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It will rattle a little on cold startup, always have since I can remember bought new with 63 miles on it September 2005. Those first few years I worried alot about all the gemlins folks seem to have with these cars, But obviously I drive the crap out of it- I don't baby it, but It is parkied in a garage at night and when something does go wrong on it, I fix it.
My 2005 C230K SS was doing the same exact thing right around the same miles as yours (you: 89K miles, me: 86K miles). Let me warn you now: CHANGE THAT TIMING CHAIN ASAP!! Some might say the noise is related to the camshaft adjusters, but more than likely your chain is stretched like mine was.
Just wanted to say thank you again for warning. This comment was the final straw on my decision to replace the TC. Well, the deals done. When I finally got the valve cover off and looked at the timing marks, my chain was indeed stretched between 4-6mm and was starting to do a number on both the Intake/Exhaust Cam Sprockets... I'm thankful I got to it in time. New IWIS chain and FEBI Tensioner are in and everything's on dead TDC.
I did 90% of the job myself (just needed the tools and the help pulling the new chain and paid only $300 for the garage time/help). Thanks again, bud! Cheers
Great to hear Norsk_Johnson! Even better news to hear that you did most of the work yourself. Your car should be good for at least another 100K. Glad I was able to help and prevent you from going the the engine replacement that I had to go thru.
Hello folks, my car has 120k miles bought it 3 years ago and after reading about the time chain i think mine needs to be changed as I am noticing the odd sound for like 2 to 3 seconds upon cold starts so i went to the indy today and said i wanted to change the time chain and he said the engine will prob die after replacing the old TC well i dont get it why would that happen? I also have cam magnets leaking a little bit.
Hello folks, my car has 120k miles bought it 3 years ago and after reading about the time chain i think mine needs to be changed as I am noticing the odd sound for like 2 to 3 seconds upon cold starts so i went to the indy today and said i wanted to change the time chain and he said the engine will prob die after replacing the old TC well i dont get it why would that happen? I also have cam magnets leaking a little bit.
No offense to your Indy, but he sounds like an idiot.
I'm no mechanic, but there's NO harm in replacing the Timing Chain and Tensioner, as long as it's done RIGHT and both cams and crank line up TDC (Top Dead Center) when finished.
The only way you're going to know for sure is to remove the valve cover and look at your timing marks and see how bad they are off, and also look at the condition of the cam sprockets. That's how I realized how bad my chain was; it was already starting to do a number on the sprockets due to slapping around the crankcase. Additionally, You'll need to buy the correct OEM parts as well. Take a look at my thread, it'll maybe help give you an idea.
No offense to your Indy, but he sounds like an idiot.
I'm no mechanic, but there's NO harm in replacing the Timing Chain and Tensioner, as long as it's done RIGHT and both cams and crank line up TDC (Top Dead Center) when finished.
The only way you're going to know for sure is to remove the valve cover and look at your timing marks and see how bad they are off, and also look at the condition of the cam sprockets. That's how I realized how bad my chain was; it was already starting to do a number on the sprockets due to slapping around the crankcase. Additionally, You'll need to buy the correct OEM parts as well. Take a look at my thread, it'll maybe help give you an idea.
Ask Glyn, he'll tell ya.
Yes he's a total idiot and by now should be looking for another job . well my friend your thread helped me a lot i got the same noise i will open the valve cover and snap a few pics and will post here . did the sound went off when you did your TC ? And yes my cam mag are leaking i better replace it very soon but before getting the OEM parts from the dealer i wanna be sure my tc need to be replaced so id get all of the parts at once.
Yes he's a total idiot and by now should be looking for another job . well my friend your thread helped me a lot i got the same noise i will open the valve cover and snap a few pics and will post here . did the sound went off when you did your TC ? And yes my cam mag are leaking i better replace it very soon but before getting the OEM parts from the dealer i wanna be sure my tc need to be replaced so id get all of the parts at once.
I'm glad it could help. If it wasn't for this forum, I wouldn't have known about it. Go to www.rmeuropean.com for parts, I'm a decently savvy online shopper and they had the best pricing for all the parts. Go with the list on my thread when you do, it'll only come out to $150ish. Get the magnets too if you can. Also, if you haven't been to the dealer to have the pigtails put on, I'd recommend doing so. Contact MBUSA beforehand to see if your VIN was affected (most likely it was) but put the Magnets on once you're done w/ the chain swap, they'll have to come off anyway. That's next on my list...
Ehh 70-30 maybe, but yeah I do drive the crap out of it. If I could have, I would have definitely looked for a six speed, I bought mine at the end of 2005 and I really wasn't digging the 2.5 V6 too much.
Mine is 2006 bough it 5 years ago with 30,000 mile on. Its done 85,000 miles now and only had to do usual maintainence. Replaced front break discs last year, and front bottom ends as bushes had gone. Still pulls like a tank and good mpg for a 3.0 engine.
Well, you've dodged a bullet, my friend. I presume those are mostly highway miles, right? Impressive..
Not sure if this is true, but I thought I read somewhere the factor that kills the M271 timing chain is a leaky vacuum hose (such as that infamous $12 hose among others) somewhere in the system. Guessing it causes a surge in engine air pressure that eventually causes that fatal chain stretch over time. Can anybody confirm or disprove?
I'm still on my original chain, almost 170000 km. Car still sounds normal.
Last edited by slammer111; 01-11-2016 at 02:53 AM.
I have had my car since around 2008, second owner. This week I finally had to replace 4 front control arms/Tie rod ends. They really should have been done a long time ago.
Only other repairs other then maintenance have been
Thermostat
3rd brake light
Front wheel hub (cracked 2 lugs off )
Front suspension
Still going strong and still fun to drive. Miss the 4matic up here in Canada, but other then that I'm happy.
Hey about 100 miles away from hitting 145K on my 2006 c280 4matic. Got the car back in may, replaced front axles so far, got endlinks which will be replaced soon. Also got some c55 rims yesterday
On my 2005 C230K Kleeman Sport Sedan, I have just turned 120,000 miles.
I have just replaced the steering rack bushings, and the upper and lower front suspension control arms. A few months back I replaced the engine mounts and the transmission mount.
Next project is to replace the belt tensioner, idler pulley, and the alternator pulley in order to get rid of the squeaky belt syndrome
On my 2005 C230K Kleeman Sport Sedan, I have just turned 120,000 miles.
I have just replaced the steering rack bushings, and the upper and lower front suspension control arms. A few months back I replaced the engine mounts and the transmission mount.
Next project is to replace the belt tensioner, idler pulley, and the alternator pulley in order to get rid of the squeaky belt syndrome
Currently at 95,XXX miles a going strong. Popping a P0171 CEL with OBD stating "Replace PCV hose & valve" even though according the records, it's already been service by PO on campaign... It has to be minor leak because the car runs strong.
Very nice! I only did the front MB AMG swaybar w/ bushings and Lemfoerder end-links so far. I'd like to tackle the SR bushings and both Upper/Lower Control arms too, but don't really know how to confidently loosen the steering knuckle to remove the Upper Arm.
Did you DIY both arms??
PS - I pulled the trigger on these for only $148 shipped on eBay.. I know, I know, they're not a name brand. But for the price, they were damn close to what OEM Lemfoerder looks/feels like. OEM would've cost me over $500.
Last edited by Norsk_Johnson; 01-13-2016 at 03:46 PM.
Currently at 95,XXX miles a going strong. Popping a P0171 CEL with OBD stating "Replace PCV hose & valve" even though according the records, it's already been service by PO on campaign... It has to be minor leak because the car runs strong.
Very nice! I only did the front MB AMG swaybar w/ bushings and Lemfoerder end-links so far. I'd like to tackle the SR bushings and both Upper/Lower Control arms too, but don't really know how to confidently loosen the steering knuckle to remove the Upper Arm.
Did you DIY both arms??
PS - I pulled the trigger on these for only $148 shipped on eBay.. I know, I know, they're not a name brand. But for the price, they were damn close to what OEM Lemfoerder looks/feels like. OEM would've cost me over $500.
I got the 4 arms through rmeuropean for $450. I purchased the tool from Amazon to remove the ball joints from the steering knuckle. You will have to disconnect the strut at the steering knuckle in order to remove and install the control arms, as well as the front sway bar. I still need to get the wheel alignment done. In all, it took about 4 hours or so. I have the WIS procedures in PDF format if needed.
I got the 4 arms through rmeuropean for $450. I purchased the tool from Amazon to remove the ball joints from the steering knuckle. You will have to disconnect the strut at the steering knuckle in order to remove and install the control arms, as well as the front sway bar. I still need to get the wheel alignment done. In all, it took about 4 hours or so. I have the WIS procedures in PDF format if needed.
Very nice! Well done, man. Yeah, if you could forward over or PM the WIS and tool, it'd be greatly appreciated!
Ps - How bad of an Idea was it to buy those arms on eBay? In person, they look almost identical to OEM...
C230 SC 2002 White 1992 Toyota Hilux 225,000 miles, 2017 Subaru STI
Original owner. 2002 230 coupe. 62,000 miles. Never has had a mechanical issue. Replaced the brake fluid and coolant a few times. Runs better than new. 6 speed manual just feels broken in. 95% highway miles. Sweet ride. Now the AC stepper valves/flaps makes the clicking woodpecker noise. The headliner sags in spots and the rubber cubby hole below the radio is cracked and broken. Oh and the roll away center console door disintegrated. Garaged and covered. Two more years and my son gets the pleasure. No modern tech ability and manual transmission means the boy will have to pay attention and drive with two hands. No texting while driving.
About to buy a Subaru STI for my hobby car next month.
62K original miles? Sweet...
I'm real close to 230K.
Considering an engine replacement soon.
Originally Posted by GrandPrix
Original owner. 2002 230 coupe. 62,000 miles. Never has had a mechanical issue. Replaced the brake fluid and coolant a few times. Runs better than new. 6 speed manual just feels broken in. 95% highway miles. Sweet ride. Now the AC stepper valves/flaps makes the clicking woodpecker noise. The headliner sags in spots and the rubber cubby hole below the radio is cracked and broken. Oh and the roll away center console door disintegrated. Garaged and covered. Two more years and my son gets the pleasure. No modern tech ability and manual transmission means the boy will have to pay attention and drive with two hands. No texting while driving.
About to buy a Subaru STI for my hobby car next month.
2001 c320 with 286,000 miles with no problems what so ever .
Originally Posted by boytoys
I have a debate with my wife and saying that despite a lot of ppl claiming the 01-04 C-class has dropped in quality...but it should still last at least 100,000 Kms (we used KM in Canada)...
Just a short poll for all of you owners how many miles/kms have you clocked..
and how old is your car ?
And one last question, do you intend to keep it for that long (like what Mom and Dad) used to keep their Merc for 10+ years ? If not, what is your next car, still a Merc ?
2001 c320 with 286,000 miles and running strong with no problems always gets service on time and still has the new car smell .
2005 C230 Sport Kompressor: 141,000 miles. I'm the original owner when i bought this car brand new back in 2005. Changed 1 alternator last week along with drive belt. Last month changed out the cam magnet solenoids, all filters liquid and dry, spark plugs, a few bypass hoses, all liquids, and intake manifold hose leading to the air filter ( reason why is because the older one was dry and just unravailing itself ). Other items to note of changing: wiper fluid pump, tires, 4 sets of front brakes / rotors, 1 set of rear pads / rotors, and one battery. Things that are not working properly is the CD player in the dash unit, and the 6 disk CD changer. I just need to find a newer 6 disc holder as the one I have is the original and warped from heat. I just use my aux jack to play my music through blue tooth ( iphone ) and direct plug in with my ipod. The rear shade is stuck and not functional. All minor issues to me. Other than that, the car is never abused or taken to red line and garaged. The C230 is holding up pretty strong and still pulls like when I bought it brand new.
Last edited by Roger161; 02-06-2016 at 03:02 PM.
Reason: additional 411
11-14-2015, 10:53 PM
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