I have a similar car. The manual transmission cars are difficult to find. A parts consultant at the dealership told me that fewer than 10 percent of the cars came with a manual transmission and that most of them had to be ordered by the buyer because the dealers didn't stock them. It looks like you or a previous owner changed the shifter knob. I had to do that because the finish on my OEM knob cracked and flaked off. It's nice to see someone else enjoying and under-appreciated car.
12:55 sadly the 1.8L C230K ended in 2005 as the V6 model took over in the same year, so basically there's only 1 good year to buy the C230K in america while probably 2 years in europe as the facelift rolled out there in 2004 and it only applied for the 2005 model years in NA
I have a 2002 c230 kompressor (Meaning super charged) with a 6 speed manual. My car doesn't do any of that crap you're speaking on. And it's fast as hell. 1st is short, but you can't start in 2nd gear. The car has to have some roll to it. Pedals are perfectly placed. You are right about the clutch.
I really enjoy anecdotal reviews. I have a 05 automatic with 109k that I’ve had for 2 1/2 years (25k since acquiring it). I serviced all 7 fluids (yes, the differential AND the supercharger too), did a complete refresh of the suspension with FCP Euro parts, the gearbox selector went recently, replaced the trans conductor plate and 13 pin connector at 95k when doing a complete drain of fluid ( instead of the 1/3 the dealer and indie shops do for $250), did the vacuum pump and pump camshaft magnets (both Pierburg) at 100k, did all the belts and pulleys and replaced with German name brands (except for one pulley that is a 4 hour job) with the water pump. All of this was done preventively as I plan keeping it for another 5 years. All of the fluids are Amsoil (when possible). After the the suspension refresh it drives like new and the engine and trans have always purred. I did an oil analysis on both fluids after purchasing and they came out stellar with next to no wear metals registered. The footwell HVAC stepper motor went about 10k ago but I can put up with 60 seconds of the clicking as it would cost 1-1.5k to fix. No paint issues as this edition has the oil base and I live in Southern California. * Two suggestions for those who want to keep the car long term. One, do an engine oil analysis for three consecutive changes. This will give you a baseline of a downward trending issue, possibly issues, so you know whether it’s a keeper or not. Same for the trans, though you only need one. Two, track all your vehicle activity on an app. I use Fuelly. It has all my fill ups plus repair costs and brands used. If you want check out my baby on the app her name is Gertie. * Thanks for the post. These videos always make me tune into ideas I may still need to act on even if I’ve covered most items mentioned.
I have an 05 6 speed also with the AMG sports package…definitely not the fastest I’ve owned but it’s fun to drive. I haven’t noticed the steering vagueness or the 2nd gear crunch. I’ll pay more attention next time I decide to drive it.
Second gear only crunches when cold. It’s perfect after it warms up that’s with new fluid so guess maybe the second gear synchro is slightly worn. The steering is actually not really vague. Just not as quick of a steering rack as my other cars. After driving it for awhile the steering is actually quite good just noticeable to me when switching between cars.
I have a similar car. The manual transmission cars are difficult to find. A parts consultant at the dealership told me that fewer than 10 percent of the cars came with a manual transmission and that most of them had to be ordered by the buyer because the dealers didn't stock them. It looks like you or a previous owner changed the shifter knob. I had to do that because the finish on my OEM knob cracked and flaked off. It's nice to see someone else enjoying and under-appreciated car.
I have a C230 kompressor 6 speed manual. Best car ever. And mine is FAF, I don't know what he's talking about
0:35 The 1.8 liter kompressor is rated at 185hp and 181lb/ft torque
ye but this c230 has 189HP and 207lb/ft torque
12:55 sadly the 1.8L C230K ended in 2005 as the V6 model took over in the same year, so basically there's only 1 good year to buy the C230K in america while probably 2 years in europe as the facelift rolled out there in 2004 and it only applied for the 2005 model years in NA
I have a 2002 c230 kompressor (Meaning super charged) with a 6 speed manual. My car doesn't do any of that crap you're speaking on. And it's fast as hell. 1st is short, but you can't start in 2nd gear. The car has to have some roll to it. Pedals are perfectly placed. You are right about the clutch.
I really enjoy anecdotal reviews. I have a 05 automatic with 109k that I’ve had for 2 1/2 years (25k since acquiring it). I serviced all 7 fluids (yes, the differential AND the supercharger too), did a complete refresh of the suspension with FCP Euro parts, the gearbox selector went recently, replaced the trans conductor plate and 13 pin connector at 95k when doing a complete drain of fluid ( instead of the 1/3 the dealer and indie shops do for $250), did the vacuum pump and pump camshaft magnets (both Pierburg) at 100k, did all the belts and pulleys and replaced with German name brands (except for one pulley that is a 4 hour job) with the water pump. All of this was done preventively as I plan keeping it for another 5 years. All of the fluids are Amsoil (when possible).
After the the suspension refresh it drives like new and the engine and trans have always purred. I did an oil analysis on both fluids after purchasing and they came out stellar with next to no wear metals registered. The footwell HVAC stepper motor went about 10k ago but I can put up with 60 seconds of the clicking as it would cost 1-1.5k to fix. No paint issues as this edition has the oil base and I live in Southern California.
*
Two suggestions for those who want to keep the car long term.
One, do an engine oil analysis for three consecutive changes. This will give you a baseline of a downward trending issue, possibly issues, so you know whether it’s a keeper or not. Same for the trans, though you only need one.
Two, track all your vehicle activity on an app. I use Fuelly. It has all my fill ups plus repair costs and brands used. If you want check out my baby on the app her name is Gertie.
*
Thanks for the post. These videos always make me tune into ideas I may still need to act on even if I’ve covered most items mentioned.
I wouldnt mind having a manual Benz in my collection
excellent video and very insightful information for a potential owner
I have an 05 6 speed also with the AMG sports package…definitely not the fastest I’ve owned but it’s fun to drive. I haven’t noticed the steering vagueness or the 2nd gear crunch. I’ll pay more attention next time I decide to drive it.
Second gear only crunches when cold. It’s perfect after it warms up that’s with new fluid so guess maybe the second gear synchro is slightly worn.
The steering is actually not really vague. Just not as quick of a steering rack as my other cars. After driving it for awhile the steering is actually quite good just noticeable to me when switching between cars.
I have an 02' kompressor (with the super charger of course.)
Love a manual best thing
How long is your first gear? Im not sure how long to leave mine in first gear. Do you ride it to 10 or change into second gear
8:14 you missed like 2 whole opportunities to go lol
I have a 2005 C230 kompressor 6 speed runs like a champ with 180k. Extra clean by the way
I found one but no ac not sure to buy yet
Good car 👍
is this the hatchback version ?
No. It’s the 4 door sport model
@@harveeellie7416 no wonder it's slow
get the hatchback
@@christophercolumbus8944 you mean the ugly ass car
@@christophercolumbus8944The hatchbacks weren't any quicker.
How much miles does it have
It has 112,000 miles
Is this a kompressor
Yes it has the 1.8 supercharged four cylinder
@@harveeellie7416 The notorious time bomb jk! great video but maybe you should do a engine swap hehe
@@abdullahz4804what's wrong with the engines
@@porsche928s4 Timing chain and other major engine components
@@abdullahz4804 interesting I was looking at a stick one (rare in the US) to keep miles off my s600 never owned a w203
Now I hate the fact that I feel every bump in the road. That is my only Con.
I upgraded to the bilstien shocks makes night and day difference
Have he even taken it out of 4th gear yet? He's not truly showcasing the car. Frfr