1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Kompressor from North America - Comments

1. Noises from gear selector housing: lots of squeaks going over bumps

2. Groaning from rear and front of car when going over humps or getting in/out of car

3. Three light-bulbs blew in one week (but not an expensive problem)

Good points:

This car is:

Quick

Powerful (185 hp) yet economical (I get 29mpg)

Comfortable

Elegant (I like it better than the new C class)

Solid.

Bad points:

Far too many noises, squeaks, rattles groans. The quality of materials is not as MB was used to in its heyday.

Servicing is expensive ($800 for a major service + extras so think of $1000+ every time unless you;'re under warranty)

A little noisy when accelerating, and sometimes the supercharger takes a second or two to deliver the power.

A little noisy inside, compared to Lexus, BMW and other peers.

I have a 1999 230C have had no problems until today whatsoever at all it had done about 130000kms I m very pleased with the power and quality that you would expect from a Mercedes.

I bought my 1999 C230 K used with 35,000 miles. Overall, I like everything about the car except very expensive MB service. But service does come with a loaner.

Rust is starting to emerge on the door, while the 1999 Intrepid that my son drives is clean. I am now experiencing loud rattles coming from the door jam / center post area. I expected more from an MB as it aged.

But I like the car enough to have the problems fixed. Wish me luck.

I hope you guys have better luck with your transmissions than I did. After 150,000 miles, the transmission destroyed itself without any warning signs. The dealer reported that even though the MB doesn't recommend any service on the transmission, they've seen enough problems that they do recommend it be checked out after 100k miles. Unfortunately, they never bothered to tell me this. I had the car since new and it really started falling apart after 120k miles, with numerous electrical problems, and my favorite, the windshield wiper motor ($1200 total parts/labor)!

I love my C-230 for pick up and mileage, but have had problem with recurring "check engine" light. It cost me $1800 the first time to have the air/oil separator replaced and cleaned. Now after 6 months it's back on, although the car is running fine. Any similar stories or resolutions?

C230: what is "kompressor", are all c230's "kompressors". Does this change the value?

Thanks, John B.

"Kompressor" is a mechanical device in the engine that increases compression inside the combustion chamber, so that there is an increase in horsepower.

Not all C230s are Kompressors, there was also a C230 which replaced the C220. The difference is that C230 has about 150hp, and C230 Kompressor, has about 192hp.

Indeed, C230 Kompressor is more appreciated - at least in countries where fuel is not so expensive - than a C230 and, therefore demands higher resale prices.

I hope this helps.

A kompressor (compressor) is a supercharger, an engine driven compressor, (not a turbocharger that is powered by the exhaust gas). This effectively increases the displacement of a given engine, since more air allows more fuel (keeping the ratio constant) it produces more power.

All of you scared me off on buying very nice looking and running Kompressor '99, with 120,000. UK specs as serving over here. Seriously, thanks. Joe B.

Kompressor is like a turbo: helps the motor to create more power. The Kompressor is more efficient than the turbo, as the turbo needs rpm to activate (exhaust), while kompressor is a mechanical device that "pumps" air into the motor, no matter what rpm you are at.

I have a 99 kompressor. Had some minor electrical problems, a few rust spots are appearing.

Very good: handling/power.

Not so good are quality: rust, noisy and some rattly noise from sunroof and doors.