In the HID thread, I mentioned I would be turning over 180k miles the next day, as I drove to work.
I meant to get a picture of it at exactly 180,000 miles, but obviously let it slip my mind.

Anyways.... Still on factory clutch, coolant, and battery.

I've replaced the serpentine belt once and it looked ok a couple weeks ago when I had a service performed (service B I think). I may have my mechanic replace it at the next service, just to be safe.

Everything still works. No issues with the electronics (windows, radio, rear shade, sunroof, etc..)

The ESP warning message has been on for about 100k miles. Someone had mentioned that my airbags will no deploy with this message showing, so I guess I should have them replace the part that is bad. It has something to do with the abs, although the abs and anti-skid still come on, when the car is pushed to the point of it needing to.

No visible burning oil from the exhaust even though I will go through 2 quarts during the 12k mile interval between oil changes.

No exhaust leaks.
No visible oil leaks from any of the engine's gaskets.

Alternator changed after 100k because of a bad sprag bearing. I think it may be close to failing again. It's either that or the a/c compressor. Something is a little noisier than normal.

My cam seal thingies were replaced at around 130k miles, as advised by this board, but they turned out to be fine.

No issues with the radiator. I attribute this to the fact that my car is not an automatic with that French radiator that caused so many issues. Like I said, still has the factory coolant in it.

all the wheels are looking pretty rough. One wheel cracked a while back. One of the spokes was cracked near the center of the wheel. one of my other wheels is slightly bent too. Probably from a pot hole. It still balances and I don't get a lot of vibration, so it stays for now.

I've put 15 sets of rear tires on and 7 sets of fronts.

Several sets of brake pads and rotors... Not sure of exact amount, but at least 3 sets of front rotors and 2 rears.

So far so good though! Seriously, this has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It's never left me stranded and never been towed! It's also never not started for me.

Scott

As I told you in the other thread, your car gives me hope. I plan to keep mine until at least 150,000.

I've never heard of an airbag failure related to an ESP warning. If that's true, then that's something entirely new to me. I suspect that is not true. Airbag issues would result in the SRS light.

2005 cars don't have the troublesome radiators.. so that's good.

How long are you planning to keep your C230? Keep us updated.. I hope my car was built on the same day as your's. I'm at 51k and so far it's as reliable as any Honda I've ever owned.

I plan on keeping it another few years. I will be buying a new car this year, but will keep the C230 for the majority of my commuting back and forth from Orlando to West Melbourne.

I'm either getting a 4.6 Genesis, 2010 GTI (R20), or possibly a wagon of some type. like the Passat wagon..... I've been wanting another GTI since the day I sold my 2002 GTI 337. But, we have baby number 2 due in October, so I think the Hyundai makes more sense. Not sure if you guys have sat in one or driven one, but it's by far the nicest car for the money, that I have been in. Ironically, I wouldn't buy a Lexus, Infinity, or Acura... I like German cars, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy the new genesis 4.6

Scott

We have the C230K and a new 135i.. so obviously there's a German bias here too. I've had an Acura TL that was a lemon, that was several years back. New Acuras are ugly as sin. Traded an 08 Infiniti G37 in on the 135i - not impressed by the G37. I have to agree with you. Japanese cars are excellent but missing something.

I've been in a Genesis. It's very well done. Good materials, good fit and finish.. Hyundai has came a long way. For the money the Genesis can't be beat, that's true. I don't like cars that big (have no kids) but for someone who needs it the Genesis is a smart choice. It's a really, really nice vehicle.

I've had a BMW, Infinity, VW, this C230, and a few others. I'm definitely drawn towards German engineering.
If I had the cash to spend, I would choose the E350 sport, without a doubt, for a bigger 4 door than my C230.

My Infinity Q45 was a fantastic highway car, but heaven forbid you make a panic stop from 80+ mph.... It would slow to about 30 and then you had to cross your fingers for the rest of the way. I put 178k miles on my old BMW 318is (1991)... great car with typical BMW problems, but ran great.


I would never or have I ever wanted to buy an Acura... IMO, worst luxury Japanese cars made. I've seen too many friends with them having problems.

Scott

Unless it just has to be new, there are some fantastic deals out there right now on lightly used and CPO E350 Sport cars.

Doesn't have to be new. You're right. I have seen some sweet deals on 08-09 low mileage E350s. I'll have a better idea, towards the end of this year when I make my decision.

Definitely going to be 4 doors though, even if it's the GTI.

Scott

Don't press your luck....change the coolant! With all those miles in just a few years you must do mostly freeway driving - which keeps your motor hot and burning clean. I think that has a lot to do with your motor health. Good to hear about a high mileage 4 banger with few motor problems.

Wow man,
I seriously hopes my car last as long as your. I plan on keeping my car for a long long time but who knows what could happen along the way. As newer things come out, having my ole' trusty Benz isnt something i might consider upgrading. BUT, my primary goal is keeping it for +150k.

Whoa 180,000 and no coolant change?!?!?!! Go do that asap, It will only need 1 gallon of coolant like $28 at dealer or you can get Zerex G-05 for $14 at NAPA/other places and 1 gallon of distilled water. Easier than a standard oil change to do and definately should be done.

Speaking of the Genesis, has anyone heard anything about the new coupe version? It looks like a Tiburon. I'm glad to hear your car is doing so well. I've said it before, but we had an '86 300E that we bought brand new, we sold it, but I still see it around town, and my last car ('99 CLK 320) never had any real problems, and the guy I sold it to still loves it (only got $5,000 for it... worth much more to me, but that's the market). Great cars.

Acuras aren't that bad, but I'd just buy a top end Honda... and the new ones... "botched nose job!"

Wow that does give hope for the M271 engine.
So many folks had problems with carbon buildup preventing the valves from closing, losing compression and then frying the valves.
I guess by 2005 it had been fixed.

I drove a 2005 loaner and liked it.
Congrats and keep up the good work.

wow! congrats Scott! that is simply amazing. my car only has 73k miles, but it's had it's share of problems as well... hopefully it holds up for another year or so.

Hey Amigo, it will be a race to 200k. You me, or Wizkid.

Ed

Ed, I just passed 140K without much fanfare except the
Cat going out again...I noticed somewhere you said you got a good deal on a
stock one. Care to email me the details?

So how many miles you got now?

So you drive about 115-120 miles a day, every day? It's so refreshing to hear about a C230 that never fails since so many posts are about those who do, especially with this engine. I do a lot of highway driving, as well. I've put 26,000 on mine in 10 months. I'm hoping that by 2005, the last year of the US M271, they had the head issues worked out. I really take excellent care of my engine (the car in general, too).

But I have a question. You're following the 13k oil change interval I guess going on what you said about it going through 2 quarts of oil between time. They're using the paper filter? So while not the best idea, it may not actually hurt the car to run the paper for the 13k interval?

I think the 2 quarts issue happens in just about every MB engine. My CLK did 2 quarts and the 300E did the same. No leaks or burning evidence. Weird.

My car doesn't use any oil between 13k changes. But maybe it will when it has more mileage?

Yeah, that's what I meant. My CLK didn't do it until 200,000, or maybe 175,000... but I didn't get it until 198,000+.

Yes, the more use/wear a motor has the more oil it will use.......but, ALL motors use oil. When a motor is new the usage is negligible, but there. Oil is Glyn's expertise so I'll let him pontificate .

Congrats ! Glad to see a C class holding up well. Let us know when you hit the big 200K mark.

Touche.. I just did the dyno mode measurement and it comes up 5.1L. With 4300 miles left to the next change. The day the oil change was done the dyno screen measurement said 5.5L - exactly what it should be. This is letting the car sit 12+ hours and be stone cold before the measurement, so I guess it's used .4L or so.

That is just beautiful!

It's good to see that someone has taken their C230 to 180,000 miles. I hope we can see more posts that are similar to this one in the near future.

You certainly have gone through a lot of rear tires. Allow me to recommend the inexpensive BF Goodrich g-force sport tire. Cheap, and seems to last a long time. Do you drive in a spirited fashion?

wow! and I thought my 05 with 85,000 miles is high, I guess I have a low mileage car (relatively speaking). I sure hope my cars holds up as well as yours, I plan to keep as long as it doesn't give me any problems. I do go thru a quart of oil in-between oil changes.

I think 85,000 is high for an 05, though certainly low mileage in comparison to Scottisha. I have 51,000 on my 05. It had just 25,000 when I bought it 10 months ago! Have you had any problems, EV0LVE?