2004 MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR FULL
2004 MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR PLUS

A solid, superbly made, entry-level luxury sedan. So except for some funky dash plastics, the C230 Kompressor is what we’ve come to expect from the Mercedes C-Class. The trunk is also quite roomy, offering a useful 12.9 cubic-feet of space. And the headrests fold with just a touch of a button, when you need a better view of what’s behind you. Rear seat room is adequate for adult passengers, and the wide seat is very supportive.

2004 MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR PLUS

Plus some tricky fiber-optic technology on the inside. Stereo changes for ‘99 come in the form of integrated controls for the sound system, optional CD changer and cellular phone, all in a single unit. But unlike other C-Class models, the Kompressor’s climate controls are manually controlled, but as well laid out as any. The gauges are large, clear, if incomplete, as are those on all Mercedes products. The standard cloth-and-leather bucket seats are firm and supportive, with 10-way power controls. Safety equipment, however, lives up to the Mercedes’ reputation, with both front and side airbags for front seat occupants. But while the well-equipped, if compact-sized, interior features some lovely wood trim on the dash doors and center console, the quality of plastics used seems lower than we’re used to in this prestigious brand. We also expect lots of luxury, and a very high level of build quality. Stops from 60 averaged 121 feet, with plenty of pedal feel, and rock-like stability. But the chassis feels very tight, with little body roll.īraking is by 4-wheel discs, with standard anti-lock and Brake Assist. The recirculating-ball power steering is quick and surprisingly precise, but lacks feel when worked hard. Front plow is pronounced, with the tail then drifting out in a smooth, predictable manner. In standard form, our Kompressor test car produced solid, predictable handling.

Larger 16-inch wheels, as well as firmer suspension calibrations, are available as part of the optional Sport Package. As do the 15-inch alloy wheels, shod with 205/60R-15 tires. EPA estimates are 21 city/29 highway, while we managed 24 miles per gallon in every-day driving.īut while the drivetrain sees big changes for 1999, the C230’s double-wishbone front and 5-arm multi-link rear suspension remains the same. This performance carries over to the street, where the new powerplant delivers significantly more power for passing, and does so with impressive fuel economy. Shifts are firmer than in the last 5-speed C-Class that we drove, but never harsh.

Not only does that beat Mercedes’ 0-60 claims by a half second, but it’s almost as fast as the discontinued but still formidable C36 super sedan! Though it did so with noticeably more vibration and noise than the company’s normally silky smooth sixes.

2004 MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR FULL

Which, when put to the test, pushes this car to 60 in an impressive 7.6 seconds, and through the full 1/4 mile in 15.7 seconds at 89 miles-per-hour. But, that’s 37 more horsepower for the C230 than before, with an equally impressive 38 more pound-feet of torque! All fed through Mercedes’ latest 5-speed adaptive automatic transmission, and standard-for-1999, ASR traction control system. Borrowed from the SLK roadster, the 2.3-liter supercharged, intercooled 4-banger makes the same 185 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. And in the 1999 C230 Kompressor, Kompressor being German for supercharger, the difference is immediately apparent.īut first, the numbers. Something that the entry level 4-cylinder Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan definitely needed. So for 1999, Mercedes-Benz has decided to give owners of its 4-cylinder C-Class sedans a boost, and one that should help them keep up with the Jones’.īecause adding a supercharger means a big power increase. Their cars, despite having all the luxury and refinement of other Mercedes, are always outpaced by V6 and V8 models. Mercedes-Benz owners that drive the company’s normally-aspirated 4-cylinder models have always been the “poor relations” when it comes to performance.

2004 mercedes c230 kompressor