I will probably be ordering an 05 C230K Sport Sedan when they are available in the next few months. I havent had the oppritunity to drive an 04 yet, so I was just curious which transmission functions best in this car? I'm more partial to a manual transmission myself, but I'v never experienced a Mercedes automatic (then again I havent experienced the Mercedes 6 speed either).

Which do you like or dislike?

Your input would be most appritiated.

 

I have both...auto in a '01 C320 Sedan and 6 speed in '03 C320 Coupe.

Wife loves auto; I like the manual. Both are good trannys, although the manual would be better if it was a little "taller" in 1st and 2nd.

Bottom line, I think it depends on your driving conditions. If you have a lot of stop/go commute driving, consider the auto. If you want to play sports car, consider the manual. In any case, go drive both and see for yourself.

 

Ok, here goes:

The MB manny really isn't that good; it's too notchy, and not smooth at all.

The slushbox alternative is not acceptable to me, though.

Couple of things - the SLK350 has a new manny, which is supposed to be much smoother than the one on the 230 - possible that either MB will put that in this car soon, or that it's a sign that they're revising all of their mannies (either would be fine with me). And, no one currently has a short shift kit for the 230, but that might change. UUC was interested in developing one, but they turned their attention back to BMWs, and haven't picked the project back up. I'm gonna talk to them soon, to see if that's a possibility.

If you're looking for a velvety smooth manny, keep looking. The auto adds about 1/2 sec to the already-lame 0-60 time. Most auto owners seem pretty happy with them (though why you'd be happy with an automatic is another subject). HTH

 

Tommy, I thought the old C7 package came with a short shifter? Are they not doing this anymore?

 

Ahh, well I'm used to a notchy 6 speed in my 03 Cobra so thats not a huge deal.

I guess I should be alittle more specific and ask, how does the clutch feel?

BTW guys thanks for all of your comments so far.

 

The 2005 C-Class will have the new manual transmission.

 

I have the C7 package on the Coupe and it has the "short shift" feature. I've owned several 911s and don't think the MB manual is any more notchy than they. It is, however, notchy although others have posted it improves with mileage. I've got 5k on my coupe and it still feels about the same as it did when I bought it. Clutch release is fine, not as snappy as a Porsche, but positive, not mushy.
I still recommend you go and drive a C-Class in each transmission and decide for yourself. Since you are looking at the tranny/clutch performance, I don't think it matters what body style or year you drive.

 

If this is true, then my comments may no longer be relevant.

 

I'm pretty sure they did something with the manual tranny other then the shorter shifter that i know has been added. However, for a lot of people, like me, even seeing a 6-spd c-class is impossible. I have been to about 4 dealers now, in INdiana, South Carolina and Kentucky and no one has a manual. Also, I've been on the phone a lot the past week with dealers cuz i'm getting a 05' c230 w/ the 6-spd, bi-xenons, sunroof, and heated seats, and i'm gonna have to order that car. They checked the whole country with anything that had any of the silver colors, one was in cali and one in maine. So it looks like i'm gonna have to wait 2 months. Oh well, at least i get what i want

Also, pricing should be out sometime this week or early next accoding to the dealers. I got pricing on the options, they went up a little, sunroof is now like 1950, and bi-xenons are 790, but thats worth it since these are those new rotating ones. I'll post more once the dealers call me back, later

 

I also ordered an 05 manual transmission after driving the 2004.5 manual. I live in south Florida and was able to locate at least 4 cars (2004.5 models) with a manual transmission but after negotiating a price felt it was worth it to get the 2005. I thought the 04.5 manual was pleasant and had a short throw to it. Some sources say the new manual for 05 is improved. I found that the manual transmission gave me more control (v.s. the automatic) over the driving experience and added more fun. I also felt the car had better acceleration in the range that I wanted it. I sensed the automatic hesitating and not shifting down at the right time when freeway merging etc. Therefore I recommend the Manual transmission to extract maximum acceleration when and how you want it. It will also pay for the xenon headlights with the money you save. The downside comes to resale and marketability as a used car. I suggest leasing the manual equipped car. Regarding the Xenons, I do not think they "steer" the fog lights illuminate the corners instead.

 

Nope. On the C-class they don't. JayinLauderdale is correct.

 

I've had my C230K for a couple of weeks now. I drove both auto and 6-speeds, and went with the manual. Yep, they're definitely in short supply. My dealer found mine up in St. Paul, MN. (I'm in Chicago.)

Notchy? Only in the lower gears, and only slightly.

 

The new 6-speed on the SLK350 has been reviewed as being much better than the current 6-speed setup. It has a short-throw shifter, shifts much more precise and crisp. Overall, much much better manny tranny.

I hear its built by getrag...

 

I am a newbie but thought I would throw in a new point of view...

I just picked up a 2004.5 C230K with the auto and I am happy with it. It responds without issue and the manual shifting was much better than I expected. The dealer mentioned the auto learns your driving style as well. It's not a rocket but very fun to drive. My other ride is a 6spd (2003 Corvette Z06) if I want to bang through the gears.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

The auto is great for an auto, but I had to have the 6sp. I agree that you need to drive both to make sure. I had to order mine, but it was worth the wait. My $.02.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

What I'm looking for here is a nice classy daily driver with alittle more kick than the PT Cruiser N/A 2.4 has, and I think this C230K is just the car.

Man I cant wait to get my hands on one of the sport sedans in Mars Red. I think that'll make for one sharp automobile.

 

MB auto always > MB manual

but of course there are people out there that likes manual doesn't matter what kind of car.

 

The Mars Red looked great! The dealer had one with sunroof, auto, CD and light package. Not I combo I had considered prior, but it was a tough choice after seeing it.

 

As stated before, Auto > Manual..

I used to drive a manual C 230 K and it's gearbox was quite nice. Had a little problems going from 1st to 2nd gear but that was just about the only issue.
The new C-class gearbox is flawless though, shifts better than BMW (that's at least what I read in local car magazines)

 

I have the 2004.5 C230, For daily driving the Auto is the trick. When I want to play, the Soft Touch shift works well & gives you the added boost your looking for.

Jkw