Just bought a 2005 C180 Kompressor Elegance SE - what to check?

[BAW9DV]

Hello,

I am a new member here and after my 2001 W203 Mercedes C180 Avangarde gave up the ghost recently at 190,000 miles and a failed fuel pump and throttle sensor, I scrapped it and have just bought a newer second hand 2005 model C180 Kompressor Elegance SE in Blue with leather interior and 131,000 miles on it.

This car has a FULL history and a complete logbook, having been owned by a lady who part exchanged it. Also, it is in showroom condition inside and out! I was very lucky to buy it and drove it back from Bristol, to my home in West Sussex. It drives beautifully and seems to have no issues at all. MOT is until September 2019 with no advisories. As far as I can tell, there is no rust or damage to the sills, wheel arches or anywhere else - it really is in lovely condition and drives like a ROLLS! I have done as much as I can to ensure I have not bought a dud, but the risk is always there.

So - my question is this. I plan to book it in with our local garage and have him get it up on the ramp and examine it underneath - obviously somewhere I did not really have access to. A kind of pre-MOT if you will. The car has 131,000 on the clock so what should I be worried about? What could conceivably start to fail or be a serious issue with this car? What to have them look for? I did the 164 miles back from Bristol with no issues at all - lovely drive. But yesterday, the Engine Management light came on Amber, for just a day and has now disappeared. So far all seems well. No change in the way the car drives, no engine issues or weird sounds at all.

Lastly, is this car a W203 or a W209?

I would love to remove the centre console and buy and have installed, a SatNav/HandsFree Comms/USB/Bluetooth unit to allow me to talk to the kids handsfree - but I am a bit perplexed by the myriad of units for sale! Recommendations would be welcome.

Anyway, thanks for any valued comments you folks may care to leave for me.

Regards,


Lee James
Airport Security - London Gatwick Airport
West Sussex UK

 

[Eddy77]

A few things to check:

The Kompressor engine is known for timing chain issues. So I’d consider having the tensioner and chain checked. Perhaps consider preventative maintenance at that age and mileage.

Also check if gearbox has had fluids changed (assuming it’s an auto). If no evidence, get them changed ASAP to avoid future box issues.

Your car is a 203. The 209 is the CLK Coupé from the same era.

For Bluetooth look at the MB Viseeo+ solution which can be retrofitted I believe.

Finally, as you already mentioned, check for rust!

 

[grober]

These cars are among the first of the electronic laden generation of MERCEDES cars with a canbus system used to talk to various car systems. On that basis pay particular attention to the state of the battery [ its age ]and alternator. If its a bit of a garage queen it may still be on its orginal battery! If so change it.
http://www.carlogic.org/bg/data/MB CAN(ICC).pdf

 

[BAW9DV]

Eddy,

Thanks for your reply.

The Kompressor engine is known for timing chain issues. So I’d consider having the tensioner and chain checked. Perhaps consider preventative maintenance at that age and mileage.

Ok, I'll get this looked at ...

Also check if gearbox has had fluids changed (assuming it’s an auto). If no evidence, get them changed ASAP to avoid future box issues.

Ok, the last SERVICE, according to the book was 22 August 2018, where the "engine oil" was changed. The Air Cleaner was last changed, along with the engine oil, in the previous service at 121,000 in September 2017. The oil used is shown as 10W40. Now my last 2001 C180 Avangarde used 5W30 Synthetic oil, as recommended by Mercedes when I contacted them locally. Should this car also use Synthetic and would 5W30 be better?

Your car is a 203. The 209 is the CLK Coupé from the same era.

Thank you. I knew my old C180 was a 203 - many adverts for parts seem to quote the "W" number a lot and it helps, I think, to know which one is correct!

For Bluetooth look at the MB Viseeo+ solution which can be retrofitted I believe.

Yes, just seen a YouTube video about this - seems ok. But I was rather looking for an all-in-one solution. A SatNav, Bluetooth and USB product that fits into the same space in the dash as the current unit. There are many on the market - I would appreciate a good recommendation.

I was looking at something like this:-

Car Stereo DVD Player GPS satnav for Mercedes Benz C Class CLK CLC W203 W209 AMG | eBay

Finally, as you already mentioned, check for rust!

Yes. I had a real good look round this car and with the exception of the underside, there appears to be nothing! Its in great condition. But I want to see the underside of course.

Thank you sir!

Regards,

Lee

 

[BAW9DV]

Grober,

Thank you for your reply sir.

These cars are among the first of the electronic laden generation of MERCEDES cars with a canbus system used to talk to various car systems. On that basis pay particular attention to the state of the battery [ its age ]and alternator. If its a bit of a garage queen it may still be on its orginal battery! If so change it.

I was thinking along these lines too. Thank you very much for your input.

cheers,

Lee

 

[BAW9DV]

Ok,

I don't think I want to start a new thread - but I'd like to clarify a few things ......

The logbook shows the bits to be REPLACED / RENEWED as follows:-

1. Engine Oil
2. Fuel Filter
3. Coolant
4. Activated Charcoal Filter
5. Hot Film Air Mass Meter
6. Battery for Emergency Call System
7. Sprak Plugs
8. Air Cleaner
9. Brake Fluid
10. Poly-V-belt
11. Combination Filter
12. Dust Filter

There is the tick box for YES / NO for each of these things. When I do a search on these items, various things come up that seem to indicate that they are NOT separate items - perhaps part of a kit or the name is different.

The ENGINE OIL is ok, but I would like to know which viscosity is best for this car. The oil has been changed each service as far as I can see.
The FUEL FILTER has never been changed according to the logbook. I have found this item priced around £36 for a new one. Would you consider changing this?
The COOLANT was changed in the 2011 Service. Would you consider changing it or just adding to keep it topped up as required?
The ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER has also not been touched since the car was purchased. What is this and would you consider doing anything about it?
The HOT-FILM AIR-MASS METER - is this something that should be examined for wear or for problems?
The BATTERY FOR EMER. CALL SYSTEM - would you do anything about this?
The SPARK PLUGS were changed in the 2011 Service - would it be a good idea to replace them now?
The AIR CLEANER was changed in the 2017 service - If I remember correctly, I replaced mine in my old Mercedes C180 Avantgarde 2001 car at each service interval.
BRAKE FLUID - would you just top it up or flush it out and put new in at this stage? It was last "done" at the 2011 service - not sure if it was a top up or not.
The COMBINATION and DUST FILTERS have never been touched. Would you change them or otherwise do anything with them?

Sorry about the questions. But I have a very, very nice, almost showroom condition car here inside and out and if I can I would like to try and keep in mechanically sound for as long as I can. So with your help, I'm just trying to understand the different parts referred to in the logbook so that I could perhaps achieve this.

I really appreciate any help you chaps care to provide.

Thank you,

Regards,

Lee

 

[markjay]

See my comments below.

1. Engine Oil - ... and filter. At every Service A or Service B. You car has flexible maintenance schedulELe. ASSIST will let you know when the next service is due (assuming it was correctly reset last time).

2. Fuel Filter - 4 years or 40,000 miles.

3. Coolant - 15 years or 150,000 miles (if original coolant)

4. Activated Charcoal Filter - ignore. It captures fuel vapors from the fuel tank but does not need replacing.

5. Hot Film Air Mass Meter - only replace if faulty.

6. Battery for Emergency Call System - I think this only applies to US cars.

7. Sprak Plugs - 4 years or 40,000 miles

8. Air Cleaner - 4 years (but I suggest 2 years)

9. Brake Fluid - 2 years regardless of mileage

10. Poly-V-belt - check during service and replace on condition.

11. Combination Filter / 12. Dust Filter - this is included in Service B.

Also:

Automatic transmission only - ATF and filter change every 5 years or 37,500 miles.

 

[markjay]

Known issues.


M271 engine:

1. I recommend preemptively replacing the timing gear (camshaft sproket wheels, chain, anf tensioner).

2. There's a vacuum hose under the air cleaner box than can becone brittle ans split, causing rough idle and EML.

3. In the same area there's also the engine breather which can get clogged and may need replacing. Will bring-up EML.


W203 facelift:

1. Front Passanger Seat Occupancy Sensor might fail, will bring up SRS malfunction message.

2. Steering Wheel Angle Sensor might fail, will bring up ESP/ABS malfunction message.


Had a 2006 C180 Kompressor for 9 years and it was a great car!

 

[markjay]

As for infotainment... I had an original MB COMAND NTG2.5 retrofitted by www.comand.co.uk, and it worked well, though that system might now be considered old tech. Others may be able to recommend after-market units.

 

[Eddy77]

For aftermarket non Mercedes stereo upgrades, KillerHertz (forum member) is pretty clued up and has done a few. I believe he did a stereo upgrade on CLK320’s car a while back (but I could be imagining that)....

There are plenty of aftermarket Bluetooth nav systems with dAB etc on eBay. Usually around £3-400. The trick is fitting it such that all they systems still work. I think STAR coding is required.

 

[AltonAnt]

I have fitted an Erisin android unit and love it. It does everything I want.

Car Radio Erisin ES6507B 7" Android 6.0 DVD GPS for BENZ W203 | eBay

Look for an android 8.0 unit with 4gb ram and 32gb rom.
These are direct replacements for the existing unit and include all adapter cables required.

The one thing that doesn't work is the audio menu display on the instrument cluster but otherwise it is the best way to add upto date satnav (google maps/waze) dab, reversing cam, handfree voice dialling at a reasonable cost and as far as I know no coding is required. Ihave never seen it mentioned at least.

 

[Edd1968]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've found a good car, - pictures?
Great to read some of the advice from knowledgeable folk on here. I had the same while researching the CLKs we now own. Enjoy you're new car.

 

[fabes]

If you are unsure on the service items carried out, can you contact the garage who did it and talk to them (are they local?)

 

[BAW9DV]

Hello,

Thanks for the welcome.

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've found a good car, - pictures?
Great to read some of the advice from knowledgeable folk on here. I had the same while researching the CLKs we now own. Enjoy you're new car.

Ok, hopefully these will show up ....







I had an Engine Management Amber warning light come on the day after I did the 164 mile drive back from Bristol - but now it has gone. The car drives really well. Considering you take a risk on a second hand car, I'm very pleased with it.

Cheers,

Lee

 

[Eddy77]

Looks great...Jasper blue?

 

[markjay]

I had an Engine Management Amber warning light come on the day after I did the 164 mile drive back from Bristol - but now it has gone. The car drives really well. Considering you take a risk on a second hand car, I'm very pleased with it.

Get the fault codes read, for peace of mind.

Have a look here:
STAR/iCarsoft/General Fault Reading help for the forum

 

[BAW9DV]

Hi,

Markjay -

Sir, thank you for that little run down - I am beginning to understand this a bit more now. I have seen a Full Timing Gear Kit new on Ebay for £184. Is it expensive and time consuming to fit? I'm thinking of labour costs.

The fault has not re-appeared yet. I will of course have it checked when and if it does reappear.

************************************

Eddy77 -

Thank you for that. I'll have a look ....

Not entirely sure about the exact colour - I'll wait for the V5 document to arrive which should show it.

************************************

AltonAnt -

Sir, I thank you for the recommendation - I have searched for the unit you mention but it is no longer available on Ebay, nor can I find it anywhere else! And you mention "Android" - does this mean that it will only support Android phones? I have an IPhone 7. Obviously, I would not want a DVD player in the drivers area which I believe is illegal. Or am I missing something?

There are a myriad of units around - at the moment. I see mostly in the descriptions that its the console dimensions that seem to be the most important which of course is true. But what else should I look for in terms of compatibility? I want to spend about £250 maximum really.

************************************

Edd1968 -

Thank you sir! Its the newest looking thing I have ever owned !!

************************************

Fabes -

The car was kept by it's owner in Bristol. the last service was carried out in BridgeWater. So I might be able to contact them.....


Folks, thank you for the help and advice.

Kind regards,

Lee

 

[AltonAnt]

AltonAnt -

Sir, I thank you for the recommendation - I have searched for the unit you mention but it is no longer available on Ebay, nor can I find it anywhere else! And you mention "Android" - does this mean that it will only support Android phones? I have an IPhone 7. Obviously, I would not want a DVD player in the drivers area which I believe is illegal. Or am I missing something?

There are a myriad of units around - at the moment. I see mostly in the descriptions that its the console dimensions that seem to be the most important which of course is true. But what else should I look for in terms of compatibility? I want to spend about £250 maximum really.

Kind regards,

Lee

Hi Lee,
The screens can be disabled for video playback when the vehicle is moving.
There are two main types available. An 8" screen with DVD or 9" without.
They work 100% with iPhones as it is what I am using

Obviously the shape is most important as you want it to fit
Spec wise you want android 8.0, 8 core CPU, 4Gb ram and 32Gb rom. These are generically known as PX5 units after the CPU type used.

This is the larger screen type - 8-Core Android 8.0 Car Stereo DAB+GPS DTV BT Mercedes Benz C/CLK Class W203 W209 | eBay

Avoid the android 8.1 units as they tend to have lower specs.