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Currently at 147,xxx mi on my 03 230k, predicting I'll hit 200k by the end of the year! Just had the timing chain, intake valves & head gasket, cam magnets, most engine sensors, ECU, all engine/sensor wiring harnesses, t-stat & housing, vac pump, harmonic balancer, and a few other things replaced last week. So hopefully she'll keep ticking off the miles for years to come!
What are the intervals for high mileage awards? I wasn't aware MB did that!
Definitely good to go till 290k!
Why did you replace intake valves? Jumped timing? How stretched was the chain if they measured it?
Award intervals are something like 155k mi, 310k, etc.
I am at 146.5k now, looking forward to the first award as well
I thought it jumped time, but it was the excessive carbon build-up problem that's apparently common on 03's. Had terrible compression on 3 of 4 cylinders. The original chain was actually perfect, not stretched at all! But I opted for a new chain/tensioner while the head was off.
2014 E350, 2006 C350 Sport(made it to 280k, loved it!), 1990 300E
Originally Posted by kluvsbenz
Very nice! I am at 120k so a long way to go. Looking forward to joining you
Wow, I am at 150k+ right now. So far so good. I think last year I went to the dealer for something minor and the guy there says "You really took care of this car!" He must have been joy riding that day. Looks like I am on schedule to get to 200k by 2019. Will keep checking in.
Nope not one, still drive it like I stole it but my gas mileage has gone down a little, probably need to put new O sensors on the old girl. Reading all the ailments folks seem to have I was a little worried about keeping this car, but now its more like a challenge to see how far it will go.
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort (What the heck, it gets 38 mpg!)
It would be worth replacing the timing chain.
A lot of people have trouble with Carbon build up.
Driving it like you stole it helps with that.
Babying an engine designed for high revs etc,
is part of why people get carbon buildup.
The Italian Tune up....
Do you have your mileage award?
Soon you'll be eligible for the 2nd one at about 310K.
Ive got the first award, I should post a picture of it, most of the enamal has chipped away. I have gotten my monies worth out of the car, I'm going to see just how long the stock chain goes for me. If the engine goes, that will be my opportunity for an LS swap.
Just bought an 04 c230 sport sedan in really nice shape for cheap @125,000. You guys are making me feel a little better about the mileage. It's one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. It has a tiny hardly noticeable rumble when it first gets going. I don't know if this is anything or if I'm overly cautious. There are also few electrical gremlins but I kind of expected this.
So update.
Everything on the car is OEM. It is in need of some steering and suspension components (steering shakes when going around certain corners at certain speeds, and when I break the steering wheel shakes at certain speeds). It has brand new front rotors so that is not the culprit. She smokes a little, and the valve covers have finally started seeping oil.
My A/C compressor finally gave up on me at 228,xxx miles. My guide pulley is whining again. $35 for the guide pulley and $354 for a new A/C compressor. (I get at cost prices from the dealership since I use to work there). I had to bypass the compressor until I can afford the parts. Other than that she is still moving and I redline her just about everyday. Kind of want to get a C55 considering they are based on the same motor design, but just with two more cylinders and massive HP gains over my 2003 C240.
Another update.
I still have yet to replace the compressor, but I finally changed the guide pulley to find out it wasn't the only thing making noise on the belt assembly. My power steering pump is whining and the tank is bubbling up and shooting fluid out when the cap is off. I am thinking the tank just needs to be replaced since it has a non-removable filter in it. Im assuming it just isn't getting proper flow. To top this off it just started misfiring on three cylinders recently. Looks like this car is coming to the end of the road. I am getting to the point where I am hesitant to put anymore money in it even though the car still runs like a dream when it doesn't misfire when coming to a stop/idle.
2005 C240 4Matic. Hit 215,000 Miles today. Car looks amazing still. Paint is a good 8/10. No rust no dents or dings just some light scratches and some touch up could be done on front bumper. Car could just need a good buffing. Interior is about a 8/10 as well. No rips in seats or dash but plastic parts have deteriorated and discolored a bit. Carpets are clean as well.
Only thing broken right now is the weather stripping above the windshield that is starting to come loose. My guess is age and car washes. Need to use a weather stripping adhesive.
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort (What the heck, it gets 38 mpg!)
Originally Posted by garretts228
Another update.
I still have yet to replace the compressor, but I finally changed the guide pulley to find out it wasn't the only thing making noise on the belt assembly. My power steering pump is whining and the tank is bubbling up and shooting fluid out when the cap is off. I am thinking the tank just needs to be replaced since it has a non-removable filter in it. Im assuming it just isn't getting proper flow. To top this off it just started misfiring on three cylinders recently. Looks like this car is coming to the end of the road. I am getting to the point where I am hesitant to put anymore money in it even though the car still runs like a dream when it doesn't misfire when coming to a stop/idle.
So it's a C240? Are the misfiring cylinders all on the same bank?
I'm guessing it's a plugged cat.
Universals are reasonably priced, (check ebay) even cheaper if you're not in Cali.
Of course there's the usual stuff, plugs, coils, wires.
Assuming the plugs are good, you can swap the wires and plugs around to see if the problem moves with the coil/wire or stays in the same place.
Don't give up, misfires are a common problem.
And older plugs put a strain on the coils cause them to misfire.
So, while you can replace the coil to resolve the problem some times, for me, I've found new plugs are the answer most of the time, and cheaper than new coils. I went through scad of coils, before I realized I just needed to put new plugs. Forget 100K miles.
Also, power steering pump, yeah a little expensive, but a relatively easy DIY, though perhaps messy.
I'm at 209k. I commute a lot for work. Mercedes did the Balance shaft and Transmission at 88k other than that I followed the schedule maintenance. She's been great to me
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort (What the heck, it gets 38 mpg!)
Originally Posted by Taiwanese
2003 C230 original owner here at 92,576 miles.
Dear Tauwnese,
We regret to inform you that your application for the W203 200,000 mile club has been rejected,
Please feel free to re-apply when your vehicle hits 200K.
DUH!!!
Dear Tauwnese,
We regret to inform you that your application for the W203 200,000 mile club has been rejected,
Please feel free to re-apply when your vehicle hits 200K.
DUH!!!
Lol 92k thats like new still!
Wish I had kept my w203 as I would be at 300k or more at this point!! My w204 just crossed over to 50k I have a long way to go to get back into this exclusive club
03-09-2015, 09:31 PM
I am at 120k so a long way to go. Looking forward to joining you
Looks like I am on schedule to get to 200k by 2019. Will keep checking in.
