Mercedes C Class - what do I need to know?
Discussion
I posted the following in the Mercedes forum, but it seems a bit quiet, so I thought I would cast my net a little wider.
Any comments on what to look for other than rust and general abuse would be gratefully received.
Following a thread I posted in GG, my parents are looking at Merc C class estates of W203 vintage. They're probably looking at a 180k or 200k engine and at the sort of price point they're looking at, they'll be looking at 100,000 mile examples.
So - is there a buyers guide available anywhere? My google-fu must be weak because i can't find anything. Also, any general points on things to look for or be aware of? Was the W203 crippled by rust problems like it's predecessor?
Should they decide to look at diesels, what are they like for longevity and reliability?
Many thanks in advance.
Any comments on what to look for other than rust and general abuse would be gratefully received.
Following a thread I posted in GG, my parents are looking at Merc C class estates of W203 vintage. They're probably looking at a 180k or 200k engine and at the sort of price point they're looking at, they'll be looking at 100,000 mile examples.
So - is there a buyers guide available anywhere? My google-fu must be weak because i can't find anything. Also, any general points on things to look for or be aware of? Was the W203 crippled by rust problems like it's predecessor?
Should they decide to look at diesels, what are they like for longevity and reliability?
Many thanks in advance.
2000-2006 was a bad time for Mercedes...go for an older one or a 2007 onwards one.Sorry for the slow reply.....I usually hang in the Porsche forum and only saw this thread when you asked in there about 996.
Anyway.....I bought a W203 C180K saloon new in November 2003 and still have it. I've done 104k miles in it and its a daily work horse.
It still drives the same as it did out of the factory.
Despite initial fears the interior has worn well - black does.
The wheel arches are beginning to show small rust bubbles which is disappointing but the car sits outside all year in Scotland and I've seen some horrific S class rust on younger cars so overall acceptable.
Mechanically the car has been 100% reliable.
The only niggle was a known class fault with the cam position sensor seating failing which allowed oil to seep into the wiring loom and cost me a lambda sensor - about 300 quid to fix.
Other than servicing - every 11k miles and discs pads and tyres there haven't been big bills, recall about 300 on front suspension arms at about 75k but that's expected.
With the auto I get 30 mpg around town and 34-36 on the motor way.
One thing I would advise is winter tyres - I use lorinser wheels in the summer and the original merc alloys with winter tyres over the snow period.
I'll be sad to see it go but the Mrs wants a new A class in the spring so it will go.
Looking at trade prices,someone is going to get a lot of mercedes for their money.
Anyway.....I bought a W203 C180K saloon new in November 2003 and still have it. I've done 104k miles in it and its a daily work horse.
It still drives the same as it did out of the factory.
Despite initial fears the interior has worn well - black does.
The wheel arches are beginning to show small rust bubbles which is disappointing but the car sits outside all year in Scotland and I've seen some horrific S class rust on younger cars so overall acceptable.
Mechanically the car has been 100% reliable.
The only niggle was a known class fault with the cam position sensor seating failing which allowed oil to seep into the wiring loom and cost me a lambda sensor - about 300 quid to fix.
Other than servicing - every 11k miles and discs pads and tyres there haven't been big bills, recall about 300 on front suspension arms at about 75k but that's expected.
With the auto I get 30 mpg around town and 34-36 on the motor way.
One thing I would advise is winter tyres - I use lorinser wheels in the summer and the original merc alloys with winter tyres over the snow period.
I'll be sad to see it go but the Mrs wants a new A class in the spring so it will go.
Looking at trade prices,someone is going to get a lot of mercedes for their money.
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