Hi,

I need advice to help with an upcoming C-Class Purchase. Considering 2004 C230 Kompressor Sedan or 2003 C240. I've read that the Kompressor was introduced as a more economical MB but it is also more sporty with power.I'd think that sporty/power upgrades would translate into a higher selling price, so can you tell me where the C230 Kompressor might skimp on quality, durability or reliability?

Thank you!

CARCAR

 

you bettr of with a C240 due to its more relaiable engine than the 230,230 is noisy engine yet 240 wont be heard,230 has got some issuse with the super charge problems its the new 230 engine code 271 not nice,when they gett old its trouble and a rattle box.yes 240 any day mate 112 beauty engine.........

 

I recommend the c230 with the 271 I-4 engine over the c240 with the 112 v6 motor. I must recommend a 2005 model over the previous version, 2005 will have the updated console/radio/cluster. The 230 will be a much peppier car to drive and is always a sport package which has upgraded brakes and body kit. The earlier 271 motors had problems with misfire codes due to problems with the valves seating. There was a valve spring upgrade with engine flash update which remidied the majority of these issues. Typically, these faults can be avoided using quality gasoline and driving the engine harder, not lugging in down with low rpm's to reduce carbon buildup. Another issue is the infamous code for adaptation p0170/p0173 which is typically caused by a pcv hose (breaks/crumbles allowing vacuum leak) located under the air cleaner assembly which would contaminate with oil due to overfilling of oil level during services (common). Aside from those issues and the noise, the motor is sound. The c240 is a good car but very sluggish and underpowered. As with most 112 engines, you will have a faulty air mass sensor between 40-70k miles, failurre occuring very often after replacing air filters too. The v6 is also prone to failures in catalysts which sounds like rocks in the exhaust rattling. Luckilly there is a 8yr/80k warr on emissions. Both have common failure of front thrust arm/brake strut rods and bushings, sway bar bushings and end links, and very common leak from transmission electrical connector. One thing to mention that I have only seen on the v6 motors was an occasional failure of the radiator, allowing coolant to leak into the trans cooler lines and contaminate the transmission with glycol. You will likely have to replace the radiator, transmission, torque converter ($5-6k job). I am just telling you everything that I can think of that I commonly see. I can tell you that as an MB tech that myself and every one of my peers prefers the c230 kompressor to the c240 any day!

 

Thanks to both MBTECHINFO and NAZ for the advice.

MBTECHINFO: Two problems that I have experienced with my '01 E320 are catalytic converter replacements and afaulty air mass sensor. The air mass sensor went out sometime between 60-70K miles as you mentioned. I've had two catalytic converters replaced...the passenger side at about 55,000 miles (under warranty) and the driver's side at about 83,000 miles...just missed getting it done underthe warranty.

 

I have a 2003 C240 that i purchased in March i would not buy this car again. My mother had a C230 K and it def out drove the 240. Also when i took the 240 in for one of the many problems i have had with it the service rep told me the 230s and the 320s are much more reliable cars. just trying to help out.

CAF

 

C40 and c230 engine which one is the best, cheapest and easy to maintain, I want to buy benz and I am in the middle of not knowing the one go for, please I seriously need your advice. Thank you