C250 Diesel sport (1999) has anyone owned one?

[working class]

As above really, I really like the look of the one below, but im sure I read somewhere that the auto gearboxes are prone to failure?

If anyone has owned one can you give me some pointers as for what to look out for if possible please?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

[niva441]

I've had 2 C250TDs (one with 100k, other 200k) I wasn't aware that auto gearbox failure was an issue. Although changing the fluid wouldn't harm.

[working class]

Thanks for that, maybe im thinking of the C36 AMG and getting confused?

I take it from the milages you have done they are a good car then? What sort of mpg were you getting?

[niva441]

Yes very good cars, despite having a newer C Sport Coupe, the 99 estate was different but wasn't disgraced when I used it. I was getting about 36/37 out of the estate and 38/39 from the earlier saloon that had done 200+k miles.

The main issue with the later facelifted cars was that the paint was changed to water based. Some paint/rust issues can occur, especially around the wheel arches. If your lucky this will have been sorted under the Mobilolife.

[dome]

Have just picked up a 1997 c250td last week. Good car but there are a few common issues. The chaps on http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk are very good, have a look on there. Mine was a cheap one, yours should've been better looked after for that price, I would hope.