Hi, there. Can someone give me information on cylinder head problems with the C230? I just spent $7,000 on a replacement after the check engine light came on. Dealer did replacement. Did I just get totally hosed? Is this a common problem? I read posting for another member who had the same problem with a 2003 C230.

Please feel free to email me directly at lspencer123@aol.com. Thank you!!

 

you spend $7,000 on cylinder head because of a check engine light?

it doesn't make sense to me.

 

MERCEDES HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE 271 CYLINDER HEADS. THE FIRST FIX WAS REPLACING THE EXHAUST VALVES SPRINGS. IT THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE MISFIRE OR IT CAME BACK LATER DOWN THE ROAD THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS TO BE REPLACED.

 

You must have a 2003, sorry to hear that, it's riddled with problems, the cylinder head is one, but $7K is a little high, the head at list price is about $2K and figure 10-12 hours labor, so half the $7K is probably what book price is for the job. The problem is that the valves get huge amounts of carbon deposits and causes the misfires. In theory you can do a valve job but it will re-occur.

The car also probably has a Valeo radiator, another catastrophe waiting to happen, if that crack internally, you could be out another $3,500 for a tranny (or $7K at your dealer).