Have you changed your timing chain yet?
How many miles or kms have you clocked your W203 ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Northford CT
C320 300E
2001 C320, No complaints here, 212K miles with regular oil changes every 7500m.
Major warranty work at 72K was a complete exhaust, the catalytic converters had the rattle on both sides.
Work at 185K was a transmission speed sensor service for $700. It is in the bottom pan and is a 8" square assembly causing a repetative, non shifting, limp home condition that can be reset with a restart. Probably should have done it myself if I could read the code. My indi has the Snap On reader!
Also replaced 2 crank sensors for hot/ cold failure from Advance (lifetime warranty).
Major warranty work at 72K was a complete exhaust, the catalytic converters had the rattle on both sides.
Work at 185K was a transmission speed sensor service for $700. It is in the bottom pan and is a 8" square assembly causing a repetative, non shifting, limp home condition that can be reset with a restart. Probably should have done it myself if I could read the code. My indi has the Snap On reader!
Also replaced 2 crank sensors for hot/ cold failure from Advance (lifetime warranty).
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 452
Likes: 10
From: Tyler, TX
2025 Mazda CX70 Turbo S, 2015 G550
Sorry I haven't replied, I've been out driving around. I've done just regular maintenance, the only repairs over the years have been the belt tensioner, trans mount, alternator, vacuum pump, and most recently the purge valve.
Original timing chain and supercharger. Still get 34+ mpg on the interstate. Other than eating tires, I love this car!
Original timing chain and supercharger. Still get 34+ mpg on the interstate. Other than eating tires, I love this car!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
That's really good mileage!! I don't know if I could match that because I don't think I have the discipline to keep it below 65 on the highway!! 
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
2005 C230k
just about to hit 208K miles! my coolant heater line just went out and cracked, below the vacuum pump (replaced also) near the firewall. getting it replaced.
had a few cel issues lately also with a P0170 code (MAF), but just sprayed some CRC Maf cleaner and code hasn't come back since (crossing fingers)
had a few cel issues lately also with a P0170 code (MAF), but just sprayed some CRC Maf cleaner and code hasn't come back since (crossing fingers)
Last edited by chetoc230; Jan 5, 2014 at 02:23 PM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
C240 Wagon
03 C240 Wagon. Bought in 2005 from Carmax with 33K on it. It sits at 135K today. Tires, oil, water pump, transmission solenoid, gas cap replaced over the term. Needs a clock spring and right rear exterior door handle now. And Struts.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
12 BMW 535Xi; Retired 02 C230 Sport Coupe
The above original post is from 2006. I used the car as a trade-in in 2012. It was all original, including tires and had 35,000km (~22,000mi.) after ten years. The car was driven every year but did spend most winters under a thick blanket of snow. It had no dents or rashes and had never been garaged. The CEL was on, due to oil in the main wiring harness. Canadian MB was not offering any financial help with replacement so I got rid of it and it was the prime reason that, after driving MBs since 1979, 2012 was my last year as an MB owner.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 938
Likes: 53
From: Montreal, Canada
2005 C240 2011 R350
I have 100KMmiles on it, just passed the 160K Km mark
Its been good to us, got it used in 2009 with 74K Km.
Apart from wear items like brakes, filters, plugs, steering control arms, I think I spent maybe $1000 on repairs.
A dubious $240 "transmission mount torqueing" that was not under warranty.
valve cover breather seals
transmission rubber mount
rear springs.
I should be changing the tranny fluid soon. I bit late...
I love it!
Its been good to us, got it used in 2009 with 74K Km.
Apart from wear items like brakes, filters, plugs, steering control arms, I think I spent maybe $1000 on repairs.
A dubious $240 "transmission mount torqueing" that was not under warranty.
valve cover breather seals
transmission rubber mount
rear springs.
I should be changing the tranny fluid soon. I bit late...
I love it!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Gulfport, MS
c240
Im about to hit 180,000 miles. Issues. Around 90,000 trans went into limp mode, and was stuck in a gear. Radiator started to leak around the top hose around, 150,000 miles. The left DTR light/high beam wires are dry rotted, and only the high beams work. Probably will write up a DIY when I get my hands on the time. Good car! Still isnt built like the merc's in the 80's. Other than that it has been regularly maintained by me. Do think the serpentine belt tensioner needs to replaced. Has been making some weird noises since the weather has dropped below freezing.
I'd love to squeeze a couple more years out of the lemon.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Trinidad
2003 C200 Kompressor
My wife and I got our 2003 C200 Kompressor just three weeks ago with 68,600 miles on it. Drove it just 300 miles since then. Previous owner had it serviced at the MB dealership up to the 62,000 mile point. Had serviced the air condition, also changed the bushings and arms left and right front, Changed the rear windshield, changed the remote. I'm going to change the turn signal switch and wiper control, spark plugs, engine oil and filter, Transmission oil, (read the relevant threads and still reading). Love the smooth ride, quite unlike my 1992 Honda Civic with a B20B engine upgrade. Plan to keep this one for some years to come.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 2
C240 4MATIC
177k miles. I got the car in 2013 as a temporary car because I thought my other was totaled. The previous owner treated this car like absolute **** lol. Cigarette burns, very filthy, mismatch trunk, etc. So far I had to replace the CV shaft, sway bar link, got a new battery, new MAF & spark plugs. I still have to replace the fuel pump, might need a new a/c compressor if a recharge won't make the red light go away, might need a new alternator or voltage regulator (shaky idle, electronics flicker), and that's about it. Oh, and the dreaded cigarette lighter.
I mean, it's been a good point A to B car. I was gonna get rid of it, but I decided to keep it as a project car. I really learned a lot about fixing cars due to this junker so it's been an excellent learning experience.
I'm also putting exterior mods on her this summer. People already think the car is worth way more than what I paid for it since I cleaned her up lol. Just gotta do those little things & she'll be perfect.
I mean, it's been a good point A to B car. I was gonna get rid of it, but I decided to keep it as a project car. I really learned a lot about fixing cars due to this junker so it's been an excellent learning experience.
I'm also putting exterior mods on her this summer. People already think the car is worth way more than what I paid for it since I cleaned her up lol. Just gotta do those little things & she'll be perfect.
Last edited by blzdout; Apr 3, 2014 at 07:57 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Stockton, CA
2002 C230, 6 Speed, Bose Stereo, 6 CD Changer
I have 230,000 miles on my 2002 C230 I purchased new. It's a 2 door hatchback with 6 speed manual trans and Bose sound system/ 6 CD changer. It has some HVAC issues I work around and also some weak read outs on the center digital dash. The hotter the outside temp the less I can read the info display. I average 33 mpg on my 110 mile daily commute in the flat Central Valley of California. It's dealer maintained and expensive to take in for service. I drive it easy to make it last. I got 70,000 thousand miles out of my last set of 50,000 thousand mile tires. The car is under-powered for its weight but drives like it's on rails. Great brakes, good transmission, will jump out of first gear, so I'm sure to hold it when starting off. All in all it's an above average car that I enjoy.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 688
Likes: 14
2013 C63 Coupe
Almost embarrassed to admit, but my wife's car has 28,146 original miles. Bought new in 2005, we left for overseas for 4 years after owning it for only one. Stored it the whole time while we were away. Came back to the US in 09... I've owned several cars since returning to the US, but kept the C230 because it been never really used... Drives like new as it should. Looking at a new car as will probably hand this down to my son next year whose in college right now. I'm looking at something sporty, new or used... Hard to say what it will be. But I'm looking to go overseas again, (not by choice) so the next purchase will have to wait. Here's some photos I took of it yesterday. Gave it a well deserved polish... Totally stock, (unmolested) except for K&N air filter. I've thought about modding it,wheels, suspension, etc... But kind of fond it it as is. The white car next to is is what I drive... ; )
https://mbworld.org/g/album/1884018
https://mbworld.org/g/album/1884018
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
2007 C230 Sport manual
I have a 2007 C230 sport sedan with manual transmission. It has 223,000 miles on it. I am original owner. It is a fantastic car, although the rear shocks just started to go bad. The only thing that too me should not have happened to it was a bad ignition coil at about 125,000 miles. But the service folks said that can happen. the serpantine belt snapped when a pully siezed up, but that was at around 180,000 miles, so I cannot complain. I did learn that when the read warning sign shows a battery, you MUST STOP AND PULL OVER. That is a very bad warning. Oh, and the fuel pump went at about 160,000 miles, but they said that can happen too. It was funny as when that happened, I had literly just stop for gas and the car would not restart. the symptam for that is the car electronics come on, but there is no movement in the engine at all....at least that is how I remember it. when the serpintine belt goes bad, the car just stops working and there is no power stearing --- scary and bad. I also have the free lifetime roadside assistance, which is great.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 595
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
05 C240 4Matic.
Just rolled 120,000 Miles today driving to Hartford, CT. Interior still looks near new. Exterior is in great shape. 0 Rust on this car. Needs Service A in another couple of days. Other then that very reliable! Hope to get 200,000+ out of it!
Just rolled 120,000 Miles today driving to Hartford, CT. Interior still looks near new. Exterior is in great shape. 0 Rust on this car. Needs Service A in another couple of days. Other then that very reliable! Hope to get 200,000+ out of it!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 262
Likes: 34
From: Houston, TX
'05 S430, '05 S600
Just passed 165,000 miles. Just did an oil change, front brakes and rotors replacement coming up, and possibly OEM Navi retrofit soon. When I got the car it had been neglected quite a bit. Now I'm about halfway to where I want the car to be for me. Plan on going well past 200k miles...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 452
Likes: 10
From: Tyler, TX
2025 Mazda CX70 Turbo S, 2015 G550
Hey I'm about to go out and do an oil change on mine. These are great little cars, I was worried when I bought it in 2005, that they would be a handful of problems every day. It's been more reliable than my VW Jetta or my Buick Regal, (Although it does tend to eat tires.
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