Model year 2005. In a couple of months can either buy it or retire the lease and give back. Have heard there may be serious engine problems when mileage on this engine gets in the higher numbers. Anyone have knowledge or experience of an inherent engine problem? thanks

The earlier versions had "valve burning" issues. Not on that late of car though.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Thank you for response. I love the car and want to keep it but had heard possibility of problem from an independent mechanic.

I have the same concerns, tho I already own one. Not sure where you're located but I still see a lot of older 230 K models on the road, which I think is a good sign.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

Seems like whenever I see one of those on the street, they always sound really bad, like they have a huge exhaust leak or something. :\

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

The Star recognized the w202 as a lasting car. I think though they were more talking about the C180 though.

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

I have a 1999 C230k which I purchased new in 1998 when the kompressor engine was new in that model. It now has 145,000 miles on it has been a very reliable car, except for the supercharger seizing at 100,000 miles. For the first 80,000 miles it used conventional oil and went about 10,000 - 12,000 miles between changes before it was switched over to Mobil 1. The engine has a distinctive noise at slow speeds but is quiet otherwise. It has a lot of power (more than the C280 in my opinion). A very solid, reliable car.

What'd it cost to unseize or replace the turbo?

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

The part was $1,800 and the labor about $200.

Curious, which years had this issue as it's the first I've ever heard of it. I find it strange that an intercoolered SC would generate enough heat to burn the valves???