Face lift W203

[rossmc88]

I know these cars get a bad rep due to terrible quality and rust, but I'm thinking, are face-lifted, say 05,06,07 models fantastically built as Mercedes had to undo that bad reputation of the early models?

I'm looking at a face-lifted 180K.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

It looks lovely for the money, galvanised with nano-paint, chain driven engine, will this run forever? I'm looking for something for cruising around in and don't do enough miles to need a diesel.

Does anyone have any first hand experience of these later facelifted cars and the 180K engine? Does anyone have any experience with that paddle shifters the one in the link has?

Any advice would be great

[va1o]

Surely at that sort of money you might as well buy a w204? Granted it will be an early high mileage example but would certainly feel significantly more modern and up to date

[mbtech01]

The 271 engine that's fitted to the particular car your on about is prone to timing chain failure at the 100k time frame. It would be worth checking if it's ever been replaced & make sure it has a good service history. I've seen numerous w203's with the 271 engine suffer from this problem. The chain tends to stretch then obviously jumps teeth resulting in bent valves etc.
Regards paddle shift have never experienced any problems with this system on w203.

[kam05]

va1o said:

Surely at that sort of money you might as well buy a w204? Granted it will be an early high mileage example but would certainly feel significantly more modern and up to date

1+

Spent a little more and you should be able to get into a high mileage W204 model.

[niva441]

I was always disappointed by the W204s I drove. Particularly the ride was worse, without any significant benefit in steering or handling. I also found the dash layout and controls unnecessarily more complicated.

Although as Mercedes put a lot more effort into testing them they should be a lot more durable.

[CaptiV8ted]

mbtech01 said:

The 271 engine that's fitted to the particular car your on about is prone to timing chain failure at the 100k time frame. It would be worth checking if it's ever been replaced & make sure it has a good service history. I've seen numerous w203's with the 271 engine suffer from this problem. The chain tends to stretch then obviously jumps teeth resulting in bent valves etc.
Regards paddle shift have never experienced any problems with this system on w203.

Is there any warning signs for this, or do you only know about it after it's happened?!?!?