Mercedes C Class W204

[Xenoous]

Hey all

Recently I've been looking at Ford Mondeo TXS's but the price they're demanding is insane, so I've started looking at other similar sized cars. I've come across the Mercedes W204's the last few days, particularly the C320 or C350 CDI in sport trim. I've tried to do a bit of research on the general reliability, common issues etc and nothing scary seems to be cropping up. Just wondering if anyone has any real world experience with these cars.

Looking at no more than 9k ideally, which likely means pre-facelift if I'm to get one with decent mileage, which doesn't bother me too much, but is a shame as the face lift does look nicer, particilarly the interior.

Also, any other recommendations (reliable, 4/5 door, 200bhp+) are always welcome. Baby number 2 is only a month away so next car time is approaching quickly.

Cheers.

[sunnyb13]

Very comfortable cruiser, however pedals are slightly offset

[ZX10R NIN]

You can get a facelift C250 for your budget.

C250 AMG Sport Plus:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211151...

AMG Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212052...

AMG Sport Estate:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211091...

Facelift C350cdi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211231...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210130...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212152...

If you can live with 200/180bhp then the 508 SW GT is a very good pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211101...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212242...

& of course at 170bhp there's the Q50 (which uses the same drivetrain as the C220cdi) Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208299...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212212...

Premium:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209129...

[Aletank]

Common problem is the sub frames rotting from inside, dealers have been pretty good replacing them under warranty.

[Xenoous]

Thanks guys.

ZX10R, appreciate your responses, always link some nice cars. My RS265 is the reason I still want to keep a bit of power, hence the idea of the C350 CDI giving me similar straight line performance, not that I use it a whole lot, which is why the 250 makes sense, particularly with a remap.

As for the French ensemble, I'm going to completely unjustifiably veto these simply due to my current Renault being anything but reliable. It's left a bitter taste in my mouth that I'm not ready to get rid of just yet.

The Q50 is definitely worth a look with a remap potentially breaking 200bhp, and are pretty rare out on the roads so that's a tick.

The subframe rot is interesting, going to have a bit of a read up on that now.

Cheers

[anonymous-user]

To go with the rusty rear subframes, virtually every single one I have checked the MOT history for has had an advisory for rusty break lines before it was ten years old.

[Xenoous]

Well, the rear subframe issue seems mildly terrifying, at least in terms of whether or not Mercedes will actually replace them FOC. Various forum posts seem to be 50/50 if MB will replace the sub frame. Have to admit, it has put me off as it's a £1.5k job give or take.

Might give my local MB dealer a call and see if this is a common issue that they're resolving for customers. If they flat out deny it's a problem, I might just have my answer...

[Sheepshanks]

If you're looking at circa 10yr old C Class's there's some chance chance the sub-frame has already been replaced.

Trouble is, as mentioned above, if they didn't take the opportunity to also replace the brake lines then they'll need doing soon and the sub-frame has to be dropped again.

Snag with the sub-frame is it rusts from the inside out so you can't see it. There's reports of cars passing MOT, or a dealer inspection, only for the sub-frame to break a few months later.