160k review
11-19-2010, 02:40 PM
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05 c230 kompressor SS 6MT & 07 BMW 335i
160k review
So its approaching 6 years that Ive owned my 2005 C230 SS 6MT and I just ticked 160k. I thought its time to share my experience, issues ive encountered, and some suggestions for maintenance as you all rack up the higher miles.
Overall experience:
I bought the car with 2000 miles on it because i wanted the manual tranny and the 100k warranty. I kept the car stock for the first 50,000. Overall, this has been the most reliable, solid and long-lasting car I have ever owned or been associated with through friends and family. It has never broken down, been unsafe to drive or required a tow truck (knock on wood). it starts up first turn every time, even when cold, and feels like it did when I picked up off the showroom floor. People always comment how well the car drives, even with the suspension and bigger tires, and when i tell them the mileage their jaws drop.
I chose to stick with MB parts whenever I had to replace something, or aftermarket performance parts from tuners Brabus and Kleemann when upgrading. Although its expensive, at least I have peace of mind the parts should last a long while. I am also very **** with vibrations and noise, so at the hint of something being off, I take it for inspection.
My car has been driven hard for all these years, through harsh NE winters, hot summers, terrible roads conditions, many long road trips and at the race track. The only issue Ive experienced during any road trip was a coilpack failing and a misfiring condition. I have also kept all service records from MB and performance shops, and followed all recommended service intervals.
Major Issues experienced:
- A/C compressor failed and had entire system replaced @ 70k (under warranty)
- Coilpack 1 failed and was replaced @ 105k
- thermostat failed @ 115k (replaced at dealer with coolant flush and change)
- Alternator pulley failed - replaced alternator and A/C compressor at MB @ 150k
Minor issues/maintenance:
- upgraded shocks and springs to Bilstein BTS and replaced strut bearings at 100k (my OEM shocks were worn out)
- hose recall at MB
- Replaced front sway bar bushings, inner and outer tie rods and sway endlinks at 105k at MB (noisy)
- Replaced front control arms, front track rods, front wheel bearings and hubs at MB @ 120k (sort out sloppy steering and front end noise)
- Upgraded headers, CAT and exhaust system to Kleeman @120K (to replace failing CAT) and Brabus muffler (to replace OEM muffler)
- Replaced camshaft solenoids at MB during recall @ 130k (minor leak)
- Replaced rear control arm bushings, rear sway bar endlinks and bushings, rear wheel bearings, steering rack bushings and Valve cover gasket at $155k (rear end was sloppy and noisy, valve gasket was preventative)
Service:
I follow the service manual very closely, but do my oil changes every 5000 miles with Royal Purple 5w40. I replace tranny fluid every 30k and the differential every 70k with Royal purple. Brake fluid flush at MB every year (after stoptech BBk install). Spark plugs every 30k (which is every year for me). Fuel filter every 60k and i clean my K&N every season change. Alignments are done at MB with customized setup and longer camber bolts every 3 months, and I get the fuel system cleaned out just before I replace the plugs. Power steering and coolant i have only changed once but the interval for those is pretty extended.
Suggestions:
If you keep up with the fluid maintenance, and service intervals, the engine should stay strong. I always keep an OBD2 reader int he car in case something happens or to monitor the values.
As per suspension, if you start feeling some noise or sloppiness, begin replacing the bushings so they wont hit you all at once. I noticed that all the bushings and bearings wore out about the same time so it was a little expensive to fix for me to get a good ride quality back (especially with big wheels and stiff suspension).
Preventative maintenance is your best friend in the higher miles. If you have some extra $$$ lying around, spend it on replacing some wear and tear items because once they get worn out, the ride quality really sucks. Also pay attention to how the car is driving. Since the suspension components are a system, the longer you wait to replace a worn part, the more wear it will have on the rest of the parts. preventative action will save you money down the road.
Conclusion:
I cant say enough great things about my car. Although in the higher miles it has cost some money for upkeep, all the maintenance has made the car just as strong as it was new. I figure if those parts lasted 100-150k, i should be good for about that for the future. I have leased cars during my MB ownership (BMW 335i) and still could not part with the C. Aside from the dealer's issues occasionally, my overall experience has been amazing.
If you aren't planning to keep your MB for a long time, you probably have until 120K before any real money on maintenance is required (depending on road conditions and driving style). keeping up with fluid and filter changes are a must though.
I will never sell it or trade it in; i have some big projects in mind for the future. if anyone has questions about anything, I can try to help out. Im sure i missed a few things but i hope this helps for those who love to drive!
Overall experience:
I bought the car with 2000 miles on it because i wanted the manual tranny and the 100k warranty. I kept the car stock for the first 50,000. Overall, this has been the most reliable, solid and long-lasting car I have ever owned or been associated with through friends and family. It has never broken down, been unsafe to drive or required a tow truck (knock on wood). it starts up first turn every time, even when cold, and feels like it did when I picked up off the showroom floor. People always comment how well the car drives, even with the suspension and bigger tires, and when i tell them the mileage their jaws drop.
I chose to stick with MB parts whenever I had to replace something, or aftermarket performance parts from tuners Brabus and Kleemann when upgrading. Although its expensive, at least I have peace of mind the parts should last a long while. I am also very **** with vibrations and noise, so at the hint of something being off, I take it for inspection.
My car has been driven hard for all these years, through harsh NE winters, hot summers, terrible roads conditions, many long road trips and at the race track. The only issue Ive experienced during any road trip was a coilpack failing and a misfiring condition. I have also kept all service records from MB and performance shops, and followed all recommended service intervals.
Major Issues experienced:
- A/C compressor failed and had entire system replaced @ 70k (under warranty)
- Coilpack 1 failed and was replaced @ 105k
- thermostat failed @ 115k (replaced at dealer with coolant flush and change)
- Alternator pulley failed - replaced alternator and A/C compressor at MB @ 150k
Minor issues/maintenance:
- upgraded shocks and springs to Bilstein BTS and replaced strut bearings at 100k (my OEM shocks were worn out)
- hose recall at MB
- Replaced front sway bar bushings, inner and outer tie rods and sway endlinks at 105k at MB (noisy)
- Replaced front control arms, front track rods, front wheel bearings and hubs at MB @ 120k (sort out sloppy steering and front end noise)
- Upgraded headers, CAT and exhaust system to Kleeman @120K (to replace failing CAT) and Brabus muffler (to replace OEM muffler)
- Replaced camshaft solenoids at MB during recall @ 130k (minor leak)
- Replaced rear control arm bushings, rear sway bar endlinks and bushings, rear wheel bearings, steering rack bushings and Valve cover gasket at $155k (rear end was sloppy and noisy, valve gasket was preventative)
Service:
I follow the service manual very closely, but do my oil changes every 5000 miles with Royal Purple 5w40. I replace tranny fluid every 30k and the differential every 70k with Royal purple. Brake fluid flush at MB every year (after stoptech BBk install). Spark plugs every 30k (which is every year for me). Fuel filter every 60k and i clean my K&N every season change. Alignments are done at MB with customized setup and longer camber bolts every 3 months, and I get the fuel system cleaned out just before I replace the plugs. Power steering and coolant i have only changed once but the interval for those is pretty extended.
Suggestions:
If you keep up with the fluid maintenance, and service intervals, the engine should stay strong. I always keep an OBD2 reader int he car in case something happens or to monitor the values.
As per suspension, if you start feeling some noise or sloppiness, begin replacing the bushings so they wont hit you all at once. I noticed that all the bushings and bearings wore out about the same time so it was a little expensive to fix for me to get a good ride quality back (especially with big wheels and stiff suspension).
Preventative maintenance is your best friend in the higher miles. If you have some extra $$$ lying around, spend it on replacing some wear and tear items because once they get worn out, the ride quality really sucks. Also pay attention to how the car is driving. Since the suspension components are a system, the longer you wait to replace a worn part, the more wear it will have on the rest of the parts. preventative action will save you money down the road.
Conclusion:
I cant say enough great things about my car. Although in the higher miles it has cost some money for upkeep, all the maintenance has made the car just as strong as it was new. I figure if those parts lasted 100-150k, i should be good for about that for the future. I have leased cars during my MB ownership (BMW 335i) and still could not part with the C. Aside from the dealer's issues occasionally, my overall experience has been amazing.
If you aren't planning to keep your MB for a long time, you probably have until 120K before any real money on maintenance is required (depending on road conditions and driving style). keeping up with fluid and filter changes are a must though.
I will never sell it or trade it in; i have some big projects in mind for the future. if anyone has questions about anything, I can try to help out. Im sure i missed a few things but i hope this helps for those who love to drive!
11-19-2010, 07:21 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Dude, I'm at 161.6K as of today.
Right on, glad to see someone taking good care of their car.
I have some oil leaking from somewhere, the engine is oily, and the head gasket may be
on it's way out, leaking from passenger side rear of the head, just a tiny bit.
But heard it's not that big of a deal, just keep up the fluid level, it's not getting into the
oil and it's apparently fairly common the 2.3L M111 and it's 6 cylinder cousin the M104 It think it was.
My starter failed recently and I've done most of what you've mentioned, and most of it myself.
My starter ended up only costing 15 dollars to repair, cleaned it myself, and then had the brushes replaced and tested for 15 bucks.
When it dies, I'll buy another 2002 and transfer over all my parts.
Funny, you and I must be the only ones who keep an OBD reader in the car
after I read about a code that puts the car into limp mode until cleared.
In fact I keep an entire set of metric tools and torx, just in case.
And fuses!
I keep all my reciepts, and maintain a spreadsheet to track when maint. items are due.
In the last year, I've flushed the rad, replaced the plugs, cleaned the maf, replaced the air filter,
replaced fuel filter, changed the oil, repaired the starter. Hopefully I'll be good for a while.
Prior to that around 120K I replaced the SC with a fresh one, though the old one was still ok,
rebuilt the starter, and I had a couple of coil packs fail, which oddly enough is due to the plugs getting
old and stressing the coils. Aint that something? My mechanic told me and he was right.
Also put new rear ceramic brakes and slotted dimpled EBC rotors.
Due for a tranny fluid refresh, brakes fluid flush, sometime soon.
I think the front ceramic brakes are getting close after 80K miles.
Keep on rollin' !
I have no plans to sell either.
Either I'll buy another one, or find a crashed one with a good engine and tranny and just start
replacing everything.
After all, Bluebook is only about 3-4 grand anyway for a stock 2002 coupe with 160K miles.
Just need to keep her in one piece since the insurance wouldn't pay crap and certainly
nothing for my mods.
Right on, glad to see someone taking good care of their car.
I have some oil leaking from somewhere, the engine is oily, and the head gasket may be
on it's way out, leaking from passenger side rear of the head, just a tiny bit.
But heard it's not that big of a deal, just keep up the fluid level, it's not getting into the
oil and it's apparently fairly common the 2.3L M111 and it's 6 cylinder cousin the M104 It think it was.
My starter failed recently and I've done most of what you've mentioned, and most of it myself.
My starter ended up only costing 15 dollars to repair, cleaned it myself, and then had the brushes replaced and tested for 15 bucks.
When it dies, I'll buy another 2002 and transfer over all my parts.
Funny, you and I must be the only ones who keep an OBD reader in the car
after I read about a code that puts the car into limp mode until cleared.
In fact I keep an entire set of metric tools and torx, just in case.
And fuses!
I keep all my reciepts, and maintain a spreadsheet to track when maint. items are due.
In the last year, I've flushed the rad, replaced the plugs, cleaned the maf, replaced the air filter,
replaced fuel filter, changed the oil, repaired the starter. Hopefully I'll be good for a while.
Prior to that around 120K I replaced the SC with a fresh one, though the old one was still ok,
rebuilt the starter, and I had a couple of coil packs fail, which oddly enough is due to the plugs getting
old and stressing the coils. Aint that something? My mechanic told me and he was right.
Also put new rear ceramic brakes and slotted dimpled EBC rotors.
Due for a tranny fluid refresh, brakes fluid flush, sometime soon.
I think the front ceramic brakes are getting close after 80K miles.
Keep on rollin' !
I have no plans to sell either.
Either I'll buy another one, or find a crashed one with a good engine and tranny and just start
replacing everything.
After all, Bluebook is only about 3-4 grand anyway for a stock 2002 coupe with 160K miles.
Just need to keep her in one piece since the insurance wouldn't pay crap and certainly
nothing for my mods.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 11-19-2010 at 07:38 PM.
11-20-2010, 01:02 AM
#5
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2003 c240
170,000 miles as of two weeks ago for me. Only issues I have had were replacing suspension bushings and one bad front bearing. I am also having a slightly rough idle for a quick second when i come to a stop but it's been long overdue for new coil packs.
It's been in one accident and still has never had any major issues. The most money I've spent on my car was when i brought my car in to the dealer for a service A, and they ripped me a new one by charging me $700 for doing next to nothing.
so i completely agree with you joker. Take good care of her and she'll never fail you.
It's been in one accident and still has never had any major issues. The most money I've spent on my car was when i brought my car in to the dealer for a service A, and they ripped me a new one by charging me $700 for doing next to nothing.
so i completely agree with you joker. Take good care of her and she'll never fail you.
11-20-2010, 03:40 PM
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
I like threads like this. I just had my front suspension thoroughly inspected @ 95,000 miles on my 05. They tightened some things down and lubricated everything - but all the parts were OK and in good condition. You're probably the second highest mileage 05 C230 on the forum behind Scottisha with his at 203k as of last update with much the same story about how it has never failed him.
People bash the M271 I4 as though it's a fragile, failure-prone engine.. I'm always glad to see examples that prove otherwise.
My car is at 96,000 and has not been troublesome in the least. I hope it stays that way.
People bash the M271 I4 as though it's a fragile, failure-prone engine.. I'm always glad to see examples that prove otherwise.
My car is at 96,000 and has not been troublesome in the least. I hope it stays that way.
11-20-2010, 03:56 PM
#7
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Nowhere ...Fast
187K today...waiting to hit 200K for the tranny flush
to add to above:
had to replace the oil filter platic cartrige since it seems that it deformed over the years. It was pouring oil onto the front face of the engine...after clean up yo can still eat off of it
Need to replace the e-brake bracket...rusted out and the spring in it broke.
had to re-allign the windshield wiper linkage, otherwise it was in themiddle of the windshield at start/stop positions.
to add to above:
had to replace the oil filter platic cartrige since it seems that it deformed over the years. It was pouring oil onto the front face of the engine...after clean up yo can still eat off of it
Need to replace the e-brake bracket...rusted out and the spring in it broke.
had to re-allign the windshield wiper linkage, otherwise it was in themiddle of the windshield at start/stop positions.
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10-21-2011, 02:34 PM
#12
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C230 K Coupe (05)
How are you planning on replacing your failing CAT from Kleeman. I have the same issue...
edit: BTW, i just emailed Cory from Kleeman regarding the issue...(sorry not try to jack the thread) and he replied (very quickly) stating " I can send you an O2 sensor spacer which is installed between the secondary O2 sensor and the bung after the cat. This limits the amount of exhaust gas the secondary O2 sensor is allowed to sample, thus, keeping the MIL off."
Is that the same remedy as yours? TIA
Last edited by hieracity; 10-21-2011 at 02:47 PM.
