Mercedes C280, anything to look for?
Mercedes C280, anything to look for?
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jimmy156

Original Poster:

3,834 posts

217 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
quotequote all
I posted this in the Mercedes section but it seems a little quiet in there, and as we are looking tomorrow i thought i would pop a thread in here too.


Off to look at one of these on Monday, and '05 estate. The car has a bit of rust on the rear panel near the door which is being attended to before we view and the alloys are having a refurb.

Is there anything in particular to look out for on these? I am no mechanic so won't necessarily know what i am looking for if i crawl underneath it but are they prone to any knocks or creaks? Any engine noises i should watch for?

TIA for any advice.

James

daemon

40,169 posts

227 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
quotequote all
An 05 car could be at the tail end of the rust problems that Mercs of that genre suffered.

Look for 'spidering' on the paint, caused by stonechips that allow water in and form rust spots.

Usually on the bonnet, wings and roof, though can be all over.

These will only get worse and will require each affected panel to need repainted.

Also rust on the front wings - watch for small bubbles now that will require the wings to be replace later.

Not sure of any mechanical issues with them. Should be sound enough being the petrol

jimmy156

Original Poster:

3,834 posts

217 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
quotequote all
Okay thanks daemon, will keep a keen eye out for any rust issues thumbup

deltashad

6,731 posts

227 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
quotequote all
My '03 ML had no rust issues, my '03 CLK has only slight rust issues, just started on the rear boot lip and signs of starting under the rear arches, but nothing scary or unusual for a car 10 years old.

I'd be checking the handbrake/foot brake operation, all the electrics, bushes (go over speed bumps if possible), rear high level brake light (any LEDs out and its 90 quid). Power steering pump for excessive noise.

I love the Mercs of this period, both of mine have been terrific buys and very little has ever gone wrong. Our CLK is the 'safe' car of the collection. The daily we can always rely on.

It shall drink though, like it's New Year, everyday.

I really shouldn't have said that

jimmy156

Original Poster:

3,834 posts

217 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
quotequote all
okay thanks for the pointers! With regards to the bushes am i listening for squeaks/knocks/rattles?


hehe the car isn't for me its for my father, if it gets around 27mpg in mixed driving he will be happy...

sawman

5,170 posts

260 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
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I have the previous W202 C280, I assume it uses the same motor, which seems a pretty good unit, I have averaged 29mpg over the last 6 months, although this is pretty much all dual carriage way cruising.

the front suspension on mine rattles a bit over speed bumps, but theres no play and it passed MOT, I need to check it out properly but haven't had opportunity.

jimmy156

Original Poster:

3,834 posts

217 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
quotequote all
Not sure if it is the same motor to be honest, around '05 they seemed to be in a bit of a transition phase with engines with some new ones and some older ones and a bit of overlap in spec.


Good to know yours has been reliable though, and is returning nearly 30mpg!

55palfers

6,380 posts

194 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
quotequote all
I drove 30K in a 06 C280 with no issues at all. Just tyres and a service.

jimmy156

Original Poster:

3,834 posts

217 months

Sunday 15th December 2013
quotequote all
55palfers said:
I drove 30K in a 06 C280 with no issues at all. Just tyres and a service.
That's good to know, thanks!