe is lighter, right?
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Next year the car is supposed to have a supercharged all aluminum 1.8 liter statified charge direct injection engine. The engine will have balance shfts and, therefore, will be much smoother than the current engine. Horsepower will possibly decrease by 3 or 4 hp, while torque will be down 20 newton-meters, which is about 14.75 lb-ft. It will still be called the C230k. Gas mileage will improve by 3 to 4 mpg.
Last edited by Lynn; Feb 24, 2002 at 01:50 AM.
Thread Starter
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I really wish they would change to a turbocharger, rather than a supercharger. MUCH easier to upgrade.
Lynn, you seem to know alot about the engines for next year, any word about the 6 cylinder (if there is going to be one)?
Lynn, you seem to know alot about the engines for next year, any word about the 6 cylinder (if there is going to be one)?
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My info is from what has been posted here by members who work at MB dealerships. They have not posted anything about 6's. The 2.6 is less powerful than either of the 4's, and a chip and or pulley upgrade will produce more power than the 3.2 at a lower cost.
Alright, post #500
Alright, post #500
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Senior Member
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From: Dexter, Michigan, USA
2002 C230k
Originally posted by MJGunn
I really wish they would change to a turbocharger, rather than a supercharger. MUCH easier to upgrade.
I really wish they would change to a turbocharger, rather than a supercharger. MUCH easier to upgrade.
A pulley change is going to effect performance across the board...
Sure, rechipping is easier than changing a pulley, but from a driveability standpoint I have to wonder which leads to "better performance" (other than WOT dyno pulls)
-Craig
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Well, I'm a bit biased at the moment, because I currently drive a Golf 1.8t . On cars with a big turbo, yes, there is lag up to 3-3500rpms. But the 1.8t has a small turbo, and the boost comes on at 1800rpms, and pulls all the way to redline. When I bought my car, it came stock with 150hp/150torque. I spent 500 on a chip, and I've got 190/220 now. Throw an exhaust on, and I'd be at about 200/230. Or, if I really wanted to go crazy, I could buy Apr's Stage 3 kit for 4gs (http://www.goapr.com/products/stage3_trans.html), and have 290hp/296 torque. I think mods for that kind of performance would cost a LOT more for the C230k.
The problem is, it would still be front wheel drive, and I would still have to deal with VW dealers for service (they are the worst, they treat their customers like garbage).
The problem is, it would still be front wheel drive, and I would still have to deal with VW dealers for service (they are the worst, they treat their customers like garbage).
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
Originally posted by MJGunn
if I really wanted to go crazy, I could buy Apr's Stage 3 kit for 4gs (http://www.goapr.com/products/stage3_trans.html), and have 290hp/296 torque.
if I really wanted to go crazy, I could buy Apr's Stage 3 kit for 4gs (http://www.goapr.com/products/stage3_trans.html), and have 290hp/296 torque.
Senior Member
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From: Dexter, Michigan, USA
2002 C230k
Originally posted by MJGunn
Well, I'm a bit biased at the moment, because I currently drive a Golf 1.8t . ...SNIP... I think mods for that kind of performance would cost a LOT more for the C230k.
The problem is, it would still be front wheel drive...
Well, I'm a bit biased at the moment, because I currently drive a Golf 1.8t . ...SNIP... I think mods for that kind of performance would cost a LOT more for the C230k.
The problem is, it would still be front wheel drive...
Like I said, but I've driven more than a few turbos and supercharged vehicles. I've always liked superchargers better. Enough that I swore I'd own one "someday", I just never knew it'd be so soon!
-Craig
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From: NJ
'05 c240 4matic wagon
Originally posted by Spyke
I'm not so sure about that one... I prefer superchargers over turbos since they can provide boost RIGHT NOW as opposed to a turbo's lag. I'm no expert, but it seems to me if you want more boost out of a turbo you either go bigger (and get more lag) or modify the wastegate for more max boost, which really only effects WOT performance.
...
-Craig
I'm not so sure about that one... I prefer superchargers over turbos since they can provide boost RIGHT NOW as opposed to a turbo's lag. I'm no expert, but it seems to me if you want more boost out of a turbo you either go bigger (and get more lag) or modify the wastegate for more max boost, which really only effects WOT performance.
...
-Craig
The sexiest-sounding four-banger has got to be the one in the WRX Impreza - hands down! Like a Porsche Boxster.
