Mercedes c230 Reviews
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About Mercedes c230
The Mercedes C-class is a line of luxury coupes. Read more Mercedes-Benz reviews to learn about other models.
Mercedes c230 Reviews
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Reviewed June 28, 2015
I recently purchased my Mercedes Benz C230 Sport and I have to say I love the car. It's equipped with 18' rims, HID fog lights, has a 2.5 24-valve engine, dual air filters, seven speed transmission, two drive modes, sport/casual. I have to say I love this car. Compared to other cars I had it's by far the best however I purchased an extended warranty which helped out. I had to send the car to Mercedes, well I sent it there twice. Nevertheless as soon as I'm finished fixing what's broken I'm going to have a nice vehicle.
Reviewed June 13, 2015
Since I bought the c230 2005 sport sedan back in 2007 I never had big problems with this car. Just flat tires like 3 times. The 2.3 supercharged engine rocks the whole car. It's the best car I have ever driven so far (had a BMW). I strongly recommend this car and it's really reliable.
Reviewed June 6, 2015
A week ago my Mercedes c230 started sending a massage saying that the coolant water level is low. Which means that I have to put water every time I read this massage. But that's happening every two days, so I guess that's not normal. Any help?
Reviewed April 26, 2015
C230 inside door pull handles. I know this is another defect, but why do I have to replace both of my interior door pull handles on my car? They have pulled off with less than 40,000 miles on the car. Has Mercedes phoned it in?
Reviewed April 20, 2015
Bought 05 C230 Sedan new September 28, 2005. Had flat tires two times, maintenance fix three times, otherwise, am pretty satisfied with the choice. Would like to share some tips: Do not wait until the A or B service light, change oil every 6-8k miles. Use Michelin Primacy or Continental ProContact All Season tires - run excellent even during New England snow season. Purchase those unlimited alignment package from local tire warehouse, have tires re-aligned after every bumpy road trip. Do not wait until it breaks, change the driving belt and tighten it. The belt is probably the cheapest part under the hood for this model.
Do not wait until battery dies, following the maintenance booklet to replace battery at the said timer. The same as the brake pads and other parts. Before making a long distance trip, try to warm up the car for five minutes; especially for older model MBs. Actually, the said procedures are applicable to other cars too. Perhaps that's why I have no complaints on any cars I've owned... (Knock on the wood...)
Reviewed April 17, 2015
I just had to drop of my 1999 C230 Kompressor for blown spark plugs for the SECOND time in 2 years. Otherwise, the car has been amazingly reliable... more reliable than any other brand of car I have owned, and that long list includes Toyota, BMW (I had 3), VW, Audi and Volvo (the WORST). Regular maintenance and the W202 C230 is a car that will easily crack 250,000 miles. However, the blown spark plug issue has been recurring.
It may be that the original repair was done improperly and they were too tight or too lose, but each time I have had to get the entire harness replaced. I just paid 760 to do it again. I am sure the Kompressor engine is not as terrible as the Ford Triton engine for this, however the symptoms DO seem to happen to a lot of people with the C230, SLK and even the CLs with the Kompressor: Gas smell, rough running leading to a blown plug and a misfiring cylinder. My advice is to get the plugs changed yearly, or at the very least, examined for thread wear to prevent this. Otherwise, great car! Peppy, solid, efficient and reliable.
Reviewed April 7, 2015
My C230 Mercedes Kompressor locked and shutdown - I cannot get into my trunk. I can open the doors but the key will not turn. I have nowhere to turn.
Reviewed Jan. 31, 2015
Original owner of 2004 C230k sedan 75,000 mi. Never once had a show stopping problem, all minor issues and I drive her very hard. Check YouTube to save money on routine maintenance. I've found videos on fixing the pattern issues like broken inside door handles, coolant temp sensor, summer convenience feature to roll down windows from outside, wiper/combo switch failure and regular maintenance like bleeding brakes, changing transmission fluid, fuel filter etc. These cars come loaded... and everything on mine works with the help of those videos. Tires wear quickly (every 10-12k mi) but I've finally settled on sticky BF Goodrich rubber for around $120 ea. My compressor still gets Awesome gas mileage. The display shows it to you. On 50 mi+ highway trips I get 32-34 mpg. I clean the sunroof track and change the oil and keep up with the pattern issues.
Not sure why or how others are having such bizarre and big issues with the C230k because mine has always been dependable. The only minor annoyance I've never been able to resolve is it pulls right all the time and it's not the tires. I just can't take my hands off the wheel, ever. It's not causing weird tire way either. I've had the alignment checked several times at different places and everyone says the alignment is set properly. I don't believe them. One day I'll find a truly passionate alignment expert who knows how to tweak it and permanently fix it.
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2015
I am writing to see if there has been any recalls on Fuel problems with Mercedes C- Class. I recently say on either 20-20 or Night line of people complaining regarding this problem. I am addressing this issue to you first. When I originally purchased the vehicle, I noticed the smell a little after filling it up, but, thought it was due to the type of gasoline I was using. SHELL/FINA and just ignored it. Took it to the dealership and was told not to top it off, changed my gas cap. It worked for a while. However, this past year the scent has gotten stronger. I need advice?
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2015
Best car I ever owned! Services every 15000 km, castrol edge oil and genuine part filters! Runs daily 180kmh + and it reaches 245kmh. I replace brakes and tyres every now and then, and if I have to convert the Rand to $ it cost me less than a $100!!
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2014
I purchased my 2007 C230 Sport Sedan BRAND new at the MBZ dealership in San Jose, CA for $33k. It had 13 miles on it and tt was my very first baby... Miles were primarily highway since I commute to school and work 6 days a week. The car was fine; I kept up with the maintenance. When my car was only a year old the MBZ rep convinced me to get $800 worth of PRECAUTIONARY work done, I was young and naive and did it. Since then I have always kept up with maintenance! Everything was fine until, at 60k I had to replace sensors, okay not bad right? On to present day at 100k miles, I drove to work one day (just 10 mins in), my car started to violently shake and the "check engine" light kept flashing. I was terrified!
I drove home immediately and the following morning I took it to my trustworthy mechanic. Diagnostic was done; the mechanic manually checked the spark plugs, etc. Turns out it wasn't a small problem. It was a very rare problem in fact... I needed a new computer! And manifold repairs! That’s $4K+ worth of work! On top of that my car is no longer operable. I cannot start it. My mechanic advised against trying to start the engine or attempt to drive it (which I can't anyway!). He said something about the fuel being lodged and it will start a fire. I am absolutely TERRIBLY UPSET! I had to call AAA to tow it back to my home. I recently emailed a MBZ rep. No one contacted me back so I utilized their chat feature. The rep simply stated, "There are no recalls" and DID not care to address my questions and concerns. WOW! I am appalled! I expected more out of this prestige high-end car brand! I am better off with a TOYOTA! (F.Y.I. my brother's 1998 4 runner has 250k miles and runs like a charm)! I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER MERCEDES!!!
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2014
The story of my 07/ c230 Sport - That car is a great car. The only problem I ever had was the front lower arm bushings and the stabilizer linkage, replaced. Great performance. Next time I'm going for the AMG.
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2014
I was just poking around trying to find a good price on brakes. My dealer here in Beverly Hills quoted me 1200 for front and rear....YIKES! Anyway, I'm surprised by the complaints and just wanted to offer my experience. I bought my 2007 C230 Sport preowned with 15k miles. I had 2 problems outside wear and tear. Both were under warranty. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car for the last 5 years and 75,000. I take it in to my dealer for all services and always get white glove treatment. In fact, I actually look forward to taking it in because the service is that good. Don't get me wrong, it's not cheap to own a Mercedes but all in all, I have to say this has been the best automobile experience I've ever had. Thanks Mercedes. Great Job.
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2014
I purchased a 2003 Kompressor for my daughter. It has been nothing but trouble. Every piece of plastic/part is brittle and crumbles. The interior door handles fell off, literally. The trouble light stays on for the tail lights/brake lights/turn signals. The jack and lug wrench are THE cheapest pieces of crap I have ever seen. The only time I had to use the jack, it collapsed because it was made so cheaply.
Then there is the engine, oil in the coolant tank. Uses a quart of oil every 500 miles and about the same on coolant. The water manifold was made of plastic and broke. You could crumble it with your hand. Now the engine runs so poorly we had to park it, so I started looking at the MB forums and find out there has been a problem with the heads on these engines and MB never made good on the problem other than charging thousands to replace with a better design. It also sounds like the supercharger is out.
The front end is shot. Hit a bump and it sounds like the front end is falling out. The air conditioner doesn't work. The sun screen in the back doesn't work. The automatic climate control doesn't work. I had to replace the blower motor because it went out. The plastic covers on the seat controls broke off because the plastic is so cheap. The dash is cracked, you can't keep batteries in the door lock thob, they are always going dead. The seats are uncomfortable and it is almost impossible to get in and out of the car. The inner fender fell off going down the highway, which in turn pulled another cheap piece of plastic off, pulling all the wiring loose from the fog lamp on that side.
Ever try to get the spare out? not wasting my time explaining that joke of a system. My take on Mercedes Benz, they are THE worst car on the road and I would not purchase another for any reason. If you like having a car that requires $500 oil changes and repeated shop repairs just to keep it running then the Mercedes is your car. If not, then run as fast as you can if anyone ever tries to sell you one.
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2014
I just finished reading all of the complaints and here's a very different story for you. I purchased my 1999 C230 Kompressor Sport in September of 1999. I have loved that car and it was in perfect condition until I was rear ended in July and the insurance would not fix it because of age. The guy that hit me was on the 805 freeway going north in San Diego. Of course, I was quite a ways in front of him, but as happens on a late Sunday afternoon at the "the merge", all traffic was stopped. He was busy doing something else (!) and did not see the sea of red tail lights and rammed into the back of my car. I wanted to strangle the guy--I could have driven that car for another 50-100,000 miles. The car was clean and in nearly perfect condition. The leather seats still looked new. I have never had a problem with this car. At one time I had to replace a fuse in the air conditioner--or maybe it was a switch. Not very expensive. I've always done regular maintenance.
In the last 10 years, the Mercedes dealership would not work on my car because (they do not work on cars that old!), so I found a reputable mechanic. I was extremely happy with that car. In fact, so happy that I went directly to the dealer and purchased a one year old dealer owned 2013 C250 to replace it. Now I am in love with that car. And I saved 10,000 dollars over a new car price for C250. My C230 was purchased new. I will do the same in the future and purchase a dealer owned car (used for loaner). My car had only 9000 miles on it and was in new shape. As a side note - I was not injured in that crash-no whiplash or anything. Another reason to get another Mercedes because of the safety record. The other guy's car was trashed. My car was pushed in a little at the back left side, but the trunk still opened and closed!
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2014
I purchased a 2002 c230 Mercedes Compressor last year. I wish I would have read the reviews before I purchased it. This car has been a living hell and have been costing me so much money. A few month after buying it I had to get the shift connector replaced. It cost me $800.00. Plus to get the diagnostic test it cost me almost $300.00. After that I have had several diagnostic for several problems, and I only got my vehicle serviced at Mercedes. Now I had to get a new radiator and get my trans service because my car was making a whining noise. The noised disappeared but a month later the noise is back - the same problems have occurred. The mechanic said I need a new transmission!! I give up 2100.00 on nothing. This is the worst car experience ever!!! Not only that the tires was bad I spent 500 on new tires. This car need a trans recall and fast. Mercedes created a lemon.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2014
On a positive note, this car was made for the Autobahn. Contrary to what people are saying, the C230 is a sports car. It has a heavy solid chassis like all Mercedes and gives a solid ride at 60 - 120 mph for long stretches. These cars were made to drive fast and far. It purrs at high speeds and the 4 cylinder Kompressor engine is designed to give it maximum hp paralleling any 6 cylinder engine. It's torque handles really well although not as well as an S class Sportster or Porsche - but great ride for the money. On a negative note the magnetic key, computer, and electronics system are it's poorest features. The car will lock-up and the on board computer is so sensitive it will absolutely shut the car down.
These cars were only designed for maybe 130,000 miles max. The ignition system is terrible; I have literally yanked the key out affecting the entire electrical system. These cars need high end alternators (with warranties) and I would only trust a German car specialist to service - they also have to be calibrated correctly at each A and B service or the car wigs out. Sensitive engines lead standard mechanics to hate this car. But even at the C class level a Mercedes is a "high maintenance car" and costs $$$. I think the older models of 30-40 years ago were built better, lasted longer, and required less maintenance. This car was designed to entice younger drivers who could not afford the higher end models. But don't toss off Mercedes Benz. They have come out with some really great cars and are on the cutting edge of automotive engineering - this car happens to be their clunker.
Reviewed July 22, 2014
I purchased my 2005 C230K with a little under 90K on it. The car drove excellent for the first 10 months and then the timing chain came off the gear and now I am paying my mechanic over 5K to rebuild the head. One of the reason I purchased this car was because it has a timing chain instead of a belt and was sick of laying out 500 bucks every 5 years for a new belt. My father owns a 1980 280SE and it runs and drives flawlessly with over 350K miles on it. MB has gone downhill since the 80s and they do not stick by their cars anymore. I will sell this car the second it has been repaired and return to the world of Lexus once more.
Reviewed July 8, 2014
I want to participate in a class action suit. It is more than evident that MB is negligent in taking accountability for their defective issues with the c230. I own a 2007 and like others the check engine light has come on repeatedly, having me running back and forward to the dealer I purchased it from. Luckily, I purchased the service contract and I pay a $100 deductible for each issue. The problem is I am certain that all issues are resulting from the defect, which they initially indicated was the cam shaft sensor. I have found complete familiarity with many of the stories on this forum. Same issues...one after another. 3 words: CLASS ACTION SUIT. Let's come together and hold MB accountable for these burdens. My email is ** for anyone who would like to either get this launched or who has already begun such a process.
Reviewed May 27, 2014
I am having to replace the fuel sensor. When replacing your parts... Did any of you replace the old part with an original new part? I was told when replacing anything in a Mercedes-Benz you must always use an original part.
Reviewed May 18, 2014
2002 SLK Kompressor hardtop convertible - OMGoodness. Purchased my first ever Mercedes-Benz last year from a private party. The car had 40K on the clock and was priced appropriately. To date, the only issue I have is the top taking a bit of time to go down and into the boot. I don't use a Benz dealer. The mechanic in our small city has a remarkable following of faithful devotees so 'Marcus' goes for his check-ups there. This car is what it is: a charming, fun 4 cylinder small Mercedes that I would recommend to anyone. Thoroughly enjoy driving it.
Reviewed April 25, 2014
I took my Mercedes 230 to the Greensboro dealership for repairs after an accident. They repaired it and sent me home. After a month, I started having serious issues with the car. It was smoking and could barely make it from point a to point b. I took it to Mercedes of Winston and they looked at my car in awe. They did not want to touch it and had it towed to Greensboro for me. Greensboro tells me that the motor has blown. Now mind you, they repaired the entire radiator system so how did fluid leak into the motor? They refused to help me or take the blame. Now I am left with a car that does not work at all! Does anyone know how I can get them to fix their error?
Reviewed April 23, 2014
The key doesn't turn, but after a few tries and when the key finally turns, none of the power options work. I have had nothing, but electrical problems with this car. It's a 2003 C230 Kompressor Sport. Crazy thing is the Mercedes Benz of North Houston said they have never heard of these malfunctions happening to this car. I find it very hard to believe. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ASAP B/C THIS IS BS!!
Reviewed April 19, 2014
With reference to some members' views on hard driving claiming that "barreling down the highway at 90-100mph" being severely detrimental to a car's longevity, the speed limit here in Europe is 90mph in many countries and Germany doesn't even have a speed limit on a lot of autobahns. So how is it wrong to do the speeds that the authorities deem a safe speed. I presently drive an Italian car (Alfa Romeo 159, 2.4 JTD - re-mapped to 270 BHP) and I drive everywhere at speeds around 90-100mph and occasionally up to 140 plus with absolutely no issues at 100,000 miles. If a modern car cannot survive being driven a little fast, it is a sorry state of affairs. Just for reference, I have owned and still work on many Mercedes cars as I am a mechanic and I do see a lot of stupid problems on them especially S.A.M. units and electrics.
Reviewed March 17, 2014
I have a Benz c 230 and I was driving from work when the radio went off then came back on. Then at a red light the radio went back out. And the light came on the car reading low voltage. I made it home from work that night but when I went to get in my car to go to the store it wouldn't start. I was told I need a new alternator or a regulator. So I purchased a new alternator and a new battery cause I was told that the battery was dead cause I ran the alternator on it. Well anyways I got both brand new and had them put on. When the new parts was put on, I tried to start the car and it will turn like its about to start but it continues doing that without completely starting. I am drained and need help with my car. Can anyone help please.
Reviewed Feb. 14, 2014
Purchased a 2007 C230 Sport, the car had approx. 40,000 miles on it. I have had the car for 2 years and have had to have the A/C fixed for $2400.00 and two nights ago my wife was stranded because the Key would not unlock the ignition. I had it towed to a local company to put a battery in it which wasn't the problem. I called Mercedes and told them the key would not work and I was told I had to have the car towed to the dealer and come in with the registration and I had to get another one which will take about a week to get. The key is $280.00. I would think that a Mercedes would last at least 100k miles. I am very disappointed in this car and would be reluctant to purchase another one.
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2014
I bought a 2005 c230 3 yrs ago and have had one problem after another. The rear driver door will not open from the outside. The cupholder broke. The sunroof exploded outwards while driving down the interstate at 5am. Now the dim lights will not come on and all of the lights/electrical randomly shuts completely down. Not safe when driving at night. DON'T BUY THIS CAR! It is TOTAL JUNK!
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2014
Dealer said can't hear anything I had to pay them for test drive to find problem even though I paid £600 for 2 year warranty.
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2013
I have a C 230 compressor sport. It has been a terrible car. All kinds of problems from day one. Just recently, I was driving down the road and my RPMs would go very high but the car would not accelerate. It was like it would not shift gears. Even if I put my foot on the gas all the way to the floor, the car would not accelerate. I recently just 3 days ago bought and had a new electrical connector put in for $250 and now just days later this! Terrible car. I have heard transmission problems are very common. There should be a recall on the transmission. No reason for this to go out on a car that only has 66,000 miles. I have gotten all needed services and do not drive the car hard at all.
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2013
After reading all the complaints from this forum, I thought I would write something in a more positive manner. I may be the exception to all the complaints that I have read. I bought my 2006 c230 sport in 2008. I've owned this car for now 5 yrs. and have never had a single problem with this car. It had 29k when purchased. I've had all the regularly schedule A and B services on it at about $383 a pop. In fact, as of this writing, I have 500 miles before the next service.
Besides the regular A and B services that are required, I've only replaced tires with exception of today, Oct. 19, 2013. At 121,264 miles I had brakes done which cost me $764.12. I noticed that a lot of complaints seem to be about the transmission. I'm quite sure the majority of owners probably have an automatic transmission. Not necessarily saying that could be the issue...I have a 6 speed manual transmission and prefer manual transmissions over automatics any day. But of course most people today can't drive a manual transmission, so the manual transmission is somewhat rare nowadays. And I know that these cars are really reliable so I can't justify why so many of you are having such major issues with Mercedes...
Nowadays people drive these cars like they’re on a race track - weaving in and out of traffic, barreling down the highway at 90 to 100 miles an hour or more all day long and every time they get behind the wheel. If you drive in this fashion, you have to realize that is a lot of stress on your vehicle and the end result is parts will fail more quickly and frequently. Everything manmade is going to fail at some point. Why shorten the life cycle of your vehicle with all of the erratic driving like a bat out of Hell. In one of the complaints an individual stated that he drives his car like he stole it. These cars have the power and are built to withstand quite of bit of stress when needed, not for driving at its maximum output power all day long and every time you're behind the wheel. A fine European automobile is made to drive with finesse. If you have to complain about how much money you have to spend on maintaining this fine European automobile, then you can't afford to be in one.
Mercedes c230 Company Information
- Company Name:
- Mercedes c230
- Website:
- www.mbusa.com
