2000 C180 - new owner

[RSMike]

Hi,

New here, have just purchased a 2000 C180 with 69K up , It has been main dealer serviced, looks well kept & drives well.

Have not handed over the cash yet, Any advice on particular things to watch out for ?

And a question, when I test drove it (twice) and looked it over I cannot remember anyting about an aerial, thouggh the radio seemed to be working fine. Pics I looked at later on the internet of C180s seemed to show one on left rear, Should there be an aerial, ( auto or is it built in?)

Thanx

Mike

 

[RSMike]

Spare Key

One other question, How many remote keys come originally with the car, the car I have bought only has one with remote control and the other is a thinner flatter key , I did not try this second one ( did not even realise it was a key), but when I called the dealer this morning he assured me it is a key, just without remote :?:

 

[jberks]

Hi,
Newer mercs have the aerial in the back window. New shape C class, my 2000 E class etc do, though I'm not sure about the late old shape. '95 C had an electric one. I guess if there isn't a black block on the n/s wing, and the radio works ok, that's where it is.
Key wise, there should be 2 remote keys, plus the thin 'emergency key'. Try to get the other key, or negotiate a discount as they are expensive and have to be ordered (you will need proof of ownership). Plus someone else has a key for your car !
The thin key is intended to live in your wallet and get you going if you lose the remote one, or it fails. I was told not to use it normally as it is not designed for regular use. (not sure of technicalities).
On the look out for stuff. I would go to wherever has been servicing it and cross check what has been done with what should have. E.g. Plugs (@60k?), brake fluid change etc. The other thing is to have a merc diagnostic done. It may show up anything expensive and electronic on the way out (air mass sensor etc). In any case, its always worth having a specialist look it over. Dealers are pricey but if you say where you are in the country, someone should be able to put you in touch with a good specialist.

good luck and enjoy it.
cheers,
Jules

 

[RSMike]

Jules,

Thanks for your reply, I went back yesterday and checked you are right about the aerial, the dealer definetly has no 2nd key though, I will try to force them to order one, I negotiated a one year warranty (buying from a main rover/MG dealer) with the car so should be ok if anything major turns up.
I am in Cork, Ireland, I know already the local M-B dealer is not great as I previously bought an Audi from them so will probably avoid except for emergencies or parts I cannot easily source elsewhere ( i.e hopefully never)

I am pretty mechanically minded, own an r-series BMW bike and do all servicing myself, so would definetly tackle any routine jobs like oil, plugs filters etc, but if anyone recommends a local independent specialist for Mercs would appreciate.

 

[RSMike]

I checked the price of a replacement remote key with the local M-B Dealer in Cork today, ?120 (about £83) and they say they need you to book the car in, so they can check whats the next sequence of key they can get ( or something like that). I would not be surprised if they tried to charge some albour costs for that also !

Anyway called my friendly MG/Rover dealer that I am buying from and requested they organise a replacement key or at a minimum knock ?120 off the agreed price.

An hour later they call back to say they got in touch with the previous owner who has the original second key and is going to post it on to them.
I guess I will take them on their word, and if it doesn't turn up in a few days kick up ****** hell, Getting the original key is the best solution anyway for peace of mind.

 

[rizal]

I checked the price of a replacement remote key with the local M-B Dealer in Cork today, ?120 (about £83) and they say they need you to book the car in, so they can check whats the next sequence of key they can get ( or something like that). I would not be surprised if they tried to charge some albour costs for that also !

I've replaced the keys for my two cars and it certainly not more than 60 quids each. They need your VIN number so that your new key would be programmed and they don't need the car booked in. Probably your dealer is trying it on to get more money from you.

The keys have known to fail as mine did when I was out shopping, luckily I have the emergency key in my wallet.