C250 Sport - No oil change in 6 years and 50K miles.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 121
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From: Upstate NY
2013 C250 SPORT, 2014 WRX STI SEDAN, 2017 E300 4MATIC
When we we talk about engine tolerances we’re talking measurements down to a thousands of an inch. The head may appear flat but I bet you it isn’t, the block probably is though, not too common for a block to warp. You mean a leak down test? What was the %? You need new head bolts among other hardware to re-assemble it. I’m not saying you won’t be able to get it to run, but at the end of the day the engine will become a constant problem and need replacement. The fact that you put 8-10qts of oil in the engine in the last year tells me you have significant internal issues, and will burn a lot of oil running. German cars are a lot more precise then Asian/American cars and as a result require more attention with maintenance. Used engines usually come with 1-2yrs warranty from salvage yards so you are reasonably safe, if you are paranoid, get the vin of the car and have the dealer look it up for maintenance, most people bring a Benz to the dealer to maintain and a dealer can see that record.
On the leak by test I lost 4% on cylinders 1 ,2 3 and 6% on cylinder 4. Personally I think since the car was running normally when I started working on it, then it should run just fine after all the work. All I can say right now lets see how it turns out.
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Joined: Jun 2016
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Mercedes w204 4matic sport
Your determination to try and save the engine is admirable. At the end of the day even though I’m not very active here I want to help people, share knowledge and learn myself. People think engines are a lot more simple then they are, it’s a misleading subject. People understand they should change their oil but they really don’t know why, I have a very technical knowledge about cars though so I’m very strict with myself on maintenance. I do wish u the best though.
I understand what you are saying and that you definitely know a lot more about engines than I do. I have bought new head bolts , timing chain, chain tensioner and all gaskets and seals needed for this job. If as you say when all is said and done - the engine becomes a constant source of issues and problems then I will decide then what to do with it then.
On the leak by test I lost 4% on cylinders 1 ,2 3 and 6% on cylinder 4. Personally I think since the car was running normally when I started working on it, then it should run just fine after all the work. All I can say right now lets see how it turns out.
On the leak by test I lost 4% on cylinders 1 ,2 3 and 6% on cylinder 4. Personally I think since the car was running normally when I started working on it, then it should run just fine after all the work. All I can say right now lets see how it turns out.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 121
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From: Upstate NY
2013 C250 SPORT, 2014 WRX STI SEDAN, 2017 E300 4MATIC
Your determination to try and save the engine is admirable. At the end of the day even though I’m not very active here I want to help people, share knowledge and learn myself. People think engines are a lot more simple then they are, it’s a misleading subject. People understand they should change their oil but they really don’t know why, I have a very technical knowledge about cars though so I’m very strict with myself on maintenance. I do wish u the best though.
If i had consulted before starting the job I probably would not have attempted to do it but now since I have already done the tear down, absent of anything I can see that definitely says it wont work I have to do the rebuild and see what happens. I have also already bought the parts,hardware and Tools that I probably will never use again - there is no way I am stopping now.
I will keep this thread updated on the progress.
I just did a preliminary clean up on the block, cylinder walls and piston heads. Doesn't look that bad. I will tackle the head tomorrow and then take it to a machine shop to check whether it is warped again.
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2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2013 C204 C250 Coupe
Such an interesting thread and for all the wrong reasons! Admitting you don’t maintain your car and sharing this is admirable, and that the engine lasted that long without failure is incredible. Other threads I have read indicate that the M271 is the “worst” engine to have in the W204. I’ll be driving with confidence now! Good on you for having a go at fixing it - I wouldn’t know where to start and would become one of those unfinished projects. I look forward to reading your future posts and good luck with the final result.
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Joined: Apr 2015
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LS400
This is a funny one, and great entertainment. And why I like car and truck forums. I have seen worse condition. The thing that gets me is there is no time to do oil changes, yet lots of time to attempt an over haul?
You are not going to rebuild the engine, that is a misnomer term that all the non knowing use. To do a rebuild you do alot of machine work to accomplish it. Even in the aircraft world they never use the term rebuild because it is the wrong term for just simple parts replacement. So I'd like a simple question answered, how come lots of $ and time to accomplish this procedure, and not change the oil and filter?
You are not going to rebuild the engine, that is a misnomer term that all the non knowing use. To do a rebuild you do alot of machine work to accomplish it. Even in the aircraft world they never use the term rebuild because it is the wrong term for just simple parts replacement. So I'd like a simple question answered, how come lots of $ and time to accomplish this procedure, and not change the oil and filter?
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 283
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From: Toronto, ON
2012 C300 Sport 4MATIC (current) 2006 C280 Elegance 4MATIC (sold)
The sludge buildup is one thing but all the wear and tear that motor and it's components must have seen in that time period must be insane. No time to do a 40 minute oil change but tons of time to do a partial tear down? Even when this motor runs again it's life will be significantly diminished but it's your car, time and money so you do what you like. At the least if anybody says these motors are terrible you can show them this threat to show how durable it is despite the neglect.
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From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
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From: Canada
A car
As a car guy this really pisses me off. The OP should be shamed into oblivion.
Hell, from an environmental standpoint this is absolutely ridiculous too.
How do I downvote this thread?!
Hell, from an environmental standpoint this is absolutely ridiculous too.
How do I downvote this thread?!
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
I lose sleep at night when I know I'll need to go over 5,000 km before I can get to my mechanic to do an oil and filter change.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Upstate NY
2013 C250 SPORT, 2014 WRX STI SEDAN, 2017 E300 4MATIC
With all due respect to the OP, but since you did this willingly via procrastination and are posting about it, I really feel the same way like watching a child abuser. This is just soooo horrible and neglecting to look at. Of course you are free to do whatever you want, but come on. For a 30-min oil change, you are willing to do all this repair now? I mean if you were doing it for the sake of science, I'd salute you, but out of neglect? Come on!
I lose sleep at night when I know I'll need to go over 5,000 km before I can get to my mechanic to do an oil and filter change.
I lose sleep at night when I know I'll need to go over 5,000 km before I can get to my mechanic to do an oil and filter change.
Come on people stop comparing a car to a child and if you really think that neglecting a car is like neglecting a child then perhaps you need to see a shrink. A car is an inanimate object designed to help one get from point A to point B period. To think of a car as a child is just quixotic.
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: California
Mercedes C250 Coupe
This thread has been truly interesting. (I have an M271 1.8).
The candor and repair willingness shown by the OP has merit (MHO).
I would reenforce his indication to keep us in the loop. (Plus am looking for a positive report on cylinder head, bearings et al ad nauseam).
I hold the car - child analogy flawed.
all the best az.................
ez
The candor and repair willingness shown by the OP has merit (MHO).
I would reenforce his indication to keep us in the loop. (Plus am looking for a positive report on cylinder head, bearings et al ad nauseam).
I hold the car - child analogy flawed.
all the best az.................
ez
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
Have been watching for your car as it IS rather distinctive, but so far, haven't seen anything close to it. Mine is a bit harder as it is stock and black, although it does have the stock double 5 spoke 18" AMG wheels, which are not super common, but hardly rare..
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
Come on people stop comparing a car to a child and if you really think that neglecting a car is like neglecting a child then perhaps you need to see a shrink. A car is an inanimate object designed to help one get from point A to point B period. To think of a car as a child is just quixotic.
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: SoCal
2013 C250
Oh dear, looks like a replacement engine is in your future! I think the handbook says to change oil every 10k or annually whichever comes first. So far my 2013 C250 has done a little over 19k miles and I changed oil annually. Good luck and let us know how it all worked for you.
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From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
i figured as much. Cudahy gets a bad rap. I like it down there.
Have been watching for your car as it IS rather distinctive, but so far, haven't seen anything close to it. Mine is a bit harder as it is stock and black, although it does have the stock double 5 spoke 18" AMG wheels, which are not super common, but hardly rare..
Have been watching for your car as it IS rather distinctive, but so far, haven't seen anything close to it. Mine is a bit harder as it is stock and black, although it does have the stock double 5 spoke 18" AMG wheels, which are not super common, but hardly rare..
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Joined: Jan 2018
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From: Edmonton Area
2007 CLK550 Coupe, 2003 CL600, 2012
This is like a slow motion train wreck. Love it!
This is also something you would do with a Pinto, or Vega
Or some other POS. Even if a miracle happens and the
thing runs again, you have angered the MB gods. Don't be
surprised when you're all alone on some back road
and you jump out to take a leak and the doors mysteriously
lock with the engine running. Just sayin.
This is also something you would do with a Pinto, or Vega
Or some other POS. Even if a miracle happens and the
thing runs again, you have angered the MB gods. Don't be
surprised when you're all alone on some back road
and you jump out to take a leak and the doors mysteriously
lock with the engine running. Just sayin.
Last edited by Kelvin Bellrose; Mar 26, 2019 at 08:54 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Silicon Valley, California
Factory ordered 2012 MB C350 w/Dynamic Handling Package
I'm rooting for you OP. Your car, your cash, your time...although you could of also avoided all the hate by simply saying you are doing this for science...but hey, even more kudos for honestly. Keep us up to date, I'll have my popcorn ready.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 428
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From: Auburn, GA
C250 2013
I thought it was a joke first but it ain't no joke. What was op hoping to get out of this by not changing oil for so long is beyond any sane human being but hey whatever flips your switch!!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 121
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From: Upstate NY
2013 C250 SPORT, 2014 WRX STI SEDAN, 2017 E300 4MATIC
Head is off to the machine shop to check flatness(warping), replace valve stem seals, reface valve stems, cleaning, vacuum check and pressure check.
Last edited by azblk; Mar 30, 2019 at 07:51 PM.
