kineda

I'm just wondering when's the latest I can order a 2002 C230k? I'm going to the dealer tommorow to put a deposit down so that one can be built. He says I should be able to get one, but it might be a 2003 model? Anyone know for sure when the cut off date is?

trench

I think that beginning in June they will be building 2003 models.

Not sure if its first or second decade of June (probably first).

BT

kineda

Does that mean even if I order now, they must begin building before the end of May? I just want to be clear because I don't want to be stuck with a 2003 model(1.8L). Is there anything I should get from the dealer this Saturday when I go in that guarantees this?

trench

I think you'd be OK with a car built in May. The dealer should know exactly when the car will be built as they are given an allotment of slots to be filled. My gut feeling is it is already too late, builds are frozen about three weeks (I think officially 13 business days) prior to a build decade and considering that, orders for the third decade in May are probably already frozen (maybe they can still squeak you in though).

Good luck, BT

London AMG

I'm feeling really edgy about this whole (three levels of tune) 1.8 engine thing.....I should be getting my build date late in May.....I should be taking delivery about a month after that(late June),according to my dealer....Anyway,common sense tells me IF I get a 2003 engine to enjoy the better fuel economy,and supposedly higher level of refinement (lower noise level)BUT,I really dont want to accept that my little 1.8 is being pushed nearer its limits as compared to my dreamed about TRUE 2.3l engine....for those of you in the know,can you confirm that my thinking is correct and that there is more potential upgrade possibilities with the existing engines.


"There is NO substitute for Cubic Capacity".....True or False ???

sdcaclint

i think that all other factors being equal (they never are) there is no replacement for displacement(stolen from carrol shelby). i think if i had my choice i would prefer the 2.3 vs 1.8. but no one really knows for sure what the performance of the 1.8 is going to be. i doubt that mb would put out an engine that wasn't good. i have a question, does the 2.3 have an alumnium block or is it cast iron? if the new 1.8 has the high pressure alumnium block it my have better balance (car balance, not engine balance) and my handle slightly better?

Mike T.

The 2.3 four has a cast iron block; the 1.8 is aluminum, presumably made of the same alloy as Mercedes uses on their Vee engines. I think it has the "nickasil" treated bores. I guess it's a bit lighter than the 2.3, but with the extra equipment (double Lanchester balance shafts etc), the weight advantage over the old engine may be nominal.

My Dad and I were at the M-B dealer in Victoria today picking up some paperwork in advance of the car's arrival (expected in 2 weeks, built April 8th).

The salesman said that M-B Canada just "officially" advised dealers 10 days ago that the 2003 model C 230 K would have a 1.8 engine. Funny, most of us knew this was likely a couple of months ago. He said that he had to phone some people that had ordered a week or two before that "news" and tell them about the engine change, and two of the people cancelled their orders due to this new engine!

I'd call that a major over-reaction - the 1.8 probably is just fine. It's a bit slower (not much) and a fair bit less torquey, but for me it'd still good. The extra power and (more importantly) far better torque characteristics of the 2.3 is just a bonus I suppose. And the better fuel efficiency of the 1.8 apparently is not something most North Americans give a crap about...too bad, really.

viper

All bets are off with the strike in Germany. 2003 MY vehicles for the European market were to start being produced in late June.
I would say you are more likely to get a 2003 vehicle at this point.

Buellwinkle

This is a whole new motor from MB and that's a problem in itself. I don't have the confidence in their first year of anything. I had problems with the first 190D, it was in 12 times because the throttle linkage kept melting off (too close to the exhaust manifold) and the tranmission needed replacement in a week. It was just a troublesome car. Thank goodness for the lemon law.

Also, you are not going to see performance goodies for at least a year (pullies, chips, exhaust, air filters) as vendors need to get a hold of one first and start testing. The 2.3 Coupe had a good headstart because of the SLK230 and former C230K. It took a year and half for Porterfield to come out with brake pads since the W203 C class came out. Of course if you keep it stock then it doesn't matter.