c180 k. what to look for.
Discussion
You're out of the rust problem era with that one.
I'd suggest checking the front springs (they seem to snap near the bottom so are hard to see), front anti-roll bar bushes and all of the control arms and the roll-bar drop links.
Essentially you'll be listening for any clunks or knocks whatsoever when you go over bumps, large or small.
These are all easy peasy and cheap as chips if you are using Euro Carp Arts or GSF.
I'd suggest checking the front springs (they seem to snap near the bottom so are hard to see), front anti-roll bar bushes and all of the control arms and the roll-bar drop links.
Essentially you'll be listening for any clunks or knocks whatsoever when you go over bumps, large or small.
These are all easy peasy and cheap as chips if you are using Euro Carp Arts or GSF.
Muffster said:
Thanks for the info mate.
So did they go through a re-vamp/facelift after 2004?
Also what are the differences in avantgarde, elegance, classic etc?
Cheers,
Muffster.
The facelift was in early 2004, although it was mainly interior changes. I'm pretty sure it was 2006 where the new engines were installed (new generation V6 petrol and diesels, though 4 cylinder variants of both remained virtually unchanged).So did they go through a re-vamp/facelift after 2004?
Also what are the differences in avantgarde, elegance, classic etc?
Cheers,
Muffster.
Avantgarde is the "sportier" of the three trim levels, usually with aluminium style interior trim, lower and stiffer suspension and slightly larger wheels and brakes (if in conjunction with the "sport pack"). Elegance is the more comfort orientated, so you get softer springs and a comfier ride in relation to the Avantgarde, plus wood trim etc. Classic is just the entry level spec and can sometimes see wheel trims, wind up rear windows, manual transmissions and (on early cars) a lack of air conditioning too. I think the Classic tag was ditched at the facelift though as the model got towards the end of it's lifespan.
My C180k was an Avantgarde and had the birds eye maple trim, it's a really dark wood instead of the cheap (IMO) looking aluminium trim, well worth having a look at a car that has it as it does make the interior look much nicer (subjective I know).
As said sports pack will give you larger drilled front brake discs and bigger calipers which work well and look nice, the sports pack 5 spoke alloys are staggered with the rear being wider than the front giving a beefier look, suspension is meant to be lower and stiffer but it's still a comfortable ride.
If you can get leather its partly MBtex fake leather but looks the part, is hardwearing and cleans up pretty well.
As said sports pack will give you larger drilled front brake discs and bigger calipers which work well and look nice, the sports pack 5 spoke alloys are staggered with the rear being wider than the front giving a beefier look, suspension is meant to be lower and stiffer but it's still a comfortable ride.
If you can get leather its partly MBtex fake leather but looks the part, is hardwearing and cleans up pretty well.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 7th December 17:59
A good car all in all, everything I would check has been pretty much covered - suspension mainly.
I would advise one with a full service history, at this mileage gearbox oil and filter should have been changed (if its an auto). Visually inspect brake pad wear and tyre wear, - standard wear and tear stuff you could use as a bargaining tool!
Good luck, hope it's a minter!
I would advise one with a full service history, at this mileage gearbox oil and filter should have been changed (if its an auto). Visually inspect brake pad wear and tyre wear, - standard wear and tear stuff you could use as a bargaining tool!
Good luck, hope it's a minter!
Rear springs usually rust & break at the bottom. They can rub against the n/s/r arm as well. Front springs, not super common to break but certainly not unknown - though Merc and springs have never been a good couple anyway!
Front ARB link rods - never had issues with ARB bushes. However castor bushes are common around that age/mileage - along with lower arm ball joints (castor arm & camber arms)
Check the tyre wear, have a tendency to wear the inner edges of the front tyres. Broken exhaust brackets, pilot/guide bushing on the gearbox were very prone to leaking - although most have been rectified by now.
Be sure to make the engine is running smooth/no EML on. Misfires aren't uncommon & can be as simple as a set of plugs/coilpack to them having a tendency to burn out valves - although nowhere near as common as they used to be. There is also a small breather pipe under the airbox prone to splitting causing similar symptoms.
In fairness - the above problems are just problems I've encounted over the years on 203s in general & 203s with 271 engine (1.8 s/c). They are usually reliable cars, chances are if its got full history, dealer especially & the previous owners have maintained it well - all the above work will have been completed.
Front ARB link rods - never had issues with ARB bushes. However castor bushes are common around that age/mileage - along with lower arm ball joints (castor arm & camber arms)
Check the tyre wear, have a tendency to wear the inner edges of the front tyres. Broken exhaust brackets, pilot/guide bushing on the gearbox were very prone to leaking - although most have been rectified by now.
Be sure to make the engine is running smooth/no EML on. Misfires aren't uncommon & can be as simple as a set of plugs/coilpack to them having a tendency to burn out valves - although nowhere near as common as they used to be. There is also a small breather pipe under the airbox prone to splitting causing similar symptoms.
In fairness - the above problems are just problems I've encounted over the years on 203s in general & 203s with 271 engine (1.8 s/c). They are usually reliable cars, chances are if its got full history, dealer especially & the previous owners have maintained it well - all the above work will have been completed.
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