Jun 15, 2015, 04:23 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Engine Diagnostics
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Why is My Car Running Rough
Guide to diagnose trouble and recommended solutions
Browse all: Engine Diagnostics
2005 C230 Rough Idle or Cylinder Head Problems
Super Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 573
Likes: 1
W203
- don't buy the first model years of a new platform
- don't buy the first model years of a new engine
I just bought a 10yo vehicle, yet made sure to get one with all the problems ironed out by getting one that was around the middle of the engine and platform run.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
C230
@BenzBGone: Sounds like youre having exactly the problem I had and, to some extent, am continuing to have. (No more MBs for me either, BTW). From this thread and other things Ive read, it seems like the cylinder head is designed such that deposits form readily on the valves causing the valves to not seat properly and thus compression issues. The brute force solution is to replace/reseat the valves which, as you've found, is not worth doing. The stop gap solution is to use techron and a lot of high revs on the engine. I bought some techron in bulk on-line and use a couple of bottles back to back every few months. That combined with a lot of high revs. Every freeway on ramp gets full throttle. The object is to clean off the deposits pictured in Glyn M Ruck's post in this thread. It's been improving my situation some although the engine continues to be less than perfect. It should hold me off until I can get a new car.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
C230K Coupe
@BenzBGone: Sounds like youre having exactly the problem I had and, to some extent, am continuing to have. (No more MBs for me either, BTW). From this thread and other things Ive read, it seems like the cylinder head is designed such that deposits form readily on the valves causing the valves to not seat properly and thus compression issues. The brute force solution is to replace/reseat the valves which, as you've found, is not worth doing. The stop gap solution is to use techron and a lot of high revs on the engine. I bought some techron in bulk on-line and use a couple of bottles back to back every few months. That combined with a lot of high revs. Every freeway on ramp gets full throttle. The object is to clean off the deposits pictured in Glyn M Ruck's post in this thread. It's been improving my situation some although the engine continues to be less than perfect. It should hold me off until I can get a new car.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
C230K Coupe
Sold
I wanted to write down what I did for posterity, in case anyone else has this experience with a C230 coupe bucking hard during a hot idle.
I got a machined cylinder head from Metric Motors in CA, like $800. Then I had a local mechanic replace it for $1400, plus $200 in parts I provided. The Merc dealer had quoted my $6,000 for a new head after they charged me $600 to run a compression test (50% loss in cylinder 2)
The car worked GREAT with the machined head replacement. So great that I sold the car for a good price and bought a Volvo S60 that will fare better in the snow. I had the C230 for 9 years and loved it. Then I ran into the engine.
I tried Techron and maybe was impatient. But after spending thousands in the last year I switched out.
I got a machined cylinder head from Metric Motors in CA, like $800. Then I had a local mechanic replace it for $1400, plus $200 in parts I provided. The Merc dealer had quoted my $6,000 for a new head after they charged me $600 to run a compression test (50% loss in cylinder 2)
The car worked GREAT with the machined head replacement. So great that I sold the car for a good price and bought a Volvo S60 that will fare better in the snow. I had the C230 for 9 years and loved it. Then I ran into the engine.
I tried Techron and maybe was impatient. But after spending thousands in the last year I switched out.
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2005 c 230 Kompressor
rough at idle
MB of Wichita Falls Tx just put a remanufactured engine in my 05 c230K. I was having the same issues. Then my engine ceased. When I took it down there, they quoted 4500. then upon further investigation, the DOHC gears sheared off. 8500$$$$$. I had to investigate. There was a law suit a couple of years ago involving the M272 and M273 engines. The gears were wearing out right outside of the warranty date or milage. IF YOU BRING YOUR C230 KOMPRESSOR with engine number M271. xxx with complaints of rough idle at start up until exhaust builds up, they are supposed to replace your cam shaft, Both of them with a different cam shaft part number. apparently the ones they put in are bad. I had 136,000 on my car when they replaced the engine. HMU and I will send you the SB # when I get back to work. I had to study extensively to find the cause. All the Gears that go bad are manufactured a the MB manufacting plant in Germany. (some city I would not dear try to say or spell). I got the remanufactured engine in and just got done breaking it in, 1500 miles. I have a 12,000 mile warranty, and I want to get the rest of my money back. I paid 2500 for the repairs to get started, but MB was not going to part with that money, believe me, I tried. I even used the fact that I was a Soldier... LOL. Good luck.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C230
2006 C230
131k miles, most of it on the highway (my average speed over the lifetime of the car has been 47mph), always put the highest quality fuel in. Started with a rough idle and hard time starting. Dealershio told me the compression head on cylinder 5 was shot from 'most likely carbon build-up'. They are checking now to see if all I need is a new head or if there is any scoring and I need to replace the whole thing. Full replacement means new car, since the cost is more than the residual value of the car. They are indicating a new head is $4k.
Seems awful to me that the 2006 C230 that has had all scheduled maintenance and care would have this costly an issue after 131k miles.
Any thoughts, opinions, options?
Seems awful to me that the 2006 C230 that has had all scheduled maintenance and care would have this costly an issue after 131k miles.
Any thoughts, opinions, options?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
2005 C230K
131k miles, most of it on the highway (my average speed over the lifetime of the car has been 47mph), always put the highest quality fuel in. Started with a rough idle and hard time starting. Dealershio told me the compression head on cylinder 5 was shot from 'most likely carbon build-up'. They are checking now to see if all I need is a new head or if there is any scoring and I need to replace the whole thing. Full replacement means new car, since the cost is more than the residual value of the car. They are indicating a new head is $4k.
Seems awful to me that the 2006 C230 that has had all scheduled maintenance and care would have this costly an issue after 131k miles.
Any thoughts, opinions, options?
Seems awful to me that the 2006 C230 that has had all scheduled maintenance and care would have this costly an issue after 131k miles.
Any thoughts, opinions, options?
Granted, it may be a real problem that you need fixed, but definitely try cleaning the throttle body, including the internals, before paying for dealerships to diagnose or repair things.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
MB of Wichita Falls Tx just put a remanufactured engine in my 05 c230K. I was having the same issues. Then my engine ceased. When I took it down there, they quoted 4500. then upon further investigation, the DOHC gears sheared off. 8500$$$$$. I had to investigate. There was a law suit a couple of years ago involving the M272 and M273 engines. The gears were wearing out right outside of the warranty date or milage. IF YOU BRING YOUR C230 KOMPRESSOR with engine number M271. xxx with complaints of rough idle at start up until exhaust builds up, they are supposed to replace your cam shaft, Both of them with a different cam shaft part number. apparently the ones they put in are bad. I had 136,000 on my car when they replaced the engine. HMU and I will send you the SB # when I get back to work. I had to study extensively to find the cause. All the Gears that go bad are manufactured a the MB manufacting plant in Germany. (some city I would not dear try to say or spell). I got the remanufactured engine in and just got done breaking it in, 1500 miles. I have a 12,000 mile warranty, and I want to get the rest of my money back. I paid 2500 for the repairs to get started, but MB was not going to part with that money, believe me, I tried. I even used the fact that I was a Soldier... LOL. Good luck.
thanks.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The M272 and M273 problem was sprocket wear on the balancer shaft on early engines. Well documented here & in the stickies.
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ssues-dtb.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ssues-dtb.html
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Feb 15, 2013 at 05:07 PM.
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2005 c 230 Kompressor
rough idle
the Bulletin is
P-B-05.20/13-
and I broght the articles in pertaining to the class action law suit in NJ and another state, then I have asked them in the past about the rough idle. Good luck.
P-B-05.20/13-
and I broght the articles in pertaining to the class action law suit in NJ and another state, then I have asked them in the past about the rough idle. Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 712
Likes: 2
From: chicago
2005 c230 kompressor 2003 s500 94 wrangler
AMERICA home of ****ty gas (10% ethanol)..
Euro and austrilia (cant spell it) have upgraded their refineries like 3 or 4 times..hense they have 98 octane
its a shame these high compression engines need to be on the interstate going 100+ to keep these valves flowing very nice
Euro and austrilia (cant spell it) have upgraded their refineries like 3 or 4 times..hense they have 98 octane
its a shame these high compression engines need to be on the interstate going 100+ to keep these valves flowing very nice
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 712
Likes: 2
From: chicago
2005 c230 kompressor 2003 s500 94 wrangler
131k miles, most of it on the highway (my average speed over the lifetime of the car has been 47mph), always put the highest quality fuel in. Started with a rough idle and hard time starting. Dealershio told me the compression head on cylinder 5 was shot from 'most likely carbon build-up'. They are checking now to see if all I need is a new head or if there is any scoring and I need to replace the whole thing. Full replacement means new car, since the cost is more than the residual value of the car. They are indicating a new head is $4k.
Seems awful to me that the 2006 C230 that has had all scheduled maintenance and care would have this costly an issue after 131k miles.
Any thoughts, opinions, options?
Seems awful to me that the 2006 C230 that has had all scheduled maintenance and care would have this costly an issue after 131k miles.
Any thoughts, opinions, options?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
C230
2005 C230 Update: A few years on and the car is not running so bad. I've just been using Techron periodically. It still idles rough initially in the morning but more or less the car runs fine. But its time for someone to take over this car. I went to the dark side and bought a 328i. We'll see how this goes.
Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes Benz w203 Kompressor 2.0
Had diagnostics done, at a local Bosch service, whom found it to be a partially blocked injector. This was verified by swapping injectors issue reappeared on a different cylinder. The stuffed one replaced and now car running fine.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Interesting.
I'm having the same problem and I'm contemplating replace my injectors. I think it could be the injectors b/c when I have Techron Concentrate Plus in the tank, the car is smoother. But, after it's gone, it's the same.
Anyone have the guide? I want to try to DIY it.
Thanks.
I'm having the same problem and I'm contemplating replace my injectors. I think it could be the injectors b/c when I have Techron Concentrate Plus in the tank, the car is smoother. But, after it's gone, it's the same.
Anyone have the guide? I want to try to DIY it.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
C230
My problem is not the injectors. I've confirmed that I have low compression in my number 4 cylinder. It sounds like the head design is such that deposits collect on the valve and its seat creating a bad seal. You might want to check your compression.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
c240
just eerie, got these same words from my mechanic!
131k miles, most of it on the highway (my average speed over the lifetime of the car has been 47mph), always put the highest quality fuel in. Started with a rough idle and hard time starting. Dealershio told me the compression head on cylinder 5 was shot from 'most likely carbon build-up'. They are checking now to see if all I need is a new head or if there is any scoring and I need to replace the whole thing. Full replacement means new car, since the cost is more than the residual value of the car. They are indicating a new head is $4k.
Seems awful to me that the 2006 C230 that has had all scheduled maintenance and care would have this costly an issue after 131k miles.
Any thoughts, opinions, options?
Seems awful to me that the 2006 C230 that has had all scheduled maintenance and care would have this costly an issue after 131k miles.
Any thoughts, opinions, options?
Last edited by dddailey; Jan 3, 2015 at 11:47 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2003 c200k
w203 m271 benz c200k
hi guys would someone be able to help me I have a problem with my w203 m271engine the car justed stoped starting I was moving with it I stoped a home and wanted to start it again then it refused took it to check it on the computer they said its the left cam senor tred to replace it and it did not work then did afull check up and found out there is no compression then now I took the head out and sent it in to they say all the values are fine so is goo to put the head back or is thr blok cracked
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2005 w203
can an isoft code reader tell if it is the throttle body?
