Mercedes-Benz C Class C220 CDI ELEGANCE - 2003
Discussion
Hi there,
Looking for a 2nd car for the family. Found a 2003 model of the above, with 89k miles. Being sold by an independent, not a main dealer.
Are these cars any good in terms of reliability, or am I setting myself up for a world of pain? I intend to do a daily 100mile run, mainly M25. Intention is to keep cost to a minimum by using National and Independent garages, then in a year or two to get rid or scrap. Is this a likely prospect with this kind of car?
If I do go for it, what should I be looking for? I think these models still suffered from the rusting issues around the wheel arches, is that right?
Looking for a 2nd car for the family. Found a 2003 model of the above, with 89k miles. Being sold by an independent, not a main dealer.
Are these cars any good in terms of reliability, or am I setting myself up for a world of pain? I intend to do a daily 100mile run, mainly M25. Intention is to keep cost to a minimum by using National and Independent garages, then in a year or two to get rid or scrap. Is this a likely prospect with this kind of car?
If I do go for it, what should I be looking for? I think these models still suffered from the rusting issues around the wheel arches, is that right?
I bought my 2003 C220 about 18 months ago on 94k
Since then I've done over 30,000 miles, It's averaged just short of 40mpg and has shown up to 50 on gentle runs.
Cars been great, very comfortable and easy to live with. It's never going to be exciting although was comical on a lap of the 'ring.
Only costs have been a couple of services and tyres so far.
I'm going to have to sell it soon as I need a higher tow capacity but would recommend one as a good value daily driver.
Since then I've done over 30,000 miles, It's averaged just short of 40mpg and has shown up to 50 on gentle runs.
Cars been great, very comfortable and easy to live with. It's never going to be exciting although was comical on a lap of the 'ring.
Only costs have been a couple of services and tyres so far.
I'm going to have to sell it soon as I need a higher tow capacity but would recommend one as a good value daily driver.
Edited by andye30m3 on Monday 29th April 10:50
I have a 137,000 mile 2002 C32 and whilst it has needed a fair bit of work over the years the biggest problem is rust.
Despite my best efforts it's getting away from me and will require a full body respray before too long to prevent it turning to dust around me.
They're not all that bad but if you're looking at a 2003 model check the bodywork very carefully.
Despite my best efforts it's getting away from me and will require a full body respray before too long to prevent it turning to dust around me.
They're not all that bad but if you're looking at a 2003 model check the bodywork very carefully.
I bought a 5 1plate 220cdi estate as a stop gap when I sold my E350cdi estate.
Have to say I have loved it, and I probably won't ever buy a new car again.
I bought it with 115k miles on it last september and paid £2600 for it.
But buy based on servicing.
The suspension will be shot if not changed already at 10 years old, they all are.
I changed the front and rear roll bar bushes, drop links and front upper and lower control arms.
I have done thermostat, sat at 80 instead of 90ºc. MPG went from 39 average to 46 average.
45 on a run to high 50's.
Needed new air and fuel filters.
Oil service using decent oil.
ATF change (massive difference to changes)
New tyres all round.
I went Dunlop winter 4D's, won loads of Euro tests and beat many summer tyres in the summer tests so they can stay on all year round.
Very comfy, quiet tyre and my mpg went up, and by 3, nearly 10%.
Total spent is just over £1500 on getting it how it is.
Oh, and just did new discs and pads all round a couple of weeks back. That was £300 from memory, so probably more like £1800 on it.
Mine also had rust on the arches and on the boot lid. The previous owner had taken it back to the metal and Hammerite'd it!
I was going to get that sprayed straight away, but to be honest it doesn't look too bad and the rust has not come back so why bother?
I have also changed the trim, it was wood....
Swapped for the aluminium cube stuff and put a Pioneer double din radio in with dab and bluetooth and proper ipod control....
That cost around £450 to do, which seems a lot on a car with £2500, but makes all the difference when you're in it.
Only problem I have with it is size, just not big enough for us really. Wish I had bought an E220cdi estate and spent the money on that.
Meant to be looking at one tomorrow and know I will probably get no more than £2500 for my C220cdi now even though it has had loads done to it already. Which is just a bit annoying more than anything else.
But overall a great car, and capable of some really cheap running costs, but be aware of the suspension and the thermostat.
Edit: Forgot about the air con, mine was fine when collected but within a couple of weeks it was making the high pitched whine that shows it is empty. I got it re-gassed but a month later it was making the same noise. got a specialist out and he tested it, there was a leak, he said the main seal on the front valve, so charged me £65 for a new seal and a re-gas and it has been perfect since, ice cold.
But do check for that when buying, should be ice cold.
Have to say I have loved it, and I probably won't ever buy a new car again.
I bought it with 115k miles on it last september and paid £2600 for it.
But buy based on servicing.
The suspension will be shot if not changed already at 10 years old, they all are.
I changed the front and rear roll bar bushes, drop links and front upper and lower control arms.
I have done thermostat, sat at 80 instead of 90ºc. MPG went from 39 average to 46 average.
45 on a run to high 50's.
Needed new air and fuel filters.
Oil service using decent oil.
ATF change (massive difference to changes)
New tyres all round.
I went Dunlop winter 4D's, won loads of Euro tests and beat many summer tyres in the summer tests so they can stay on all year round.
Very comfy, quiet tyre and my mpg went up, and by 3, nearly 10%.
Total spent is just over £1500 on getting it how it is.
Oh, and just did new discs and pads all round a couple of weeks back. That was £300 from memory, so probably more like £1800 on it.
Mine also had rust on the arches and on the boot lid. The previous owner had taken it back to the metal and Hammerite'd it!
I was going to get that sprayed straight away, but to be honest it doesn't look too bad and the rust has not come back so why bother?
I have also changed the trim, it was wood....
Swapped for the aluminium cube stuff and put a Pioneer double din radio in with dab and bluetooth and proper ipod control....
That cost around £450 to do, which seems a lot on a car with £2500, but makes all the difference when you're in it.
Only problem I have with it is size, just not big enough for us really. Wish I had bought an E220cdi estate and spent the money on that.
Meant to be looking at one tomorrow and know I will probably get no more than £2500 for my C220cdi now even though it has had loads done to it already. Which is just a bit annoying more than anything else.
But overall a great car, and capable of some really cheap running costs, but be aware of the suspension and the thermostat.
Edit: Forgot about the air con, mine was fine when collected but within a couple of weeks it was making the high pitched whine that shows it is empty. I got it re-gassed but a month later it was making the same noise. got a specialist out and he tested it, there was a leak, he said the main seal on the front valve, so charged me £65 for a new seal and a re-gas and it has been perfect since, ice cold.
But do check for that when buying, should be ice cold.
Edited by gizlaroc on Tuesday 30th April 20:49
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