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it's almost impossible to find a C300 sport w/ manual transmission...?? who here owns one? how does the shifter feel? i don't expect it to shift like my old Honda S2000, but is it a decent unit?
it's almost impossible to find a C300 sport w/ manual transmission...?? who here owns one? how does the shifter feel? i don't expect it to shift like my old Honda S2000, but is it a decent unit?
It's not like a BMW or S2000/NSX, but it gets the job done. The shift knob needs to be swapped out for something that doesn't feel so cheap. I drove the C300 automatic and while it was nice, the thought of driving an automatic was not appealing to me. I wouldn't be expecting the greatest gearbox in the world, but it's a lot more satisfying than driving auto - at least for me!
Well, M-B isn't really known for their gearboxes or their transmissions (as far as I know), but the C300 manual isn't half-bad. Of course, if you are coming from an S2k (a fine, fine automobile), you are going to be disappointed. But then, you'd be so no matter what other car you switch into from an S2k. The M-B box in comparison would feel a tad wooden and much longer. And yes, the shift knob must be switched out ASAP; it's too light, too cheap looking/feeling, and too tall (for my tastes).
A positive note, however, is that the gearbox significantly increases the driving enjoyment. For me, at least. The car "feels" faster and more responsive. I like the gearing too. I think the gearbox takes great advantage of the engine.
For perspective, I was considering the following vehicles, in no particular order, before ending up purchasing the C300:
1. '08 Honda S2000 CR (The look was a bit too boy racer-ish... but still!)
2. '08 Subaru WRX (STi?)
3. '08 Mazda MX-5 (Miata!)
4. '08 Honda Civic Si (Awesome value.)
5. '08 BMW 330/335 (Something before I step up to the M5?)
Get the manual transmission. Strongly recommended. It has almost taken care of the horsepower envy that I had initially. Just a little more to go. Perhaps after the break-in period, that envy will forever disappear with my lead foot.
p.s. There exists just about 1,000,234,255,345,035 posts/threads on this topic. Click Search in the navigation bar above and search for "w204 manual transmission," and you should find a few.
i really need to find one to test drive. bmw 3 series cars drive great, but the 4dr is just dog**** ugly, and while 2 dr looks awesome, i cant live with a coupe.
i'll take a look at the infiniti G35 6sp as well.
i do not understand why MB does not offer at least a paddle shifter or a SMG-type semi-manual transmission in C-class..
How difficult is it to switch out the shift knob? Can this be done ourselves, or does it have to performed in a shop? Also, can anyone suggest some links for buying a compatible shift knob?
i really need to find one to test drive. bmw 3 series cars drive great, but the 4dr is just dog**** ugly, and while 2 dr looks awesome, i cant live with a coupe.
i'll take a look at the infiniti G35 6sp as well.
i do not understand why MB does not offer at least a paddle shifter or a SMG-type semi-manual transmission in C-class..
I own a 350Z and I can tell you that its gearbox is better than my brother's BMW Z4. Although his shifts are a lot smoother, the throws are a lot longer. And I didn't like how soft the clutch was on his car. I am assuming the G35 will not be any different from the 350Z; in the clutch area maybe.
Hopefully MB will have some sense to throw in a manual in the C350 soon, or I will quickly cross that car off my list...
Last edited by jherbias; Mar 23, 2008 at 05:49 PM.
I have the 6 spd manual and I love it. It's the reason I chose the C300 over the C350. It's advertised as short throw, but it's not that short. The clutch is very light and effortless. If you like rowing the gears, you'll like it.
i really need to find one to test drive. bmw 3 series cars drive great, but the 4dr is just dog**** ugly, and while 2 dr looks awesome, i cant live with a coupe.
i'll take a look at the infiniti G35 6sp as well.
i do not understand why MB does not offer at least a paddle shifter or a SMG-type semi-manual transmission in C-class..
I'm going to revive this post. I have a 2010 C300 with a six speed manual transmission and 56,000 miles. In the past year I have made the expected upgrades; Bilstein coilovers, dual exhaust tips, ALL fluids changed (synthetic where appropriate), etc. Airbags recall done at local MB dealer. I have a smile on my face every time I drive the car..
The plate on the door says that it was built in New London South Africa. So do each of the wheels (rims) along with other parts on the car. I wonder if all the USA manuals were imported from South Africa?
Cheers
R New leather on Steering wheel. Shift knob is stainless steel and weighs 450 grams.
I'm going to revive this post. I have a 2010 C300 with a six speed manual transmission and 56,000 miles. In the past year I have made the expected upgrades; Bilstein coilovers, dual exhaust tips, ALL fluids changed (synthetic where appropriate), etc. Airbags recall done at local MB dealer. I have a smile on my face every time I drive the car..
The plate on the door says that it was built in New London South Africa. So do each of the wheels (rims) along with other parts on the car. I wonder if all the USA manuals were imported from South Africa?
Cheers
R New leather on Steering wheel. Shift knob is stainless steel and weighs 450 grams.
I got a copy of the 2008 C300 manual transmission.
it's almost impossible to find a C300 sport w/ manual transmission...?? who here owns one? how does the shifter feel? i don't expect it to shift like my old Honda S2000, but is it a decent unit?
How did you attach the shift knob? Is there a specific adapter for our cars?
I purchased it from a MB dealership online. I believe it was MB in Miami , FL. A google search will provide the information. I don’t have the part number readily available. Was around $250 shipped.
Secured it with electrical tape. No joke, wrapped it a few times and then spun the knob until it got tight. It's been secure in place since then. I live in south Florida.
it's almost impossible to find a C300 sport w/ manual transmission...?? who here owns one? how does the shifter feel? i don't expect it to shift like my old Honda S2000, but is it a decent unit?
I’ve got a 6 speed manual C300 sport with about 68,000 miles on it. I was told there were 7 of them for sale in the United States and got my hands on one almost 2 years ago! Car is amazing…
I thought all of the C300s here in the US were 4MATICs, but apparently that's not the case. Is it just the pre-facelift C300s with the 3.0L that could be had with the manual, and then when MB changed over to the 3.5L in the C300 the manual got dropped?
it's almost impossible to find a C300 sport w/ manual transmission...?? who here owns one? how does the shifter feel? i don't expect it to shift like my old Honda S2000, but is it a decent unit?
I have a 2009 C300 manual transmission with 205K miles. Never had a problem with transmission.
I have an e39, 14 accord, 21 miata and 08 c300 with manuals.
The mb is typical mb in feel. A bit rubbery and the dual mass flywheel gives it the rubbery feel the bmw has. There is some slop in the driveline as a careless shift lets you feel the slack in drive shaft and diff take up. The german manuals like it a bit slower. The japanese cars are more precise and shorter throw.
It still is fun and if driven at anything under 9/10th, a smooth satisfying experience.
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Strongly recommended. It has almost taken care of the horsepower envy that I had initially. Just a little more to go. Perhaps after the break-in period, that envy will forever disappear with my lead foot. 
