Hello - New member, Need Advice.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
03 C230 K
Hello - New member, Need Advice.
Hello,
My name is David, and I'm on the verge of picking up a '03 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor 6spd.
I'm not a pro like some individuals here and I'm very much a rookie, but i'm really looking forward to learning something new. I have saw some of the rides each of you have and I must admit, those are some stunning cars.
I was currently in the market for a daily driver, something reliable, and of course not a huge hole in my pocket for high repair costs. I test drove the Infiniti G35 coupe, Accord coupe V6, VW Passat 4motion, and finally the 03 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor/ 6 Spd. I fell in-love with C230K and the 6Spd.
I have already got a deal going for this vehicle with 50K miles, for $12K. I'm going to sign the purchase contract tomorrow and pick up the vehicle. I have been reading a lot of reviews, and it's making me having mixed emotions. I also visited some friends from MBZ here in South California and they told me to stay away, and I should rather look at the C240 or C320.
Again I have no knowledge to these cars, and I keep hearing the goods and the bad. I came here because nothing is like the enthusiasts consumer who uses their vehicles and appreciates them.
Any input is highly appreciated. Thanks
P.S Also looking forward to hearing any mods input
David
Current vehicle - '00 BMW 740iL (DA BEAST) / Premium Pkg
Coming soon - '03 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor/ 6Spd / Sport
My name is David, and I'm on the verge of picking up a '03 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor 6spd.
I'm not a pro like some individuals here and I'm very much a rookie, but i'm really looking forward to learning something new. I have saw some of the rides each of you have and I must admit, those are some stunning cars.
I was currently in the market for a daily driver, something reliable, and of course not a huge hole in my pocket for high repair costs. I test drove the Infiniti G35 coupe, Accord coupe V6, VW Passat 4motion, and finally the 03 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor/ 6 Spd. I fell in-love with C230K and the 6Spd.
I have already got a deal going for this vehicle with 50K miles, for $12K. I'm going to sign the purchase contract tomorrow and pick up the vehicle. I have been reading a lot of reviews, and it's making me having mixed emotions. I also visited some friends from MBZ here in South California and they told me to stay away, and I should rather look at the C240 or C320.
Again I have no knowledge to these cars, and I keep hearing the goods and the bad. I came here because nothing is like the enthusiasts consumer who uses their vehicles and appreciates them.
Any input is highly appreciated. Thanks
P.S Also looking forward to hearing any mods input
David
Current vehicle - '00 BMW 740iL (DA BEAST) / Premium Pkg
Coming soon - '03 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor/ 6Spd / Sport
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
yeah I got my 06 with around 50k for 14500 out the door! I got it from a honda dealership lol salesman didnt know anything about it. Plus I got 2 year extended warranty on it.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
'13 F10 535i / '05 W211 E55
that's pretty funny. i'm sure they would have gone after your pocket had they known even a little more about it. definitely a good purchase.
i'd suggest to hold out for a little longer and look around. great deals can definitely be had.
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Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
'03 c230k ss
'03 year had few problems.
Valeo radiator issues.
some, not all, but some valeo radiators would leak fluids into the tranny and you'd end up with glycol contamination.
run it long enough and you'd be facing 6k repair bill...
(if the car's production date is after 9/03 you are fine. they fixed the issue by then)
luckily my '03 came with Buhl radiator from the factory.
M271 engines have cam sensor leakage issues.
oil would leak, and if unlucky, would get into the main wire harness and you'd be looking at 4k repair bill. (keep in mind this is not just '03 but '04 and '05 models as well)
there is a factory recall and the '03 you are looking at would be included and would be fixed at no cost to you but be aware of this issue.
those are the main issues.
I love my '03 c230k.
had some minor issues with mine but non that have been too frustrating.
overall my car have been pretty good to me.
nothing wrong with getting the '03 if you are aware of couple of the major issues and get it resolved asap.
you might get lucky and get a good one. (overall '03s were pretty good)
but, having said this, I'd recommend '06 - '07 model, if not for anything, to get the upgraded body kit and interior.
my advise to you is to shop around some more.
one you want to get is '06 c350 6speed manual. (rare bird)
Valeo radiator issues.
some, not all, but some valeo radiators would leak fluids into the tranny and you'd end up with glycol contamination.
run it long enough and you'd be facing 6k repair bill...
(if the car's production date is after 9/03 you are fine. they fixed the issue by then)
luckily my '03 came with Buhl radiator from the factory.
M271 engines have cam sensor leakage issues.
oil would leak, and if unlucky, would get into the main wire harness and you'd be looking at 4k repair bill. (keep in mind this is not just '03 but '04 and '05 models as well)
there is a factory recall and the '03 you are looking at would be included and would be fixed at no cost to you but be aware of this issue.
those are the main issues.
I love my '03 c230k.
had some minor issues with mine but non that have been too frustrating.
overall my car have been pretty good to me.
nothing wrong with getting the '03 if you are aware of couple of the major issues and get it resolved asap.
you might get lucky and get a good one. (overall '03s were pretty good)
but, having said this, I'd recommend '06 - '07 model, if not for anything, to get the upgraded body kit and interior.
my advise to you is to shop around some more.
one you want to get is '06 c350 6speed manual.
(rare bird)
Last edited by M.L.X.; Feb 7, 2011 at 10:45 PM.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
03 C230 K
You guys are amazing !
I couldn't thank you guys enough for all the input. I will continue on shopping, however I will continue to look for a W203 thanks to the friendly, helpful input you all have provided. Thanks again, and see you in the near future.
David
David
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
+1 on getting the 2005 model. that is the one year they got EVERYTHING right. For that year you can get a DVD navigation, iPod connection (steering controls), facelifted interior and body kit..
Not sure why everyone hates on the autobox but it's actually not bad imo.
Not sure why everyone hates on the autobox but it's actually not bad imo.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
My wife's '06 C230 has an automatic and it is very smooth. I prefer my 6 speed, but I don't see anything wrong with the auto.
I just got both of ours ('06 & '05) last September so it's really comforting to hear everybody say the '05 is so good! I certainly like mine, but I had no idea when I got it that I got the right year!
I just got both of ours ('06 & '05) last September so it's really comforting to hear everybody say the '05 is so good! I certainly like mine, but I had no idea when I got it that I got the right year!
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
'03 c230k ss
now, before you '05ers jump for joy and give yourselves high fives, remember your year model still fall victim to the cam sensor leakage issue.
and unlike '03-'04 models it's harder to get the recall done since MB decided that it's not necessary to help you guys for whatever reason, and only taking it case by case basis.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...or-leak-4.html
if you haven't done so, get it checked out!
'06-'07 is the safer bet I think for OP.
and unlike '03-'04 models it's harder to get the recall done since MB decided that it's not necessary to help you guys for whatever reason, and only taking it case by case basis.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...or-leak-4.html
if you haven't done so, get it checked out!
'06-'07 is the safer bet I think for OP.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 997
Likes: 2
From: KC, MO
"annoyance" and "self-righteousness", amoung others...
03C230K, good advice had below; with it in mind, I believe the 03 in question be a good buy at 9K. It does only have 50k mi, lower than say my 2006 came with when purchased used.
I say check the radiator, run the VIN with mercedes to see if the cam wiring issue has been fixed through the dealer as they would have record of it. Nonetheless, it can be fixed under warranty.
Then, if you feel comfortable to proceed, offer 9K. I guarantee you that they didn't pay much over 8 for it.
Cale
I say check the radiator, run the VIN with mercedes to see if the cam wiring issue has been fixed through the dealer as they would have record of it. Nonetheless, it can be fixed under warranty.
Then, if you feel comfortable to proceed, offer 9K. I guarantee you that they didn't pay much over 8 for it.
Cale
'03 year had few problems.
Valeo radiator issues.
some, not all, but some valeo radiators would leak fluids into the tranny and you'd end up with glycol contamination.
run it long enough and you'd be facing 6k repair bill...
(if the car's production date is after 9/03 you are fine. they fixed the issue by then)
luckily my '03 came with Buhl radiator from the factory.
M271 engines have cam sensor leakage issues.
oil would leak, and if unlucky, would get into the main wire harness and you'd be looking at 4k repair bill. (keep in mind this is not just '03 but '04 and '05 models as well)
there is a factory recall and the '03 you are looking at would be included and would be fixed at no cost to you but be aware of this issue.
those are the main issues.
I love my '03 c230k.
had some minor issues with mine but non that have been too frustrating.
overall my car have been pretty good to me.
nothing wrong with getting the '03 if you are aware of couple of the major issues and get it resolved asap.
you might get lucky and get a good one. (overall '03s were pretty good)
but, having said this, I'd recommend '06 - '07 model, if not for anything, to get the upgraded body kit and interior.
my advise to you is to shop around some more.
one you want to get is '06 c350 6speed manual. (rare bird)
Valeo radiator issues.
some, not all, but some valeo radiators would leak fluids into the tranny and you'd end up with glycol contamination.
run it long enough and you'd be facing 6k repair bill...
(if the car's production date is after 9/03 you are fine. they fixed the issue by then)
luckily my '03 came with Buhl radiator from the factory.
M271 engines have cam sensor leakage issues.
oil would leak, and if unlucky, would get into the main wire harness and you'd be looking at 4k repair bill. (keep in mind this is not just '03 but '04 and '05 models as well)
there is a factory recall and the '03 you are looking at would be included and would be fixed at no cost to you but be aware of this issue.
those are the main issues.
I love my '03 c230k.
had some minor issues with mine but non that have been too frustrating.
overall my car have been pretty good to me.
nothing wrong with getting the '03 if you are aware of couple of the major issues and get it resolved asap.
you might get lucky and get a good one. (overall '03s were pretty good)
but, having said this, I'd recommend '06 - '07 model, if not for anything, to get the upgraded body kit and interior.
my advise to you is to shop around some more.
one you want to get is '06 c350 6speed manual.
(rare bird)
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Bah, this post-facelift circlejerk is getting out of hand.
The op requested "something reliable, and of course not a huge hole in my pocket for high repair costs". I do not see any Benz fitting that short description, do you?
And I'd cross off the Passat for that same reason. Easiest way to do this is go to a bookstore, get a Consumer Reports auto guide, and thumb through the listings until you have a couple of cars that are average to better than average in all areas for reliability and are also not so boring that you'd fall asleep driving them. The Accord V6 that you mentioned would most likely be in there, as would a Subie Legacy. But in general, it seems to me that your desires are not matching your needs at this point with some of the options you've listed. The Infiniti may be a good fit in addition to the others.
The op requested "something reliable, and of course not a huge hole in my pocket for high repair costs". I do not see any Benz fitting that short description, do you?
And I'd cross off the Passat for that same reason. Easiest way to do this is go to a bookstore, get a Consumer Reports auto guide, and thumb through the listings until you have a couple of cars that are average to better than average in all areas for reliability and are also not so boring that you'd fall asleep driving them. The Accord V6 that you mentioned would most likely be in there, as would a Subie Legacy. But in general, it seems to me that your desires are not matching your needs at this point with some of the options you've listed. The Infiniti may be a good fit in addition to the others.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 0
From: The Magic City
C63
Bah, this post-facelift circlejerk is getting out of hand.
The op requested "something reliable, and of course not a huge hole in my pocket for high repair costs". I do not see any Benz fitting that short description, do you?
And I'd cross off the Passat for that same reason. Easiest way to do this is go to a bookstore, get a Consumer Reports auto guide, and thumb through the listings until you have a couple of cars that are average to better than average in all areas for reliability and are also not so boring that you'd fall asleep driving them. The Accord V6 that you mentioned would most likely be in there, as would a Subie Legacy. But in general, it seems to me that your desires are not matching your needs at this point with some of the options you've listed. The Infiniti may be a good fit in addition to the others.
The op requested "something reliable, and of course not a huge hole in my pocket for high repair costs". I do not see any Benz fitting that short description, do you?
And I'd cross off the Passat for that same reason. Easiest way to do this is go to a bookstore, get a Consumer Reports auto guide, and thumb through the listings until you have a couple of cars that are average to better than average in all areas for reliability and are also not so boring that you'd fall asleep driving them. The Accord V6 that you mentioned would most likely be in there, as would a Subie Legacy. But in general, it seems to me that your desires are not matching your needs at this point with some of the options you've listed. The Infiniti may be a good fit in addition to the others.
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
'03 c230k ss
yeah, if the OP can get it for 9k, it would be a good deal.
I think trade in value on the car to be somewhere around high 7s to 8s currently?
very low milage car as well. 50k... wow. I thought mine was low.(I just hit 70K)
by the way from what I understand, radiator problem should not affect the manual tranny.
I'd still get it checked and if it's Valeo, have the radiator replacement worked into the deal.
less then $200 part, dealer shouldn't have a problem throwing it in.
cam sensor issue would be resolved by the recall so he should be good to go.
options... humm... good deal to be had... though I'd still say go for '06-'07 to get the upgraded body kit and interior.
on a different note... I think I need to go make myself a drink(and it's not even 9am here yet). I can't believe my car is worth that little now... lol.
I think trade in value on the car to be somewhere around high 7s to 8s currently?
very low milage car as well. 50k... wow. I thought mine was low.(I just hit 70K)
by the way from what I understand, radiator problem should not affect the manual tranny.
I'd still get it checked and if it's Valeo, have the radiator replacement worked into the deal.
less then $200 part, dealer shouldn't have a problem throwing it in.
cam sensor issue would be resolved by the recall so he should be good to go.
options... humm... good deal to be had... though I'd still say go for '06-'07 to get the upgraded body kit and interior.
on a different note... I think I need to go make myself a drink(and it's not even 9am here yet). I can't believe my car is worth that little now... lol.
Last edited by M.L.X.; Feb 8, 2011 at 11:33 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4
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03 C230 K
M.L.X, you remind me of when I purchased my BMW 740iL almost 5years ago. Paid approx 25K for it, and now they sell all day for 7-8K... on another note regarding boring and repair costs.... I already experience that with my 740. That beast takes approx 3-4K annually if not more in repairs. Cheers
