Hi,

I own a 1999 Mercedes Benz C280 (w202), about 102,000 miles. My mechanic tells me these C-class models all have a big problem around this mileage... something about air flow holes in the engine becoming clogged. Apparently it's not a matter of "IF" but "WHEN" this will occur, and when it does it's an extremely labor intensive fix. The engine has to be taken apart and the cost can be up around $3,000.

I don't know much about this kind of thing, and I'm hoping someone here can comment on this information. I love my car, but am a little terrified of this big fix looming.

Another member suggested that if I care for the car properly, using the right parts ad fluids, there's nothing to worry about. Problem is, just bought the care 2 yrs ago, and don't have knowledge of it's history...

Can anyone help me concerning the accuracy of this information?

Thanks!

rS

 

This is true. The secondary air intake ports in the cylinder head get clogged with carbon. When the job is done properly, which it sounds like your mechanic is doing, it is not cheap at all.

 

Wow... thank you for the information.

rS