AFhockey31

ive noticed that mercedes has gone away with the "kompressor" line in their c lines... is there any reliability issues with them ?

im currently looking at 04-05 c230 sports, and have noticed that the 06's are now in the 230 namesake, but as a v6

i just want to know if theres issues with them as to why they took the SC outa the 1.8's

thanks!

capt_paul

I believe it was cheaper for Mercedes to produce the V6 over the cost of the supercharger/intercooler setup. And I think MB may use the same V6 in other cars as well.

AFhockey31

true... they use that 320 in just about every model... which would make sense, but i was worrying that they may have taken the kompressor line out due to long term reliability issues that usually come with forced induction vehicles..

dmatre

The M271 is still offered outside the US.

It's simply the fact that MBUSA felt that a 4-cylinder wasn't the right engine for the US market (where everyone thinks that MB is a luxury manufacturer).

dnlow

I have an '05 with the 1.8L SC engine and I have not had any problems with the engine at all. I have 60k miles. Now, electrical problems is another story I have had several of them. I have read on a few occasions that this engine is more problematic, but I have yet to have any. I have read of cam sensor leak issues and vacuum hose problems. With this car though the problems could start at any time, just like the electrical problems.

Beaver's Benz

I don't know if it would be fair to compare this car to any other mass produced automobile, where some are great and some have gremlins. All I know is I love mine.

Buellwinkle

MB did away with Kompressors on all it's cars in the U.S. Even the E55 Kompressor, C32 Kompressor, SL55 Kompresser are all gone.

As far as reliability, these motors are hand made by low wage east european labor in their own basements using tools that the were handed down from past generations since medieval times. Of course they are reliable, that is to the standards of medieval times. To modern standards, ehh.

AFhockey31

hahaha yeah.. youre really not selling me on one now lol

what usually goes out on the electrical ? any constant issues that are going to drive me from wanting to own ?

ive noticed A LOT of bmw's for sale, but very few c class's

dmatre

If you're looking for the weak points of the Kompressor in the C230K, then check:

1) Leaking Cam Sensors - oil leaks from the cam sensor into the wiring harness, fouling the O2 sensor, and ECUs. Repairs range from $1000-$3700 depending on what's fried.
2) Lower PCV host failure - now covered under recall from MB, typically resulted in Check Engine light & repair costs
3) Torque Arm bushings - bushings crack & car wanders slightly on straight road. Dealer wants about $500 to repair, DIY for about $150-$200.
4) Miscellaneous electrical gremlins. I've been lucky & haven't experienced any of these yet (in 93k miles & 5 yrs.).

mkaresh

Good info, especially the bit on the leaking cam sensors.

In general, engines are very reliable these days. I operate a vehicle reliability panel, and don't think I've come across a supercharger that's gone bad. Usually the bits that fail are not associated with the engine.

But especially as the miles accumulate there will be some engine problems. The one with the cam sensor leak sounds like a little bit of paying attention can save you from a hefty bill.

krnboy817

i have a 06 c230 ss... and iknow my reliability sucks... compared to honda... mazda... nissan... the cars i have owned before MB... but they have fixed every problem one way or another.

i would be worried if and when my warranty runs out.