2005 C230 Kompressor Cold start Issue <-- With Video
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC.
2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan
2005 C230 Kompressor Cold start Issue <-- With Video
Hello everyone
I drive a 2005 c230 kompressor with 60,000 miles. There are no engine mods and I make it a habit of changing my oil every 4000 miles.
I've been having an on going cold start issue for the past year or so. It seems to have gotten progressively
worse lately as I can start to feel a slight vibration in the car.
I don't think it's a coolant issue because my coolant level is fine and there is no residue under the oil cap.
I do think i might be burning a bit of oil because it smells burnt? not a sweet smell but a bitter burnt smell..
This video was taking this morning when it was 37 degrees outside. It takes a bit for the smoke to start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Muq74K1HpFw
If this is a serious issue and can potentially damage the car engine, I'll tackle it head on.
But the car is already 7 years old and I can't justify spending thousands on car that's only worth a few thousand dollars.
Thanks in advance everyone and thank you for reading!
Peter.
I drive a 2005 c230 kompressor with 60,000 miles. There are no engine mods and I make it a habit of changing my oil every 4000 miles.
I've been having an on going cold start issue for the past year or so. It seems to have gotten progressively
worse lately as I can start to feel a slight vibration in the car.
I don't think it's a coolant issue because my coolant level is fine and there is no residue under the oil cap.
I do think i might be burning a bit of oil because it smells burnt? not a sweet smell but a bitter burnt smell..
This video was taking this morning when it was 37 degrees outside. It takes a bit for the smoke to start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Muq74K1HpFw
If this is a serious issue and can potentially damage the car engine, I'll tackle it head on.
But the car is already 7 years old and I can't justify spending thousands on car that's only worth a few thousand dollars.
Thanks in advance everyone and thank you for reading!
Peter.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Kompressor Sport Sedan 05 M271
Thats so strange, I wish I could help you 
I used to have a problem where it would make similar noises and slight vibration but it seems to have gone away with time
Im sure someone here can be of some help
I used to have a problem where it would make similar noises and slight vibration but it seems to have gone away with time
Im sure someone here can be of some help
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Kompressor Sport Sedan 05 M271
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC.
2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan
Hey thanks for the quick replies.
The last time I changed my plugs were 23k miles ago.
I haven"t checked the plugs yet. What does it mean if they do have build up?
The last time I changed my plugs were 23k miles ago.
I haven"t checked the plugs yet. What does it mean if they do have build up?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
You have the exact same brief sputter at initial cold start as I do.. I've got no idea what causes it or how to fix it so I just live with it.
EDIT - I just turned the volume up on my computer and noticed the sound your car is making. Mine does not make that sound, even though it does blow condensation/steam when cold that looks like that. Sounds like a clogged cat that I've heard on another car but I dunno.. never had anyone post a video like this. Can you scan with OBDII and see if you're getting stored codes? If the car is only have trouble initially it may store codes that never activate CEL
You're pretty low miles for a 7 year old car.. do you baby it? Or do you drive it like you stole it sometimes? Cause you should.
EDIT - I just turned the volume up on my computer and noticed the sound your car is making. Mine does not make that sound, even though it does blow condensation/steam when cold that looks like that. Sounds like a clogged cat that I've heard on another car but I dunno.. never had anyone post a video like this. Can you scan with OBDII and see if you're getting stored codes? If the car is only have trouble initially it may store codes that never activate CEL
You're pretty low miles for a 7 year old car.. do you baby it? Or do you drive it like you stole it sometimes? Cause you should.
Last edited by LILBENZ230; Jan 13, 2012 at 05:53 PM.
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
Hmmm! seems to just be steam from the exhaust but I don't like that clattering noise I hear. It could well be a piece of Cat honeycomb clattering around in the exhaust system. I don't consider that to be a bad start from a M271. The only thing that helped on Phil our moderator's car was a new throttle body. The actuators become erratic.
It does bog down slighly during the clip & hesitate then clear itself. This could be many things.
I would get it onto a hoist maybe at an exhaust shop & try & locate where that clatter is coming from.
Please read codes with an OBDII scanner & see what if anything is being stored.
I would also take her for an Italian tune up. A long hard drive using max RPM from time to time.
Spark plugs can foul from not running in the self cleaning range adequately. Too many short trips not fully warmed up or from blow by due to worn rings. They can also foul from inadequate mixture control. When last was the MAF cleaned with CRC MAF cleaner?
It does bog down slighly during the clip & hesitate then clear itself. This could be many things.
I would get it onto a hoist maybe at an exhaust shop & try & locate where that clatter is coming from.
Please read codes with an OBDII scanner & see what if anything is being stored.
I would also take her for an Italian tune up. A long hard drive using max RPM from time to time.
Spark plugs can foul from not running in the self cleaning range adequately. Too many short trips not fully warmed up or from blow by due to worn rings. They can also foul from inadequate mixture control. When last was the MAF cleaned with CRC MAF cleaner?
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Here is mine after a night of temps in the 20s..
http://youtu.be/dNskRGLFrY8
What is the deal at about 30 seconds with both these cars? What causes the temporary change in exhaust note that persists for about 20 seconds? It goes from a smooth even burble noise to 20 seconds of puttering and then smooths back out. Happens in both videos around the 30 second mark and goes away in the 50-second range.
No pending codes on my car, BTW.
http://youtu.be/dNskRGLFrY8
What is the deal at about 30 seconds with both these cars? What causes the temporary change in exhaust note that persists for about 20 seconds? It goes from a smooth even burble noise to 20 seconds of puttering and then smooths back out. Happens in both videos around the 30 second mark and goes away in the 50-second range.
No pending codes on my car, BTW.
Last edited by LILBENZ230; Jan 14, 2012 at 05:59 PM.
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
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
Very interesting.
At start you go high idle, open loop mixture enrichment, Secondary airpump, EGR the whole shebang.
I think the ECU changes something when she clears her throat probably due to a temperature input but I'm guessing. She might be over rich prior to that.
At start you go high idle, open loop mixture enrichment, Secondary airpump, EGR the whole shebang.
I think the ECU changes something when she clears her throat probably due to a temperature input but I'm guessing. She might be over rich prior to that.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC.
2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan
My commute is short. About a 10 minute city drive to work every morning.
I rarely drive the car above 3k rpms unless im going up a hill and the transmission stubbornly stays in second gear.
Oh speaking about the *cat converter* that reminds me, If i crouch beside the rear driver wheel I can hear a slight ticking noise.
Sounds like a piece of metal is bouncing around in my exhaust somewhere.
I've always thought it was just the metal expanding after being exposed to heat.
I've scanned the car about a month ago because I had a misfire. I believe it was in Cylinder #3.
My mechanic told me it was probably because i drove the car to work and turned it off before it was properly warmed as gasoline
was probably trapped in the cylinders? He erased the code and my car ran normal since so we didnt pay much attention to it.
One thing that I'm not really sure about is the MAF. I didn't try cleaning it myself because there's quite a long process to it that requires
unplugging the battery and removing the airbox. The last time i asked my mechanic to do it he said it's just a waste of money.
The MAF doesn't really do much and if it breaks we'll just replace it. I guess I really need to clean my MAF.
I rarely drive the car above 3k rpms unless im going up a hill and the transmission stubbornly stays in second gear.
Oh speaking about the *cat converter* that reminds me, If i crouch beside the rear driver wheel I can hear a slight ticking noise.
Sounds like a piece of metal is bouncing around in my exhaust somewhere.
I've always thought it was just the metal expanding after being exposed to heat.
I've scanned the car about a month ago because I had a misfire. I believe it was in Cylinder #3.
My mechanic told me it was probably because i drove the car to work and turned it off before it was properly warmed as gasoline
was probably trapped in the cylinders? He erased the code and my car ran normal since so we didnt pay much attention to it.
One thing that I'm not really sure about is the MAF. I didn't try cleaning it myself because there's quite a long process to it that requires
unplugging the battery and removing the airbox. The last time i asked my mechanic to do it he said it's just a waste of money.
The MAF doesn't really do much and if it breaks we'll just replace it. I guess I really need to clean my MAF.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Go out and buy some techron concentrate at Wal-Mart - but a few bottles - run it over the next few tanks. Also, take the car out and actually drive it. Push it. Let it stretch its legs.. run it high in the rev range.. italian tune up. This is absolutely not harmful done occasionally - actually very beneficial. I think that's why my car is so healthy at 127k and why another member's 05 C230 saw 203k before he traded it - no engine problems.
Your mechanic doesn't sound like he knows much. Short commutes can foul plugs, cause gasoline contamination in the oil but shouldn't cause a misfire. Also the MAF is not cheap and should be cleaned. I don't know the process for the 271 but does the battery really need to come out?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC.
2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan
Got it, I'll look into the techron concentrate. Is that the stuff they put in Chevron gasoline cause I've been using only the 94 octane gasoline at Chevron.
The battery doesn't have to come out but here in post #9 it says I have to disconnect it. The only thing I've done myself was change the air filters so this is going to be a pretty big leap.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html
The battery doesn't have to come out but here in post #9 it says I have to disconnect it. The only thing I've done myself was change the air filters so this is going to be a pretty big leap.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Using Techron gas is definitely good but the concentrate stuff is not a bad addition every few thousand miles.
Make sure the SmartKey is not in the ignition when you're messing with the battery.
Make sure the SmartKey is not in the ignition when you're messing with the battery.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
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
Yes Matt. It could be a change in any of those parameters & components that get switched in & out during the warm up phase.
To the OP. Cleaning the MAF is a must. It won't change your idle at cold start because it is out of circuit (open loop).
Keep on running Techron gas. It's the best & works best in stop start driving from a cleaning perspective. It needs to soak to work best. A bottle of concentrate will do no harm from time to time & is approved by Benz.
Your usage cycle is the worst possible. As is mine. Take the car out on the open road & give it a thrashing. Try & plan a long trip in it. Matt's car has been well cared for but driven hard in somewhat ideal conditions & has been virtually fault free over pretty high mileage now.
To the OP. Cleaning the MAF is a must. It won't change your idle at cold start because it is out of circuit (open loop).
Keep on running Techron gas. It's the best & works best in stop start driving from a cleaning perspective. It needs to soak to work best. A bottle of concentrate will do no harm from time to time & is approved by Benz.
Your usage cycle is the worst possible. As is mine. Take the car out on the open road & give it a thrashing. Try & plan a long trip in it. Matt's car has been well cared for but driven hard in somewhat ideal conditions & has been virtually fault free over pretty high mileage now.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC.
2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan
Hey there
I've went ahead and bought a can of Keropur 3131 S45 N (which is similar to Techron Concentrate) but didn't have to chance to use it until a couple of days ago. It's been snowing and I had to wait till the tank was empty before I was able to use it; so it's taking a while. I'll probably have some answers after the weekend.
Thanks!
I've went ahead and bought a can of Keropur 3131 S45 N (which is similar to Techron Concentrate) but didn't have to chance to use it until a couple of days ago. It's been snowing and I had to wait till the tank was empty before I was able to use it; so it's taking a while. I'll probably have some answers after the weekend.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC.
2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan
Hey guys
I know it has been a while but I just had a try a couple more things before giving my final results.
Before doing my Italian tune up, I flushed the transmission, bled the brake lines, changed differential oil, and used the fuel additives. Unfortunately there wasn't any improvement.
I also checked the spark plugs and they looked fine so I went ahead and changed the fuel filters and cleaned the MAF. The car does feel better now but I'm still having this cold start issue.
Do you guys think it could be the catalytic converter? There seems to be a ticking noise coming from the muffler after a long drive and the car is hot.
I know it has been a while but I just had a try a couple more things before giving my final results.
Before doing my Italian tune up, I flushed the transmission, bled the brake lines, changed differential oil, and used the fuel additives. Unfortunately there wasn't any improvement.
I also checked the spark plugs and they looked fine so I went ahead and changed the fuel filters and cleaned the MAF. The car does feel better now but I'm still having this cold start issue.
Do you guys think it could be the catalytic converter? There seems to be a ticking noise coming from the muffler after a long drive and the car is hot.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
It could be. Any power loss when you drive it hard? Or any other symptoms when you're driving? Although my car sounds pretty similar to yours after filming it. Not as bad.. but similar.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2010 GLK350 4matic
I also own a 2004 C230K. I used 0W-40 and Mann filter. When it gets cold outside and the car sits for a while, I get a rough engine noise and very weird and loud but quick rattle in about 2 sec after start. I did a lot of research. read many threads. took the car to many places including the dealer. No one can legitimately or accurately diagnose this issue. My latest finding is that it is oil related but more so the 0W-40 oil. While it is a great oil, it is too thin for this engine. Most if not all the oil settles at the bottom of the pan and especially when its cold outside. 0W-40 is designed so that it is thin when cold and thick when it warms up. so the colder it is the more likely you will hear the noise versus hot days or warm engines/Oil.
That being said, I have yet to find a better oil or an additive for this engine [M271] that is Mercedes approved and fixes this issues without causing other problems. in my opinion, a thicker oil or an additive or even an external oil pump along with the engine oil pump that can start prior to starting the engine could be a good fix especially if implemented before any wear has taken place.
No healthy engine should sound like this.
That being said, I have yet to find a better oil or an additive for this engine [M271] that is Mercedes approved and fixes this issues without causing other problems. in my opinion, a thicker oil or an additive or even an external oil pump along with the engine oil pump that can start prior to starting the engine could be a good fix especially if implemented before any wear has taken place.
No healthy engine should sound like this.
