Old Manual Mercedes
Denisha Cerniglia
The R171 SLKs have been heralded for their comfortable ride and incredibly agile driving dynamics, making for a versatile dual-duty weekender and daily driver. With more of these out there than you might think, the R171 is arguably the best option for an engaging and sporty Mercedes driving experience. However, interested parties must be aware of M272 balance shaft issues, posing the largest threat to an otherwise reasonably-reliable engine experience.
Pre-dating the models listed above and continuing with the fun drop-top, we have the R170-chassis Mercedes SLK320. This tiny hardtop convertible was frequently optioned with an early version of the Mercedes 6-speed manual transmission and paired with the highest-output 3.2L M112 V6. These are great-looking and performing convertibles that you can comfortably drive every day and are even capable of surprisingly efficient fuel economy.
For those looking for roof-off fun paired with forced induction, the R170 SLK230 makes for an excellent budget-friendly target. The M111 2.3L four-cylinder made its way into all R170 SLK230s, sporting an intercooled supercharger and forged internals. The torquey engine is unrefined and buzzy compared to some of the more modern offerings on this list, but its reliability and tuner-friendly nature make it a quality choice.
All four-cylinder R170s offer a near-50/50 weight distribution (with the roof folded down, a perfect 50/50!), a reasonably light curb weight, and significant tuning capability via the M111. Those serious about performance from their SLK230 would likely want to target a late-model example, as the additional drive gear, rear sway bar, and slight power increase should make the car even more engaging to drive.
The W204 C300 provides modern styling, utility, and comfort in an affordable package. Serving as the entry-level sedan for the brand until 2014, the W204 boasted a larger and more comfortable interior than the preceding C-Class, along with handsome exterior styling that holds up well today. With a bit of careful shopping, the W204 can make a viable alternative to an E90-chassis 328i BMW.
C230 models optioned with the 716.6 manual are rare but can be found with a bit of persistence. The manual W203 C350 does exist but far less so than the C230. If you can find one, however, the C350 makes for an entertaining sports sedan with great power on tap. Both models also have significant parts interchangeability with the C55 AMG and most W209 CLK-Class vehicles. The sky can be the limit for an individual aiming to improve on an already excellent chassis.
The W203 is an excellent daily driver, promising reasonable fuel economy, reliability, and a surprising cornering grip. Across both model years, the 2007s are the best choice for any buyer; aside from the tasteful final-year sport package being more desirable both cosmetically and functionally, the 2007 cars are significantly less likely to have issues with early M272 balance shafts. Prospective buyers should again become familiar with avoiding the balance shaft issue prior to purchasing a car that may require a pricey fix.
A bit less of a sporting offering than the late C230 and C350, most of the early C230s lacked the suspension and braking upgrades that Mercedes would introduce on those other models. However, if sporty dynamics are a must-have, the 2005 models received the same monoblock two-piston front caliper and sport suspension as the later cars.
Only the 2002 W203 C230 Coupe models use the very same M111 four-cylinder available in the R170-chassis. The little four-cylinder, utilizing an early version of the 716.6 six-speed manual, offered reasonable fuel economy from 192 hp and 200 ft-lbs of torque. Thanks to forged pistons, a fairly-adaptive ECU, and an intercooled supercharger, they also make an excellent candidate for tuners and tinkerers. More boost is cheap with the addition of a reduced-diameter supercharger pulley or increased-diameter crank pulley.
For those interested in the W203 C230 Coupe but seeking a bit more utility and rarity, the C320 is available as a coupe, wagon, or sedan with a 6-speed manual mated to the back of a naturally-aspirated 3.2L M112 V6.
Pumping out 215 hp and 221 ft-lbs of torque, the V6 increased power and refinement over the buzzy M111-powered Coupes and even built on the already-exceptional reliability of the four-cylinder. While opting for the M111 may still be the choice of those aiming to modify and increase power, the M112 will generally be more pleasant to live with.
Although not technically a C-Class by name, the W201-chassis is the predecessor of the C-Class we know today. The 190E and 190D introduced an affordable and plush small sedan that delivered longevity and durability regardless of the engine or transmission. The W201 chassis came in a few different trims for the US market, and as such, three engines across four different trims were available with a manual transmission.
The four-cylinder 190Es either use a 2.3L M102 with an eight-valve head or the beloved 16-valve, Cosworth-altered 2.3L M102. Those looking for something different could also seek out the buttery M103 inline-6 in the 190E 2.6 or the durable-yet-anemic OM602 inline-5 diesel in the 190D. Each engine has merits, but the suitable W201 will ultimately depend on personal taste.
The M102 eight-valve of the base 190E 2.3 remains an excellent little four-cylinder even by modern standards and can be modified to rev with a bit more fervor fairly easily. Stock, the M102 8V is good for a respectable 134 hp and 151 ft-lbs of torque, more than enough to shuffle the little sedan along at speed and to create an enjoyable driving experience.
For a slightly more plush experience, the M103 in the 190E 2.6 will provide the most torque and the least vibration in the W201 chassis, producing 158 hp and 162 ft-lbs of torque from the smooth inline-six. This excellent and durable engine can be genuinely enjoyable in the tiny 190E with little-to-no modification; those formerly in favor of the E30 BMW chassis will likely be surprised by an M103-paired W201, a result of the then-revolutionary rear suspension geometry.
The 2.3-16 Cosworth variant will, of course, include the most sporting equipment. However, the roots of the W201 chassis in all models allow for these cars to be enjoyable backroad blasters with light modification regardless of engine type. All of the W201 offerings remain a pleasant place to spend your time, with quality materials, excellent powertrains, and a comfortable ride.
The R129-chassis SL-Class, in the mind of many Mercedes enthusiasts, is arguably the best convertible ever made by the manufacturer. Build quality for these cars was great for the period, and the design, output, and reliability still hold up today. While many commonly associate this body style with either the V8-powered SL500 or even the V12-powered SL600, the base-model 300SL (later renamed the SL320 following a facelift in 1994) could, shockingly, be had with a 5-speed manual transmission in the United States.
Although they can be tricky to find these days (only a few hundred were ever sold stateside by Mercedes), some W124s optioned with the 2.6L M103 inline-6 could use a Mercedes-built 5-speed manual transmission. These cars are known for being fairly unmotivated to move quickly, but the M103 is a resilient engine that has withstood the test of time (and mileage).
For the most part, this will round out our list of Mercedes models sold stateside. A few remain unmentioned (all classic models such as the 190SL, 300SL, some C107/R107 cars, and a handful of others), but each of the Mercedes mentioned in this list provide a fun, engaging, and reasonably-affordable driving experience across a good few decades of silver arrow engineering.
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