Quickhitch52

I have a 98 SLK 230 and a 2000 C230. The performance of the C230 is MUCH better than the 98 SLK 230. Also, it seems that the 2000 gets better fuel mileage (might just be my imagination). Was the horsepower increased between '98 and 2000? Are they the same (or approximately) engines? I've also read somewhere that in programming, there are three settings of performance. Default, economy and high performance (or something like that). How likely could one be set at something different than default and how do I find out?

Thanks for any help or advice..........Quick

patrick

I do not think the engines are exactly the same.
Check the engine numbers. I guess the second group of numbers (the 4th, 5th and 6th digit after the 111 of the engine number) will not be the same.

But there can always be something wrong too.

Quickhitch52

Thanks I'll check the engine number. I very well could have something wrong since the "check engine" light stays on. It started when I had about a 1/4 tank of gas and the low fuel light started blinking. I stopped, rechecked the gas cap and the low fuel light stopped blinking, but not the "check engine" light. I actually thought it would reset itself after several "no error" restarts (or so I was told that it might). It seems to run and start ok, just sluggish comparred to the 2000 C230.

I have to drive 150 miles to a dealer. And what makes me mad, I just had a "B" service performed about 1500 miles ago. The light came on about 3 days after I got the service. Of course, no warranty with only 30,000 total miles on it. Just a little irritating.

Thanks for the info. Any further suggestions? Take care. Quick

patrick

If the "check engine" light stays on there is definitly something wrong!

Quickhitch52

Thanks Patrick, I'll have it checked out.

Quick..........

sph17

You can check out the specifications on your two vehicles on the www.mbusa.com website. Click on StarMark PreOwned then Model Overview.

2000 C230
Engine 2,295-cc DOHC 16-valve inline-4
Net power 185 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Net torque 200 lb-ft @ 2500-4800 rpm
Rear axle ratio 3.27:1
Acceleration 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds.1
Fuel economy 21mpg.2 Highway estimate 29 mpg.3

98 SLK 230
Engine 2,295-cc intercooled supercharged DOHC 16-valve
inline-4.
Net power 185 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Net torque 200 lb-ft @ 2,500-4,800 rpm
Rear axle ratio 3.27:1
Acceleration 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds.1
Fuel economy EPA estimate 22 mpg.2 Highway estimate 30

Specifications seem to counter your impression, unless there is somenting wrong with your SLK.

Do you have the transmission in S (standard) for both for comparison? W (winter) gives earlyer upshifting, and less power to the wheels on hard acceleration to reduce wheel spin in bad weather.

Quickhitch52

Thanks SPH 17, I was not aware of a good location to find the specs. The SLK is definately NOT a second quicker from 0-60. Both transmissions are in S mode. Somethng else must be wrong (hello, that's probably why the "check engine" light is on!).

Thanks for the info....