Needs new engine...wow
Super Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 573
Likes: 1
W203
Are you sure this car needs a new engine?
e.g. https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ine-apart.html
e.g. https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ine-apart.html
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 264
Likes: 2
From: Lumberton, TX
2009 ML350, 2007 GL450, 1963 GMC, BMW 325i
That's me in the other thread that Glyn referred to.
I got my head from Mike at Metric Motors in Canoga Park, CA. for $750, he has engines too. Then it's just a matter of getting a chain, tensioner, guides, and new gaskets. The work isn't hard. You can save a LOT by doing it yourself. Swapping an engine would be more expensive, but an easier job.
I got my head from Mike at Metric Motors in Canoga Park, CA. for $750, he has engines too. Then it's just a matter of getting a chain, tensioner, guides, and new gaskets. The work isn't hard. You can save a LOT by doing it yourself. Swapping an engine would be more expensive, but an easier job.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 110
From: WNY
2005 w203 C230
What I would like to know - is - did "something" cause this...
Drag starts...one high RMP, constant high RPM, no oil changes, diesel fuel top off, etc...
How many miles on the Engine?
Drag starts...one high RMP, constant high RPM, no oil changes, diesel fuel top off, etc...
How many miles on the Engine?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
That's me in the other thread that Glyn referred to.
I got my head from Mike at Metric Motors in Canoga Park, CA. for $750, he has engines too. Then it's just a matter of getting a chain, tensioner, guides, and new gaskets. The work isn't hard. You can save a LOT by doing it yourself. Swapping an engine would be more expensive, but an easier job.
I got my head from Mike at Metric Motors in Canoga Park, CA. for $750, he has engines too. Then it's just a matter of getting a chain, tensioner, guides, and new gaskets. The work isn't hard. You can save a LOT by doing it yourself. Swapping an engine would be more expensive, but an easier job.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 264
Likes: 2
From: Lumberton, TX
2009 ML350, 2007 GL450, 1963 GMC, BMW 325i
I haven't had to buy any of the MB special tools, and I've got the engine all torn down ready to put it back together when my parts show up. Timing chain, and balance chain removed.
I have had to buy a few tools that I didn't have, like a long set of needle nose pliers, a cheap chain breaker(which I didn't need), a 27mm socket, and an E-socket & star bit set. All from Harbor Freight for around $35.
The only thing I'm thinking I might have a little issue with, is linking the chains together, but I have an idea that might work.
It's not that hard.... Really, it's not.
I have had to buy a few tools that I didn't have, like a long set of needle nose pliers, a cheap chain breaker(which I didn't need), a 27mm socket, and an E-socket & star bit set. All from Harbor Freight for around $35.
The only thing I'm thinking I might have a little issue with, is linking the chains together, but I have an idea that might work.
It's not that hard.... Really, it's not.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
I haven't had to buy any of the MB special tools, and I've got the engine all torn down ready to put it back together when my parts show up. Timing chain, and balance chain removed.
I have had to buy a few tools that I didn't have, like a long set of needle nose pliers, a cheap chain breaker(which I didn't need), a 27mm socket, and an E-socket & star bit set. All from Harbor Freight for around $35.
The only thing I'm thinking I might have a little issue with, is linking the chains together, but I have an idea that might work.
It's not that hard.... Really, it's not.
I have had to buy a few tools that I didn't have, like a long set of needle nose pliers, a cheap chain breaker(which I didn't need), a 27mm socket, and an E-socket & star bit set. All from Harbor Freight for around $35.
The only thing I'm thinking I might have a little issue with, is linking the chains together, but I have an idea that might work.
It's not that hard.... Really, it's not.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
Just out of curiosity if he was to buy a engine from a salvage yard that is not close to him how would shipping it work? I don't think UPS or a any shipping company would ship an engine right? I have always wondered that actually. One way or another don't let it get to you so badly, of course it f****** sucks but hey its just a car. Don't beat your self up to hard about it, Im sure the engine swap out wont be to harsh, and you have a form full of great people to help you along the way. The best of luck to you
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
my car has 97K in it. i blame myself because i waited til i had it checked out. the check engine light would come out, then it would be gone after a few days. sometimes the car would idle roughly, and starting up the engine would produce some kind of weird noise, rough sounding. all i thought was maybe from a cold start. i should've had it checked out as soon as the engine light came out. very expensive lesson to learn.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
i was at the shop this week, and went through options on what kind of motor we're going to get. i also pitched the idea on upgrading the engine and performance possibilities for my car. i also mentioned the c32 or c55 engine swap. he said it would be possible but it would not be a good idea in the long run. i also plan on keeping my c230k for a long time, so i opted with a lesser mileage M271 engine. we also discussed my future plans for the car which includes minimal performance upgrades and goodies. i am now somewhat relieved and over the state of depression that i was in(thanks to this forum).
it is nice to find a performance shop that doesn't just see u as a giant dollar sign. this guy takes the time to explain every single detail to u about how and what went wrong as well as how the whole thing works in general. ROMtech also treats my car as if it was his own. i never felt this confident on a performance shop ever. but then again, i never had this much work needed for a car. we'll see how it goes. i am actually excited on how things are going to unfold in the near future. i am waiting on a call from him to pick out engines based on mileage and price.
it is nice to find a performance shop that doesn't just see u as a giant dollar sign. this guy takes the time to explain every single detail to u about how and what went wrong as well as how the whole thing works in general. ROMtech also treats my car as if it was his own. i never felt this confident on a performance shop ever. but then again, i never had this much work needed for a car. we'll see how it goes. i am actually excited on how things are going to unfold in the near future. i am waiting on a call from him to pick out engines based on mileage and price.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
yea i'll keep everyone posted, thanks. o, if u look closely on the intake cam sprocket(that's what it is right? sprocket on the driver side?), u can see the chewed out teeth. sux. it was a tooth off TDC, but the other one was way off.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
It sounds like you have a good shop! I only hope they are as good to you as LILBENZ230's shop is to him. I'm really anxious for your post when you pick up your car after they've fixed it! Good luck! 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
my car has 97K in it. i blame myself because i waited til i had it checked out. the check engine light would come out, then it would be gone after a few days. sometimes the car would idle roughly, and starting up the engine would produce some kind of weird noise, rough sounding. all i thought was maybe from a cold start. i should've had it checked out as soon as the engine light came out. very expensive lesson to learn.
I have right at 133,000 on my 2005. I change the oil every 13,000 miles with Mobil 1 0W-40 only. I check the oil level on a regular basis with dyno mode and even if it is not prompting me for oil, I keep it topped up to the exact 5.5L it calls for. Even if it is at 5.3L, I top it up. It'll go through about .5L in 13,000 miles.. damn good for a car driven like I drive it and at that mileage.
I urge fellow C230K owners to do the same. And listen at start-up. You can replace the chains and tensioners fairly cheaply.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
2003 C230 Kompressor
I wish you the best buddy. I needed a full top end rebuild a few months ago and it was nearly as stressful as what you're going through now. On the plus side, a lower mileage engine might actually save you money down the road, especially if you replace common wear items like everyone had mentioned.
To be honest, adding performance parts at a time like this seems like you're just looking for a potential headache down the road. If something goes wrong off the jump it seems like it'd be harder to diagnose.
Lilbenz, I forgot you mentioned that and was charged $250 for the chain itself last week. I was PISSED when he showed me the invoice.
To be honest, adding performance parts at a time like this seems like you're just looking for a potential headache down the road. If something goes wrong off the jump it seems like it'd be harder to diagnose.
Lilbenz, I forgot you mentioned that and was charged $250 for the chain itself last week. I was PISSED when he showed me the invoice.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
A lower mileage engine at a good price seems a good deal in this case. In some cases it's a matter of better the devil you know than a total unknown from a scrap yard.
Make sure they give you some kind of warranty on the new engine to make sure it has no latent defects.
Make sure they give you some kind of warranty on the new engine to make sure it has no latent defects.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
yea man, the tensioner might have failed. that's the little plastic/rubber thing between the sprockets under the chain right? i actually didn't have one on there when they we took the valve cover off. don't know how it happened.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
CELs, rough idle, and it sounds like you had the classic chain rattle at cold start. I hope everyone with an M271 really pays attention to their car at cold start.
I have right at 133,000 on my 2005. I change the oil every 13,000 miles with Mobil 1 0W-40 only. I check the oil level on a regular basis with dyno mode and even if it is not prompting me for oil, I keep it topped up to the exact 5.5L it calls for. Even if it is at 5.3L, I top it up. It'll go through about .5L in 13,000 miles.. damn good for a car driven like I drive it and at that mileage.
I urge fellow C230K owners to do the same. And listen at start-up. You can replace the chains and tensioners fairly cheaply.
I have right at 133,000 on my 2005. I change the oil every 13,000 miles with Mobil 1 0W-40 only. I check the oil level on a regular basis with dyno mode and even if it is not prompting me for oil, I keep it topped up to the exact 5.5L it calls for. Even if it is at 5.3L, I top it up. It'll go through about .5L in 13,000 miles.. damn good for a car driven like I drive it and at that mileage.
I urge fellow C230K owners to do the same. And listen at start-up. You can replace the chains and tensioners fairly cheaply.
please fellow w203 owners, learn from this costly mistake.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
I wish you the best buddy. I needed a full top end rebuild a few months ago and it was nearly as stressful as what you're going through now. On the plus side, a lower mileage engine might actually save you money down the road, especially if you replace common wear items like everyone had mentioned.
To be honest, adding performance parts at a time like this seems like you're just looking for a potential headache down the road. If something goes wrong off the jump it seems like it'd be harder to diagnose.
Lilbenz, I forgot you mentioned that and was charged $250 for the chain itself last week. I was PISSED when he showed me the invoice.
To be honest, adding performance parts at a time like this seems like you're just looking for a potential headache down the road. If something goes wrong off the jump it seems like it'd be harder to diagnose.
Lilbenz, I forgot you mentioned that and was charged $250 for the chain itself last week. I was PISSED when he showed me the invoice.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
i haven't contacted the shop since as i've been busy with work and figuring other stuff out that ties into this whole messed up situation. anyway, i'm gonna stop by the shop after work tomorrow to see what's up with my car. i will definitely keep u all posted. peace!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
A lower mileage engine at a good price seems a good deal in this case. In some cases it's a matter of better the devil you know than a total unknown from a scrap yard.
Make sure they give you some kind of warranty on the new engine to make sure it has no latent defects.
Make sure they give you some kind of warranty on the new engine to make sure it has no latent defects.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: NW 'burbs, IL
'05 MB C230K, '92 Acura Integra GS-R
