I just threw in the comments about my 201's as a non-sequitor since it has nothing to do with the question at hand. Most of the W202 4 cylinder cars I have driven were service rentals or loaners from my dealer so I would be leaping out of my W202 C280 or W203 C320 right into them so could see the differences in civility right away. The last three rentals (free) were C230K coupes which were not exactly flying out of the showrooms. Of course, the normally aspirated engines were pretty slow and called for lots of throttle at times which contributes to the racket.

Road testers of the fours in the British and American magazines usually commented on the gruff noisy un-Mercedes like powerplants. I think it's significant that those engines have been replaced by the new 1.8 balance shaft four which is now quite pleasant with adequate performance.

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Roger E.