Hey guys, first time posting in this part of the forum but I am looking at a 97 C230 tomorrow, 1 owner with 160 000 km on it (approx 100 000 miles). What should I look out for in this? I've never owned a w201 before but I've owed a w124 300e

 

suspension, head gasket etc.

 

In some models, they have an issue with wiring harness, fuel sending unit most of the time doesn't give accurate reading thus your fuel guage plays crazy at times, O2 sensor always reads fault or if not that MAF will throw out some error code. This is the only common issue with my c220. Everything else is just normal wear and tear.

 

MAF sensor is the first listed W202 problem at Benzworld.org so I'm gonna say that. And also cuz my brother had a faulty MAF in his '98 C240.

 

rear differential seal

 

Lower control arm bushings

 

MAF
both flex discs


some say wiring harness, but I wrapped mine in electrical tape the day I bought it and never had a problem out of my harness.

everything else is wear and tear. if the car is over 10 years old be prepared to do some maintenance work.

 

I just had mine done at 120,000 miles.

 

i have had the fuel level sensor go bad but nothing else

havent had either of these problems

knock on wood!!!!! i've personally heard cruise control and a/c compressor

 

driver

 

At 114.000 km (70.000 miles) ac compressor loosing power.

 

I'm getting my head gasket done right now and one of the wires going to the coil packs looks to be damaged/fried.. What do these wiring harnesses go for used ? 96 C280 Sport

 

Why would you buy a "used" wiring harness ?

 

I have no idea what the cost of a new one is, but I assume there would not be an issue getting one from a vehicle with a known working harness for less money.

 

The best price I got was from Adsitco for $620 - 10% off for Internet orders. It took awhile (3 weeks due to their supplier), but was happy with the price and brand new Mercedes harness ( Made in Spain )

 

How much are they asking for that car?

 

I wouldn't say this is a problem, but it's just starting to get annoying.

The diesel sounding engine. lol

 

GET CRC CLEANER FOR MAF WHEN IT THROWS CODES MAKE SURE PART NUMBERS ARE CORRECT WHEN ORDERING NEW ONE

 

At about 100K, my mass air sensor dies every 20K. I just noticed the air box lid was warped on the end where the collant line attached to it to the reservoir and I could see unfiltered air was getting into the MAF. It's only about a 1/8 inch gap but I would imaging after 20K miles, it could crud up the sensor. I'm going to see if Duct Tape will help. I'm tired of buying Bosch Mass Air Meters. I tried the CRC MAF Cleaner first.

Has anyone else noticed warpage of the air box lid and could this be the culprit for having to replace the MAF so often? The first/factory MAF lasted about 100K?

 

Problems i've had:

ABS/SRS light stayed on - had to replace brake booster
Windscreen decided to always park itself in the middle of screen - had to remove wiper motor arm and loosen bolts to reposition it
Heater eventually stopped working - had to remove heater blower and replace motor brushes

Rust!

 

Did I get a good deal?

Should I get extended warranty?With Who?

Is this a reliable car?

I did a lot of research but you are the EXPERTS.

C230 KOMPRESSOR

SUNROOF LEATHER EXTRA NICE

Mileage:50,668 miles

Location: Pompano Beach, FL VIN:WDBHA24G0XA792883

Warranty: No
Vehicle title: Clear
Condition: Used 1 Owner
For sale by: Dealer

Total $ 7,600

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140338864633&ssPageNam e=ADME:AAQ:MOTORS:1123

 

my diesel sounding engine is due to a worn belt tensioner shock. replace that and the engine sounds like a normal 175k gas engine haha

 

Recently paid $1,500 to repair this on 2007 C180K. Oil leaked from camshaft position sensors down the wiring harness to both O2 sensors, ruining them. Check this on existing and potential purchases.

 

broken coil springs