Hi Folks,

I'm considering buying a 99 C230 Kompressor and I'd like to know if there is a buyer's guide the covers it. Also, if any of you have any advice regarding this model it would be much appreciated.

It looks to be well cared for, very little wear. It has 97,000 miles on and they are asking $9,900.

The idle is rough, the owner says its the Mass Air Flow sensor and he will have it replaced.

The engine compartment looks like it was detail within the last 6 months.

I noticed that the PCV hose has some fresh oil residue weeping back from the fitting at the valve cover about 1 inch. This could mean excessive blow by. Is this a problem with these cars.

Other than that the car is immaculate inside and out and drives nicely.

Accelerates nicely from 0-60mph and from 60-80mph.

Brakes feel solid.

What do you think?

TIA,
Rick

 

I find helpful information from Edmunds.com. It has J.D. Powers reports plus consumer testimonies. Try this link: Edmunds

I recently purchased a '99 C280. This is essentially, a six cyclinder version of the the car you are considering. Personally, I wanted to stay away from supercharged engines ; in general they put more wear and tear on an engine. However, I've heard only good things about MB's supercharge design. In otherwords, the engines seem to hold.
If you check Consumer Reports, they indicate the weak points in the '99 C-Class are the Electrical, A/C, Brakes, and Fuel consumption.
Most remarkable problem has been the Electrical.
I would ask the seller for repair and service documentation. You need to know if the car has been well maintained to avoid problems down the road-although at 97K you are definatly out of the starting gate.
Good Luck. The price seems good.
BTW, I love my C280 with sport suspension.