Mike99

Hi All:

Are there any chronic problems with a 1999 C230 Kompressor?

I found one I'm considering buying with 33K on it. It looks like its in perfect condition, but I need to know if there's anything specific I need to be looking for. I'll be taking it to a third party shop for an evaluation as soon as I can find one. Thanks in advance for the help!

K_Sport Driver

the transmissions seem to be a common problem with the 202's, but i've had my 230k since January and nothing's gone wrong.

aeproberts

I have had mine since '99 and have not had any "chronic" problems. I do find that I get a ton of break dust but the mechanics have always told me that benz uses performance brake pads which do give off a lot of dust.

The only repeating problem that I have had is my passenger side brake light goes out about once every 12-16 months which is twice or 3 times as often as I change every other lightbulb in the car.

Mike99

Thanks for the info!!!

davis449

I've been on these boards since '03 and read through numerous repair threads in numerous Mercedes forums and it seems to me that the 4 cyl. w202's (NA and supercharged) are the most reliable of the w202's.

doelbrca

I LOVE my 1999 C230 Kompressor - or at least I used to. IEverything worked perfectly on the car until the last couple of years where I can't get the car started in damp cold weather. The electrical system shorts out or something and the key won't even turn. Once it gets drier, or if you work on all of the switches for awhile, it will suddenly start to work. Mercedes doesn't seem to be able to diagnose the problem. Has anyone else heard of this? It really let me down the other day.

Oh, I do seem to replace brake light bulbs a lot , but I consider that a minor thing compared to how much I love this car...

davis449

This would be an isolated incident, in my experience.

K_Sport Driver

yeah, that's really strange. the 202's, especially the 230's are considered the most bulletproof benzes in their recent history. maybe you just got a lemon, dude.

ryhi

i had my car for about 3 years and these are the problems ive had to resolve:

maf sensor
ball joints
lower control arm bushings
power seat works when it wants to
flex disc

other than that its a pretty fun/nice car.

ryhi

btw i got my car @ 55k miles 3 years ago and now im just about to hit 120k miles. i guess its not too bad for the use and abuse i put it through.

franka2000

I want to buy a navigation system for my 2005 c230 kompressor, which one to buy, please reply

vg305

about the brake lights burning bulbs. inside the lens is a little clear reflector thing that may be broken and laying on top of the bulb, causing to burn out real fast. my c230k has 100k and runs like a champ. i've changed flex discs and shifter bushing seveal times and it goes through brake pads about every 15k. but thats it.

2000c230sport

2000 c230 kompressor sport, Problems in past 6 months (Total of 10K Miles)

Flex Disc
Rear Differential Re-Seal
Air Conditioning stopped working, dealership can't find prob.
Ball Joints
Control arm busings
Wiper Motor
Defective speaker
vibration above 50 mph, dealerhsip can't find prob.
Side view mirror stopped working

Nes

Well, I have had mine for just over a 3 months and had TONS OF TROUBLE!!!

I cannot get people to stop starring and wishing me on what a great car I purchased!!!!

Anyway, I did tons of research before buying my C230K and on the side of most common problem I came up with lower control arm bushings.

Get one that has been serviced regularly and Bobs your Uncle. What a great car to experience life in!

Good luck! (Not that you will need it.)

C43AMG

Rear differential seal - both the C230K & the C43

Wiper motor on C230K needed re-greasing - very easy DIY

Just make sure you service the tranny ( FLUSH IT - don't just "change" it ) every 35k miles.