I agree, get the 230k. It is a blast to drive. It is very fast, lots of punch.  Handling is awesome.

New user here.  Also looking at first Benz buy and had similar question.  Isn't the 230 and 240 in the name the horsepower of the car?  It seems I heard that somewhere.

I'm looking at these two and the c320.  I just don't know if I can afford the 320.

I have a c240 6-sp and visit SF quite frequently - specifically to the areas with the steep hills.   Both the c240 or the c230 will get you up the hill - thats not the problem.    The problem is when you stop in the middle of one of those hill where cars park perpendicular to the curbs and there are staircase steps molded into the cement sidewalks because of the steepness.   So far I haven't had any problems restarting in the middle of the hill, but even though I enjoy driving a stick, I would seriously consider an automatic if I live in SF.   Mind you, the C-240 do not have hand brakes, they have foot brakes instead - I think the C-230s are the same.

These two cars receives powers from two totally different sources.

The C230 Kompressor is now equipped with a 1.8L (was 2.3L) DOHC inline 4 engine with 189bhp and 192lb-ft of torque (3500 - 4000 rpm)

The C240 is equipped with a 2.6L SOHC V6 engine, with 168bhp and 177lb-ft of torque (4,700rpm)

Both cars can take care of the hills in SF with no problem. But the C230 kompressor will provide you a lot more power going up hill with 15 lb-ft more torque, which arrives 1,200rpm earlier, and forms a torque plateau

Either cars are great, its whether you want a sporty inline 4 with supercharger, or a smooth running V6.

I have driven both cars and find the 230 to feel lighter on its feet. Good gas mileage with little felt differece in speed compared to the 240.

The 240 with the 6 cylider feels smooth with effortless acceleration.