cwy E55

So I am from the BMW world... my 525 beater is now at 230k miles, and still running strong.

The only thing I've had to do on the engine was the valve cover gasket and plugs. NOTHING ELSE....

not, suspension is another story.. I've replaced ALL suspension components already, if not multiple times... at least 3 ball joints that is.

In any case, thought about the C230 sedan, cause it's smaller, and 4 banger, but supposed to produce same power as the 525i at ~190HP. Hoping it can sip fuel....

If anyone can chime in on your mileage over 100K experience, I would love to know before I buy a car that's approaching 100K.


Thanks,!!!! Looking forward to joining the world.

LILBENZ230

There are several 230s on here with over 100k.. two of the highest mileage 05 models are 160k and 203k at last update. Do proper maintenance and you will be fine. My car is at 97300 miles and has never had any engine issue at all.

Do not buy a 2003 C230. If you're gonna buy one, go for the facelifted 05 model.

C230 Sport Coup

Years prior to that with 1.8L engine have head design issues,
2005 is supposed to be OK. People getting 30mpg even.

nlpamg

I have a 2005 C230k with close to 97k miles.

It's running strong now, BUT I've had to change a few things, cam sensors, head gasket, throttle body and most recently, my alternator... Hopefully it will last a bit longer.

W203E35

Damn, that sucks. That's a lot of stuff...head gasket?

nlpamg

head gasket seal I mean, lol.

LILBENZ230

Interesting at your mileage, Phil, the things that have gone wrong versus my 05 with the same mileage.

nlpamg

two very different experiences. especially since I'm the original owner and I know what it went through since day 1 and it always got the proper maintenance, early most of the time as well, from either the dealer or very competent shops. I've done a lot of preventative maintenance also, such as changing the belts, etc...

I also think that since mine was built early 2004 (I got it August 2004), they may have made some changes along the way... oh well.

it's not worth it to sell, so I might as well use it till it falls apart...

polarbexar

138K on mine still get 32mpg with mixed driving. Replaced Alternator pulley and just ordered a new transmission mount. Regular maint. every 13k miles and brake/trans fluid every two years.

hcalvarez

i have mine at 65k...this is my daily driver..so far nothing major....i already changed my pads and rotors, some bushings, and my SRS went off so far..that's it... all under warranty except the brakes..i'm very happy with my ride. regularly serviced on schedule to the dot...not even a day late..i get good mileage as well..as long as you service it properly and dont drag it i think it will last you.

seagel1000

My c230 is at 87,000. So far, water pump, alternator (bearing went bad and I'm sure at least % of people here are in the same ball park), idler and tensioner pulley replaced, TB replaced, thermostat. All of those myself and other members had to do the same. Other than that, after all components were replaced, it feels like when I first got it Oct 2007. 2nd owner at 37K miles

seagel1000

SRS lights seem to be common amongst Mercedes owners.

rabney72

+1

The speculation is accurate, these cars do require more maintenance than your toyota or average american car. But when maintenance is up to date and well cared for, they will run and drive like no American car can... If you can perform your own maintenance and spend the time on this forum doing research, they are relatively fair priced. If not, you need a pocket of money or a lot of luck.

LILBENZ230

I got mine in July 2008 with 25k miles on it. Anticipate 100,000 in the next few weeks and look forward to the next 100k.

W203E35

Nice, not to jinx you but the way you maintain your car, I have no doubt you'll hit 200k as well....especially since me and you blessed the car in the back seat

springdriver1

Hey I have an 03 C230 with about 168,xxx on it. The only motor problems I have had were the cam sensors. They were replaced on recall. Everything else has been wear items brakes,front bushing etc. Still pulls strong and it get about 28mpg highway. Need to change fuel filter!

MIKESV8

karo i don't think that came out right.lol anyways to the OP, these cars are amazing and just keep on working. we have an 02' c240 with 130k on it and it's still running just fine. never had to do anything. part of the reason why i bought my car instead of an e39 m5.

rabney72

+1

lol

moosejaw

I talk to the third owner of my C230 once in a while
Not a single damn thing has gone wrong at 180K outside of maintenance
I sold it in 05 for my 04 C32 with 76K

Johnsct

03 here with 132,000 miles. No engine repairs to date (other than maintenance). I get around 32mpg on the highway in the summer and 30 in the winter. Drives like the day I picked it up in 2002.

alpinweiss

Although my C230K does not have the high mileage you are seeking, I can make a few statements about the car as far as miles per gallon.

First, I also live in both the Mercedes world and the BMW world. Based on your description and mileage, I will assume your BMW is an E34 series. Although the BMW 5 series was sold as a larger car, the W203 Mercedes is almost the same size. Compare exterior dimensions and interior room, and you will see how little you are giving up.

In terms of fuel economy, technology marches on, and the Mercedes wins by a lot. It is not unreasonable to get 32 mpg on the highway from the M271 engine (1.8 liter four cylinder supercharged), especially if you get the manual transmission. You may be able to get around a 20% improvement over your older technology BMW engine (YMMV).

Please understand this is not a criticism of BMW, I would make the same comparison with an older Mercedes.

pawe

'05 1.8L Kompressor 72k miles.
25mpg city/29-31mpg highway
Replaced alternator pulley twice under warranty.
Replaced rotors and brake pads @ 55k
Tranny service @ 60k
oil change every 5k miles
No problems mechanically/electrically so far.

PS. Im selling this car (if you are looking to buy a well taken cared of W203)

ncmudbug

I hope the 05 C230K is pretty reliable - since I drive one!!!
My next door neighbor has an 01 C230K that is 140K miles old and I know she never did more than the recommended maintenance and her car is going strong. From what I've read, it seems that the pre 2005 MBs were... well sub MB. If that's true than judging from my neighbor's experience (and mine so far), I'm in good shape.

LILBENZ230

Out of curiosity, OP, how much life are you looking for?

pwcummings

I bought it with 60k and researched on here first to find out that between 60k-80k miles the w203s are known for crapping out their AC compressors. So I made the guy I bought it from take $2k off the price AFTER we negotiated down. Right on cue at 68k miles the compressor went out, replaced the compressor/condensor/pulleys for about $1200 at a independent. Car runs like a dream. I can easily get 33mpg traveling 70mph most days. After I had the AC done, I took the car into MB to have the B service done (mostly just to have the pro's give it a good once over after the indy had it, turned out everything was good). I'll probably continue to take it to MB for services just because its hard to find a good indy I can trust in Oregon. I changed out the spark plugs for fun basically... $38 and 30 minutes later... lol. I recommend the Bosch OEM replacement wipers, $80 at store, $105 at MB, but only $38 on amazon.com for both. Took 5 minutes to install... I get 2-3mpg better when I buy NON-ethanol blended 92-93 octane (free advice lol)

I have a ton of fun just researching all the cool stuff to do with it. Have had a sweet Tacoma 6spd TRD that I bought brand new in 09 that I haven/t spent anytime researching... probably because it doesn't drive like a benz. I always wanted a BMW M3 but figure its better to buy a house first, so I opted for the W203 until some school loans get paid off Honestly, I'm thankful I did skip the M3 for now, this 230k is sporty enough for now.

I paid $11,800 literally 5 months ago so you should be able to find something near to that. I would definitely say that through my research on here, 2005 is definitely the way to go. Better gas mileage and sportier (arguable) than the 2006-07s and more reliable than the pre-2005s (other than that nasty cam sensor not covered by MB). Sorry to ramble on...Good luck man