C230 Kompressor 6 speed ... anyone have one
 

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has the C230 Kompressor with the 6 speed tranny?, I really like manual mercedes after having
a few. How would it compare in the corners and in take off,
to a 190-16v or a 300E 5spd? top speeds?
I was at the dealer looking last year and the guy told me its pretty quick with the supercharger, but i hated the dodge neon interior, and the rear deck, but after seeing them for awhile
and this year they come with a real mercedes interior, they are looking like a fun little car.

190e 2.3 16v
911 IROC
gyrocopter

I have one, but have never driven any other M-B manual. The shifter was stiff and clunky at first but its improved after 8000 miles. Its a fun car to drive, and if you get a black leather interior it can hide some the substandard interior materials. Also power is not great, but certainly enough to make it fun, and the chassis feels solid (especially with the Eibach sway bars i just got :cool: )

Oh My
 

I just bought a 2002 C230 Kmpressor, 6-speed man trans. I do not know what any other years were like interior or exterior, but since noone could find a 2003 6-speed with my desired options, I took the 2002 off the lot- so far ....oh my... it has been a VERY long time since I drove a performance vehicle and right now this car performs. Though I think I need to move to Wyoming or somewhere less crowded so I can really test the vehicle.

You raise a question
 

I had wondered what 'I gave up' by purchasing the 2002 coupe with the 2.3(?) L engine as compared to the 2003 with the 1.8- and wonder if there are techs out there who might give me some thoughts on the overall value of my purchase. I also wonder if there were any significant design changes on the 2003. I have worked through my angst and am happy with the 2002 so I can readily handle tech comments- especially if some folk think I made a poor choice. But keep in mind I was told by three dealers I would have to wait 3 months or more for the 2003 coupe MT with the options I selected. So thanks for any feedback

Re: You raise a question
 

I've read quite a bit on this, it seems that the 1.8 gains efficiency, smoothness, with not too much performance sacrifice. Apparantly the torque curve isnt as nice on the 1.8 as on the 2.3, and also the 2.3 has more upgrades available. I'd say the 2002 was the right choice. :cool:

Yeah
 

Made my day- especially after my ride into work today- truck was on a parkway where it did not belong, swerved as it was trying to find the high point of an overpass- car and I had an adrenalin rush at the same time- I think we've bonded!

Re: Yeah
 

My old 190 saved my wife and I twice from certain serious injury, and probably a hundred times from minor injuries or wrecks. And that is the old sedan. I can't even imagine how the new ones handle...and can only imagine until my wife stops spending money like water. I refuse to sit in a new one until I can afford it, hurts too much you know.

I have the auto 5 speed the dealer only had one in the entire lot that time the original buyer backed out she ordered silver with panoramic roof I had to pay for all the extras. Metallic paint,all glass roof and triptronic transmission. But it's a 2.3 motor. I dropped it with H&Rs and put 18 inch carlsson 1/6 ,sport muffler and installed the factor mercedes command system 2 weeks ago it's a blast to drive inspite of the cheap interior.

C 230 Kompressor
 

I own a 2002 coupe . My wife and I love the car. Yes it hsa a noisey engine, a stiff shifting 6 speed, and [AS SOME THINK] a less than MB standard interior compared to more expensive models, but to the other makes/models in its price range I think its quality is high. You got to remember its not an S class. Probably make a good race car [hint,hint]!

Bill T.