'03 C230 kompressor - reliable daily driver?
 

Hi. I'm looking at buying an '03 c230 kompressor, 40K miles, low kbb, automatic from a relative. I'm looking for a reliable daily driver. I was hoping I could get some feedback here on this forum. Pro's/Con's? Any issues I should know about? Thanks for the help!!

Go for it.
Had mine for 3 years now ( 50 k miles ) and no problems.
P.S. It is a 2000, but that shouldn't change anything. ;)

mtnman82, I would have the dealer check the engine control module programming to make sure the latest SW has been flashed in.
The 1.8l c230 m271 engines have been a touch problematic with misfires caused by carbon. There are updated valves, guides, and springs and this is a pretty common issue with this motor.
Otherwise, they are a great little car.
Dr.D

Dr. Diesel - when you say 'there are updated valves, guides, and springs', is this something I should have the dealer replace along with flashing new S/W (if required)? Or are these something that came with the '03 model year engine? Thanks for your input!! And thanks to manny too!

Have had mine for 3 years and 43000 miles and no engine related problems or mis-fires. Mine is a 2003. Only issue right now is my CD player no longer wanting to work but hey it is still under warranty. Now I ran mine hard through the break in period so maybe that is why my engine has no issues... Also only 1/2 quart of oil consumption every 10,000 miles so that is damn good.....

My wife uses it as a DD on non snowy days and I use it on snowy. She used to drive 60 miles a day round trip for her old job and that was for almost all of its life. Never had a driveability issue....

The updated parts need to be installed if the car idles or runs poorly and misfires.
These are usually cars with very little miles on them and they carbon up.
If your car runs good and has no Check Engine lamps, Just keep driving.
I would get the ECU updated if possible however.
Dr.D

Yeah they flashed mine on my last Service Visit. I had no problems before though maybe because we do not drive it like a granny!!! lol

Thank you gentlemen. I am feeling more assured about this. The car's original miles were put on up in the SF Bay area - I'm sure they commuted at least 30-40 miles each day, and I know my brother in law got on me for babying it when I drove it the first time (not that he's a thrasher or anything), so I'm guessing it was broken in 'properly'. I can hardly wait now .....

Did you buy it? Also, what is the MPG of this vehicle. Is the acceleration ok?

I'll throw in my 2 cents too. Manny is the man when it comes to technical comments about the C230K. I'm just a plebian, but I really have enjoyed my 2000 C230K as well. It's been a great little car, and other than a little fuel pump relay problem when I first bought it, it's been a great car - very dependable.

This car has PLENTY of get-up and go. I drive a lot of country roads here in Wisconsin, and this car has some real power when you floor it to pass someone.

Fuel efficiency is another strong point. I average 28-30MPG, but I have gotten as high as 33.5 on an all-highway tank. Not too shabby in my opinion.

You might read some posts on here about the kompressor engines not being as reliable as a non-aspirated engine. I've been told by several mechanics that as long as you keep up on the oil changes, these engines are just as reliable as the non-aspirated ones. Maybe manny can throw in an additional comment or 2 on this ...

It's roomy enough, has ample trunk space, and is very fuel efficient. A great car IMO. Hope this is helpful!

Take care and good luck,
Michael