daggert1

I am new to the boards and considering a new C Coupe to replace one of my high mileage Saabs. Since I keep my cars for hundreds of thousands of miles (performing my own work when possible) I was wondering if anyone knew the approximate engine life (with good care) of the 2.3L before being worn or needing opening. For point of reference the Saab turbo engines will easily go 200k+ (but will require "other" repairs, transmission, heater core...). Any insight into these engines is most appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott Daggert

trench

My guess is that the engine should last at least as long as a Saab turbo. Supercharging isn't nearly as hard on long-term engine life as turbos are (much less heat - not so much in the induction charge if intercooled, but with regard to the bearings in the turbine itself), although any form of forced induction motor will have a shorter life-span than a normally aspirated version. The extra cylinder pressure is murder on the rings and piston bearings. I wouldn't expect more that 150-200K miles, but considering you can get a Saab turbo to last 200K miles you must be a fairly competent mechanic because I would never believe one of those motors could last half that long - so as they say, your mileage may vary.

Cheers, BT

mbtech208

The 2.3 Liter Kompressor engine is currently Mercedes' longest-lasting engine. I've seen a white '98 SLK230 with almost 400,000 miles on it. The owner is a salesman from Indianapolis. The car has been driven pretty much non-stop since new. I wouldn't be surprised if the engine has never cooled down. He's had the supercharger replaced once, and a few oil leaks, but no major mechanical malfunctions with the engine. I agree with trench about the longevity of Saab engines, I don't know how you made it run that long.

RedC230K

Thank you, mbtech!!! I've been wanting to know your opinion on that for a long time!

Mike T.

With respect, a testimonial for one car that covers 100,000 miles per year is not exactly goung to be representative of the average vehicle. As MBTech says, the salesman's car probably never cooled down. I suspect that even a Trabant 601's engine could last to a high mileage if it was driven 280 miles per day.

The real answer will not be known until many of the Mercedes-Benz Kompressor engines have been in daily service for 12-15 years. It is necessary to have huge mileages piled on in normal conditions of use (short trips, maybe 35 miles per day, lots of cold starts, idling...) to get statistically significant long-term reliability data. Having written that, I'd suspect the 230 K engine should be good for quite high mileages, 200,000+. Too bad the naturally aspirated version of the 4 is not available over here any more - if the force-fed version is long-lived, it'd be bulletproof, I suspect.

And what's wrong with Saab engines? Just because they share their origin with that of the Triumph TR7...;-)

mbtech208

Mike, you're right that the gentleman with the SLK is one of the extremes, and not a good gauge to measure engine longevity. But I also base my opinion on the fact that I hardly ever see the 111 Kompressor 4-cylinder have a major malfunction. The 112 3.2 V6 is known for crank pulley self-destruction, camshaft noise, and leaky rear-main seals. I've seen an ML320 throw a rod through the side of the block with less than 100 miles on it. The 104 inline-six is notorious for head gaskets leaking. But to be honest, if I were asked what a commonly seen problem is one the 4-cyl, I couldn't tell you. Maybe supercharger failures, but those aren't too frequent. The 111 4-cylinder never seems to be in the shop for any engine-related repair.

Buellwinkle

It's at least good for 4 years or 50,000 miles according to the owners manual. After that turn the car in and get another one.

vinmanc32

I bought this car with intention of having it for a long time. I had a Volvo for 17 years and 260K miles. That was with some work, of course, but it still lasted thru the time. I expect this from Mercedes Benz to last at least as long. I dont drive hard and dont race.. I also change my oil about every 7K miles instead of the ten that Merc suggests. This car has a different supercharger than the coupe but, makes engine work just the same.

Mike T.

Don't worry vinmanc32, the C 230 engine should last practically as long as you want it to if you're sensible with driving and maintenance. Like any car, if you drive *****-out all the time, don't maintain it well, aren't gentle when it's warming up and/or modify the engine for more power, the engine life will be shortened. My guess is you'll match that old Volvo of yours for durability.

MBTech, your comment on the V-6 was interesting. So far as you know, has M-B done anything to deal with these multiple known weaknesses of the design? Will we expect the direct injection, 4 valve version to be improved in this regard? These problems seem to be rather serious design flaws. Do the V-8 engines share them?

DCX Engineer

I plan on driving my 6-speed c230 daily for my 45 mile highway commute, totalling around 30,000 miles per year with few unexpected repairs. I hope to keep this car for five or more years and be able to sell it for $5000-$7000 with 150,000 miles. Do you think this will be possible? I like what I'm hearing about the 111 series engines.

Flashman

C230 is estimated to be worth 11K-12K after four years and 50K miles. I would think 7K after 150,000 miles is somewhat high, the $5K might be closer if the car is well kept.

mbtech208

Mike, these issues were really only a problem with the early 112 engines in the '98 and '99 models. The crankshaft pulley was redesigned a long time ago. Some camshafts still go bad on the 112, and some of them still leak after 30,000 miles or so, but only seepage. The 113 V8 engine is based on the 112, but oddly enough it doesn't seem to share its weaknesses. These issues will most likely be resolved in the new direct-injection engines, but as with any new design, it will probably have its own new problem areas.

vinmanc32

I hear that all the components that support the powerful engine are beefed up. Things such as crankshafts have been very highly tuned and I am wondering if you know of any shortfalls on this model. Thanks for your input.

mbtech208

Vin, I haven't noticed any kind of common problem specifically related to the C32 AMG. Of course it shares the same key problems with the C230, 240, and 320. But as far as a problem just known to the C32, it really hasn't been on the market long enough to develop pattern problems.

DrMike

mbtech & others:
thanks for the encouraging comments about the 230 engine. I am also one of the folks who likes to buy durable cars and keep them for a long time. My last Benz was stellar in durability and retained value, but that was a 300TD. It sold at 12 years old for 25% of new price. Hope to have similarly pleasant experience with the coupe.

daggert1

Many thanks for the insight and experiences with the engine. Sounds as though its a well proven and durable design which is what I am looking for.

I should have added the key to the long engine life in the turbo Saabs - quality synthetic oil and religiously observing the warm up/cool down cycle. Having been well trained by the Saabs, I'm guessing I can make a MB last even longer...

Thanks Again,

Scott Daggert