2000 C240 with Tiptronic or 1999 C280 without Tiptronic ?

[drayon]

Im looking at a 2 C class machines.

2000-C240 Sport in Silver, cloth trim , sunroof with the 'TIPTRONIC' Automatic has 67k KM

Jan 1999 C280 Sport in Silver black leather, sunroof Normal Auto transmission (NONE Tiptronic)and has 74k KM

Im curious, is it possible to get another 20KW out of the C240 to bring it inline with the 145KW of the C280 specs? I read that the C240 and the C280 share the same M112 V6. It it possible to just have the C240 bored out to 2.8L?? Id prefer more power but the Tiptronic Auto Transmission would be a treat which i believe was introduced in the 2000 models of the Class cars.

Suggestions

 

[jberks]

Believe me, the tiptronic isn't worth the effort. Go with the one you like to drive. I'm not sure whether the non tiptronic box is a 4 or 5 speed and that might influence a decision but in reality i have had tiptronic on my last 2 cars and used it maybe twice. Also, are they the same version? There was a facelift around then and I thought that the 5 speed box was part of that facelift, so it may be that the 280 is pre-facelift and the 240 post.
As far as converting a 240 to 280, yes, it is the same block, but I suspect there is a lot more to it than just boring out and the cost of doing it would be more than just buying a 5 speed 280 in the first place.

 

[mioba]

Tip box
I dont think they are really worth it, i have never used its features on my car.
I was also talking to my cousing about his BM 6 series and he says he never used his either.

then again its your money and your choice.

 

[Blobcat]

Tip Box counterpoint
I use mine a lot. Tap it down to 3rd when coming up behind traffic then no kick down delay when it's clear to go. I also use it regularly coming up to roundabouts / junctions. Knock into 4th at the 300yd marker, 3rd at the 200 yd marker then break at the 100yd board.
I much prefer the MB side to side tip box than the BM front/back or the Jag 'J' box.

 

[mioba]

Tip Box counterpoint
I use mine a lot. Tap it down to 3rd when coming up behind traffic then no kick down delay when it's clear to go. I also use it regularly coming up to roundabouts / junctions. Knock into 4th at the 300yd marker, 3rd at the 200 yd marker then break at the 100yd board.
I much prefer the MB side to side tip box than the BM front/back or the Jag 'J' box.

With your commets in hindsight.
In deciding if you need a tip box, you should evaluate your driving style and the advantages of a tip box in relation to the car.
If your a "sporty" driver then perhaps the tip box would be benificial.
I guess the reason i have not used mine is becasue i've never seen the need to.


IMHO

 

[jberks]

There is the very rare occasion that you know you'll need a quick burst of power before you do. Personally I find that i'm as well using kick-down as I am selecting a lower gear early. Admittedly its not quite as instant as having the gear already engaged, but virtually as effective. The main thing I use the tip function for is to convince the gearbox to go back into top, especially after a few mins of more enthusiastic driving. I've settled down again and she's stubbornly holding 4th ready for the next blast.

The key thing is that I used to think the tip would give an instant manual like response. It doesn't. Knock the lever and it could be a couple of seconds before the gear engages, by which time, the opportunity has passed. I find that, especially with the torque of a cdi, the kick down is often quicker.

 

[Blobcat]

I have noticed a difference in the Tip function on mine to the newer models. On mine in 'D' if I use Tip to select a lower gear it always goes to 4th regardless of what gear it may actually be in. On the newer models if you are in 'D' but already in a lower gear than 5th it will go to the next lower gear. I was almost caught out a couple of times on a new C class ending up in 1st when I wanted 3rd
I have not tried the 7G box so not sure how that reacts. I think that can pre-select the next gear and from what I've read and jump ratios as well.

 

[Rory]

I have noticed a difference in the Tip function on mine to the newer models. On mine in 'D' if I use Tip to select a lower gear it always goes to 4th regardless of what gear it may actually be in.

That seems ridiculous - so if you're in auto in 3rd and want to tip down, it first goes in 4th gear?

On the newer models if you are in 'D' but already in a lower gear than 5th it will go to the next lower gear. I was almost caught out a couple of times on a new C class ending up in 1st when I wanted 3rd

I have a facelift C270CDi. If you hold the lever over it goes to the lowest possible gear (for the road/engine speed).

The only time I use it to slow the car on downslopes. What I have done a couple of times though, is somehow to catch the lever as I'm turning a sharp corner, and the car then holds (for example) 2nd until it changes up (although it doesn't rev that far anyway). This threw me completely the first time I did it.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I run a E320 CDi with a similar power to weight ratio to the C280 and have hardly used the Tip function. The torque and power curve are more than adequate for all the situations I've encountered. It might be quite useful on smaller engined cars ie, 2 litre C and E classes etc.

Interesting that you mention it, I'd forgotten that I'd got it on my car, lol.