The face of the system pops open to reveal the cassette deck. The Bose system includes AM/FM/cassette with an optional trunk-mounted CD changer. Mercedes Benz audio systems have never been my favorite, but this year’s seem to be a major improvement. But the climate control worked quickly and effectively. No indicator points to exactly where the temperature is activated. Temperature is adjusted by a thumb-wheel and is split for each side of the cabin.
Two twist knobs control air-flow and fan speed. As in other Mercedes Benz models, it’s easy to hit the stalk accidentally. A second, smaller left-hand stalk activates the cruise control. The stalks are also normal, with turn signals to the left, wipers to the right. The headlights are activated with a simple twist knob. Gauges were typical Mercedes - clear and easy to read. Other rear-seat amenities include an armrest with integrated cupholders and a first-aid kit. The rear seatbacks are nicely reclined and headrests ensure passen ger safety. Rear seat room was sufficient for two passengers, three if they’re really friendly. Finding a comfortable position behind the wheel was easy, despite the fact that the wheel didn’t adjust. The driver’s side seat is eight-way power adjustable the passenger-side adjusts manually. The front bucket seats are firm and comfortable, although after a couple hours in the saddle, you’ll find them a little too firm. New standard equipment on the C230 includes leather seat inserts (full leather is an option) and a new audio system that integrates radio and cellular phone controls into one unit. The car also features Brake Assist, a system that detects an emergency braking situation and applies the brakes more quickly and with more force than the driver. The front passenger-side air bags are deactivated when a BabySmart-compatible seat is detected. Of course, safety is always a high priority with Mercedes, so you’d expect front and side, door-mounted air bags, not to mention ABS and tract ion control. For that sum, your Mercedes will get larger 16-inch wheels, performance tires (205/55R16), leather front sport seats, an even firmer suspension and a telescoping steering wheel. Road noise was a little high as was tire noise on concrete surfaces.Īlthough the test vehicle wasn’t equipped with it, enthusiasts will want their C230 with the optional $890 Sport Package. The upside is cornering was great - the car handled the twisties as if it was riding on rails. The ride never became punishing, but this vehicle is not for those who like a soft ride. The ride was firm, revealing the pitiful state of most roads in Pennsylvania. The recirculating ball, power-assisted steering was responsive and direct, steering the car exactly where it was pointed. A good performance for a rear-drive automobile. Although the electronic stability program isn’t offered, the car never fishtailed, even in wet weather. Braking was excellent in all kinds of weather, with short straight stops. Traction control is standard as is four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Power is fed theough a five-speed automatic transmission that adopts its shifts to suit the driver’s driving style. With the exception of the engine noise, you’ll forget you’re driving a four.
1999 MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR FULL
Power is well-controlled, with full power available closer to highway speeds. While not the quietest engine ever encountered, it lends the car a sporty edge.
The engine initially seems every bit of four-cylinders, but the crankshaft-driven supercharger kicks in with a hearty whine and lots of power. It also makes this car a real alternative for someone looking for a car in the low 30s price range, something that couldn’t be said of its predescessor. That’s only 0.1 second slower than the more expensive six-cylinder model. Zero to 60 now takes a mere 8.1 seconds, two seconds quicker than last year and closer to other cars in this class. You’d expect double-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, but it’s the Eaton supercharger with an intercooler that adds the oomph. The numbers: 185 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque from a 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. That translates into a 37 horsepower increase and 38 pound-feet of torque increase. Thankfully, this year the standard engine comes from Mercedes Benz’s SLK coupe. When it debuted last year, the underpowered C230 came with a mere 148 horsepower, less than a Nissan Altima. After having redone its entry-level line for 1998, you’d think the folks at Mercedes Benz would leave well enough alone for their most affordable sedan, the C230.īut with increasing competition in the near-luxury class - those cars with base prices from $30,000 to $40,000 - the folks at M-B addressed one of the C230s biggest deficits: power.
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