Intro and Q's about '97 C230 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Benzadmiral · #1 07-30-2004, 09:29 AM

Howdy, forum members,

I've been lurking for a while, learning great things about the outgoing car, the '86 420SEL I bought in 1999. Unfortunately it's been sideswiped in an accident, and the insurance co. has decided to total the car (see my thread in Open Discussion if you're interested).

I've made a deal to buy a gold/cream '97 C230, 58K miles. Even without the Kompressor, it drives quickly, with a little help from the 5-speed autobox; the A/C blows cold; no overheating. The Carfax and Mercedes warranty work records indicate that the car is no lemon and has been serviced regularly, including brake fluid flushes. The PPI from my regular mechanic indicated that it needs:

1) Rear axle seals -- leaking

2) Rear brake pads and possibly rotors

3) Right rear tire down to its wear indicators

4) Front shocks starting to leak and steering stabilizer (damper?) needs replacement

I'll buy the tire this weekend, and have him take care of Items 1 and 2 this month. Now I can't do a lot of DIY, as I have no garage or driveway, and no real place to store a lot of tools and equipment. I change oil and a few other things. Searches have told me how to replace the cabin filter, but no specifics on the air filter. Is it inside that intake tube at the left front of the engine compartment (left as you stand looking toward the rear of the car)? If so, how does it unfasten?

TIA, and looking forward to finding out as much about this car as I did about the incumbent!

-- Paul W. (the Benzadmiral)

Michael K · #2 07-30-2004, 11:29 AM

They're great little cars. I think of mine as the World's most luxurious super economy car -- mileage for city/suburb in the high twenties and for highway in the high thirties. Adequately smooth, great transmission, very comfortable, great long distance car, phenomenal breaks.

The air filter "house" is circled in the picture below. Five or so little "snaps" that you loosen by hand (little circles). Easy to do. Once the old filter is out, vacuum out every last spec of dust. Be, by careful not to break anything.

#3 07-30-2004, 12:53 PM

Hi,
I have that identical engine on my 1996 E230. It is funny since My 230 engine has that identical yellowish clear paint? on the cylinder head that extends to the plastic part with the benz star.
I thought it was done by the first owner of my car but I realize that this is stock? factory made?
I also see that there is no plastic cover for the throttle cables with an exposed throttle body. Without it, I assume that this will cause it to have a lot of dust on the cables and thus weaken the lubrication of those parts.

Thanks

Ethan · #4 07-30-2004, 10:30 PM

that yellow stuff ( I think since I need to see it in person ) may be cosmoline a protectant applied for shipping from the factory.

Should be removed by the dealer before sale

Benzadmiral · #5 07-30-2004, 11:18 PM

Hey, Michael,

Just what I was hoping for -- a clear picture. Something tells me I'm going to have to get a digital camera and a host for pics myself. . . . Loved your description of the C230 as "the world's most luxurious super economy car".

EDL100 mentioned the plastic cover with the star on it. Mine has a gash in it -- literally; it looks like somebody drove a hole in it with a hot soldering iron. It's a dust/moisture cover? Is this part expensive to replace?

I just got back from driving the little gold beast to the grocery and out to dinner. The A/C is amazing, especially compared to the W126's (which was cold, but I live in SE Louisiana; there's a lot of heat and humidity to contend with). Quieter, too. And the backlit instrument panel, and that solid Mercedes "chunk" of the doors -- and they even thought to put a red light on that remote trunk open button, so that if you open the trunk at night, you'll know. I've realized all over again why we fuss with these cars.

Thanks again!