C300 - 6-spd manual - how is it?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
330i (for now)
C300 - 6-spd manual - how is it?
I'm seriously considering a C300 with manual transmission. This is the first time I would purchase a Mercedes. I've always purchased VW's, Audi's or BMW's.
I'm not a fan of automatic transmissions (even stuff like tiptronic, or DSG or whatever they call them now).
My problem is that I can't find a 6-spd to test drive. So I'm doing the next best thing and asking you guys/gals.
- How does the shifting action and feel compare to 6-spd BMW or Audi?
- Are the throws short in comparison?
- How is the clutch in comparison?
I currently have a BMW 330i and I'm also looking at new Audi A4 (2.0T, 6-spd) before making my decision.
Thanks!!
AJ
I'm not a fan of automatic transmissions (even stuff like tiptronic, or DSG or whatever they call them now).
My problem is that I can't find a 6-spd to test drive. So I'm doing the next best thing and asking you guys/gals.
- How does the shifting action and feel compare to 6-spd BMW or Audi?
- Are the throws short in comparison?
- How is the clutch in comparison?
I currently have a BMW 330i and I'm also looking at new Audi A4 (2.0T, 6-spd) before making my decision.
Thanks!!
AJ
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 28
From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
I have had a love hate relationship with mine but things are looking up!
First off, the clutch take up is smooth and takes up progressively in the middle of travel rather than the top or bottom...perfect.
The throws are a bit long but I am still hoping for a short shift kit...
The feel was a bit notchy with mine in the beginning but things are smoothing out noticeably. I will admit it is not as satisfying a gear box like a Vantage or Miata but comes close to the BMW and Audi. Not quite as good but not too shaby.
BTW- Not sure what you think about the A4 but I have one sitting in the driveway(girlfriends) right beside my C300 and I would take the C anyday over the A4.
First off, the clutch take up is smooth and takes up progressively in the middle of travel rather than the top or bottom...perfect.
The throws are a bit long but I am still hoping for a short shift kit...
The feel was a bit notchy with mine in the beginning but things are smoothing out noticeably. I will admit it is not as satisfying a gear box like a Vantage or Miata but comes close to the BMW and Audi. Not quite as good but not too shaby.
BTW- Not sure what you think about the A4 but I have one sitting in the driveway(girlfriends) right beside my C300 and I would take the C anyday over the A4.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Clutch is smooth and easy as can be........stick is good, but not as great as BMW....longer throw and not as precise...but, after 3,000 miles, no regrets and would not make a different choice....but, you should drive first...ask your dealer to run the locator....my dealer had me drive an hour to another dealer just for a test drive...
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
2008 Steel Grey C300 Sport 6MT
I would def recommend test drive first. I love the stick and after test drive I fell in love with it and bought it the next day. I have only heard (never driven) that it is not as sporty/good as BMW but it is still def sporty and fun for me being 27 and loving this RWD car.
The throws could be a little shorter but it is very smooth and i can still have a blast driving the hell out of this car.
Def talk to dealer they should be able to find you one...you will def want to drive one first even though i think you will love it
The throws could be a little shorter but it is very smooth and i can still have a blast driving the hell out of this car.
Def talk to dealer they should be able to find you one...you will def want to drive one first even though i think you will love it
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: walnut, ca
C300 MT, 350Z
Soft, smooth, a bit long, but awesome. 
I came from a 6 speed MT Tacoma which had a super long throw but a great drive offroad, and a 6 speed MT 350z with a super short throw and felt awesome. The only problem was that it's as stiff as a morning woody. The MT w204 is perfect. The ride is smooth smooth smooth. You won't be disappointed. Also with the hill assist, you won't have to worry about catching the gas and releasing the clutch fast on a hill. Awesome car. Believe me, it's not as fast as an auto, but it's way more fun to drive.
I came from a 6 speed MT Tacoma which had a super long throw but a great drive offroad, and a 6 speed MT 350z with a super short throw and felt awesome. The only problem was that it's as stiff as a morning woody. The MT w204 is perfect. The ride is smooth smooth smooth. You won't be disappointed. Also with the hill assist, you won't have to worry about catching the gas and releasing the clutch fast on a hill. Awesome car. Believe me, it's not as fast as an auto, but it's way more fun to drive.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: walnut, ca
C300 MT, 350Z
By the way, powershifting is not an option. I find myself having to double clutch to upshift when trying to hit high speeds. It's not the best car for racing. But as an all around package, you'll get what you paid for.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
330i (for now)
I'll have to ask the dealer to find me one to test drive. I didn't know they would do that.
I did drive the Auto 300C Sport to get a feel of the car. That's what made me seriously consider it in the first place.
Thanks!
AJ
I did drive the Auto 300C Sport to get a feel of the car. That's what made me seriously consider it in the first place.
Thanks!
AJ
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
AJ....some do....some may not....the risk for them is that you might just buy the car from the test drive dealer...in my case, my dealer referred me to a friend of his at another store an hour away, so he trusted that he wouldn't lose the sale...might work well to ask your dealer to locate manual cars, pick the one you will want him to go after on a dealer trade, leave him a REFUNDABLE deposit, pending your drive of a car somewhere other than where your first choice swap car is located, and then he might feel more secure helping you find one to drive somewhere else...tell your dealer how important dealing with a local sales/service team is to you to make him feel more secure...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 3
From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
The clutch is awesome, rev matching is super easy, the throws are a little too long. In my opinion, the 6MT moves the car faster than the auto, because you choose the shift points. When I drove the auto, I was not that impressed. The DSG-style transmission from the VAG products functions better as an "autostick" than the MB's version. That said, I am with C300sport. It's a better choice than the A4. And, the 3 series just didn't do it for me. I spent a lot of time in my friend's 335i. While it does have really good acceleration, there are too many other things about it that just don't appeal to me. No offense to 3 series owners, but the 3 doesn't seem to have the build quality of the C Class. Every time I shut the door in in my C, I know I made the right choice.
