If I had a brain, it would be hurting worse than Mr. Gumby's ever did under those bricks. I'm getting a quivering case of the wants for a C230 Coupe (I love the Espada window on the tail), and even factoring-in that sales-weasels aren't expected to have a clue, is there a definitive cutoff for the 1.8K, the 2.4K, and the V-6? Which/where/when? Is the red/silver versus black engine cover any tell-tale?
I'm getting the idea that the "best" engine for we old wouldbe-Schumachers is the 1.8K, but is the difference extreme? Heavily-biased and rabid opinions are especially welcome. Thanking you in advance.
I have a few years of turbo history -starting with a Cannon kit on a 510, a Renault Fuego, and a couple of Talons- and am not afraid of supercharging (and recognize the differences between TC and SC), so that segment of irrational fears is fairly-well quelled. I'd not plan on any "tuning", as I'm in California.

 

First the C240 motor is 2.6L, it not only has the distinction of being the slowest motor to propel a c-class in the U.S. but also gets the worst fuel mileage. Figure that a C240 will be about 1.5 seconds slower to 60 than a C230 and get 5 mpg less. Once you reach about 30 mph, the C240 will have decent power. The downside of the 1.8L motor is that it has some mechanical issues, most recently it's been recalled for PCV tubing, at least that's free to get fixed. Other engine problems includes leaking cam sensors and dirty exhaust valves, both very expensive to fix.

 

I've had my C230 K for just over 2 years now. I bought it off my GF's mom, with pretty low km's (just over 60,000 km). Now it has 130 k'sand it still drives and feels like it did when I bought it. A few weeks ago she took it for a quick spin and came back in remarking that she still almost wishes she never got rid of it... said there is just something about theway the car drives that she's always really liked.

For me... I can relate 100%to her, and I will be driving it into the ground.I absolutly love the car, and I love the kick itgets from the super charger. I can't say I've tested the 1.8, but my 2.3 is amazing. Everyone I talk to say'sit's a solid ride, and so far the proof has been in the pudding.

 

Rocket J. thanks, Buell. I'd read your post about the cam oil troubles, and had read a few threads about the valve problems.
Ah, a fine compromise.Well, that'll come in handy for parallel parking.I take for granted the PCV is put someplace inacessible (I'm combing the internaweb for all I'm worth, looking for manuals and all), as the modern trend seems to be for so many regular-service items (starter motor under a V-8's plenum? What?). I've also noticed that the valve troubles in a few threads have come on after a bit of overly-spirited driving, perhaps.

So, is the 2.3 Kompressor motor a mechanically "safer" choice over the 1.8K?

I dunno. We didn't have all this motor and model alphabet soup with the good ol' Datsun 1600 and 2000.

Jurrr, that's how I got into this mess. A friend just picked up an 02 for his daughter, and my god it feels just right on the road. But I'm still not sure what motor hers has. I was shocked to find they put a 1.8 in a "C230".

 

I owned 2002 C240 (2.6L V6) and is very happy with it. Eventhough it doesn't have the most powerful engine, it is a nice car for a daily commute. I am getting 22 to 23 MPG for my daily commute and can get up to 31 MGP on freeway if I don't drive more than 65 MPH.

I believe the engine on my car has 3 valves per cylinder. Mercedes redesigned their engine line up a few years ago. I got a 2007 4 door C230 loaner a few months back and the engine on this one has been upgraded to 6 cylinder (probably 2.4L) and it has this new 4 valves per cylinder engine. This new engine is much nicer than the old one. Not only this new one is much smoother and quiter, it is also more powerful. I think this engine architecture (not the size) is the same as the one in bigger MB like thenew ML 350 or C350 or E350.

 

Thank you all. I wound up with an 03 C320 Coupe. I love it.
For my earlier questions, the 4-cylinder supercharged engine with the red and silver covers in the C230 is a 2.3 liter, iron-blocked, non-balanced engine. This was replaced in 2003 by the 1.8 liter supercharged, balance-shaft equipped, aluminum block four cylinder, with the black engine cover.
The C320 has the 3.2, alloy V-6 with a balance shaft, and normally aspirated.