jillandbrian

We need a secnd car an I'm considering buying a 2000 C230 Kompressor with 138,000kms on it. I would appreciate any input from those who own, or have owned one of the same year. I have heard of some transmission and supercharger problems. I live in Victoria, British Columbia. Thanks in advance for all input.

Brian.

SLK320

C280 Sport

I personally would not suggest a W202 after what I went threw. But if you want one I would say get the last year W202 (2000) and get a C280 because its the most simple motor.

YNVDIZW124

I have to disagree...get a 98 c230 n/a the c280 has way too many problems from all the forums i've seen. My c230 runs like a champ and it's easy to work on...

AcousticplayerJ

I have 2000 c230 compressor and it's a great car! Sure, it's had some problems, but never anything major because of standard yearly maintenance. Also, I treat my car very kindly. If you have found a good one, you're in for a crazy experience. You'll love it, so long as it's in good shape.

One thing that you won't like is that the car will delay upshifts in cold weather to warm the engine up faster. So from a cold morning start, the car can have a little sluggishness. Once it's warmed up though, hold on to your pants!

jgaudig1625

I bought my 99 C-230 with 99,000. I gave it to my daughter as a college graduation present in 2007. I agree it is easy to work on. It now has 138,100 miles on it. Nothing has failed (oops) but I have done preventative maintenance to keep things from failing. I replaced cooling hoses, coolant, new water pump, new viscous clutch, several oil and filter changes, air filter, and drained the auto tranny (AT) and torque converter, cleaned the AT filter. (oops explained) - the right rear wheel bearing failed at 115,000. Put out a whine and I traced it to the bearing. A bear for a do it your self-er, but gratifying work. Gotta have someone press the split bearings in and out after removing the wheel from the suspension. Be sure to take the brake sheet metal splash with ya. Oh yeah, replaced the battery, this had the original, it is big, $100 and in the trunk. Battery water was low a year earlier and the voltage was running 15.5 volts and burning our rear overhead lamps like popcorn. Added water and it came down to 13.6, just like the new alternator puts out.

Presently I have it for a couple weeks to replace the alternator before it fails. Only $108 on line for a new one, via e-bay. I also renovated the starter, put in new spark plugs, (remove what appears to be the engine valve cover top). In Nov 09 I replaced all four rotors and put in new pads, pads are easy... careful with the low pad sensors. Paid to put in two new hydraulic engine mounts $400. She no longer vibrates and is really smooth. Rides great, changed tires, kept em balanced.

The wiper motor appeared to fail, but I put some 30 weight oil on the articulating arm shock absorber and it lubed the seal. now it works fine' Also ordered a new windshield washer wiper pump. They'll fail after rusting. Mass airflow sensor failed cause previous owner got lots of oil in the air intake system from the compressor. Took some work to flush that out. been 20k on the new sensor. (also on line purchase). I used Valvoline mercon V synthetic on the tranny. research showed it was good for the beast and cheaper than the 18 buck a quart stuff at MBZ. Also for the power steering pump.

Anti-lock brakes saved her twice. Once it cost a headlight, but daughter is fine.

Over all, a great experience. Just plan on maintaining your new set of parts. PS. 29 mpg LA bakersfield LA at 75 on cruise control 24 mpg around town and she complains! (with a kompressor ya pay to play.) runs good on 87 octane,. 91 recommended. Jay Ps I'm retired and do some of the r/r for fun, but know eventually these items will fail, and put her in a bind.

usaims

W202 are easy to work on. Alternator, water pump, plugs, etc are at or near the top of the engine so it's easy to work on.

From what I experienced from buying a 96c280, is to change the battery and check the alternator while you change all the fluids and plugs.

I started having issues with AC, transmission. Nobody could figure it out, even stealerships. So, I I lived with it. Last week, I changed my battery, and everything started to work flawlessly. MBs are real sensitive to voltages and will cause unpredictable performance and issues.

I wish I knew this before I started swapping AC parts. Again, like I said, I was bitten by this one. I even suggested changing the battery to the mechanic one year ago and he said it wouldn't help.

Go by your intuition!

usaims

Darth Speed

I just purchased a 99 C230 Kompressor with 119k miles for $3000 and it had bad motor mounts and shocks. My friend changed the motor mounts plus trans mount. (Easily Done 1 hour job). The trans mounts were updated to the W203 ones. The paint had little to be desired but I will work on that. I installed the shocks from my C36 and now it handles awesome. I am going to change the trans fluid and service the diff later this week. The guy I got the car from said he changed the oil but he used cheap oil so in goes Mobil 1. Luckily the car has only one leak from the power steering pump.

The key to these cars is maintainence! When I had my Ferrari I followed the recommended maintainence on schedule and I never had a problem with the car. The next guy I sold it to never maintained it and it fell apart!

jherzler@tds.ne

I just turned 207,000 on the original engine. I bought the car three years ago at a 146,000 when it needed a new transmission and the owner couldn't afford it. Suspension (shocks, springs, sway bars and bushings) have been totally redone for the track. Engine has been chipped. Shocks are Koni adjustibles so I still use this as a daily driver. Since buying, I've done over 3,000 miles of hotlaps, primarily at Road Atlanta. Next event with Chin in May.

This engine is bullet-proof- just do the maintenance. After the model change in 2000, the car is not the same. Newest generation is awesome.

Logic

i own a 99 c230k sport and it had about 74k on it... going on 6 years i haven't had any major issues what so ever. only thing i had to change out maf but its common at about 100k . some maintence as fan belt oil changes etc but that is with any car. the big thing is if you take car of it and the person you are buying from did then you wont have any issues

tex07

make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection at a mercedes dealer. the superchargers can develop cracks in the casing (rare), but the m111 is one of the most reliable 4 bangers that mercedes has made.

common problems include cruise control, ac compressor, and fuel level sensors. some people have had bad MAFs as well.

however, overall, it is a very reliable car as long as it was maintained properly. above all else, make sure the transmission was serviced at the regular 30k mile intervals (50,000 km?)

make sure you lubricate the wiper and sunroof every year as well...

tex07

also, solid word of advice: do NOT use the cupholders in the front if at all possible, and if you have seat heaters, don't drink water or soda if you are sitting in the front seats.

whitm88

If you are still trying to decide, I recommend you do. I own a 2000 C230 Kompressor and it is a great car. There have been a few things that I've had to replace, but overall it is a wonderful investment. If you purchase it and the key ever stops working (won't turn in the ignition), you have to take it to the dealership and bend over (if you know what I mean). I had to replace mine and for a new ignition and one key it was $1,235.00 USD. I wish you the best of luck.

whitm88

I am currently having a freak issue with my turn signal right now. If anyone has any advice please let me know. The thread link is listed below.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...l-failure.html

rwilczek123

I've owned my '99 c230K since 2003 when it had 130,000 miles. It now has 230,000 miles and is my daily driver to work. Solid performer. The A/C went out this year, but I haven't got around to fix it.

anthonyb

I have a 2000 C230k with around 180,000 miles on it and it's been a reliable and solid driver. Aside from the radio volume knob going out, along with a transmission ECU that had to be replaced after spilling coffee into the gearshift (the cupholder is in a bad location), it hasn't required anything other than regular maintenance and wear items (shocks included).

I have heard of superchargers going out (fairly pricey job) and transmission problems, although by 2000 most of the transmission issues were sorted out I think. If I were to get a W202 all over again, I would get the C280 instead, small fuel economy penalty for a lot smoother engine.

YNVDIZW124

What do you mean smoother engine? I can't feel if the engine is on sometimes at a stop light, that's how smooth mine is.

Henry Jennings

I have had my 2000 C230 K for almost 10 years now. Simply love it. Only problems that seem to be at a recurring status is the right rear turn signal light and board - simply and inexpensive to replace, but the bulbs tend to become loose in the panel after a period of time and then short on and off. Compared to the insane amount of problems I am having with my significant othe car - a BMW 5 series the C230 K is a sweet little relatiosnship - it has become one of those few cars that you swear has a personality of it's own and if it is possible to fall in love with a machine - then I guess I am guilty - would not trade it for the world. Like anytig else - keep it serviced, listen to it, enjoy it.