2006 C220 cdi?
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randomeddy

Original Poster:

1,627 posts

165 months

Sunday 13th December 2020
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Any opinions gladly received on the small Mercedes.

ZX10R NIN

30,484 posts

153 months

Sunday 13th December 2020
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Pretty much bulletproof look for an Avantgarde or Sport model, make sure the gearbox fluid & filters have been (every 40k) changed & if not take £300 off to get it done. Apart from that nothing to really report just do your checks.

Something like this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012036...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 13th December 14:42

Sheepshanks

40,765 posts

147 months

Sunday 13th December 2020
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I've got a late 2004 (2005 facelift model which is same as yours) C Class estate which I've had since it was a few months old.

The only fundamental thing is rust - rear sub-frame, anti-roll bars and brake lines, especially. Rear brake lines are a time-consuming job to replace as the rear subframe and fuel tank should be dropped. Body itself should be OK as it's galvanised but you can get panels going if they've been crash damaged. Oddly the front bumper on mine suddenly blew it lacquer off and looks terrible - but I've been getting stupid prices to repaint it when the car is essentially worthless.

Engine can have issues with injector seals leaking - results in 'black death'. Mine has had a couple of ABS issues in the last couple of years - I think it's the rings rusting apart. Indie usually finds a few hundred quids worth of suspension to replace each MOT - although, much to my surprise, passed it last time (last month) but the advisory list was immense. They're old cars now, and feel it.


The other thing I'd add is they all drift left - I've had mine looked at by the acknowledged experts and it was just the same - on left cambers it goes left and on right cambers it goes right. Mine wears its tyres very evenly so I've just got used to it.

Edited by Sheepshanks on Sunday 13th December 13:44

randomeddy

Original Poster:

1,627 posts

165 months

Sunday 13th December 2020
quotequote all
Just getting opinions as my son might be looking soon.
Thanks.

Sheepshanks

40,765 posts

147 months

Sunday 13th December 2020
quotequote all
randomeddy said:
Just getting opinions as my son might be looking soon.
Thanks.
If he's handy with spanners they're regarded as pretty straightforward to work on.

samoht

7,187 posts

174 months

Sunday 13th December 2020
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Just bought a 2007 estate of the same shape and really like it. These cars generally have quite a good reputation for durability, but they're getting old now and some people are finding themselves spending a lot of money on them. I actually rang my local independent Merc place for advice beforehand and the receptionist said 'I've got a C180 of that era, it's just one thing after another going wrong, get a newer model if you can' ! Obviously I decided to go ahead anyway ;-)

If you notice a 'clicking' noise from the dash on startup, repeated clacking that stops after about 20-30 secs, then it means one of the ventilation system flaps is stuck. Replacement is a dash-out job so £700 or so.

Check the suspension - torque arms, bushes, joint covers, springs - it's relatively sophisticated so quite a few things to wear out. Also, depending on spec, make sure you check everything works inside - seat adjustment, mirror adjust and fold, A/C and all ventilation settings, electric windows, sunroof, Radio, CD especially CD changer if fitted, heated seats if fitted, lights,... there can be a lot to check through.

Depending on your 'feeling' about the car and the price, you might consider getting it inspected by a local Merc specialist or AA or RAC.

Not to put you off, I really rate these for the shape, decent handling, comfortable and practical, just try and avoid getting a bad one as they can be moneypits.