2004 Mercedes-Benz C230
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor is a compact sports coupe known for its stylish design, sporty handling, and luxurious features for its time. It’s equipped with a 1.8L supercharged inline-4 engine, producing 189 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 2.6L V6 and a 3.2L AMG V6. The transmissions available include a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic. Owners often praise the C230’s fuel economy (especially with the inline-4), nimble driving dynamics, and upscale interior. Common complaints include the cost of maintenance and repairs, some reliability issues, and the sometimes-harsh ride quality.
Engine
1.8L Supercharged Inline-4 (M271)
- Failed Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
- Description/Symptoms: Engine hesitates or stalls, poor fuel economy, check engine light illuminated (often with codes related to MAF sensor).
- Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, stalling, difficulty starting, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- Supercharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. This can be due to a failing supercharger clutch, worn bearings, or other internal components.
- Solution: Diagnose the specific issue with the supercharger. Repair or replace the supercharger as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
2.6L V6 (M112)
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets (valve cover, oil filter housing).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, difficulty starting, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
- Recalls: None Found
3.2L AMG V6 (M112)
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets (valve cover, oil filter housing).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, difficulty starting, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (722.6)
- Rough Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, transmission not engaging properly. Can be related to low fluid level, worn valve body, or failing conductor plate.
- Solution: Check and adjust fluid level, replace valve body or conductor plate, flush the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Fluid Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Visible leak under the vehicle, low transmission fluid, difficulty shifting. Often leaks from the pilot bushing (electrical connector).
- Solution: Replace the pilot bushing and any other leaking seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Manual (GS6-37BZ)
- No Issues Found
Suspension
- Worn Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Loose steering.
- Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Failed Strut Mounts
- Description/Symptoms: Noises from the front suspension.
- Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Faulty Instrument Cluster
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster, including gauges and displays.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window not working, grinding noises when operating the window.
- Solution: Replace the window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, car will not start, steering wheel locked.
- Solution: Replace the EIS. This often requires programming to match the vehicle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust (Wheel Arches, Door Bottoms)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the wheel arches, door bottoms. This is more prevalent in areas with harsh winters or high humidity.
- Solution: Repair or replace the affected panels, treat the rust to prevent further spread.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Side View Mirror Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Turn signal on side view mirror fails to operate
- Solution: Replace side view mirror.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Center Console Cup Holder Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Cup Holder not operating properly
- Solution: Replace center console or cup holder assembly
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, sunroof track malfunctioning.
- Solution: Replace the sunroof motor, repair or replace the sunroof track.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230, while a stylish and enjoyable car to drive, does have some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine oil leaks and electrical problems are common across all engine variants, but the 1.8L supercharged inline-4 also has issues with the MAF sensor, camshaft position sensor, and supercharger. The 5-speed automatic transmission can experience rough shifting and fluid leaks. Suspension components like control arm bushings are prone to wear. Rust can also be a concern, especially in certain climates. The cost of repairs can range from relatively inexpensive fixes like replacing sensors to more significant expenses like repairing the transmission or addressing rust damage. Overall, potential buyers should factor in these potential maintenance and repair costs when considering a 2004 C230.