2002 C230 - Looking to Buy - What to Inspect?
06-09-2009, 04:27 PM
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2007 ML350
2002 C230 - Looking to Buy - What to Inspect?
I am looking at a 2002 C230 with automatic transmission.
It has 88K on it.
Current owner bought it in 2005 as a CPO vehicle with 35k on it. Now it has 88k, and job change = no driving to work (commuting)
Bottom Line
* What do I look for besides basic suspension, brakes, tires, maintenance history?
* Are there known issues, leaks, or tests I should perform prior to purchase?
I am an MB noob, but not new to cars/maintenance.
Does anyone also have the list (owners manual in PDF would be perfect) of when/what the A/B schedule is? Owner says she is on schedule for all maintenance, went to dealer at first but befriended a mechanic there and has done some service off the record, but is getting the list for me to see Friday.
Thank you all for your input!
It has 88K on it.
Current owner bought it in 2005 as a CPO vehicle with 35k on it. Now it has 88k, and job change = no driving to work (commuting)
Bottom Line
* What do I look for besides basic suspension, brakes, tires, maintenance history?
* Are there known issues, leaks, or tests I should perform prior to purchase?
I am an MB noob, but not new to cars/maintenance.
Does anyone also have the list (owners manual in PDF would be perfect) of when/what the A/B schedule is? Owner says she is on schedule for all maintenance, went to dealer at first but befriended a mechanic there and has done some service off the record, but is getting the list for me to see Friday.
Thank you all for your input!
06-09-2009, 06:08 PM
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03 c320 coupe
EDIT : forgot the 2002 230 were only coupe's....
if its a coupe, all i can say is that a 2002 230 with 88k isnt worth too much... how much they are asking ?
Last edited by HellsAngel; 06-09-2009 at 06:18 PM.
06-10-2009, 09:55 AM
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Check obvious things like engine not smoking & smooth operation of auto box. Service records & problems - make sure emissions are good.
Check to see if it has a Valeo radiator. They leak coolant into the transmission cooler. If it has & the transmission is OK factor in a radiator swap to Behr
Check front castor bushes - known weakness & sway bar bushes & links. Listen for creaks & groans in the rear suspension.
Check Camshaft sensor for oil leaks into the harness.
Check to see if it has a Valeo radiator. They leak coolant into the transmission cooler. If it has & the transmission is OK factor in a radiator swap to Behr
Check front castor bushes - known weakness & sway bar bushes & links. Listen for creaks & groans in the rear suspension.
Check Camshaft sensor for oil leaks into the harness.
06-10-2009, 10:33 PM
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06-10-2009, 10:50 PM
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Check obvious things like engine not smoking & smooth operation of auto box. Service records & problems - make sure emissions are good.
Check to see if it has a Valeo radiator. They leak coolant into the transmission cooler. If it has & the transmission is OK factor in a radiator swap to Behr. Verify by testing the tranny fluid, blackstone labs.
Check front castor bushes - known weakness & sway bar bushes & links. Listen for creaks & groans in the rear suspension.
Check Camshaft sensor for oil leaks into the harness.
Check to see if it has a Valeo radiator. They leak coolant into the transmission cooler. If it has & the transmission is OK factor in a radiator swap to Behr. Verify by testing the tranny fluid, blackstone labs.
Check front castor bushes - known weakness & sway bar bushes & links. Listen for creaks & groans in the rear suspension.
Check Camshaft sensor for oil leaks into the harness.
Bushings and suspension stuff is normal stuff you should check on any car, and aren't too expensive to fix.
check the engine mounts too...
88K miles isn't bad, but if the fluids havent been flushed, factor in tranny flush, diff oil,
brake fluid, spark plugs, belts etc. for good measure, if it's not been done.
I'm at 141K.
New shocks if you care about handling...
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 06-10-2009 at 10:56 PM.
06-10-2009, 10:54 PM
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Any pictures of the tranny harness leaks? I've found some threads, but don't have anything too handy. I will keep searching, but if some one has it bookmarked or knows a good search keyword, I'll take it
Camshaft [Position] Sensor location/picture
Tranny Harness [for leaks]
If it's a Valeo radiator, factor in a replacement
Check all bushings/suspension.
06-11-2009, 06:22 AM
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Any pictures of the tranny harness leaks? I've found some threads, but don't have anything too handy. I will keep searching, but if some one has it bookmarked or knows a good search keyword, I'll take it
Camshaft [Position] Sensor location/picture
Tranny Harness [for leaks]
If it's a Valeo radiator, factor in a replacement
Check all bushings/suspension.
Camshaft [Position] Sensor location/picture
Tranny Harness [for leaks]
If it's a Valeo radiator, factor in a replacement
Check all bushings/suspension.
Here's the DIY on the tranny seal.
Basically if its leaking you'll see it.
The seals are easy to replace and should be done when flushing the tranny.
http://www.installuniversity.com/mb/...ans_oring.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html
If either of these gets too bad, they will leak into the harnesses, and eventually the associated computers, ie the TCU and ECU.
Both are expensive to replace.
The ECU harness can be DIY'd and cleaned and put back,
I beleive heir krantz did it, said it took about 8 hours, but saved thousands.
The TCU's once contaminated, generally need replacement.
The engine harness connects to everything, the 02 sensors get hosed a real mess...
so just say no if either are leaking.
Well, the tranny one man not be as bad.
Just depends if oil has gotten in the harness.
Apparently the new fluid gets past the old seals easier than the old stuff.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 06-11-2009 at 06:26 AM.
06-11-2009, 01:33 PM
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Hmm, I wonder if since the car was CPO in 2005 if these things would have been checked/updated...
I would imagine as long as the car runs/drives well, and then I purposefully take care of these things immediately, they could not have gotten too bad... =)
Printing pics and bringing with me. I'll look in the manual for the safe jacking points.
I would imagine as long as the car runs/drives well, and then I purposefully take care of these things immediately, they could not have gotten too bad... =)
Printing pics and bringing with me. I'll look in the manual for the safe jacking points.
06-11-2009, 03:18 PM
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06-13-2009, 11:53 PM
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C200K Sportscoupe W203 M111
exhaust manifold cracked M111 engine W230
my exhaust manifold had a big crack, it was most likely because i abuse my car. so, make sure the cabin does not smell like petrol fume upon ignition.
also check which engine you are getting, M111 or M271, but you said 2002, so it is probably the older engine M111, so why buy old technology developed in 1995.
if you ain't a car mechanic, you might else well take the car to the nearest mercedes-benz authorized specialist.
w203 is not as reliable as the Jap car, so if you aint got money, then feel free to buy a Jap car
also check which engine you are getting, M111 or M271, but you said 2002, so it is probably the older engine M111, so why buy old technology developed in 1995.
if you ain't a car mechanic, you might else well take the car to the nearest mercedes-benz authorized specialist.
w203 is not as reliable as the Jap car, so if you aint got money, then feel free to buy a Jap car
