Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz C230
Mercedes-Benz C230 Models:
Mercedes-Benz C230 Problems
Inside Grab Handles/Upholstery/Door Trim Panels May Delaminate
Inside grab handles, the upholstery on the center console cover, and door trim panels can delaminate. Most commonly replacement of the affected part is necessary.
Transmission May Leak Fluid and Damage Control Module
The electrical connector at the automatic transmission may leak fluid. Over time leaking fluid could migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. If that happens a new harness and control module may be necessary to correct the problem.
Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid
The camshaft adjuster solenoid (which is related to the variable valve timing system) may fail or timing chain/balance shaft components may wear, resulting in illumination of the Check Engine Light and various drivability issues. Mercedes-Benz has released a service bulletin outlining specific repair instructions depending on fault codes stored.
Squeaking/Worn Brake Pads May Require Rotor Replacement Also
The brakes may begin to squeak at about the 50 percent wear point. This is due to the size and material used for the brake pads and rotors. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge. This will generally require replacement of the rotors when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration
A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by cracked and/or shredded driveshaft flex discs, resulting in excessive driveshaft movement. If not repaired, damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, transmission, or differential can occur.
Mercedes-Benz C230 Recalls (Recent)
Air Bags in Sport Model Steering Wheels May Fail to Deploy Correctly
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with sport model steering wheels fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard # 208 "Occupant Crash Protection"In certain tests conducted by NHTSA, using an unbelted female crash test dummy, conditions were found that occupants may not be properly protected during a crash, resulting in injuries. Dealers will install a new airbag module free of charge. The Mercedes recall # is 2006020005
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One or More Seat Belts May Not Lock as Designed
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Some seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. This could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain conditions. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the affected seat belts. This recall is expected to begin on December 22, 2003. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2003 120006.
Learn more »Incorrect Software Calibration May Cause Fuel Pump to Remain Powered in a Collision
RepairPal Expert Overview:
There is a faulty software calibration that affects several areas including shutting off the fuel supply in a collision. This could cause a fire hazard during an accident. Dealers will reprogram this software. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2008 070001. This recall began during August, 2008.
Learn more »Mercedes-Benz C230 Recall 01V366000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HOPPECKE BATTERIES. THE BATTERY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE COULD BE LESS THAN NEEDED TO MAINTAIN PROPER ELECTROLYTE LEVELS.
Learn more »Mercedes-Benz C230 Questions and Answers
I own a 1997 C-230 in Virginia. When I lift the hood I hear noise coming from the belt. Any suggestions or recommendations on how to fix this or what this means.
THANKS!
My hood popped up while driving, it caused the upper right and left hand corners of the hood to bend- now hood will not latch down- its bungeed down How much to repair this- anyone?
how to install front brakes
The codes P0410 and P0460 are read when inputting my OBDII sensor unit under my steering wheel and are triggering my check engine light. I have read that the P0410 is the secondary air injection m...
I notice when i wash my car water leaks on the passenger side under the dash and the carpet will soaked, but the glove department is dry.
Mercedes-Benz C230 Reviews
I am enjoying this car as second owner. First owner drove 180000 miles than I took over few years ago. It has more than 260000 miles now but surprisingly it doesn't burn oil at all in between oil changes. I keep every 5000 miles use synthetic oil. I changed transmission fluid at 200000. Water Pump at 224000. Very recently Speedometer stock so I bought used one cost $ 80.00 so it shows only 115000 miles make me feeling good. Many people worry about maintenance but in my case. I was able to find these part from website source so most of time I could get parts less than other Import cars like Toyota, Honda..
I don't know how long I will keep this but engine, trans..main part remain strong, I probably try to go for at least 500000 miles. Mileage is also surprisingly accurate (23-30) I drove mostly highway so everage I could get 28-32 miles. I am loving this car
My 1998 Mercedes Benz C230 is extremely reliable car.I bought it in Nov 1997 brand new with 4 miles on it,after 16 years it has 84,800 miles on it and still reliable no breakdown,easy to start,my battery lasted for 10 years,change my 4 tires 3 times and follow car maintenance every 10,000 miles,no other repair.I love it".
great drive but lord the electrical stuff is worthy of a suzuki.mercedes should really address this issue.
I purchased my 1998 c230 from my sister in law when it was off leaseit had 20,000 miles that was in 2001 since i have put 140,000 miles on the car and compared to my dodge dakota with 105.000 miles and my accord 106,000 miles I am sorry to say the mercedes has cost 5 times more to maintain and operate then the dodge or honda. Would never by another over engineered car like this mercedes again. The parts for maintnance are 3X more expensive and not made to last very long, I have replaced 2 mass flow sensors,water pump ,brakes and rotors, timing chain tensioner, battery, O2 sensors,2 coils,vacume lines, ball joints and on and on what an expensive piece of junk.Don't get caught up in the reputation of this manufacture if you keep the car beyond it warentee period
I have two 1998 C230's, one with over 130,000 miles and the other with 94,000 miles. I bought each of them at different times - the 130,000 one (green) had 65,000 when I bought it and the 94,000 mile one (black) had 48,000 when I bought it. I have only had one major failure and that was on the green one. The transmission fluid cooler leaked into the radiator coolant and vice versa resulting in a "chocolate shake" tranny fluid. I bought a new radiator ($190), flushed the tranny twice with new fluid, flushed the coolant system, hooked everything up and it's been running OK for over 20,000 miles. I've had to replace water pumps on both and belt tensioners on both, other than that I've had trouble free 111,000 miles out of both.