C180K / C200K Manual or Auto ?

[ewans]

All, looking for some feedback on manual gearbox v's auto for a C180K/200K.

I dont really mind which i get but are there any benifits of one over the other in that size car and engine? Are MB auto boxes better than manuals etc. etc.

thanks
ewan

 

[Dieselman]

MB autos are nicer than the manuals but in a lower powered car I think a manual is a better option.

 

[R2D2]

MB autos are nicer than the manuals but in a lower powered car I think a manual is a better option.

As long as youve got three feet so that you can hill start in a car without a conventional hand brake!

I've owned both manual and auto c Classes and we never own a manual again!

 

[Dieselman]

As long as youve got three feet so that you can hill start in a car without a conventional hand brake!

Why do you need three feet? I've had three cars with the foot parking brake, one was a manual. Never had a problem with hill starts as you release the brake by hand, not foot.

I just think low powered autos aren't nice due to additional engine noise as the engine has to work even harder.

 

[HughJarse]

Depends what you class as low powered - the K is a twin turbo. AND... the gear box is steptronic ( or is it tiptronic ones a porche and goes up and down as opposed to left and right ) so you can sort of control the gears if you wish.

 

[GrahamC230K]

Depends what you class as low powered - the K is a twin turbo. AND... the gear box is steptronic ( or is it tiptronic ones a porche and goes up and down as opposed to left and right ) so you can sort of control the gears if you wish.

What plant are you from?

 

[R2D2]

What plant are you from?

????

 

[Darrell]

My wife has a w202 with a manual box.The handbrake/footbrake took a few attempts to master but she is more then used to it now an isn't really interested in an auto.The car is a c180 and I find first to second a little lumpy but I see this as a bit of character and it doesn't bother me.I must admit I haven't ever driven a Merc auto.

 

[GrahamC230K]

A mistake but I think it works just as well, so I'm leaving it!

I agree, I should of said, why what do you mean?

IMO the handbrake argument is nonsense, it's really quite a good idea once you adjust, ie after the first day. However if you have tried it and couldn't operate it I see how this could be off putting for you.

The manuals aren't bad but IMO if you really don't care which you have then go with the auto, easier to find, easier to sell if nothing else. So far as auto boxes go the MB ones are probably better than many, probably can't say the same about the manuals.

The C200K with auto box is not sluggish nor too noisy.

I liked my manual, but then I wanted a manual, if I didn't care the auto would have made more sense.

 

[Kompressor_Dude]

Same here, love my manual and would'nt want an auto! It kicks like hell in first and second if you dont change properly but you get used to it, very nice to drive otherwise and they dont seem any less reliable than the auto's (peers outside to check under car )

Oh, and the handbrake is fine, just gotta get used to it!

 

[grober]

When you come to resell you will have difficulty shifting a manual. The trade's overwhelming perception is Mercedes as a "luxury brand " have to have autogearboxes to sell. Take a look at the second hand prices on Parkers Autotrader etc if you don't believe me. Conversely manuals should be cheaper to buy but doesn't always work that way so dont pay autoboxed car prices for a manual car.

 

[R2D2]

Imagine you are driving down steep hill and there is a parking space that you need to reverse uphill and into the gap. Yup its possible in a Mercedes manual,just a pain that is needless as the A Class has a handbrake the C Class comes with an auto box

 

[recycled]

When you come to resell you will have difficulty shifting a manual. The trade's overwhelming perception is Mercedes as a "luxury brand " have to have autogearboxes to sell. Take a look at the second hand prices on Parkers Autotrader etc if you don't believe me. Conversely manuals should be cheaper to buy but doesn't always work that way so dont pay autoboxed car prices for a manual car.

Give me a manual anyday. I have had two manuals and two autos albeit c200 and c180.I prefer the manual and i do not have three feet.

More problems come with autos as well. More expensive to fix and repair and source.
but better for some. this is my choice though as others may differ.You may have to try both yourself.

 

[pammy]

Sadly you won't get a definitive answer as there are different view points and some think theirs has more weight than others. The only way to find out is to go and try them both out and see what you think. It's too personal a thing to decide based on the views of others imho

 

[Dieselman]

Imagine you are driving down steep hill and there is a parking space that you need to reverse uphill and into the gap. Yup its possible in a Mercedes manual,just a pain that is needless as the A Class has a handbrake the C Class comes with an auto box

Drove one for 50k miles and had no problems at all.

 

[crockers]

When you come to resell you will have difficulty shifting a manual. The trade's overwhelming perception is Mercedes as a "luxury brand " have to have autogearboxes to sell. Take a look at the second hand prices on Parkers Autotrader etc if you don't believe me. Conversely manuals should be cheaper to buy but doesn't always work that way so dont pay autoboxed car prices for a manual car.

When I was considering a C200 Esprit -as a Co Car - the leasing company didnt charge my company for an auto as the residuals are so much better...That was in the mid / late 90s

 

[crockers]

When you come to resell you will have difficulty shifting a manual. The trade's overwhelming perception is Mercedes as a "luxury brand " have to have autogearboxes to sell. Take a look at the second hand prices on Parkers Autotrader etc if you don't believe me. Conversely manuals should be cheaper to buy but doesn't always work that way so dont pay autoboxed car prices for a manual car.

When I was considering a C200 Esprit -as a Co Car - the leasing company didnt charge my company for an auto as the residuals are so much better...That was in the mid / late 90s

 

[HughJarse]

What plant are you from?

What on earth kind of ignorant comment is that? Reminds me why online forums work, you get all sorts - obviously!

Or am I and the rest of the forum supposed to wallow in the knowledge of responses such as that.

So Ill qualify my opinion for those that have an IQ of less than 100, The question was about whether gearbox or auto and underpower. My answer stated that as its a kompressor it has added power so maybe faster than an standard 1800 or 2000 litre engine, and that even though its automatic you do have some flexiblity over the gears but by limiting the upper gear.

Im sorry you didnt understand, or maybe you find it easy to hide your insecure, childish, remarks behind a keyboard and screen. No I guess not as that comment purely suggests that youre being rude. So thanks for that & I hope I get the chance to reciprocate the gesture.

Theres a couple of people on this forum who now and again are no help to anyone, give nothing to the question asked and simply seem to take pleasure in being rude or "online bullying" and youre comment was a classic example - youre nearly in Miros class - something your esteem to?

 

[seymansey]

No need to bite, you could have just left it be

So Ill qualify my opinion for those that have an IQ of less than 100, The question was about whether gearbox or auto and underpower. My answer stated that as its a kompressor it has added power so maybe faster than an standard 1800 or 2000 litre engine, and that even though its automatic you do have some flexiblity over the gears but by limiting the upper gear.

Ahem. Kompressors are superchargers, not twin turbos.

 

[ewans]

cheers for the feedback all, appreciate its a bit of a personal choice issue but the different points of view help.

Really i want a car that will have good residuals so that i can sell it on in 12 months, add another 5K and buy something nice/better/newer so if autos have better residuals and are easier to sell because of the "luxury" perception than thats something to consider.

A far as driving goes, i don't mind really manual or auto its doesn't matter.

cheers
e