How To Make A C-Class Last Forever
07-29-2007, 10:11 PM
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How To Make A C-Class Last Forever
For many years the advice of professionals (for most makes/models) was to replace two key items in a vehicle between 50-100k miles: Timing Chain and Water Pump. These were not items normally scheduled for replacement, but if done periodically certain major problems could be avoided allowing a quality vehicle to last a long, long time relatively trouble free.
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
Last edited by geisterfahrer; 07-29-2007 at 10:14 PM. Reason: extra character mark present
07-29-2007, 11:22 PM
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06' BMW M3
For many years the advice of professionals (for most makes/models) was to replace two key items in a vehicle between 50-100k miles: Timing Chain and Water Pump. These were not items normally scheduled for replacement, but if done periodically certain major problems could be avoided allowing a quality vehicle to last a long, long time relatively trouble free.
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
07-30-2007, 12:08 AM
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05 C230K SS
07-30-2007, 12:36 AM
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'13 250 Coupe
Easy, treat your car like a baby and it should still shine in 100 years if your alive... But honestly if you take care of your car it will last as long as the car will allow itself.
07-30-2007, 09:03 AM
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Okay...
Obviously, taking good care of your car is important. But the question is not about "general care". (Changing the transmission fluid more frequently is the perfect example sited by many professionals--because the technology has changed, the importance of this is now understated by manufacturers).
With every vehicle there are certain key components (ie, water pump, timing chain) that could potentially wear out after x-number of miles causing major mechanical failures. These weak spots, are not, of course, advertised by manufacturers and never show up on any scheduled maintenance routine.
Any serious input?
With every vehicle there are certain key components (ie, water pump, timing chain) that could potentially wear out after x-number of miles causing major mechanical failures. These weak spots, are not, of course, advertised by manufacturers and never show up on any scheduled maintenance routine.
Any serious input?
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07-30-2007, 02:19 PM
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Obviously, taking good care of your car is important. But the question is not about "general care". (Changing the transmission fluid more frequently is the perfect example sited by many professionals--because the technology has changed, the importance of this is now understated by manufacturers).
With every vehicle there are certain key components (ie, water pump, timing chain) that could potentially wear out after x-number of miles causing major mechanical failures. These weak spots, are not, of course, advertised by manufacturers and never show up on any scheduled maintenance routine.
Any serious input?
With every vehicle there are certain key components (ie, water pump, timing chain) that could potentially wear out after x-number of miles causing major mechanical failures. These weak spots, are not, of course, advertised by manufacturers and never show up on any scheduled maintenance routine.
Any serious input?
We both had a 2000 C230 and were purchased new. We no longer own them but you get the idea.
07-30-2007, 02:34 PM
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Porsche, Mercedes & MINI
I believe in preventive maintenance if you care for it to last a long while...
despite harsh mexican conditions I have manage to keep my cars in very good shape...
1987 Passat over 250,000 kms in its second engine now:
1995 C220 with over 160,000 kms only maintenace items and bushings...
1999 E320 around 100,000 kms only maintenance items...
I have a detailer coming every day to do the cars:
http://misfotos.homestead.com/index.html
and also follow an strict maintenace program that includes preventive maintenace in wear items such as suspension, brakes, etc... and driving as much as possible...
hope it helps...
despite harsh mexican conditions I have manage to keep my cars in very good shape...
1987 Passat over 250,000 kms in its second engine now:
1995 C220 with over 160,000 kms only maintenace items and bushings...
1999 E320 around 100,000 kms only maintenance items...
I have a detailer coming every day to do the cars:
http://misfotos.homestead.com/index.html
and also follow an strict maintenace program that includes preventive maintenace in wear items such as suspension, brakes, etc... and driving as much as possible...
hope it helps...
07-30-2007, 02:45 PM
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'09 A4 S Line
07-30-2007, 03:27 PM
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Boy, thats a tough one...
pm me your email, I'll send you the maint. sheet used by
mbz.
Despite the "flexible service" bs, there are actual intervals for most things.
I replaced all my coil packs when the 2nd out of 4 failed.
$30 part, that causes more trouble than it's worth.
Not waiting 100K to replace the spark plugs,
flush the tranny as stated (on auto) .
Top off the battery with distilled water...
Timing chain and water pump?
Wow, those are expensive items....
most timing chains last 150-200K.....
Every 50-100K?
So many things can go wrong with these cars....so much electronics etc.
Not like the old days....
#1 is get everything for free you can possibly get while under warranty!
pm me your email, I'll send you the maint. sheet used by
mbz.
Despite the "flexible service" bs, there are actual intervals for most things.
I replaced all my coil packs when the 2nd out of 4 failed.
$30 part, that causes more trouble than it's worth.
Not waiting 100K to replace the spark plugs,
flush the tranny as stated (on auto) .
Top off the battery with distilled water...
Timing chain and water pump?
Wow, those are expensive items....
most timing chains last 150-200K.....
Every 50-100K?
So many things can go wrong with these cars....so much electronics etc.
Not like the old days....
#1 is get everything for free you can possibly get while under warranty!
For many years the advice of professionals (for most makes/models) was to replace two key items in a vehicle between 50-100k miles: Timing Chain and Water Pump. These were not items normally scheduled for replacement, but if done periodically certain major problems could be avoided allowing a quality vehicle to last a long, long time relatively trouble free.
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
07-30-2007, 03:28 PM
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'09 A4 S Line
@ you!
07-30-2007, 04:20 PM
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MB's were not meant to be kept past their 4 yr/50K mile expiration date. Doing so will cost you more money and trouble than it's worth. They are built to self destruct at this time. So your best bet is to just replace the entire car after 50K miles and save yourself the hassle of replacing it one part at a time. Seriously, nothing you can do about it, it's going to happen. If you want a car that lasts longer, stay away from anything made in Germany, it's those poo Bosch/Siemens parts.
07-30-2007, 04:37 PM
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c230 Kompressor Coupe
07-30-2007, 05:36 PM
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2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
MB's were not meant to be kept past their 4 yr/50K mile expiration date. Doing so will cost you more money and trouble than it's worth. They are built to self destruct at this time. So your best bet is to just replace the entire car after 50K miles and save yourself the hassle of replacing it one part at a time. Seriously, nothing you can do about it, it's going to happen. If you want a car that lasts longer, stay away from anything made in Germany, it's those poo Bosch/Siemens parts.
While I have had my share of oddities and bugs that come up, I have just gone over 143k miles in my C230 Coupe, and have yet to have major issues.
In fact, I haven't been to a dealer since my last warranty service at 96k.
There are some suspension issues that I have with a bit of play, but nothing that keeps me from driving the car. I recommend doing the tranny flush at 100k. Lifetime fluid my ***.
I recall hearing that the timing chain was lifetime. I don't know how true that is....I'm used to seeing V8s with timing chains and accumulated slop due to the wearing.
I'm also wondering at what poing the head will need to come off due to excessive carbon build up. If I have the car when the head comes off, I'm definitely going to get the head ported and worked over.
The S/C versions should have the internal oil changed at 100k intervals.
I have heard some say the rear diff fluid should be changed at 100k too. I have yet to do that one.
I'm wondering what kind of flow I'm getting out of my spark plugs....
E
07-30-2007, 05:39 PM
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2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
MB's were not meant to be kept past their 4 yr/50K mile expiration date. Doing so will cost you more money and trouble than it's worth. They are built to self destruct at this time. So your best bet is to just replace the entire car after 50K miles and save yourself the hassle of replacing it one part at a time. Seriously, nothing you can do about it, it's going to happen. If you want a car that lasts longer, stay away from anything made in Germany, it's those poo Bosch/Siemens parts.
While I have had my share of oddities and bugs that come up, I have just gone over 143k miles in my C230 Coupe, and have yet to have major issues.
In fact, I haven't been to a dealer since my last warranty service at 96k.
There are some suspension issues that I have with a bit of play, but nothing that keeps me from driving the car. I recommend doing the tranny flush at 100k. Lifetime fluid my ***.
I recall hearing that the timing chain was lifetime. I don't know how true that is....I'm used to seeing V8s with timing chains and accumulated slop due to the wearing.
I'm also wondering at what poing the head will need to come off due to excessive carbon build up. If I have the car when the head comes off, I'm definitely going to get the head ported and worked over.
The S/C versions should have the internal oil changed at 100k intervals.
I have heard some say the rear diff fluid should be changed at 100k too. I have yet to do that one.
I'm wondering what kind of flow I'm getting out of my fuel injectors....
E
07-31-2007, 06:10 AM
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2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
I don't get it, what's so funny?
Erm, what did the tranny fluid look like at 100k? Do you have the 5-speed auto?
Kinda curious. For a manual I can imagine bits of stuff wearing off the clutch (just like a brake pad), but what wears in an auto? (isn't there a layer of fluid covering all the moving parts?)
Erm, what did the tranny fluid look like at 100k? Do you have the 5-speed auto?
Kinda curious. For a manual I can imagine bits of stuff wearing off the clutch (just like a brake pad), but what wears in an auto? (isn't there a layer of fluid covering all the moving parts?)
07-31-2007, 07:51 AM
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W203 slightly modified
For many years the advice of professionals (for most makes/models) was to replace two key items in a vehicle between 50-100k miles: Timing Chain and Water Pump. These were not items normally scheduled for replacement, but if done periodically certain major problems could be avoided allowing a quality vehicle to last a long, long time relatively trouble free.
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
Modern oil intervals are too long. The filters fall apart and the paper goes all over the engine.
Transmission oil needs to changed every 60,000km.
Apart from servicing the fluids there is no obvious reason to change water pumps if you use factory coolant.
As for the timing chain .... if it aint broke !
07-31-2007, 10:40 AM
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C320
For many years the advice of professionals (for most makes/models) was to replace two key items in a vehicle between 50-100k miles: Timing Chain and Water Pump. These were not items normally scheduled for replacement, but if done periodically certain major problems could be avoided allowing a quality vehicle to last a long, long time relatively trouble free.
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
Automotive engineering has changed a lot in recent years. Plus, MB engineering is really in a class by itself.
So the question for those voices of experience out there is this: For a W203 C-Class, other than the obvious scheduled maintence/official recommendations, what are the key things not generally stated that should be periodically done to ensure a long and relatively trouble free life?
07-31-2007, 12:49 PM
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C230 SC 2002 White 1992 Toyota Hilux 225,000 miles, 2017 Subaru STI
No modern/computer controlled car will last "forever". Many millions of lines of code that can hide one line that instructs X component to fail at X number of miles, or days, or starts. Planned/engineered obsolescence is a reality. 
07-31-2007, 04:39 PM
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2015 E250D
DO NOT DO TIMING CHAIN. It is not required nor recommended on a m112 motor. You will land up with bigger problems. Tranny oil change is a definite. Use a newer fleece filter instead of older paper filters. Brake flush every 2 years.
