2003-2005 Mercedes Benz C230 Kompressor

Pros :
- Classy mini S-Class looks.
- Fairly sporty handling.
- Very stable at high speeds.
- Quiet, torquey engine.
- Excellent brakes.

Cons :
- Still no BMW in terms of handling.
- Some of the switchgear feels cheap.
- Not the best manual shifter for fast driving.
- Some loss of ride quality thanks to large wheels.
- Computer problems may crop up from time to time.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
Four years after its launch, Mercedes-Benz has mildly upgraded the C-Class in terms of technology, equipment and design. The suspension, steering and six-speed manual transmission on the C230 Kompressor have a more sporty configuration, ensuring that this entry-level C-Class sports sedan offers a more agile driving experience. The front end has been lightly restyled with a reshaped bumper, redesigned radiator grille and clear headlamps. The interior of the new C-Class has been upgraded by a new cockpit design with new controls and THERMATIC automatic climate control as standard. The innovative, more scratch-resistant paintwork based on nano-technology is likewise standard. Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, steering-wheel gearshift buttons for the automatic transmission and new audio/navigation systems round off the new package.
Large 17-inch wheels and performance tires remain standard on the car officially known as the Mercedes Benz C230 Kompressor 1.8 Sport, along with the small-displacement supercharged engine, but the big news is the paintjob. An even longer-lasting shine is guaranteed by the newly developed, more scratch-resistant paintwork, which is based on nano-particle technology and reinforces the legendary long-term quality of Mercedes. The paint shine will supposedly last for decades.
Mercedes Benz designers have upgraded the interior of the C-Class with great care and attention to detail. This is shown not only by the discreet chrome trim on various controls on the dashboard, but also by newly developed switches, and modified seat design with large side bolsters for the C230 Sport. Four clearly arranged dial instruments with white lighting in the style of high-quality chronometers form the centrepiece of the completely redesigned cockpit. Between the speedometer and rev counter, information appears in a vertical central display. The centre console and transmission tunnel are clad in aluminum trim. The seats are upholstered in a combination of fabric and the new material ARTICO as standard.
Various technical modifications have been made to the suspension, steering and manual transmission in the entire Mercedes Benz C-Class range, including the C230 Kompressor. This package of measures, known as DIRECT CONTROL, includes newly developed front and rear axle bearings which provide more agile cornering with no noticeable loss of comfort, a more direct steering ratio and reconfigured sports suspension systems. The new six-speed manual transmission is now easier to operate, more precise and has a shorter shift travel.
While the car is relatively solid in construction, Mercedes Benz standards have markedly become lower since the demise of the models born in the 1980s. Some of the interior details, like switches and buttons, feel cheap to the touch, while some owners have reported that interior panels have actually come off. And Mercedes Benz has actually acknowledged the fact that their computer systems and electronics have bugs in them, which is something that many owners have been complaining about for the past few years. But all in all, most of the car is built to traditionally high German standards, and most of the owners would not give up the Three Pointed Star for anything else.
Pricing starts at under the $30K mark for what is essentially a well-built, rear-wheel-drive sport-tuned sedan designed mainly for stable high-speed cruising. A six-speed manual is standard while a five-speed TouchShift automatic is a $1,360 option. While well-equipped, the buggy $2,170 COMAND navigation, $640 Boss sound system and $1,995 hand-free phone-stereo control setup from its big brother models are optional on this entry-level model. Extra-cost customization options include different rim styles, wing, leather interior, chrome trimmings and what not. The C230 comes in sedan form (along with a related hatchback model), with no plans for an Estate wagon model in the United States.
ModernRacer.com

Somewhat shy on verve and pearl-like civility was the old 2.3-liter supercharged four in the Mercedes C-Class. So imagine our delight in finding a new level of muscle and smoothness with this fresh 189-horsepower kompressor 1.8. Despite the new engine's smaller displacement and slightly lower output ratings, (it has 192 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.3-liter was rated 192 horsepower and 200 lb-ft), its supercharger and intercooler make the most of it, providing a strong, steady stream of power, even at low revs. With a new close-ratio six-speed manual, it's a cinch to keep the C230 on a smile-inducing boil. The transmission feels better than the old manual, too, though driver inattention and a slight vagueness in the shiftgate could induce an inappropriately selected gear. Although well shy of the 349 horses available in a C32 AMG, this sporty C-Class variant is a hoot on curvy two-lanes or sharply bending exit ramps and can top 30 mpg on the highway.
Motortrend.com

Aerodynamics are a key component of design, and the C-Class excels with an improved drag coefficient of 0.27. Furthermore, seemingly minor details add up. The A-pillars are shaped to minimize wind noise at speed, as are the door seals and side-view mirrors. Airflow over the windshield wipers is minimized for noise as well as air turbulence. A notched sunroof deflector effectively eliminates interior booming.
There may be a concern with the many small control buttons presented to the driver, but that is something the individual buyer will have to determine. There are a number of functions that can be controlled from the steering wheel, including audio, navigation (optional), trip computer and telephone (a fully integrated digital and portable cellphone is also optional).
Passive safety is not overlooked on the C-Class. With eight airbags, smart seat belts, child seat tethers, and BabySmart child seat options, the C-Class has an impressive array of safety features. The eight airbags include dual powered front airbags, four side airbags and two head curtain airbags that run the length of the interior on either side.
We don't normally associate a manual gearbox with a Mercedes sedan, but the six-speed manual adds sports appeal to this car. Throttle response is always right there.
It's hard to make a luxury car handle well; it's probably easier to make a sports car luxurious. Mercedes has done a good job with the C-Class. Handling is crisp, yet the ride is not harsh in any way. BMW will not worry about losing some of its true enthusiasts, but a lot of cross-shoppers will find the Mercedes ride more to their liking. The C-Class cars are smooth and extremely stable at high speeds.
The Mercedes Benz C-Class uses a multi-link independent suspension fore and aft similar to what is found in many sports cars. Enthusiast drivers will appreciate its rear-wheel-drive layout, not found on cars from Lexus, Acura, Volvo, and Cadillac. In the past, there may have been some benefit to front-wheel drive in adverse traction conditions; with the advent of anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and electronic traction control, however, some of the advantages of front-wheel drive have been neutralized. With new-generation electronic stability programs (ESP), rear-wheel drive can overcome skid conditions that normal front-drive cars cannot handle.
Active safety is an often-overlooked feature of total vehicle safety and it starts with making the driver feel comfortable and in control. Active safety measures on the C-Class include ABS, Brake Assist, traction control, and an Electronic Stability Program.
Nctd.com

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History:
1994-2000 Mercedes Benz C280
2,799 cc / 194 hp / 195 lb-ft / 3316 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.6 sec.