Considering a C230K Coupe
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
GL450
Considering a C230K Coupe
My wife has fallen in love with a 2002 C230 Kompressor hatchback with a 6 speed. She hasn't driven it yet, but she can't wait to get back into something sporty with a stick shift.
My questions:
How do these cars hold up?
How is the leg room in back? (We have two growing boys currently 7 & 4 but my Land Rover wil be our family hauler.)
The car has about 84K on it. Is there anything that goes wacky at 85?
What kind of service will be due soon?
How easy are these cars to work on? (I like doing repairs myself.)
And yes, I'll get to drive it too.
I look forward to your input. Thanks in advance.
My questions:
How do these cars hold up?
How is the leg room in back? (We have two growing boys currently 7 & 4 but my Land Rover wil be our family hauler.)
The car has about 84K on it. Is there anything that goes wacky at 85?
What kind of service will be due soon?
How easy are these cars to work on? (I like doing repairs myself.)
And yes, I'll get to drive it too.
I look forward to your input. Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
ouch! that's scary....mine has about 70,000 now. I guess I agree, though, as I wouldn't have purchased it with that many miles. I got mine about a year and half ago with just under 50,000, making it still under warranty for the first couple of repairs. Rear seat legroom is fine for my 13 yo daughter, as long as she's not behind me. You wouldn't believe how much patio furniture I was able to fit in it with the seats folded down though......
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, Bay Area
2002 C230 coupe , NOt THE AVATAR!!
i got my coupe brand new 5 years ago, never had any problem, i love the power output, my coupe once able to haul 12 peoples in the car no problem, so worry about rear leg room?? 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
at 84k. depends on what was done prior to you purchasing it. if water pumps were replaced, everythings in shape, you are fine to go. its a mercedes-benz. they dont really "die" THAT easily. ANY car is prone to have problems, especially a used car at a high mileage.
As for leg room. this car is amazing I tell you. If you compare this with a C Class Sedan. I feel that this car has more leg room in the back, and is actually more comfortable to sit in!
I can tell you a DEFINITE that your wife will enjoy the coupe. its one hella good car!
As for leg room. this car is amazing I tell you. If you compare this with a C Class Sedan. I feel that this car has more leg room in the back, and is actually more comfortable to sit in!
I can tell you a DEFINITE that your wife will enjoy the coupe. its one hella good car!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
I have 138k miles on my 02 Coupe and it is going strong. I have never done a compression test, but the motor purrs.
Thinks to consider:
Has the seat module been replaced?
Does the A/C come out of the right vents?
ANy rust at the rear windows?
How are the control arms and other bushings in the front end?
There is some drama about Valeo radiators look into it carefully.
Review the service records carefully, come back with questions, there are a lot here with high mileage cars that can guide you thru getting a great car.
E
Thinks to consider:
Has the seat module been replaced?
Does the A/C come out of the right vents?
ANy rust at the rear windows?
How are the control arms and other bushings in the front end?
There is some drama about Valeo radiators look into it carefully.
Review the service records carefully, come back with questions, there are a lot here with high mileage cars that can guide you thru getting a great car.
E
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
I have 138k miles on my 02 Coupe and it is going strong. I have never done a compression test, but the motor purrs.
Thinks to consider:
Has the seat module been replaced?
Does the A/C come out of the right vents?
ANy rust at the rear windows?
How are the control arms and other bushings in the front end?
There is some drama about Valeo radiators look into it carefully.
Review the service records carefully, come back with questions, there are a lot here with high mileage cars that can guide you thru getting a great car.
E
Thinks to consider:
Has the seat module been replaced?
Does the A/C come out of the right vents?
ANy rust at the rear windows?
How are the control arms and other bushings in the front end?
There is some drama about Valeo radiators look into it carefully.
Review the service records carefully, come back with questions, there are a lot here with high mileage cars that can guide you thru getting a great car.
E
yeap. we have E to guide us coupes through!
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
GL450
Thanks for the insight all.
Tell me more about the water pumps advans, or is there a thread I can search for that can enlighten me?
emrliquidlife can you tell what goofs about the seat module? What causes the rust below the rear windows? Again are their threads that discuss these?
Am I correct in assuming the A/C concern is the stepper motor I read about, and I'm just looking for excessive wear on the front end bushings.
My concern with leg room is that I'm 6'3" and my wife is an even 6'. Our boys are well on their way. How much leg room in back with front seats most or all the way back? Even in her GL that we're getting out of they complain about leg room.
How many people wrench on these cars themselves? As I say I have a Land Rover that should be proof enough that I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.
Thanks again for the insight.
Tell me more about the water pumps advans, or is there a thread I can search for that can enlighten me?
emrliquidlife can you tell what goofs about the seat module? What causes the rust below the rear windows? Again are their threads that discuss these?
Am I correct in assuming the A/C concern is the stepper motor I read about, and I'm just looking for excessive wear on the front end bushings.
My concern with leg room is that I'm 6'3" and my wife is an even 6'. Our boys are well on their way. How much leg room in back with front seats most or all the way back? Even in her GL that we're getting out of they complain about leg room.
How many people wrench on these cars themselves? As I say I have a Land Rover that should be proof enough that I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.
Thanks again for the insight.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
I hope you buy that Coupe if you find it will meet your needs. I’m impressed by your thoughtful, intelligent questions and due diligence. On that note, welcome to the forum!
I’m 6’3”, yet still remain comfortable even after a lengthy highway trip. Rear seat room is relatively generous given the exterior dimensions of the car.
Several of us enjoy wrenching on our rides, be it for scheduled maintenance or the inevitable, relatively minor, repairs. Kindly let us know the findings from your PPI. Good luck.
I’m 6’3”, yet still remain comfortable even after a lengthy highway trip. Rear seat room is relatively generous given the exterior dimensions of the car.
Several of us enjoy wrenching on our rides, be it for scheduled maintenance or the inevitable, relatively minor, repairs. Kindly let us know the findings from your PPI. Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 0
From: DC/VA
CL203
my warranty is over in a a week! i've never had to replace mine.. and hope i wont have to. how much did it cost btw?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
2003 C240 6 Speed
air conditioning works by compressing a gas, cooling down a large radiator type thing and then a fan blows air through it, when the air passes through the a/c unit it cools down.
the a/c compressor is in the engine bay, its driven by a belt. you may often hear a different whine when your a/c is on coming from the engine bay. (I know i do in my c240) so basically, this compressor compresses the gas, thus cooling the air, thus cooling you. thats why you may here people saying "My a/c needs a recharge!" thats usually because they have a leak in their system and all that gas (I believe its R12?) has escaped and the a/c doesnt work without it.
sorry not the best explaination. but its the basics I guess. theres several more components to it then that.
the a/c compressor is in the engine bay, its driven by a belt. you may often hear a different whine when your a/c is on coming from the engine bay. (I know i do in my c240) so basically, this compressor compresses the gas, thus cooling the air, thus cooling you. thats why you may here people saying "My a/c needs a recharge!" thats usually because they have a leak in their system and all that gas (I believe its R12?) has escaped and the a/c doesnt work without it.
sorry not the best explaination. but its the basics I guess. theres several more components to it then that.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Markham, Canada
C320 Coupe
as i've always been said. If the car has no warranty left, just get the repair done in some general auto shop. It's not worth it to go back to dealership and get rip off by the SA.
Leg room at the back is pretty decent. and you'd be surprised on how much stuff you can put in your truck and when the back seats are folded down. But it's still a two door vehicle. Depends if you care much or not. If you often going to drive around with 3+ ppl in your car. Might wanna consider a four door. If that's not something you concern about, the car is great.
One more thing. Will you be modding the car? coupe has very low variety of parts avalible for modding. Donno about engine stuff, but body kits are definiately rare.
Leg room at the back is pretty decent. and you'd be surprised on how much stuff you can put in your truck and when the back seats are folded down. But it's still a two door vehicle. Depends if you care much or not. If you often going to drive around with 3+ ppl in your car. Might wanna consider a four door. If that's not something you concern about, the car is great.
One more thing. Will you be modding the car? coupe has very low variety of parts avalible for modding. Donno about engine stuff, but body kits are definiately rare.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
as i've always been said. If the car has no warranty left, just get the repair done in some general auto shop. It's not worth it to go back to dealership and get rip off by the SA.
Leg room at the back is pretty decent. and you'd be surprised on how much stuff you can put in your truck and when the back seats are folded down. But it's still a two door vehicle. Depends if you care much or not. If you often going to drive around with 3+ ppl in your car. Might wanna consider a four door. If that's not something you concern about, the car is great.
One more thing. Will you be modding the car? coupe has very low variety of parts avalible for modding. Donno about engine stuff, but body kits are definiately rare.
Leg room at the back is pretty decent. and you'd be surprised on how much stuff you can put in your truck and when the back seats are folded down. But it's still a two door vehicle. Depends if you care much or not. If you often going to drive around with 3+ ppl in your car. Might wanna consider a four door. If that's not something you concern about, the car is great.
One more thing. Will you be modding the car? coupe has very low variety of parts avalible for modding. Donno about engine stuff, but body kits are definiately rare.
Brabus or Lorinser. lol since AMG coupe bodys are hard to find.
well, I go to HOME DEPOT very often, especially for school, (I got sick of finding a "big enough spot" to fit my tank, aka ML500) with the seats folded down, you get alot of trunk space, and of course, you can always sqeeze into a small city spot
The coupe is actually better to drive than the sedan, I'm sure mostly every type of coupe owner would agree. (the B pillar on sedans are like in the middle of your face! while with the coupe, the B pillar is pushed back, so you dont get a dead spot!)
but like I have said above, make sure the "general" things were done before you actually buy it, otherwise you will have a hole in your wallet.
*EDIT* also, I'm sure most of the c230k owners would agree with me is that
the 2002 model, with the actual 2.3 kompressor M111 motor is one quite strong motor.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Markham, Canada
C320 Coupe
yeap, rare body lit. you can basically go with 2 options.
Brabus or Lorinser. lol since AMG coupe bodys are hard to find.
well, I go to HOME DEPOT very often, especially for school, (I got sick of finding a "big enough spot" to fit my tank, aka ML500) with the seats folded down, you get alot of trunk space, and of course, you can always sqeeze into a small city spot
The coupe is actually better to drive than the sedan, I'm sure mostly every type of coupe owner would agree. (the B pillar on sedans are like in the middle of your face! while with the coupe, the B pillar is pushed back, so you dont get a dead spot!)
but like I have said above, make sure the "general" things were done before you actually buy it, otherwise you will have a hole in your wallet.
*EDIT* also, I'm sure most of the c230k owners would agree with me is that
the 2002 model, with the actual 2.3 kompressor M111 motor is one quite strong motor.
Brabus or Lorinser. lol since AMG coupe bodys are hard to find.
well, I go to HOME DEPOT very often, especially for school, (I got sick of finding a "big enough spot" to fit my tank, aka ML500) with the seats folded down, you get alot of trunk space, and of course, you can always sqeeze into a small city spot
The coupe is actually better to drive than the sedan, I'm sure mostly every type of coupe owner would agree. (the B pillar on sedans are like in the middle of your face! while with the coupe, the B pillar is pushed back, so you dont get a dead spot!)
but like I have said above, make sure the "general" things were done before you actually buy it, otherwise you will have a hole in your wallet.
*EDIT* also, I'm sure most of the c230k owners would agree with me is that
the 2002 model, with the actual 2.3 kompressor M111 motor is one quite strong motor.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
I can attest to that.
I have a C320 Sports Coupé and a C320 Sports Sedan.
The Coupé drives much better than the Sedan. My opinion, but maybe it has to do with my performance mods. Acceleration, cornering, braking, and driving ergonomics all just feel so much better on the Coupé.
I am also very surprised as to the amount of cargo space the Coupé really has. With the seats folded down, I can fit so much. More so than in the Sedan, based on the height of the cargo itself.
We also have an ML for other functional weekend uses. But hands down my preferred car to drive has to be the Coupé.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
________________
1979 230 G-Wagen
2003 C320 Sports Coupé
2004 A210 EVO AMG
2004.5 C320 Sports Sedan
2005 ML350 Special Edition
I have a C320 Sports Coupé and a C320 Sports Sedan.
The Coupé drives much better than the Sedan. My opinion, but maybe it has to do with my performance mods. Acceleration, cornering, braking, and driving ergonomics all just feel so much better on the Coupé.
I am also very surprised as to the amount of cargo space the Coupé really has. With the seats folded down, I can fit so much. More so than in the Sedan, based on the height of the cargo itself.
We also have an ML for other functional weekend uses. But hands down my preferred car to drive has to be the Coupé.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
________________
1979 230 G-Wagen
2003 C320 Sports Coupé
2004 A210 EVO AMG
2004.5 C320 Sports Sedan
2005 ML350 Special Edition
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
Along with Euro Convex Mirrors, the B-Pillar placement on the C-Coupe completely eliminates your BLIND SPOT. I wish I could say the same for the C-Sedan.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
________________
1979 230 G-Wagen
2003 C320 Sports Coupé
2004 A210 EVO AMG
2004.5 C320 Sports Sedan
2005 ML350 Special Edition
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
I do think that the coupe "handels" a little better than the sedans, thats IMO.
That B-pillar on the sedans really **** me off. well that B pillar in the C sedans I drive as loaners, then the ML is not THAT bad, and the E Class pisses me off.
When my family and I (5 of us) go out for dinner, on distance less than 30 miles. I pefer driving the coupe, Its rather more comfortable than it really seems.
One thing is that. if your coming from a BIG sedan. first few weeks you'd feel claustrophobic. lol When i first got the car, (I came from driving a 98 Maxima!) I felt like the car was so freakin' small!
That B-pillar on the sedans really **** me off. well that B pillar in the C sedans I drive as loaners, then the ML is not THAT bad, and the E Class pisses me off.
When my family and I (5 of us) go out for dinner, on distance less than 30 miles. I pefer driving the coupe, Its rather more comfortable than it really seems.
One thing is that. if your coming from a BIG sedan. first few weeks you'd feel claustrophobic. lol When i first got the car, (I came from driving a 98 Maxima!) I felt like the car was so freakin' small!
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL & Indonesia
WALD W203
I have 02 Coupe with only 30000 milles
It's my GF's car and price is negotiable, located in Orlando , Fl
https://mbworld.org/forums/classifieds/193909-fs-2002-bad-ass-c230k.html
PM me for more information
Ray
EDIT: LINK FIXED!
https://mbworld.org/forums/classifieds/193909-fs-2002-bad-ass-c230k.html
PM me for more information
Ray
EDIT: LINK FIXED!
Last edited by viprsx; Jun 17, 2007 at 12:35 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 0
From: DC/VA
CL203
It's my GF's car and price is negotiable, located in Orlando , Fl
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=
PM me for more information
Ray
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=
PM me for more information
Ray
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
George,
Well of course, here we all love our coupes. Being the 1st year, mine had some bugs that I was able to work out ( I think) while the car was under warranty. Lately it's running pretty reliably (fingers crossed).
Well of course, here we all love our coupes. Being the 1st year, mine had some bugs that I was able to work out ( I think) while the car was under warranty. Lately it's running pretty reliably (fingers crossed).
My wife has fallen in love with a 2002 C230 Kompressor hatchback with a 6 speed. She hasn't driven it yet, but she can't wait to get back into something sporty with a stick shift.
My questions:
How do these cars hold up? Strong car, but lots of electronic modules etc. that can create problems.
How is the leg room in back? (We have two growing boys currently 7 & 4 but my Land Rover wil be our family hauler.) NP
The car has about 84K on it. Is there anything that goes wacky at 85?
What kind of service will be due soon? Get an extended warranty if at all possible. Without knowing what's what with the car, anything could be wacky, do some reading in this forum.
How easy are these cars to work on? (I like doing repairs myself.)
Many things are easy, I do many of my own repairs, and have written my share of DIY's. You will require torx sockets (known as inverted torx)
and torx bits though, easily obtained.
And yes, I'll get to drive it too.
I look forward to your input. Thanks in advance.
My questions:
How do these cars hold up? Strong car, but lots of electronic modules etc. that can create problems.
How is the leg room in back? (We have two growing boys currently 7 & 4 but my Land Rover wil be our family hauler.) NP
The car has about 84K on it. Is there anything that goes wacky at 85?
What kind of service will be due soon? Get an extended warranty if at all possible. Without knowing what's what with the car, anything could be wacky, do some reading in this forum.
How easy are these cars to work on? (I like doing repairs myself.)
Many things are easy, I do many of my own repairs, and have written my share of DIY's. You will require torx sockets (known as inverted torx)
and torx bits though, easily obtained.
And yes, I'll get to drive it too.
I look forward to your input. Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Coupes also have more front leg room than the sedan.
Coupe all the way. Coupes do handle better, the car is shorter overall, slightly lighter, and everyone of them has the sport suspension package, and they have slightly lower ride height than the sedans. A lot of it is perception as well. If youre in a six speed coupe, with a supercharged engine, you feel quite a bit more nimble than in an automatic equipped sedan.
If youre buying the car for fun, the first year model is the most mod friendly, and probably the best all around performer. The V6 320 Coupe is quite rare, and usually is saddled with an automatic transmission.
