I have searched the threads for a related topic, but cant seem to find anything, so apologies if this may be a repeat.

I have a 2005 C230k with 58,000 miles. It runs great with no problems and no codes.... however. The only time this issue happens is when the a/c is:

A. First turned on and starting up/engaging while in park, but clears up after a few moments.
B. When a/c is on and the car is put in reverse or drive while braked.
C. When stopped at a stoplight or such with car in gear.

Symptoms:
In conjuction with any of the above the engine drops a couple hundred rpms and then the engine/car immediately begins to shutter/shake with the belt periodically screaching at points. This will continue until the brake is released and/or gas is applied. It seems to me that the a/c compressor is of course putting extra strain on the engine as usual, but the engine isnt recognizing this and compensating as it should. Could it be a vacum issue, sensor or the possibility that the compressor is failing. If the a/c is off the car runs 100% fine with no issues. Any help, thoughts or links to a similar thread would be great. Please let me know if there may be any additional info about the car needed. Thanks much

BTW... Serp belt has been replaced, a/c charge is good and throttle reset preformed.

 

"with the belt periodically screaching at points"

In my opinion if the belt screeches when you engage the A/C, the A/C is placing a high amount of load on it. Sounds as if the A/C is binding or seizing.

If you place other auxilliary load on the engine eg all lights & turning the wheel without the A/C selected , does the engine faulter ?

I suggest removing the belt & feeling how freely the A/C pully spins when selected..Any bearing or binding noise ?

Did the symptoms occur after the A/C was serviced? . Maybe it was over gassed or too much oil added ?

 

it could be engine mounts?????

 

You have a bad alternator pulley.

 

Thanks everyone. I will check out those suggestions and go from there. It'll be a couple days until I do so, but i'll keep you updated on what I find. Thanks much. John

 

Alternator tests fine and pulley spins freely along with all other pulleys, with the exception of the S/C, but thats expected. Throttle body was dirty and I cleaned it, but still no change. Now im thinking about moving onto the MAF and/or flushing the a/c and see what happens there. Any thoughts are still appreciated.

 

If the problem is that readily reproducible pay an Indy or dealer to hook it up to SDS. You can waste a lot of time and money shotgunning. Most cars have a circuit that engages when AC is activated to maintain idle and it could be lagging for you.

 

somniculous did you ever find out what the problem was? Im having this same issue...

 

Same EXACT thing with my 2005 C230 Kompressor. I'm hitting almost 90,000 miles, has been serviced by Mercedes Benz and the last time it was serviced (Spring 2011) they mentioned nothing about this issue, and this Summer it started doing exactly what was mentioned.
I just spent so much on new tires and breaks and am going to be bringing it in for my Cam sensor recall and I'm afraid the dealer is going to try to compensate for free work by saying I need this this and this done, "that will be $2000" bs

Has anybody heard of a recall or open service campaign for this issue?
I think from what I have read in these forums that ally of people have this issue.

I found this online http://www.ehow.com/about_6522620_ca...or-pulley.html

What do u guys think?

 

anybody ever find the solution to this? Having the same problem on my 03 c230k. engine and traanny mounts replaced, belt tensioner and pulley replaced, accesory pulley replaced. Dealer is now telling me its the alternator pulley....just hard to believe it would cause such a violent shake from a apulley...

 

Not sure if I had the same problem but it's now been fixed.

When the problem first occurred the car was losing power while driving but I simply neglected it, after a few months or so one day when I tried to start the car the engine started to shake and backfire (not sure if I'm using the right term here). Long story short, in the end had to replace the fuel pump (the root cause), CAT converter, and the O2 sensor. Cost me around $5000 in total.

 

Ouch ! Sorry to hear that.

 

Did you ever get this fixed? My 03 c230 is now doing the same thing.

 

This is probably the A/C compressor starting to seize up.

 

Had the same issue, with and without having the AC ON, had some airpipes replaced and it's gone.

 

I have the same issue. I replaced the alternator today hoping that it would resolve the problem but it didnt. I can also recreate the same sputter by turning on the headlights or rolling the power windows up. The previous alternator had a bad voltage regulator so I was hoping that was the issue causing this. I was getting a p0620 error code (generator control circuit) with the old alternator. It seems like anytime there is a electrical load it cause this problem

 

Did you ever figure out the cause. I replaced my alternator today but no luck. I noticed I can cause the sputter by turning on the headlights or rolling up the windows. This is driving me nuts. Im tiredof popping it in neutral when at a stop

 

It's most likely a seized overrunning alternator pulley (OAP). All the 4cyl and diesel w203s got one of these to prevent this vibration. The device usually lasts around 50-60k miles before it needs to be replaced. Most replacement alternators don't come with one, you need to buy it separately and have it installed on the alternator. If you have a solid pulley on there you need to change it out ASAP.

 

I had the weird chirping noise when in gear with the AC on at a complete stop (the noise went away as soon as I started rolling). Replaced the serpentine belt and alternator pulley (mine was completely seized in both directions) and the noise went away.

I still get a split second of rough idle when coming to a stop quickly while the AC is on, but haven't bothered to find the cause. Car doesn't stall or anything.