--Is everyone selling on their w203s?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
--Is everyone selling their w203s?
See a lot of 230s for sale and seen threads where a lot of the old timers sold and moved on. Is that w203 that problematic? Or they just got bored?
Last edited by Alexbenz; Feb 10, 2016 at 05:10 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
I drive a Toyota Hybrid...
i sold mine in 2012 since the car reach 10 years and sure i do miss it sometimes, less than 90k miles and got $5k out of it, i was the original owner too. kinda glad i sold the damn thing, the EIS went toast as soon as the 2nd owner took over, heard it was a $2k repair.
i do notice lot of people move on as well, and the whole W203 forum are flooded with people saying their cars has problems.
i do miss the comfort and solid built of the Benz, well not really comfy since i got PSS9 coil in there but the car is really really air tight, no rattle whatsoever.
will i buy another benz? maybe not,
i do notice lot of people move on as well, and the whole W203 forum are flooded with people saying their cars has problems.
i do miss the comfort and solid built of the Benz, well not really comfy since i got PSS9 coil in there but the car is really really air tight, no rattle whatsoever.
will i buy another benz? maybe not,
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
damn....Ya i've seen alot of them for sale and most for dirt cheap...i really wanted one as a daily but don't want to deal with headaches. My lexus has been a champ but i do miss a benz
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Depends on who you talk to. I've had my car for almost 13 years now and have no plans on replacing it. 170000km, and pretty much still looks like a brand new car. 
Some people encounter hefty repair bills because of the known problems - examples include the leaky radiator seal that leaks coolant into the transmission and destroys it, or the timing chain skipping a tooth and bending all the valves. In both cases the car can be checked or will give a symptom (such as a funny noise during starting) but many owners simply fail to notice or repair before something goes. In this respect this forum is extremely useful.
Personally I've also had to do a handful of nasty repairs such as the "machine gun" door lock or the "clicking" HVAC damper motor that requires ripping out half the dash to get to, but in almost every case I was able to DIY the repair, saving thousands over the years while learning more about the car. Some people have gotten fed up for sure, but where I live there are still piles of W203s rolling around town.
If I were to get a used C class today, it would be a facelifted (2012-2014) W204. Really like the styling, and it has all the gadgets built in such as Bluetooth and GPS that few W203s have installed.
Some people encounter hefty repair bills because of the known problems - examples include the leaky radiator seal that leaks coolant into the transmission and destroys it, or the timing chain skipping a tooth and bending all the valves. In both cases the car can be checked or will give a symptom (such as a funny noise during starting) but many owners simply fail to notice or repair before something goes. In this respect this forum is extremely useful.
Personally I've also had to do a handful of nasty repairs such as the "machine gun" door lock or the "clicking" HVAC damper motor that requires ripping out half the dash to get to, but in almost every case I was able to DIY the repair, saving thousands over the years while learning more about the car. Some people have gotten fed up for sure, but where I live there are still piles of W203s rolling around town.
If I were to get a used C class today, it would be a facelifted (2012-2014) W204. Really like the styling, and it has all the gadgets built in such as Bluetooth and GPS that few W203s have installed.
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2005 C-230 Kompressor Sedan
Just bought my 2005 c230 last week. 111k on the clock and I expect it to be a good lil car. I have a ton of maintenance planned for it.. oil change, trans flush, suspension, fix the damn rattling HK sub and more. I'm coming from a 2001 BMW 325i with 212k on it. This car seems like a walk in the park to work on.
.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
If you buy the right w203 they are great cars but just like any expensive car they can get expensive to fix such as the EIS.
I sold mine because it had 215k miles on it and at the time I was driving 500 or so miles a week and fuel was expensive as well as family would not stop harassing me that I was going to die. Many of the old w203 owners upgraded to the w211 or left the brand for a cheap to own car as the MB premium can get annoying.
That all said I miss my 01 c320 so much as it was so reliable (don't buy an 01 lol) and got decent mileage. If I was to buy another w203 I would buy a 04-05 c320 or an 05 c230 (get timing chain done). Sadly the early w203's are now very old and are known to rust and have issues. But if you like fast cars just go find a well taken care of c55.
I sold mine because it had 215k miles on it and at the time I was driving 500 or so miles a week and fuel was expensive as well as family would not stop harassing me that I was going to die. Many of the old w203 owners upgraded to the w211 or left the brand for a cheap to own car as the MB premium can get annoying.
That all said I miss my 01 c320 so much as it was so reliable (don't buy an 01 lol) and got decent mileage. If I was to buy another w203 I would buy a 04-05 c320 or an 05 c230 (get timing chain done). Sadly the early w203's are now very old and are known to rust and have issues. But if you like fast cars just go find a well taken care of c55.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Glad to see I'm not the only one!
Bought mine new, still have it 14 years later.
Sell it? For what? It's a great car and I'd get nothing
it, and what would i replace it with for that money.
A beater Honda civic from 1990?
No thanks.
Almost at 230K miles.
Pretty figuring on throwing another engine in when the time comes.
Bought mine new, still have it 14 years later.
Sell it? For what? It's a great car and I'd get nothing
it, and what would i replace it with for that money.
A beater Honda civic from 1990?
No thanks.
Almost at 230K miles.
Pretty figuring on throwing another engine in when the time comes.
Depends on who you talk to. I've had my car for almost 13 years now and have no plans on replacing it. 170000km, and pretty much still looks like a brand new car.
Some people encounter hefty repair bills because of the known problems - examples include the leaky radiator seal that leaks coolant into the transmission and destroys it, or the timing chain skipping a tooth and bending all the valves. In both cases the car can be checked or will give a symptom (such as a funny noise during starting) but many owners simply fail to notice or repair before something goes. In this respect this forum is extremely useful.
Personally I've also had to do a handful of nasty repairs such as the "machine gun" door lock or the "clicking" HVAC damper motor that requires ripping out half the dash to get to, but in almost every case I was able to DIY the repair, saving thousands over the years while learning more about the car. Some people have gotten fed up for sure, but where I live there are still piles of W203s rolling around town.
If I were to get a used C class today, it would be a facelifted (2012-2014) W204. Really like the styling, and it has all the gadgets built in such as Bluetooth and GPS that few W203s have installed.
Some people encounter hefty repair bills because of the known problems - examples include the leaky radiator seal that leaks coolant into the transmission and destroys it, or the timing chain skipping a tooth and bending all the valves. In both cases the car can be checked or will give a symptom (such as a funny noise during starting) but many owners simply fail to notice or repair before something goes. In this respect this forum is extremely useful.
Personally I've also had to do a handful of nasty repairs such as the "machine gun" door lock or the "clicking" HVAC damper motor that requires ripping out half the dash to get to, but in almost every case I was able to DIY the repair, saving thousands over the years while learning more about the car. Some people have gotten fed up for sure, but where I live there are still piles of W203s rolling around town.
If I were to get a used C class today, it would be a facelifted (2012-2014) W204. Really like the styling, and it has all the gadgets built in such as Bluetooth and GPS that few W203s have installed.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 617
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby
2002 CL203
Glad to see I'm not the only one!
Bought mine new, still have it 14 years later.
Sell it? For what? It's a great car and I'd get nothing
it, and what would i replace it with for that money.
A beater Honda civic from 1990?
No thanks.
Almost at 230K miles.
Pretty figuring on throwing another engine in when the time comes.
Bought mine new, still have it 14 years later.
Sell it? For what? It's a great car and I'd get nothing
it, and what would i replace it with for that money.
A beater Honda civic from 1990?
No thanks.
Almost at 230K miles.
Pretty figuring on throwing another engine in when the time comes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Moderator Alumni
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
w203 m112
I'm still here! I know I dont own a 230, but the 320 has been pretty reliable
I've got the worst year for a w203 (an '01) and it doenst make sense for me to sell the car at this point - I'd get nothing in return for it and it hasnt had anything ridiculously expensive happen to me that I didnt cause.
The worst things I've had so far are:
Stepper motors clicking - whatever, I'll pull the whole dash out at some point and fix this.
Headliner sagging - 160+k miles will do that to a lot of head liners that arent sewn just a tedious DIY w/ adhesive spray.
BiX failed - I bought a used/worn/semi damaged set for 450 like 10 years ago. They finally died, so I installed a morimoto retrofit.
AC compressor is probably dead - Must replace before summer - will probably cost me real monies as I dont have the experience of doing this myself.
Otherwise, its mostly just been regular maintenance and the car has yet to leave me stranded anywhere (knock on wood)!
I get the impression ALL cars require plenty of maintenance. The ones often labeled as "unreliable" are just poorly maintained or the individual parts failing have shorter life spans. With that said, I'd like to believe our individual parts are engineered pretty well and as enthusiasts, we tend to DIY anything that may be expensive...
I've got the worst year for a w203 (an '01) and it doenst make sense for me to sell the car at this point - I'd get nothing in return for it and it hasnt had anything ridiculously expensive happen to me that I didnt cause.
The worst things I've had so far are:
Stepper motors clicking - whatever, I'll pull the whole dash out at some point and fix this.
Headliner sagging - 160+k miles will do that to a lot of head liners that arent sewn just a tedious DIY w/ adhesive spray.
BiX failed - I bought a used/worn/semi damaged set for 450 like 10 years ago. They finally died, so I installed a morimoto retrofit.
AC compressor is probably dead - Must replace before summer - will probably cost me real monies as I dont have the experience of doing this myself.
Otherwise, its mostly just been regular maintenance and the car has yet to leave me stranded anywhere (knock on wood)!
I get the impression ALL cars require plenty of maintenance. The ones often labeled as "unreliable" are just poorly maintained or the individual parts failing have shorter life spans. With that said, I'd like to believe our individual parts are engineered pretty well and as enthusiasts, we tend to DIY anything that may be expensive...
Last edited by TruTaing; Feb 16, 2016 at 02:32 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 73
From: DC Metro Area
2007 Mercedes E550
Have probably gone overboard with mods/maintenance; k and n air filter, sprint booster, Kleeman headers, bolstein shocks, sway bars (future), Ecu tune, etc.
Don't see maintenance as a big issue. For a diy'er most of this stuff is easy. But the tranny is what worries me, and I plan to do a complete flush and filter change as well as 13 pin connector. Worst comes to worse I will change conductor plate. If the car dies prematurely will almost definetly buy c55, since it is an amazing car and could transfer mods.
But who knows what life will bring. My brother owns a Bentley continental and one day he may sell it to me, would hardly be able to turn that down..
It's just a case of grass is greener on the other side too. While the c230 may seem like an outdated boring platform to some, that's not the case if you come from a boring Japanese car!!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Anyone keeping an 01 or 02 is crazy (though it's pretty obvious with Todd). Later models are much better as used cars, though more boring, imho.
There have to be less than a handful of OGs still here with their original W203s at this point.
There have to be less than a handful of OGs still here with their original W203s at this point.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 617
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby
2002 CL203
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I recently discovered some coupes at the pick and pull.
One was in Richmond, an hour's drive away.
I didn't bother going because it's been too long, there was a note that the car was stripped, but signed up for text alerts the next time
one shows up.
Engine?? $150. Trans? Like $75.
I'd be good for another 200K miles.
I'd keep it for a backup. Everything on it works, even the summer feature on both doors,
since I fixed the sensors with instructions from a forum.
The only thing that doesn't work is one broken inoperative heater flap.
Constantly blows on your feet.
I recently detailed, and the leather came up like new.
Will I buy another car at some point? Sure, but the coupe is worthless to sell, it makes sense to keep it.
One was in Richmond, an hour's drive away.
I didn't bother going because it's been too long, there was a note that the car was stripped, but signed up for text alerts the next time
one shows up.
Engine?? $150. Trans? Like $75.
I'd be good for another 200K miles.
I'd keep it for a backup. Everything on it works, even the summer feature on both doors,
since I fixed the sensors with instructions from a forum.
The only thing that doesn't work is one broken inoperative heater flap.
Constantly blows on your feet.
I recently detailed, and the leather came up like new.
Will I buy another car at some point? Sure, but the coupe is worthless to sell, it makes sense to keep it.
Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 96
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
2004 C230 Kompressor Sport
I have a 2004 C230 Kompressor Sport with 178,000 miles. So far, so good! I have kept it parked this winter but the car itself is solid. I miss driving it but I know it's for the best with all the salt used on the roads in Wisconsin during the winter months. All in all, I think I'll keep it until it dies and then maybe even see if I can find a replacement engine. I'd really only get rid of it if I had an offer I couldn't refuse - and I doubt that will happen, so I hope to keep driving it for a long time to come.
