CLK (NEW) PARKING BREAK & PHONES!

[chris burton]

Hi,

I am looking at acquring a new clk 240 elegance ( MANUAL BOX) and I wondered if anyone could tell me about the clk parking break and whether there are any adverse experiences noted.

Also, is it possible for the steering wheel controls to control a mobile phone other than the Nokia listed on the brochures

Thanks & regards

Chris Burton

 

[chris burton]

CLK (NEW) PARKING BRAKE & PHONES

Ok lets open this up a bit! :roll:

Does anyone have any interesting experiences with the new CLK; especially the 240 and manual gearbox. :?:

Regards

Chris

 

[andy_k]

at the risk of offending all the manual owners/drivers out there .....

Personally I and many others wouldn't touch a Merc manual - the boxes are not known for being quick and responsive - OK that's always going to be open to debate and will forever be subjective.

What isn't subjective/open to debate is that the resale values of the manuals is considerably lower than the autos and actually getting a buyer could be a problem.

If the parking brake is the same pedal set up as on my W124 then I would suspect it would be a complete pain to use with a manual - I'm sure there is a technique but it's never going to be as simple and intuitive as using a hand brake.

At the end of the day it's going to be your choice, but drive both manual and autos before making a decision and look around at the values of used cars with each gearbox.

If it's a budget thing, maybe dropping a couple of options to include the auto may be worth considering.

Andy

 

[Spike]

I have a manual and tend to agree with Andy's sentiments in that you should really go for an auto everytime with MB cars.

Having said that, it didnt take too long to get used to the parking brake - but it can be a bit tricky to begin with, remembering to stick it in neutral before you can put the handbrake on.

 

[chris burton]

Have test driven both manual and auto; but the auto just did not feel right...perhaps it's an age thing; just dont feel ready for the autobox yet!

Am I opening a whole can of worms; when people grow up do they prefer automatic boxes?!

The manual box felt fine to me; so perhaps MB have made improvements.

The parking greak was my biggest anxiety!

Chris

 

[GrahamC230K]

Have test driven both manual and auto; but the auto just did not feel right...perhaps it's an age thing; just dont feel ready for the autobox yet!

Am I opening a whole can of worms; when people grow up do they prefer automatic boxes?!

The manual box felt fine to me; so perhaps MB have made improvements.

The parking greak was my biggest anxiety!

Chris

I think there is an age thing - maybe just an experience thing - I know one day I will get an auto - just not yet! Not even the next car. Maybe if I were back in London yes.

Can of worms - could have told you you would get all the "shock", "horror", "no! not a manual" replies on any mercedes forum you visit.

I give up trying to explain. I got both my manual Mercs out of choice certainly not price (you try finding a spec'd up C230K like mine that's not auto LOL!).

The parking break is NOT, just NOT unless you are an uncoordinated buffoon who should go see Qeuntin Wilson on Britain's Worst Driver, hard to use. Can you select gear from neutral and release the hand brake with the same hand on a car with a conventional handbrake - errr no! Mercedes are not the only manufacturers to use this style of brake. Having used my Fathers Citroen, the Mercedes setup was already 2nd nature.

The gearbox is not as good as the two '90s BMW's I have had prior, but is in no way a bad box, I have used much worse. They are durable too. And I am so sure that they have improved - mine is a 1999 car but the box is the same as all W202's dating from the early '90s cars I expect.

If YOU like the car and YOU want it, get it. Don't be a mug and buy a car the next person might like to buy. People scare monger this stuff and sure the dealers will use it against you if you try and part ex with them next time - so use your head - sell it to a independant dealer who doesn't car or sell privatley!

Regards

Graham

1999 C230 Kompressor Sport. Manual.
PM me for my MSN Messenger ID

 

[sgregory124]

I have to say that I baulked at the thought of an automatic until I drove my C36 for the first time... I'm 27 and wouldn't consider myself old and all the serious reservations I had were completely unfounded.

Speaking on a purely performance basis, it has to be said that an auto-box is always going to shift gears far faster and smoother than a human hand can unless of course you are a racing driver.

Couple that with the fact that you can keep both hands on the wheel all the time and no longer have to tire your left leg when in heavy traffic and i'd say thats your dilemma solved mate

Just my 2 cents worth....

Simon

 

[chris burton]

yep, I have opened up a tin of something nasty! :twisted:

My position is quite clear I would much rather drive a manual; my only concern was the parking break; which seems to have been answered!!

Any way back to the controversial subject! Surely whats the point of having all that speed; when the car's doing the driving and not you...bit like being a passenger! All very well when your ready for the pipe and sllippers; but not if you still live 24/7 :!: 8)

 

[sgregory124]

Hey, I feel like a passenger every time I open it up...lol I just mash my foot to the floor and hold on tight Nothing quite like it, pretty much every overtake becomes a 'brown trousers' moment but I wouldn't have it any other way

Simon

yep, I have opened up a tin of something nasty! :twisted:

My position is quite clear I would much rather drive a manual; my only concern was the parking break; which seems to have been answered!!

Any way back to the controversial subject! Surely whats the point of having all that speed; when the car's doing the driving and not you...bit like being a passenger! All very well when your ready for the pipe and sllippers; but not if you still live 24/7 :!: 8)