1995 Mercedes C230 Kompressor
Discussion
I thought I’d share some information on my W202 Mercedes C class - bought just over a year ago.
I wasn't looking for one at the time, and have never really thought the w202 appealed. Having spent a lot of time in W123, W124 and through owning a 190e - I'd been quite negative about the later 90's models. At the time I was happily running an Audi A2 as a reliable second family car, after selling a mk2 golf 16v that I'd owned for a number of years.
A friend was looking for a manual W202 Kompressor (to be used as a learner for his son) and we soon discovered there not many for sale. Those that were, appeared to be utterly rotten, automatic and fairly horrible.
Then this one popped up on Facebook Marketplace, but as it didn't have air conditioning was discounted from consideration.
I found myself repeatedly checking the advert, also trying to convince my friend it was a good one. Problem is the more I did this, the more I wanted it myself. Before I knew it, the A2 was sold and I was on a train to Southampton to collect it.
It’s a 1996 Registered C230 Kompressor Manual Elegance, built in December 1995.
Currently on 90k miles and pretty much standard.
Its documentation show the original owner had a few items changed before registration at the dealership:
Grille changed to a sports (cut down w210) one.
Horns replaced with those from his 190e.
Mercedes sports springs fitted.
The horns remain, however over the passage of time the grille and suspension have been replaced with standard items.
In terms of specification:
The alloy wheels were an optional extra, but otherwise broadly standard Elegance.
Four electric windows.
Electric sunroof
No air conditioning
Outside temp gauge
The immediate previous owner was a retired engineer, who had maintained it with great care - even recording the oil changes he'd undertaken, as well as larger works carried out by specialists including replacement valve stem seals and head gasket a decade ago.
Maintenance and upgrades have so far has focused on recommissioning as it only covered a couple of hundred gentle miles a year in the decade before my purchase.
All four tyres replaced with the correct size (the old ones were not only too narrow, but also dated 2002)
Bosch Maf, Coils. Spark Plugs, HT leads.
Fuel filter and pump.
Ball joints etc.
Aux and Kompressor belts.
H&R 20mm spacers on the rear.
New IR remote key from Mercedes.
Orange indicators (a style choice - to break up the silver/ grey).
I'm going to be replacing the coil springs and dampers with some from H&R and likely Bilstein, as the ones fitted are from a post '97 facelift model with different spring pads than originally fitted. One other element I'm considering is pulley options for the supercharger or crank, to improve performance without deviating too much from OEM.
It is being used daily, with it happily carrying out 700 mile round trips (replacing the newish bland Tiguan as our family vehicle of choice). Other than ABS, it has no driver aids such as ASD or traction control - to spoil the driving experience. I need to get it on a weighbridge, but think it's around 1350kg and has approx 193BHP. It's a pleasure to drive, but also can be fun in the right conditions.
A highlight was having it featured in Mercedes Enthusiast magazine last year, for their special 30 year C class Anniversary.
I wasn't looking for one at the time, and have never really thought the w202 appealed. Having spent a lot of time in W123, W124 and through owning a 190e - I'd been quite negative about the later 90's models. At the time I was happily running an Audi A2 as a reliable second family car, after selling a mk2 golf 16v that I'd owned for a number of years.
A friend was looking for a manual W202 Kompressor (to be used as a learner for his son) and we soon discovered there not many for sale. Those that were, appeared to be utterly rotten, automatic and fairly horrible.
Then this one popped up on Facebook Marketplace, but as it didn't have air conditioning was discounted from consideration.
I found myself repeatedly checking the advert, also trying to convince my friend it was a good one. Problem is the more I did this, the more I wanted it myself. Before I knew it, the A2 was sold and I was on a train to Southampton to collect it.
It’s a 1996 Registered C230 Kompressor Manual Elegance, built in December 1995.
Currently on 90k miles and pretty much standard.
Its documentation show the original owner had a few items changed before registration at the dealership:
Grille changed to a sports (cut down w210) one.
Horns replaced with those from his 190e.
Mercedes sports springs fitted.
The horns remain, however over the passage of time the grille and suspension have been replaced with standard items.
In terms of specification:
The alloy wheels were an optional extra, but otherwise broadly standard Elegance.
Four electric windows.
Electric sunroof
No air conditioning
Outside temp gauge
The immediate previous owner was a retired engineer, who had maintained it with great care - even recording the oil changes he'd undertaken, as well as larger works carried out by specialists including replacement valve stem seals and head gasket a decade ago.
Maintenance and upgrades have so far has focused on recommissioning as it only covered a couple of hundred gentle miles a year in the decade before my purchase.
All four tyres replaced with the correct size (the old ones were not only too narrow, but also dated 2002)
Bosch Maf, Coils. Spark Plugs, HT leads.
Fuel filter and pump.
Ball joints etc.
Aux and Kompressor belts.
H&R 20mm spacers on the rear.
New IR remote key from Mercedes.
Orange indicators (a style choice - to break up the silver/ grey).
I'm going to be replacing the coil springs and dampers with some from H&R and likely Bilstein, as the ones fitted are from a post '97 facelift model with different spring pads than originally fitted. One other element I'm considering is pulley options for the supercharger or crank, to improve performance without deviating too much from OEM.
It is being used daily, with it happily carrying out 700 mile round trips (replacing the newish bland Tiguan as our family vehicle of choice). Other than ABS, it has no driver aids such as ASD or traction control - to spoil the driving experience. I need to get it on a weighbridge, but think it's around 1350kg and has approx 193BHP. It's a pleasure to drive, but also can be fun in the right conditions.
A highlight was having it featured in Mercedes Enthusiast magazine last year, for their special 30 year C class Anniversary.
That's very tidy, like it: I recall a couple of friends having them new, one didn't really take to it, the other still drives Mercedes to this day. My only driver experience was a couple of weeks in a C180, no ball of fire but wonderfully solid & serene, it stood in as wedding car for my brothers first.
Bri957 said:
I'm going to be replacing the coil springs and dampers with some from H&R and likely Bilstein, as the ones fitted are from a post '97 facelift model with different spring pads than originally fitted.
It's a pleasure to drive, but also can be fun in the right conditions.
That's interesting. I'm not particularly happy with how the rear of my C320 handles, so in the event the specialist says everything's ok, then I may be looking at some upgrades, which leads me to ask:It's a pleasure to drive, but also can be fun in the right conditions.
Is there any particular reason you're going for H&R rather than, say, Eibach?
What Bilsteins are you thinking of getting - the OEM-replacement B4, or the B6/8...?
And what's the (presumably recirculating ball) steering like?
Being a manual it's very rare car now. Looks really clean.
I've a facelift one, it's a Sport and manual too. Had it for something like fifteen years while several older classics have come and gone. Bought on a whim as I needed a car for two months as a daily at the time and always wanted to own a Supercharged car but was unsure what to expect for a Kompressor version having only owned n/a Merc's previously.
Mine now is modified or upgraded in most areas and still an ongoing project! Power is c.260bhp. It's tucked up in the garage for seven or eight months of the year so I'm always doing something to it when the mood takes.
I've a facelift one, it's a Sport and manual too. Had it for something like fifteen years while several older classics have come and gone. Bought on a whim as I needed a car for two months as a daily at the time and always wanted to own a Supercharged car but was unsure what to expect for a Kompressor version having only owned n/a Merc's previously.
Mine now is modified or upgraded in most areas and still an ongoing project! Power is c.260bhp. It's tucked up in the garage for seven or eight months of the year so I'm always doing something to it when the mood takes.
Edited by JJJ. on Wednesday 14th February 17:35
trevalvole said:
That's interesting. I'm not particularly happy with how the rear of my C320 handles, so in the event the specialist says everything's ok, then I may be looking at some upgrades, which leads me to ask:
Is there any particular reason you're going for H&R rather than, say, Eibach?
What Bilsteins are you thinking of getting - the OEM-replacement B4, or the B6/8...?
And what's the (presumably recirculating ball) steering like?
I went for the H&R as they make lowering springs for the pre-facelift, which have a different spring design. They are also supposed to be slightly softer than Eibach - which appeals. Re the Bilsteins, it would be the B4 dampers (in Esprit or Sport spec). I enjoy the ride, just want it to be slightly less speedboat like when accelerating. Is there any particular reason you're going for H&R rather than, say, Eibach?
What Bilsteins are you thinking of getting - the OEM-replacement B4, or the B6/8...?
And what's the (presumably recirculating ball) steering like?
The steering is fine, although I'm going to replace the steering damper soon - as it's time I think. There's options to have stiffer steering dampers (for track), but I'd rather just have it refreshed with new standard.
JJJ. said:
Being a manual it's very rare car now. Looks really clean.
I've a facelift one, it's a Sport and manual too. Had it for something like fifteen years while several older classics have come and gone. Bought on a whim as I needed a car for two months as a daily at the time and always wanted to own a Supercharged car but was unsure what to expect for a Kompressor version having only owned n/a Merc's previously.
Mine now is modified or upgraded in most areas and still an ongoing project! Power is c.260bhp. It's tucked up in the garage for seven or eight months of the year so I'm always doing something to it when the mood takes.
Looking for any info or 'advise' just ask.
Edit: Bookmarked.
Thanks. I've a facelift one, it's a Sport and manual too. Had it for something like fifteen years while several older classics have come and gone. Bought on a whim as I needed a car for two months as a daily at the time and always wanted to own a Supercharged car but was unsure what to expect for a Kompressor version having only owned n/a Merc's previously.
Mine now is modified or upgraded in most areas and still an ongoing project! Power is c.260bhp. It's tucked up in the garage for seven or eight months of the year so I'm always doing something to it when the mood takes.
Looking for any info or 'advise' just ask.
Edit: Bookmarked.
Edited by JJJ. on Thursday 8th February 20:14
It's tricky with the pre-facelift as all the parts for sale generally are for one like yours. Mine doesn't have the variable valve timing, or electronic throttle - being old fashioned cable operated.
I've found a company in Germany that are making uprated all metal intercoolers (not just the 250TD version). I may give one a try when mine needs replacing. Other than that, I think it's the larger crank pulley I'll fit.
It has currently got a spare airbox fitted that I've tinkered with - this has helped a bit with the supercharger noise, without it becoming intrusive.
Bri957 said:
JJJ. said:
Being a manual it's very rare car now. Looks really clean.
I've a facelift one, it's a Sport and manual too. Had it for something like fifteen years while several older classics have come and gone. Bought on a whim as I needed a car for two months as a daily at the time and always wanted to own a Supercharged car but was unsure what to expect for a Kompressor version having only owned n/a Merc's previously.
Mine now is modified or upgraded in most areas and still an ongoing project! Power is c.260bhp. It's tucked up in the garage for seven or eight months of the year so I'm always doing something to it when the mood takes.
Looking for any info or 'advise' just ask.
Edit: Bookmarked.
Thanks. I've a facelift one, it's a Sport and manual too. Had it for something like fifteen years while several older classics have come and gone. Bought on a whim as I needed a car for two months as a daily at the time and always wanted to own a Supercharged car but was unsure what to expect for a Kompressor version having only owned n/a Merc's previously.
Mine now is modified or upgraded in most areas and still an ongoing project! Power is c.260bhp. It's tucked up in the garage for seven or eight months of the year so I'm always doing something to it when the mood takes.
Looking for any info or 'advise' just ask.
Edit: Bookmarked.
Edited by JJJ. on Thursday 8th February 20:14
It's tricky with the pre-facelift as all the parts for sale generally are for one like yours. Mine doesn't have the variable valve timing, or electronic throttle - being old fashioned cable operated.
I've found a company in Germany that are making uprated all metal intercoolers (not just the 250TD version). I may give one a try when mine needs replacing. Other than that, I think it's the larger crank pulley I'll fit.
It has currently got a spare airbox fitted that I've tinkered with - this has helped a bit with the supercharger noise, without it becoming intrusive.
Fit the larger Crank pulley first before a larger I.C., don't use the grub screws provided, tap the crank pulley and fit bolts. You'll be close on the limit with the injectors running 10 psi and will probably a need 4.5 FPR but that's not ideal, hard on the fuel pump too. As for the air filter housing as standard it's very good and free flowing up to c.230BHP but yeah I suppose the holes will give a greater S/C induction sound but that's all. My problem is too much induction noise at low rev's - hard to win!
Top Tips: Check for boost leaks and fit a boost pressure gauge. If there's no history on the o2 sensor, change is my advice and if you've any doubts about AFR's fit a gauge.
Edited by JJJ. on Thursday 8th February 21:08
That looks really great, and maybe what I should have bought years ago!
After having a W123 280e for a couple of years (great car, mine just wasn't a good example) and a while later a manual 2 litre 190e that was brilliant, I replaced it with a 1994 C280 Sport Auto. It was well-specced with 5 spoke AMG wheels, full leather, sunroof and Climate Control but it remains one of the most disappointing cars I've owned. It just didn't ride like a Mercedes - probably because it was a Sport - but didn't handle that great either. A few years before that I had driven a mates' C280 Elegance manual which was just so much nicer.
Your cable throttle is a bonus too. My C280 had an ongoing intermittent issue with the Drive By Wire set up that I finally got sorted by someone who worked for MB in Brentford.
Looking forward to reading any updates.
After having a W123 280e for a couple of years (great car, mine just wasn't a good example) and a while later a manual 2 litre 190e that was brilliant, I replaced it with a 1994 C280 Sport Auto. It was well-specced with 5 spoke AMG wheels, full leather, sunroof and Climate Control but it remains one of the most disappointing cars I've owned. It just didn't ride like a Mercedes - probably because it was a Sport - but didn't handle that great either. A few years before that I had driven a mates' C280 Elegance manual which was just so much nicer.
Your cable throttle is a bonus too. My C280 had an ongoing intermittent issue with the Drive By Wire set up that I finally got sorted by someone who worked for MB in Brentford.
Looking forward to reading any updates.
Mr Tidy said:
That looks really great, and maybe what I should have bought years ago!
After having a W123 280e for a couple of years (great car, mine just wasn't a good example) and a while later a manual 2 litre 190e that was brilliant, I replaced it with a 1994 C280 Sport Auto. It was well-specced with 5 spoke AMG wheels, full leather, sunroof and Climate Control but it remains one of the most disappointing cars I've owned. It just didn't ride like a Mercedes - probably because it was a Sport - but didn't handle that great either. A few years before that I had driven a mates' C280 Elegance manual which was just so much nicer.
Your cable throttle is a bonus too. My C280 had an ongoing intermittent issue with the Drive By Wire set up that I finally got sorted by someone who worked for MB in Brentford.
Looking forward to reading any updates.
The ride on this is probably helped by the 15" wheels, and balloon spec tyres (205/60/15). After having a W123 280e for a couple of years (great car, mine just wasn't a good example) and a while later a manual 2 litre 190e that was brilliant, I replaced it with a 1994 C280 Sport Auto. It was well-specced with 5 spoke AMG wheels, full leather, sunroof and Climate Control but it remains one of the most disappointing cars I've owned. It just didn't ride like a Mercedes - probably because it was a Sport - but didn't handle that great either. A few years before that I had driven a mates' C280 Elegance manual which was just so much nicer.
Your cable throttle is a bonus too. My C280 had an ongoing intermittent issue with the Drive By Wire set up that I finally got sorted by someone who worked for MB in Brentford.
Looking forward to reading any updates.
Always good to see a tidy W202.
I’ve owned mine since 2006, and really like the shape, size and convenience.
From experience, the early cars were better constructed.
They also came with a far more interesting range of paint choice, interior colours and a huge range of options - later cars seem more uniform.
As a run out model, Mercedes carried on the S202 estate into 2001 with the 200 kompressor engine, which would have been a nice thing.
I’ve owned mine since 2006, and really like the shape, size and convenience.
From experience, the early cars were better constructed.
They also came with a far more interesting range of paint choice, interior colours and a huge range of options - later cars seem more uniform.
As a run out model, Mercedes carried on the S202 estate into 2001 with the 200 kompressor engine, which would have been a nice thing.
Very cool. I've often looked out for a manual 230, but as you say there aren't many and most of those are ropey, chavved examples.
I like the gingercators and your plans sound spot on.
Merc were definitely still quite mean with the spec at that point, you don't get much considering there must have been a decent premium for an Elegance.
I like the gingercators and your plans sound spot on.
Merc were definitely still quite mean with the spec at that point, you don't get much considering there must have been a decent premium for an Elegance.
W00DY said:
Very cool. I've often looked out for a manual 230, but as you say there aren't many and most of those are ropey, chavved examples.
I like the gingercators and your plans sound spot on.
Merc were definitely still quite mean with the spec at that point, you don't get much considering there must have been a decent premium for an Elegance.
My Esprit doesn't even have an external temp gauge. I like the gingercators and your plans sound spot on.
Merc were definitely still quite mean with the spec at that point, you don't get much considering there must have been a decent premium for an Elegance.
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