Merc C class

[LudaMusser]

Hi,

I’m considering buying a Merc C class. Specifically a 2.1 auto diesel saloon up to 2014

Mpg and tax are important, currently commuting forty miles a day. Taking this into account the Executive SE model stands out

I’ve never owned a Merc before so have v limited knowledge. Do the C and E class have the same 2.1 engine?

I’ve heard how reliable the E Class is but it’s too big for what I need

Are the timing chains fairly reliable, what mileage are they good for realistically?

Any other things to look out for, avoid?

What’s the difference between the C200, C220 and C250?

With all the different trim models I’m struggling to get my head around them all. I come from a VW background where things seemed a lot simpler

[fflump]

Wikipedia is a good source of information for most models.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Clas...

[trevalvole]

LudaMusser said:

Hi,

Do the C and E class have the same 2.1 engine?

Any other things to look out for, avoid?

What’s the difference between the C200, C220 and C250?

The C and E class will have the same 2.1 engine.

The rear subframe rusts from the inside out. Merc dealers do seem to be replacing them free of charge, though.

At a high level, the difference between the C200, C220 and C250 is more turbo boost. I don't know whether this is just re-mapping, or, say, bigger/more turbos and intercoolers.

[georgeyboy12345]

LudaMusser said:

Hi,

I’m considering buying a Merc C class. Specifically a 2.1 auto diesel saloon up to 2014

Mpg and tax are important, currently commuting forty miles a day. Taking this into account the Executive SE model stands out

I’ve never owned a Merc before so have v limited knowledge. Do the C and E class have the same 2.1 engine?

I’ve heard how reliable the E Class is but it’s too big for what I need

Are the timing chains fairly reliable, what mileage are they good for realistically?

Any other things to look out for, avoid?

What’s the difference between the C200, C220 and C250?

With all the different trim models I’m struggling to get my head around them all. I come from a VW background where things seemed a lot simpler

So you are interested in the W204 model C-class that was in production from 2007-2014? As mentioned, check through the MOT history for any mentions of subframe corrosion, and look out for rust when inspecting. They are not too bad though.

From 2007-2009, they used the OM646 engine, switching to the OM651 engine after that. Both are pretty reliable, but the Euro 5 OM651 is the better of the two. The OM651s are found in Mercedes Sprinter vans that have been known to rack up half a million miles with just basic servicing and consumables, etc.

The difference between the engines is the power output

C180 CDI - 120 bhp
C200 CDI - 135 bhp
C220 CDI - 170 bhp
C250 CDI - 205 bhp

The 220 and 250 are twin turbo.

[clockworks]

I had a 2012 C220 coupe for a few months, sold it at the start of this year.
The previous owner had had it remapped, so it went well for a 2.1 diesel. Reasonably refined too.

I got rid because a couple of problems were just beginning to show:

Electronic steering lock refused to disengage a couple of times. Seems to be a common issue.
Intelligent headlight failure warning kept popping up.

Make sure you have a decent test drive with your other half in the car. Mine said it made her feel car sick. No idea why it affected her.

Not the end of the world fixing those 2 faults, but I couldn't justify spending a grand+ on a £5k car, so I traded it in.

[austina35]

I racked up 252k in my c class with the 646 engine before I traded it in. I did over 100k in it with just normal service. Pretty indestructible I thought

[Monkeylegend]

I had three E220 CDi, all used for chauffeuring work, the first two did 312k miles each, the third 2011 car is still running well, currently on 331k miles.

I had no engine, gearbox or other major issues whatsoever, the only things outside of normal servicing were wear and tear items, so I think I can safely say they are very reliable and handle the mileage well.

I would add that all of mine were serviced as per Mercedes requirements, so approx every 18k miles, which in my case was 5 services per annum.

I averaged nearly 50mpg overall and never had to top up oil between servicing.

I would avoid any Euro 6 adblue models though, they are definitely a step backwards in terms of reliability.

I also had a C220 CDi which also did 170k miles with no issues before I moved onto the E Class.


As mentioned though, rusty subframes are now becoming an issue so make sure you check before you buy.

[SmithCorona]

Do check that the C Class rear space actually works for you, w204 are very tight in the back.
2.1 is pretty bullet proof, reasonably corse though. Aim for a 250.

[LudaMusser]

Thanks for the replies so far,

The rusting rear sub frame is news to me so I’ll certainly bare that in mind

Overall the replies have been v positive, esp from MonkeyLeg. People at work have said to me why do you think taxi drivers use the E class etc and that the engine is bomb proof

I’ll have a look on Wikipedia. Not looked on there before for info on cars, I always use Parker’s but on this occasion it was’nt as useful as before

Part of me is also thinking what’s the point of paying more money for a 2012/13 Exec SE (best mpg and £30 tax) when I could spend less money and get a different model with only slightly lower mpg and £100 a year more tax as over say three years that might work out cheaper

I think the Exec SE is one of only about two models that had heated leather seats as an option though which I would ideally like

[ZX10R NIN]

LudaMusser said:

Thanks for the replies so far,

The rusting rear sub frame is news to me so I’ll certainly bare that in mind

Overall the replies have been v positive, esp from MonkeyLeg. People at work have said to me why do you think taxi drivers use the E class etc and that the engine is bomb proof

I’ll have a look on Wikipedia. Not looked on there before for info on cars, I always use Parker’s but on this occasion it was’nt as useful as before

Part of me is also thinking what’s the point of paying more money for a 2012/13 Exec SE (best mpg and £30 tax) when I could spend less money and get a different model with only slightly lower mpg and £100 a year more tax as over say three years that might work out cheaper

I think the Exec SE is one of only about two models that had heated leather seats as an option though which I would ideally like

They're very good cars & will see you right, as far as I'm aware the sub frame issue was on the older 203 model, here's a leftfield option:

Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201211...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208299...

Premium:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206106...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209079...

These use exactly the same drivetrain as the C220cdi Mercedes but these are £135 tax but you do get a lot more spec (heated seats adaptive cruise etc) but some of that will be dependent on how much you want to spend?

You'll also get a lower mileage car at a similar/newer age with a higher spec.

[Sheepshanks]

ZX10R NIN said:

They're very good cars & will see you right, as far as I'm aware the sub frame issue was on the older 203 model, here's a leftfield option:

No - massive issue on W204.

[ZX10R NIN]

Sheepshanks said:

No - massive issue on W204.

Everyday is a school day thanks for the info.