blondie92110
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C230 Kompressor 4 dr sport sedan
blondie92110
Hello. I am new to this, and I hope someone can help me solve my c230 issues. I have a 2005 C230k with 143K. Last week when I started it cold, it was rough. Normally after 30 or so seconds it would be fine. This time, however, it never really "warmed up". At idle or very slow speed it would feel like it was choking or not getting air or fuel, ( almost was like an idle issue), and sometimes stalls. At higher speeds, seems to drive fine. Took it in to my mechanic and he hooked up his computer. It was throwing codes all over the place. Switched out spark plugs and fixed two small leaks. Ran better and new code was misfire in one of the plugs. Switched out 4 new ignition coils. Same problem. Cleared codes. 2 New codes...knock sensor or camshaft sensor. Not the knock sensor. Not the camshaft sensor. Took to new mechanic and hooked up his computer and says its an electrical problem. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Welcome to the forums.
Did you buy the car new? Wondering if it's caused an improper repair from a previous owner.
Also, what are the codes from each of the mechanics?
Did you buy the car new? Wondering if it's caused an improper repair from a previous owner.
Also, what are the codes from each of the mechanics?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 3
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C230 Kompressor 4 dr sport sedan
blondie92110
Hello. I dont remember exactly the codes, But the last mechanic who hooked up his computer to it, spent a lot of time dissecting my cars brain and thats when he determined it was an electrical issue that was throwing everything off. I'm thinking it is the Engine Control Module? Also, I have only had the car since August of this year.
Last edited by blondie92110; Dec 17, 2017 at 07:11 PM. Reason: forgot to add info
Thread Starter
Newbie
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C230 Kompressor 4 dr sport sedan
It has been determined it is an internal problem in the camshaft. Rather then fork out a couple grand to have it repaired, I am opting to have a completely rebuilt motor put in for less.
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Joined: Sep 2016
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From: New England! :-)
2005 C230K Sport Coupe
Are you getting a used or a rebuilt engine?
Imho, any M217 engine should have a number of items rebuilt/replaced, if they haven't by now.
The timing chain is a POS. And, the intake valves in the head, in the American Version, get oil caked on them from lack of proper oil control resulting from the supercharger.
There are a few rubber hoses that deteriorate from age, and poor quailty. The back of the engine oil pump also leaks after time/mileage.
"Sounds" like your engine had one or two bad cam adjusters. And, maybe the cam may have needed to be replaced, because of the bad adjusters.
So, yes, figure a few thousand dollars to fix the cam adjusters and/or cams.
However, a rebuilt engine alone cost more than the above repair. Then, add in labor to remove, install, etc. My guess, is that even if it was done by an an independent, verses the Dealer, the cost would easily exceed $6K.
On the other hand, a used engine cam be had pretty cheaply. One reason is because of the issues I mentioned above. A used engine is just playing more Russian Roulette with a low-cost design that was purposely designed to save on the cost at the tradeoff of not lasting a long time (mileage or years).
Mechanical and electronic designs very often have to tradeoff cost verses "longevity". Military, Aeronautics, and Space all cost a lot largely because of the required reliability (and preventive maintenance).
Fwiw, I knew that I was going to "rebuild"/replace a lot of engine components when I bought my C230. It's all about maintenance. And, where needed - upgrading.
Good Luck!
