I also have a 2003 c230 kompressor and it is at the dealer now. I live in Hawaii. Just received a call stating to me that after checking why my engine light came on, it shows that I have to replace parts in the head cylinder because of leakage and low compression.

This sucks, there must be a defect or something. Im sadden with the Mercedes name.

Vytamenc, I see from your old posts you have replaced many C230 cylinder heads. My '04 C230 with 85K just became afflicted with the cylinder head misfire. The dealer wants 7K to repair. A independent mercedes mechanic that I use regularly for scheduled service gave me a prior quote for $3500 and also told me we could see about have the cylinder head repaired at the machine shop. Any experience with repair jobs? I am interested in finding out the pros and cons of options 2 & 3 above (obviously the dealers absurd figure is not an option and the are not willing to foot the repair cost even though this is a known defect with these engines).
ANY and all information / advice you could give me would be much appreciated!!