E=MC^2

Hey guys, Its been awhile.

I miss my 94 w202 so ive been looking for another. I found a 2000 c230 kompressor for 4500! It has 120k original owner. The only downfall the car seems to have is rust/the timing chain, supercharger and water pump are original parts. What else should I specifically look for with this year make and miles?? Ive looked around and havent found much information. Everything helps.

Thanks
-Brian

AcousticplayerJ

take it for a nice long test drive and see how it does. I have that model and it's been pretty damn reliable. However, when you do need to do a repair, it can be expensive. I might even have a real dealership check out the car for you, because if you get stuck with some big hidden problem, it could cost you more than $4500 to deal with. but do the obvious checks like for water damage, welding marks in the engine bay and trunk, also subtle color changes (indicating repair from accident).
good luck

E=MC^2

will do, thank you very much. What problems have you had with your c230?

AcousticplayerJ

My biggest issue is that the keys are not very sensitive. You sometimes have to be within a few feet of the car for the signal to reach. This has been a problem since I got the car when it was new. They even swapped out the keys for the newer and smaller ones and that didn't help much.

Last summer, some oil leaked into a filter and resulted in the engine being starved for air. The result was that you could floor the car and it would struggle to accelerate. It also had trouble going above 35mph or so. However, the car didn't leave me stranded. In fact, it has been very reliable in that respect (it has never left me stranded)

Occasionally, a warning light has gone on for a small problem like an airbag malfunction, but nothing major. Also, the brakes on mine squeak when you're reversing down a hill. But that has to do with the brakes becoming more worn down. They added more anti squeal grease, but that didn't help.

Oh, one last thing... when the engine is cold, it can be sluggish until it warms up. During this time, the car holds itself in the lowest gear possible to try and warm up faster. You can bypass this by pushing the shift lever to upshift at each gear. Of course, you should never push this car until it warms up. However, once it warms up, it's an awesome performer... especially for a 4-cyl engine (yep, the supercharger helps a huge amount on highways and makes passing people effortless).

But overall, this is the best car I've ever had. Just make sure it always gets premium gas and keep an eye on the fluid levels, especially during the first few weeks after you buy it. Oh yeah, check the engine air filter and make sure it doesn't have any oil or junk on it. Make sure the undercarriage looks pretty good. It's normal for there to be some rust at this point from years of road salt and such. Remember, the car is likely going to drive roughly until it warms up, so be prepared for that.

I see you used to have a 280. The supercharged c230 will beat the pants off of that It behaves more like a 3L (in my opinion)

E=MC^2

This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks alot! If it checks out I think I will have a 230k by the end of the week!!Oh ya how many miles do you have on your c230? and when was the last time you had major repairs done?

Thanks
-Brian

AcousticplayerJ

I have almost 68,000 miles. I bring it into the stealership every year for an inspection/checkup. So minor work is done on the car here and there. The last time it was in, the front brakes and rotors were replaced.

Again, just give it a good test drive (highway and street) and a background check. Listen to your instincts with the test drive. If you do end up getting the car, you're going to love it! good luck!!

C43AMG

One other common problem with the 202's (all models-including AMG's) is the fuel gauge.The sending units in the tank go bad and the fuel gauge can read "empty" after a fill up.I would also highly recommend that you lube the monowiper arm.If the wiper motor goes you may be looking at a expensive repair.I would look at any services the vehicle has had and l would consider changing the plugs and have the tranny serviced.

E=MC^2

Thanks guys, If I do go through with this I plan to change all fluids. The seller says he replaced the wiper arm not too long ago, and had the "front end" replaced. I asked him what he meant by that, he said something in the suspension was loose so he had "everything" replaced. I will have to see some receipts but but other than some rust it sounds pretty good. I am going to look at it tomorrow. How long are these superchargers known to last?

Thanks
-Brian

Randy K

Nice ride....have a 2004 with 49,000 miles in excellent shape if your interested?

Have not had any problems with it in 2 years other than a new set of tires.

AcousticplayerJ

Take a good flashlight or work lamp and look under the car. Have the person show you the repairs which were done.

As far as the supercharger goes, I'm not exactly sure how long they last, but my guess is that they are good for the life of the car. Keep in mind that the supercharger is not always engaged. In fact, during most normal driving, you probably won't even be using it all that much. But anyway, I believe the SC is driven by a clutch which will engage the it as it's needed. I also believe that it shares oil with the engine. So with that said, as long as the engine is oiled, the SC should be too. Someone correct me if I'm wrong though. I'm not totally sure.

E=MC^2

Thats how it usually works, Which leads to another question. Is it ok to use JB engine treatment products that go in with the oil? Because they do also go through the SC I dont want to ruin it because I didnt ask this.

C43AMG

You are incorrect.The oil that lubricates the SC is different and doesn't require changing.

AcousticplayerJ

oh, ok thanks for the clarification. I wasn't sure exactly.

E=MC^2

Interesting, shows what I know about superchargers. I only have experience with turbos. Well bad new guys, I took a look at it today It drove fine. The interior was great but the exterior was TERRIBLE. There was a hole in the drivers door. Rust around the trunk lock, on all 4 wheel wells, and hood. Did Mercedes use thinner metal on the 2000 than they did on the earlier models? My 94 c280 was a tank! This c230 felt like a pop can.

AcousticplayerJ

Oh that sucks. I think the metal in my c230K is fine. There will be a slight amount of rust on a 2000 model. I mean, it is a 9 year old car.

You'll find another one. good luck

E=MC^2

Yeah Im not expecting perfection but, the earlier models seem to have less rust. It felt like the panels were thinner, Ill just have to keep my eyes open. Thanks for all the info!

xvvvz

One thing that may be different is the paint. I know the 2000 has the thinner water-based (?) paint. Maybe the 94 had the more robust older paint type.

GARYofCDF

A face lift 202 1998> will rust on front wings, doors , quarter panel behind passenger doors, boot lid and roof next to windscreen. very bad and normal. series 1 & 2 only seem to rust around boot lock. It is a water based paint and they first strated to experiment with this crap on the w124 1995>.

my 1999 V c230 has covered 174,000 miles and the only complaint i have about it is that the air mass sensor has packed in. still running really strong and puts up a good fight on track!

Fuel senders should not be a problem anymore on 202's. if you car has history it should have been replaced under recall campaign!

The only other common thing is road/coil springs.. but that is across the whole board with Merc & others.