C230K Supercharger Servicing?

[mattjonescardiff]

Following my previous thread on buying tips for a W202 C240 I've been recommended a W202 C230K.

My question now is - Does the supercharger need servicing, replacing or reconditioning after a certain mileage?

Any other C230K specific faults or buying tips greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

 

[Iain the gadget]

I do not know of any specific maintenance other than routine for the supercharged version. I have just serviced my car (C230K) with a MB recommended fully synthetic oil and I hope that this is sufficient. I am sure that someone will come along and pass on their experiences if it differs from mine.
I will recommend the kompressor though as a great car. Easy to work on,with a fine turn of speed. I always average 29mpg at 80-90mph on the motorway and have even heard of 34mpg by other owners.

 

[dragon]

Depend whether it has been abused been driven over 100mph(very likely)

There are two air inlet valves get stuffed with dusts(not via air filter) over the years(changed mine at 45K miles and ripped off by Merc stealer)

My complaint is low fuel consumption at traffic in town, you will be lucky to get 20mph, the compressor still operating. Good mpg at cruising. Old model cruise tends to cut off after 70mph.

 

[Iain the gadget]

Depend whether it has been abused been driven over 100mph(very likely)

There are two air inlet valves get stuffed with dusts(not via air filter) over the years(changed mine at 45K miles and ripped off by Merc stealer)

My complaint is low fuel consumption at traffic in town, you will be lucky to get 20mph, the compressor still operating. Good mpg at cruising. Old model cruise tends to cut off after 70mph.

I think you would be lucky to hit 20mpg in any 2 litre+ car in town traffic!
My point would be though, the C240 is not known for it's economy and the 230K has many positive comments on this forum for it's economy coupled with the very good performance.

 

[MissyD]

Hi, BigAsotonuk here (borrowing MissyD's PC),
The Supercharger needs no specific servicing though it has been talked about replacing the oil which is a special sort of oil, but most decide against this as its very, very difficult to drain and refill, and if too much oil is added can cause oil foaming. The oil in the kompressor MB say will last the life of the Kompressor. The only thing would be to check the condition of the kompressor drive belt, but this is,nt anything special and very easily and cheaply replaced. There are reports of the engine breathers blocking up, and oil contamination of the MAF but this seems to be relatively rare and quite easily resolved, there posts on here that talk about the issue.
I have had mine for 7 years now, and have done well over 100,000 miles in it, the only things i have replaced on the engine are a water pump at 120,000miles, fan belts, supercharger belt, water level sensor in the coolant header tank, plug leads, and a MAF at approx. 75,000 miles.
The rest of the car is the same as a normal W202.

 

[mattjonescardiff]

^^^^^^^^^^All sounds good. Just need to find one now. Age or mileage doesn't bother me. Prefrebly to have leather and not wood interior. If anyone spots one please let me know!

Will need to sell my Honda Prelude VTEC (PICCIES: http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/album.php?albumid=10). Bless her, she's been a great car, with surprising economy given the performance.

 

[dragon]

Try auto trader but beware of touts who said the car is not in UK, don't be tempted and send any money. They are scumbags.

 

[mattjonescardiff]

Will do.

TBH I'm still surprised that the supercharger doesn't need any work at any point. I was aware the Corrado G60 supercharger needs stripping every 60k miles?

 

[vijilants]

The supercharger is maintenance free, but like any car that is either supercharged or turbocharged, they spin quite fast so can go wrong. No different to an alternator or waterpump that is belt driven packing up. So far I've had no problems.

Good ones do occasionally appear for sale, but what I've noticed with this model is, most people tend to hang onto them.

Ive had my C230K for a couple of years now. I don't usually make it a point of holding a car for more than a year, but I really enjoy driving it.

If you go for the sports version , the suspension is a bit tighter and the wooden trim is replaced by the carbon fibre type.

The only problems ive had so far is the waterpump, controller plate in the gearbox and the propshaft coupling.

These problems occured between 45 and 68000 miles.

I have also recently replaced the seat pad on the drivers side, as after a few years of use , they tend to sag and become quite uncomfortable. The w202 seats in the Sports version generally don't tend to be too comfortable at the best of times.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Well i can only speak from my own personnal experience regarding the supercharger, but i,m sure if i,m wrong someone would of corrected me by now.
Colechelle i would expect will be on later (MB Tech) and i,m sure he will reassure you that what i have said regarding the supercharger maintenance is true.
Good luck in finding the right car, in the current financial climate you should be able to get yourself a nice example.

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

There arn't any issues with the supercharger and as has been said it has it's own lubricant. The G Ladder is an awful high friction design probably evolved to avoid patent issues.

 

[moosehead]

Whilst the 230K goes very well it is quite noisy and a bit thrashy compared to the V6. My C230 (2.5 V6) actually returns more mpg than the wifes SLK230.

 

[philharve]

Maintenance free supercharger

Hi All

I have a 2000 C230K (120,000+ miles) and the supercharger gives no trouble. It is maintenance free, a sealed for life unit. The drive belt will wear but it has a long life too.

Early superchargers were fitted with an electronic clutch which can give trouble: electrical gremlins, not a supercharger fault. Mine is clutchless and there's never been a hint of any problems. However, when they do go, e.g. bearing failure, they clatter and diagnosis is simple. Replacement is expensive, approaching GBP1,000. Find yourself a good indie.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[mattjonescardiff]

Thanks guys. Good to hear reassurance about the supercharger. A W202 C230K Sport is definitely the one for me then.

Just need to find one..............

 

[dragon]

.......................Yes

 

[rovingHawk]

My SLK230K had the s/c oil changed last week- with 100k on the clock I decided it was time. I know the unit is sealed for life but I think that anything spinning up to 18k rpm will last longer with occasional maintenance.

The eaton s/c oil cost £30 for 250 ml (!!!) but I think it's worth it for peace of mind and presumably extended service life. The only downside was that the s/c needs stripping out to change the oil.

I had it serviced by a local indie; the s/c work, gearbox oil, diff oil, coolant change/flush, brake & clutch fluid change, new pads all round, new front disks and a general check over. Picked up off the drive & returned to the drive for £300 (I supplied front pads & s/c oil). I think I got a bargain

RH

 

[dragon]

Seen a DIY post by Parrot on the other side.

 

[mattjonescardiff]

For those who've been following this thread, I went to view the C240 on the weekend. 1998, 78k miles, silver, 3 previous owners, very tidy throughout, recent new condensor, 4 tyres, rear brakes and battery. SRS light is on and appears to be linked to the drivers airbag. I'm slightly concerned it needs an (expensive) new airbag, owing to the report I saw from an auto electrician. Also has no tax.

We couldn't agree a price on the day but are still discussing so will let you know the outcome.

Any guestimates on how much it's worth?

 

[mossie]

there is a nice silver w208 clk 230 komp sport with leather 18 inch amg alloys and factory bidykit on autofind in southend they are advertising in autotrader 1999 on a v plate with full mb history and 80,000 miles, park sensors heated seats etc, nearly got it myself but went for a 2001 model with lower miles for the same money. dont know if that is the car for you or try john martin motors of hornchurch he has got lots of mercs