- Seller: David R (Contact)
- Location: Plummer, Idaho
- Mileage: 142,855 Shown
- Chassis #: WDBRF40J83F411409
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.8-Liter Supercharged Inline-4
- Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Although fuel economy and prestige motoring may seem mutually exclusive, they combine perfectly in this 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor. Whether on the open road or navigating the hustle and bustle of heavy city traffic, this Mercedes will provide a comfortable and refined driving experience. The current owner purchased the car earlier this year as a daily driver. However, the lure of a C32 AMG project has forced him to part with this German classic. Therefore, he has listed the C230 exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Introduced for the 2002 model year, the C230 Kompressor formed part of the Mercedes-Benz W203 “compact executive” range. The first owner ordered this C230 in 2003, choosing classy and subtle Black to cloak its exterior. The Mercedes presents extremely well for a classic that hasn’t been a garage queen. The paint retains a remarkable depth of color and shine. Any imperfections appear to be limited to typical small chips on the front bumper and an area of failing clearcoat on the back bumper. Black paint is excellent for revealing dings and dents, but this Benz is as straight as an arrow. Rust isn’t an issue, and with the alloy wheels free from physical damage, this car makes a highly favorable impression. The plastic and trim exhibit no signs of deterioration, and potential buyers who prefer fresh air will appreciate the factory-installed sunroof.
Upon its initial release, Mercedes-Benz slotted a 2.3-liter supercharged four under the hood of the C230 Kompressor. However, the newly developed M271 range of engines became available for the 2003 model year, which is what we find hiding under the hood of this survivor. The four-cylinder’s capacity of 1,796cc may not sound like a recipe for excitement, but this supercharged version produces a very healthy 189hp and 192 ft/lbs of torque. This Mercedes also features a five-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and the four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. The winning bidder will drive away in a classic that is in excellent mechanical health. The current owner has replaced a long list of parts since assuming ownership of the car in April. These include the rear brake pads and rotors, the Bosch fuel pump, the injector seals and dampener, the battery, the PCV valve and hoses, the serpentine belt and associated idlers and the tensioner, the thermostat housing, and the tires. A secondhand replacement supercharger, with 77,000 miles under its belt, ensured that the engine performs at its best, with this C230 rolling on new Vredestein tires. The previous owner installed coil packs, an air filter, new spark plugs, and both O2 sensors. The car runs and drives well, returning a consistent 28-29mpg. The only known issue is that the “Check Engine” light for the catalytic converter occasionally illuminates, but it doesn’t affect the vehicle’s operation.
As you might expect from a prestigious European model, this Mercedes features numerous creature comforts. These include an extensive selection of airbags, air conditioning, and power-operated windows, locks, seats, and mirrors. The vehicle also features a rear defogger, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio with a CD player. Mercedes combined leather with its hard-wearing MB-Tex for the upholstered surfaces, and when finished in the Graphite found inside this C230, it reinforces the luxurious impression. The passenger seat sports an imperfection on the front edge, which the current owner will address before sale. Otherwise, there is no significant wear or other issues that detract from the overall presentation. The owner has recently replaced the A/C compressor, turn signal switch, and LCD in the instrument cluster. There are no known issues, and all features are functioning as they should.
This 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor isn’t perfect, but therein lies its appeal. It is the type of classic that could function as an effective, economical, and affordable daily driver in its current form, and any future minor bumps or scratches won’t cause the buyer undue stress. However, lifting its appearance with fresh bumper paint would be easy and inexpensive. The buyer will slip behind the wheel of a vehicle that will feel undeniably luxurious, and that is a turnkey proposition. When you combine those factors, it becomes clear why submitting a bid makes perfect sense.
Bid On This Auction
ABrink56 bid $750.00 2025-11-25 11:33:38
MartyOpp bid $500.00 2025-11-25 08:48:52
I just wanted to add the engine and transmission mounts were also replaced. Also the car has 2 key/remotes and owners manual. I have driven it about 8K since purchase and really enjoy driving it. I also would drive it across country with no reservation so feel free to fly in and drive her home.
@Seller, I definitely understand your decision. I, however, decided to go in the opposite direction.
I just listed my C32 AMG for sale on a traditional classic car site (not sure if I can or should share where it is posted).
Nobody will ride in it when I am driving since it is tempting to drive ‘spiritedly.’ :-) Thus, I decided to part with it, and I picked up a more mild-mannered Mercedes-Benz to drive.
Good luck with the sale. The W203 was one of the best cars Mercedes-Benz ever produced, and I am sure the next caretaker will love your car.
Yes it’s more fun to be the driver than the passenger. Funny story. I did take my friend on my favorite road where I live in my 87 560SEL. Driving it at 8/10ths which is as fast as you want to drive the old girl without getting sloppy. She loved it and the car.
It is fascinating to hear you own a W126 S-class in addition to your W203 C-class, since I own a W220 2003 S500. It’s my second W220. I bought the first one, a 2002 S430, for a long commute (110 miles round-trip in some of the most heavily congested traffic in the US). I sold it when I no longer had to make the commute, but instantly regretted that decision. I reached out to the owner of the independent repair shop I use, and asked him to keep an eye out for another one. This S500 became available about three months later. It is my daily driver.
I have driven the S500 at 7/10ths on a curvy canyon road, but only when I am alone.
By the way, go to Hemmings to see pictures of the C32.
Fine looking car. Wasn’t there a version of this car in hatchback form? That one was ugly. The sedans were much better looking.
Yes there was a coupe or hatchback version.
Someone explain to me why there isn’t a bid on this car? What am I missing?
I imagine the seriously interested folks are waiting until the end to place their bids. Ebay has conditioned people to treat auctions like a game. The game, however, no longer makes sense when a new bid can reset an auction’s end timer.
The game is 1) to wait to see if others are interested, and 2) then only bid in small increments until you reach your budgeted maximum. This way, you minimize your costs while staying within your budget.
I say it doesn’t make sense because I know I have a number in mind. Why not place this bid early and see if it holds up?
I have won two vehicle auctions on another popular auction website despite placing my maximum bid hours before the end of the auction. In both cases, I knew I would not be in a position to play the game. Thus, I placed my bids when I could and hoped for the best.
I hope this Mercedes-Benz sells well at the end of the auction. I know the buyer will be pleased, since these C-class cars are well-built, safe, and enjoyable to drive.
Yes as the owner I’m suprised as well. I have listed and sold 2 Mercedes vehicles in the past to buyers who flew in and drove them home. One was the 73 Mercedes 280 and the other was a 87 560SEL. It’s also close to the holidays so it’s a wait and see.
I am sorry @alphasud to see the auction end with only two low bids because it doesn’t bode well for the sale of my C32 AMG or the 2001 C240 with the rare standard (manual) 6-speed transmission I hope to list at the end of the week.
Hopefully, you list it here on Barn Finds as a classified ad so we can see what you are looking to get, and so it finds a good home.
Good luck with the sale, and thank you for listing it here.