Currently i have a 1988 230 E (W124). Personally i feel the car is too big and sadly very underpowered tho im not surprised its a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder pulling a large body. This car feels like its built to last, very robust oozes quality even for such an old car. I have an issue where i press the accelerator the vehicle does not respond, i must depress the pedal about 1 inch before the machine starts to take up. This feels like slack in the accelerator cable. In contrast my mom's Subaru impressa Auto responds instantly to the most gentle of pedal depression.

Anywayz, I have been looking at the C Class 280 vehicles around 94-98. I believe the 94-95 models featured at 2.8 liter 24 valve, straight 6 cylinder, 4 speed Auto supposedly 195HP.

Firstly id like to ask if these machines would suffer from the same so called 'accelerator cable slackness' problem i have with my 230E? (That is i need to put the pedal almost halfway to the floor before it does anything). Secondly would the performance of these 280 Class machines with the 24 valves perform alot better than my current 230E?

I read somewhere that the C280 in 1996 made a change to a 5 speed Auto. Then in 1998 the C280 came with a V6 and this replaced the straight 6. This raises some question marks since, i notice in various 2nd hand auto traders 1995 C280 vehicles with V6 engines. Im somewhat confused about this. I wish the Mercedes web site had a section dedicated to 'Past Models' featuring an extensive list of info fro each model. Really id like to know exactly when the V6 begun shipping with the C280. Lastly id like to know if there is a consensus as to which of the 94-98 C280 models was the cream of the crop in terms of performance, reliability and features etc and of course which ones to avoid if any?

Appreciation inadvance

 

The V6 engine came some time between 1997 and 1998,
My brother had a 1995 C280, equipped with inline 6 engine. Mercedes didn't have any V6 engines then,

 

The performance difference will be well beyond comparison of your 230! I have a 99 with the V6, but have driven the inline 6 as well. I am truly impressed with both, and these cars truly handle and ride superb. Makes me wish my wifes ML was made in Germany! Whatever you decide you will be happy, I don't miss my big bodied benz's a bit after owning my C280. All of the options function well, but I must say the power headrest are the epitomy of lazy... The only problem to date with 67K miles is some stalling in the morning, but were working our way through that, and hopefully can save the 60 mile trip to the dealer. Good luck.