Between these two
11-17-2019, 11:29 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Between these two
I just sold my ML350 and am looking for a daily driver with better gas mileage. I have narrowed it down to two. A 2005 C230 Kompressor and a 2006 C230 sport. Both are the same price and around 90,000 miles. Both have the same options and run strong. Any comments or advice for which one is more reliable or any known problems I should be on the look for before I decide on my purchase? Thank you in advance.
Anthony
Anthony
11-17-2019, 02:49 PM
#2
I just sold my ML350 and am looking for a daily driver with better gas mileage. I have narrowed it down to two. A 2005 C230 Kompressor and a 2006 C230 sport. Both are the same price and around 90,000 miles. Both have the same options and run strong. Any comments or advice for which one is more reliable or any known problems I should be on the look for before I decide on my purchase? Thank you in advance.
Anthony
Anthony
11-17-2019, 03:10 PM
#3
Super Member
tjts1 is correct. 
Also, you sold an ML350 SUV and are looking at buying an ~$2,000 vehicle??? Vehicles that, imho, are actually worth ~$200, unless the person is like me, and wants that model/car for a specific reason, and is going to put the needed time and money into the car.
I love the 2-door Coupe look, I love RWD, and I wanted an engine with a factory supercharger. Add in, that to me, my 2005 Red Coupe makes Scarlett Johansson look like an 8/10 compared to my car, and it was love at first sight. For me, replacing the timing chain/etc was boring. I was rebuilding engines when I was 16.
Back to your question...
If you are willing to spend ~~$800 for an independent to change the timing chain (call and ask the price), then the 2005 might be okay.
The other very common problem is that the intake valves get caked with oil, and don't always fully seat/close. That causes a misfire code. The best way is to replace the head (like I did). The other cheaper, and okay method is to have a mechanic shell-blast/clean the intake valves. They have to remove the intake, and it's a PITA intake to put back on with the correct torque on each bolt. So, I suggest a MB shop or dealer be the only ones that should do that. Figure another ~~$800 if you need that.
Also, the idler and tension pulley are cheap plastic. Those have a tendency to break. The belt will fly off, and could cause a lot of money damage - or the belt could just fly off not damaging anything else. People have had both happen. So, I suggest replacing both pulleys.
Otherwise, misc other stuff.
Good Luck.
Also, you sold an ML350 SUV and are looking at buying an ~$2,000 vehicle??? Vehicles that, imho, are actually worth ~$200, unless the person is like me, and wants that model/car for a specific reason, and is going to put the needed time and money into the car.
I love the 2-door Coupe look, I love RWD, and I wanted an engine with a factory supercharger. Add in, that to me, my 2005 Red Coupe makes Scarlett Johansson look like an 8/10 compared to my car, and it was love at first sight.
For me, replacing the timing chain/etc was boring. I was rebuilding engines when I was 16. Back to your question...
If you are willing to spend ~~$800 for an independent to change the timing chain (call and ask the price), then the 2005 might be okay.
The other very common problem is that the intake valves get caked with oil, and don't always fully seat/close. That causes a misfire code. The best way is to replace the head (like I did). The other cheaper, and okay method is to have a mechanic shell-blast/clean the intake valves. They have to remove the intake, and it's a PITA intake to put back on with the correct torque on each bolt. So, I suggest a MB shop or dealer be the only ones that should do that. Figure another ~~$800 if you need that.
Also, the idler and tension pulley are cheap plastic. Those have a tendency to break. The belt will fly off, and could cause a lot of money damage - or the belt could just fly off not damaging anything else. People have had both happen. So, I suggest replacing both pulleys.
Otherwise, misc other stuff.
Good Luck.
Last edited by RedGray; 11-17-2019 at 03:12 PM.
11-19-2019, 10:34 PM
#4
MBworld Guru
Between the two, I'd go for the MY2005 C230 Kompressor. Other than higher than expected the timing chain failures, it's a pretty solid car. If you are concerned about the timing chain, then repalce it. It;s not a terribly difficult job (nowhere near as bad as a FWD car's timing belt) but you will need to spend ~$200 in tools.
11-20-2019, 06:41 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
I’d go for the 2005 too.
I love mine and am at about 90k myself and the car is a delight to drive around town.
I can get 28mpg all winter, 32/24mpg in the summer and have seen close to 38 at times when I shift easy and drive lite.
Knowing the timing chain is on the radar...I never start the car with HVAC or Radio on so I can listen...but knowing if/when I tackle it I don’t need to pull the engine is better than the m272 in my head.
I’d check to make sure the 2005 has the cam lead pig tails, $12 hose, Takata airbag recall and check (if auto transmission) for Valeo/bad radiator and/or conductor plate possible issues...
I love mine and am at about 90k myself and the car is a delight to drive around town.
I can get 28mpg all winter, 32/24mpg in the summer and have seen close to 38 at times when I shift easy and drive lite.
Knowing the timing chain is on the radar...I never start the car with HVAC or Radio on so I can listen...but knowing if/when I tackle it I don’t need to pull the engine is better than the m272 in my head.
I’d check to make sure the 2005 has the cam lead pig tails, $12 hose, Takata airbag recall and check (if auto transmission) for Valeo/bad radiator and/or conductor plate possible issues...
