Ive been reading and it appears that anything after 2004 is good.

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Thanks, Juan

Hmm, I have the exact opposite understanding. The earlier C230K with the 2.3 liter engine (M111?) is OK, the later C230K with the 1.8 is not. I think it is the M271 that is problematic.

The V6 cars from 2001 - 2005 use two variants of the M112 engine. I think the M112 is about the most reliable engine MB ever built. The only downside is that fuel economy is a bit underwhelming, especially with the smaller 2.6 liter six.

I like the w203 cars, they are tidy, nicely sized, and drive very well. The only common problem to be aware of is the air door in the climate control. Make certain you can direct the airflow to the windshield, dash vents, and floor, and there are no ominous noises associated with the change over. The multi-function display in the dash fades out in hot weather, but whether this is a problem or a feature I haven't yet decided...

Thanks, I wish we had the info required to make an educated decision.
I am looking at a 2004 c230 4 door that the owner claims it has the kompressor 2.3.

Which one is the best motor to get with this car?
Which years are the ones to stay away from?
V6 are good motors? 3.2 or? What kind of mileage.
I would like to get my daughter a car that doesn't come back to me for repairs on a weekly basis like the 2001 bmw 330i. POS.

Thanks.

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Thanks, Juan

A 2004 has the 1.8L M271 engine. I would guess the seller assumes it is 2.3L because the car says "230" on its back side. Try googling "Mercedes m271 problems" and do some reading over at mbworld -they have a dedicated w203 forum. There seem to be quite a few timing chain failures around 100K miles.

The v6 engines deliver perhaps 20 city and 27 highway. Both the 2.6L and 3.2L give about the same fuel economy. The 2.6 is a short stroke variant of the larger engine, and I think that hurt its efficiency. Any v6 from 2001-2005 should be OK. After that the cars received the m272, which is the engine that had the balance shaft problems.

If you want trouble free, I would go for an early V6. The C240 has the smaller engine. It is a nice enough car, but also simple - manual seats, manual tilt and telescope on the steering wheel, mbtex upholstery.

I wonder if the seller knows it. I also think it's a 1
8 i will stay away from the 1.8. Too small for that car my opinion.
I would like to get the w203 with a dependable engine. I will look for a c240thanks

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Thanks, Juan