S70Houston

I am in the market for a C-class, W203, for my son.

I have been driving E-Class, W211 for quite some time now and do not know too much of the W203, as I have not been on this section of the forum at all (But am now a regular visitor ).

I found out today for the first time about the balance shaft issue on 2006 models, and am now curious as to which year is the best to look for, which do NOT have this issue and what do members who have been driving the W203 for a while now think?

I would like to get one with a Sport Package, does not really matter if it is a 6 cyl. or 4cyl. Kompressor.

Any input you guys have in order for me to make the proper decission in which year, what engine to search for is greatly appreciated, thank you in advance.

I guess I already learned today to stay away from the 2006 models which have the engine affected by the balance shaft issue.

THANK YOU ALL!

Holmes5518

I'd recommend an 05 c320. The m112 engine and 722.6 transmission are both pretty bullet proof when maintained. You'll get the updated interior and not have to worry about balance shaft issues. Or you could be a super cool dad and pick him up a c32 or c55.

gofisch

I sent you a PM on one. Only problem it is here in North Carolina. But I can personally vouch for the car, it was mine. The Dealership is full of well used car salesman, but I would like the car to go to a good home.

LexBrett2

Get a AMG c32 or c55, incredible cars in my opinion and not that expensive. I own the 2005 1.8 l kompressor, but everyday I wish I had gotten the c55. The 1.8 l engine is nice, and a lot of fun to drive though..

S70Houston

Thanks so far everyone, hopefully some others will still chime in.

After checking out local sales, the C32 or C55 are considerably more expensive compared to the "regular" cars.

I also do not think I will be THAT cool of a dad, as I do not believe a 22 year old needing such a powerful car, ..... yet.

S70Houston

What are the thoughts on a 2005 C240?

Thanks.

LexBrett2

Hadn't realized the car was for your son. The c55 is not only more expensive but has so much power going to the rear tires, would be very dangerous for a teenage IMHO.

The c240 is a nice car. The 230 1.8L may be a better choice though. The small engine is very responsive and gets great MPG.

evannguyen

I was asking this myself and decided on an 05 C230k for fuel economy and the balance shaft issue with the 06 and some of the 07. I just purchased one with 112K and now I'm wondering if the timing chain needs to be replaced. I'm going to replace the valve cover gasket next weekend so I'll open up the crank case and take a look at the chain. Overall I'm happy with my decision. The 05 is relatively inexpensive so throwing in an extra grand to replace the chain isn't terrible. Good luck with whatever you decide to get. Either way your son is a lucky boy.

S70Houston

Thanks very much again for your valuable input.


So it seems that most of you think that the '05 C230 Kompressor is the way to go.


My boy is a lucky boy, but he will have to come up with some of the monies himself, dad is just the one having to shop for the right car.

gofisch

I test drove these three the 05 C230, 06 C230 and 06 C240. I honestly liked the 06 C230 much better than the rest. The 230 are much more of sporty feel to them, suspension set up and exhaust note are much better. I liked the 06 because of the higher output and exhaust note over the 05 C230. But if the balance shaft issue is a problem the 05 C230 is a perfect car for a young man.

RedGray

Google:
M271 timing chain
M271 misfire


I bought my car knowing I was going to replace the cylinder head, timing chain, etc.
Btw, if the timing chain breaks, then the "engine is a boat-anchor" (it's worth scrap value only).
Don't trust what I say, ask any MB ASE certified mechanic. You can not re-bore/hone/sleeve/etc the M271, or any other engine that has coated aluminum cylinders.

I'll leave my comments there.

Okay, one more comment.
I will say that in terms of SEXY, my 2005 Red C230K Coupe makes Scarlett Johansson look like a 7 out of 10.

S70Houston

So, I continued my search and came across this 2005 C230 Kompressor:


http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5934525003.html


Talked to the owner, but have not had a chance to look at this car yet. Private party sale, 117K miles. Chatted with him on price and he will let it go for $5950.00


Called the local Mercedes Dealer who confirmed that the vehicle has been regularly serviced there and had a transmission service taken care of at 77K miles.


- On my E-Class (W211) it is recommended to take care of the Transmission Service every 40K miles.
- What about the C-Class (W203), what is the service interval there?

What are your thoughts on this car as well as the price?


Thanks in advance guys!

evannguyen

I think that's high. I know KBB is subjective, but it's not completely wrong either. You should use that to your advantage. The 05 I just bought has 112K miles and is also a one owner car with all service records/receipts from dealership. I bought it from a dealer for $4250 plus tax so it's about $4800 out the door. Personally I would not pay more than 5K for an 05 unless it has ridiculously low mileage.

As for the transmission fluid there is only one dealer recommended service done at around 40-60k miles. I could be wrong, but MB advertised these as sealed for life transmissions and the initial flush is just to remove any metal deposits from the break-in. Another thing I've learned is that the first scheduled coolant flush is at 148k.

S70Houston

Thank you for your input.

I am not sure where you are located, but here in Northern California you will not find a decent C230 Kompressor for under 6K. Most vehicles with mileage around 115K to 120K miles range around $6,500 to $7,000.

Regardless of price, I would be interested to hear what W203 owners have to say about the above posted vehicle. Thank you.

In regards to the transmission service, I have learned that originally Mercedes claimed that the transmission fluid only needed to be changed once. Over the years however, Mercedes revised this statement and is now recommending a transmission service (at least on the my E-class W211) every 40,000 miles.

insame1

Check out the used car lots in old Roseville. I have had a lot of luck there. Also have you gone down Fulton and looked. A lot of the less expensive cars do not make it on the internet.

S70Houston

Thanks for your input, I have not.

I have made quite a different experience years ago at one of the used lots on Fulton Ave. I therefore rather pay a little more for a car coming from a private party with a good and solid service history, a car that comes with the owners manual and a second set of keys, rather than a cheaper car on one of the used lots which was most likely purchased by the dealer at an auction with no history.

If you look at my other thread that I had posted on Monday, "2006 C230 - Need buying advice", you can see that I made a very similar experience once again with a dealer who purchased at an auction, misrepresented the car and then got rude when I pointed out the flaws on the car, which he had assured me on the phone were none existend.

This is also the reason I pay a bit more for an oil change at a reputable shop, rather than going to JIFFY LUBE or MIDAS. I rather pay a bit more in order to have this kind of insurance.

That is at least my opinion.

LILBENZ230

For the love of all things holy do not buy a 2005 C230. I owned one myself, put 125k miles on it, adored it. Still the best car I've ever owned. But I cannot endorse it - too many timing chain issues.

Buy a 2005 C240 or a 2005 C320, both solid M112 engines and 722.6 transmissions. Do not buy any other W203.


The 2006-2007 W203s had more than just balance shaft issues. They have $1500 intake manifold issues and $1200 conductor plate issues.

gofisch

I had a 2006 C230 120,000 miles and I never had any of those issues.

DreamnZ

I also have a 2006 C230. I have about 124K miles on it and I've had no major issues other than having to recently replace the clock spring. So far the only thing on its maintenance is the rotors and pads need to be replaced.


If I had the choice of purchasing a 2005 C230 with the 1.8L vs the 2006 C230 V6, I would actually purchase the 2005 1.8L. That is, as long as all things are equal with the 2006 and they both look good and have a good maintenance history. Being that the car will be used primarily as a commute car, why add the additional worry of the failure of the balance shaft. Hope this has been helpful.

Norsk_Johnson

I own a 2005 C230 1.8 Kompressor (M271 Engine) and I absolutely love this car. Now, it's been a work in progress and a lot of finicky issues here and there. The only issue that would deter me from buying this car is the timing chain... I bought mine in Feb. 2015 w/ 84K miles on the Odometer and changed the chain out at 98K. I would say go for it, just pay close attention to your startup noise! Great car, solid build, pretty fast, efficient on gas and most importantly it's SAFE. Good luck, sir.

brodey10

In 2008, I bought my '05 C320 Sportcoupe with 54K miles on it... I had no idea how lucky I was to pick this m112/722.6 combo! This car really has been bulletproof. I have put an additional 125K miles on it since, maintaining the car myself. It feels & drives like it could go 125K miles more.

There are a few issues I have endured:
- The worst was CPS issue that left me stranded away from home. (It was criminal what the stealership charged).
- ERG valve had to be replaced
- Panoramic Roof Froze
- There are some valve covers that leaked early on, but have not been an issue since)
- And my favorite: my wife backed into it once!

Regardless, I can say wholeheartedly that a well maintained '05 C320 (and likely C240) are going to be excellent cars at a reasonable price. And everything you (or your son) would need to know about DIY maintenance can be found right here.

Now if I could just find the M112/722.6 equivalent in the C207!

JLC230

If you don't have an independent shop yet I would recommend using Frank's Automotive in Sacramento off of Folsom Blvd. They are very reasonably priced and the service is excellent, imo.

S70Houston

Thank you.

I usually use Von Housen on Howe Ave., which I think is excellent considering it's a dealership.

Otherwise, I use German Motors, also on Folsom Blvd. between Watt and Jackson.

Have not heard of Frank's Automotive, ..... where early is it located?

JLC230

They're at 52nd and Folsom Blvd. Here is their website for FYI http://www.franksautosacramento.net/

S70Houston

What do you guys think about this vehicle? What are the thoughts on the 4Matic system?

2005 Mercedes-benz c240 4matic super clean navi miles 55k
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5970467901.html

Thanks in advance.