That vehicle should be competitive with the Acura TSX, Saab 9-3, and Audi A4. Mercedes does offer this new 1.8-liter in a version of the C-class sedan, meaning, you know, with a trunk. Maybe if the company had called it a C230 hatchback, we wouldn't keep expecting it to drive like a "sports coupe." Its shifter hasn't improved it's still plasticky and slow to engage anew gear. This is, indeed, a good thing if you're in the market for a comforting companion on long commutes. So zealous was Mercedes in exorcizing the flatulence of the old motor that this new one makes almost no noise at all. The 1.8-liter, which will be the base engine of an all-new SLK beginning next summer, is smooth and linear in operation, with no apparent hills or valleys in the surprisingly robust torque curve. Worse, it sounded as if it had an acute and chronic case of gastrointestinal distress. Higher in the rev range, the 2.3 was rough. The previous engine felt weak at low revs, despite its power advantage and greater displacement. On the other hand, the new motor allows the hatch to go another four or five miles on each gallon of gas, depending on whether you get the six-speed manual or the $1325 optional five-speed automatic.Įven better, with this engine the C230 is, if not exactly transformed, at least a more pleasant thing to use. This is not something most owners-the majority of whom we don't anticipate will go bracket drag racing-need worry about. Try as you might, the engine will not rev above 4000 rpm with the clutch pedal in. We attribute this, in part, to an engine-management system that will not allow for abusive standing starts. Indeed, the sprint to 60 mph for the 1.8-liter 2003 model is an unremarkable 8.1 seconds-more than a half-second slower than the 2002 model. The new 1.8-liter engine makes 189 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 192 pound-feet at 3500 rpm. The old 2.3-liter-still the base engine in the SLK hardtop roadster for 2003-makes 192 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 2500 rpm. It's down about a half-liter of displacement compared with the old engine, and it makes less peak horsepower and torque. On paper, this engine would seem to be a step backward for Mercedes. No issues since last update - still running strong.For the 2003 model of the C230, Mercedes has largely addressed our engine complaint with an all-new 1.8-liter, all-aluminum supercharged four-cylinder. Update October 2016: Just turned 68K miles. So far, I have not had need to use the extended warranty. I discovered a small crack in one of the rear wheels which was replaced with one I purchased used online. I serviced front and rear brakes (purchased OEM parts online) - a relatively straightforward job. I performed routine maintenance and inspections since the CEL issues I had shortly after I purchased the car. Update April 2016: Overall I have been pleased with this car. Expensive (over $2K), but warranty covered all but $150. Still running strong although I did use the extended warranty last year. Overall a positive experience.Īn update: Car now has 72,000 miles on it. In the five years I drove it, the only major repairs were what I described previously. The rear end damage was extensive enough for the insurance company to declare it totaled. Update 10/6/19: In the spring of this year the car was hit while parked in a lot. Recently purchased an extended warranty - just in case. Since then, the car has run nicely - although I do get high speed vibration on certain stretches of highway (probably due the the low profile tires). A month later a coolant pipe began leaking at the rear of the cylinder head (I replaced this myself). The 1.8L engine had a cam sensor design flaw which leaked oil into the harness (cam sensor seals were replaced under a MB recall by previous owner, but not the oil saturated harness). Within a month the CEL came on and required a new engine harness and two O2 sensors to repair. I purchased this 2004 C230 Sedan Sport one year ago with about 56K miles on it.
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