96 C200 (W202) Anything to lookout for

[pb8770]

Hi guys, I have just bought a very tidy 1996 (N) C200 (W202). Are there any faults that are prone with this car? Just realised there is a slight problem on the throttle cable/linkages. Is the pedal meant to be over 60 degrees? There seems to be a bit of friction on pressing the pedal - its hard to get a smooth acceleration.

 

[Ron Palfrey]

Don't know what you mean about the pedal angle. Assuming nothing is bent though, it sounds like a dry accelerator cable. Disconnect it at the pedal end, withdraw the end through the bulkhead, suspend the end and pour a little engine oil in the cupped end of the outer. Work the inner cable in and out until oil appears at the other end. Takes ages but it improved matters on my C280. I find it needs doing once a year.

Welcome to the forum by the way, Ron

 

[jberks]

welcome on board - we only had our 1995 C for 8 years (sold last summer) so it was too early to tell what to look out for I'm afraid... It just ran perfectly.
Issues we did have ...
err a new battery 2 years ago - and the fuel pump corroded through and started leaking - actually I think we did change the exhaust at some point but thats about it.
These cars really are as solid and reliable as you can get, if maintained properly. Unless you know it was done in the last couple of years, get the auto box oil and filters changed and give it a full service, then just drive and enjoy it.

 

[Aussie Nick]

Hi mine is identical to yours. Mine is the base esprit. I have had it 3 years. It is the five speed semi auto. It has covered 230,000 kms. It has been reliable. There have been some issues recently though and you may want to trace back through some of my posts to see how these were dealt with. The charger coils can be vulnerable and can cause problems by cracking. The tensioner arm and tensioner pulley are a common problem as well.
I get a fairly consistent 650 kms out of a 62 litre tank of the high octane petrol in city mode. The esprit model (At least the Australian delivery version) was fortunate to receive the Avantgarde sport suspension which gives it a great ride and cornering. The stiff accelerator pedal is generic and probably has to do with the factory trying to improve fuel consumption.

 

[Chris.Hawkes]

Mine's a 97 registration Elegance on a "P" plate, but I think it is the same model as yours, Mr PB8770. Done 146,000+ MILES, so far. It's the most solid reliable car I have ever owned. Gets 33 - 36 mpg. Came with a dodgy water pump, but even though it was grumbling, it didn't leak. Has just developed a fault with (probably) one of the ABS sensors (see posts elsewhere). Prior to that the faults were: 3-pointed star fell off the bonnet while washing; various headlight and tail light bulbs blow each year; touch of rust on the front edge of the bonnet - probably due to lots of motorway mileage and too little washing; aerial mast no longer extends (do any of them?).

Very occasionally gets a terrific thump when changing gear, but stopping and restarting the engine (to reset the ECU?) seems to clear this. Has been regularly serviced by a dealer and of course has had a few wear and tear replacements along the way (front discs, track rod ends or trailing arms (sorry don't remember exact detail) oil seals etc) but nothing too major.

Happy motoring mate!

 

[anyweb]

i've got a 1995 W202 C220, its the most reliable car i've ever owned and the most enjoyable, unfortunately it had rust when i bought it (second hand) and that has since got worse, but even WITH the rust it looks great.

My next car will be a W202 more than likely, the longer I own the model the more I like it, it has just enough electronics to keep you entertained and comfy but not so much that it needs a trip to PC-WORLD every time you need to change a bulb or open the door.

excellent car ! (photos below)

cheers
anyweb

 

[television]

Re the throttle, its worth lubricating the cable,it make a huge difference

 

[Ron Palfrey]

I'm glad you agree with me Malcolm.

Ron

 

[television]

I'm glad you agree with me Malcolm.

Ron

Sorry Ron, I should have read it all better, and said that I agree with you.

Very sorry Regards

 

[C220GJS]

Lubricate the wiper drive before it gives you problems.
It's covered in the DIY section.

 

[ricky s]

My wifes 200 sport, which she had from new, has covered 68,000, bar one hit and run damage to our back wing, rear lense, and boot lid, which we repaired, and general servicing and wear and tear, 1 new battery and the alloys where refurbed a short time back. The only other items that have failed, were the tension pulley, what ever that may be? the rear aerial continualy fails to extend, and always requires attention, and the sunroof jammed on one occassion, MB sorted it, never done it since. The most worrying thing we are currently faced with is a line of light rust right on the roof where it meets the rear side or the sunroof, (am told this is a ackward repair). Our annual MB service is usually around £300-£650, which given the value of the car is a lot of money. What I would say, I enjoy driving her car, suspension and steering wise, more so than my own car, its much tighter, a good feel of the road, but alas its just lacking a little bit of power.

 

[Ron Palfrey]

Sorry Ron, I should have read it all better, and said that I agree with you.

Very sorry Regards

No probs Malcolm,
I know you are busy. You're bound to miss the odd word or two, I know I do!
Merry Christmas.
Best Wishes,
Ron

 

[pb8770]

Thanks guys for your feedback. All the best for the new year, hope you all had a pleasant christmas. The reason for me asking for information on the C200 Esprit is the the car is very tidy for the year, I just want to see if there was anything to watch out for. The only thing that was troubling me was the throttle pedal, it seems smooth for about an inch travel then there is friction which if you press harder it passes the friction then its off with no way of having a smooth ride. On inspection of the linkages at the throttle housing the linkages catch each other which is where the friction is. Was or is there a modification to the linkages to get a smooth acceloration? I am wanting to replace the fuel filter, is it a difficult job? is it in line or on the tank? Because before I bought it it had been stood on a garage forecourt with an empty tank and I have an idea it could be due for a change.

 

[Ron Palfrey]

In the fuel supply line, adjacent to the fuel tank.
It's explained in the Haynes manual no.3511. I suggest you get one if you're going to work on the car and service it yourself.
Nothing particularly complicated with replacement. Just make sure you fit it the right way round for the fuel flow, and take all the usual precautions for working on a flammable fuel system.
Normal to change it every 4 years I think.
Ron

 

[Aussie Nick]

You should be careful to purchase a good quality fuel filter. I bought a copy brand and found that it leaked from the housing very close to the exhaust pipes. If you replace the filter it is wise to monitor the filter with the car running for some time to ensure that there are no leaks from the band joins as the filter is located above exhaust pipes. I think the accelerator laziness was a design feature. Mine does the same.

 

[pb8770]

Cheers Ron and Nick, the car has only covered 91900 miles, I dont know why it has taken me this long to get one. She cost me £1495, She is the Esprit model, I have noticed also that there is a digital display in the fuel/temp gauge, did this model have the display working as standard, or is it fitted to all models and depending on trim level had it working. Having looked through the old M.O.T certificates she has only covered less than 5000 miles in 4 years. I have had the car looked at by the Mercedes dealer, to check my throttle and linkages and the mechanic and he said that the linkages were worn, saying that the mechanism was modified on newer models, so he suggested having it modified at a cost of £288 fitted would you say this was a tad expensive or is it easy to fit yourself saving me the labour costs.

pb.8770

 

[Aussie Nick]

Hello Pb. I think the cost of replacing the alleged worn linkages,which is quoted at $288.00 ( dont have a Pound key) is just under 25% of the value of the car. I think you should get another quote and if that proves to be uneventful I would persist with lubrication especially where the mechanism is catching . If the linkages still cause you bother I would have a go at repairing it myself especially if you have a half decent toolbox with some good old Australian Sidchrome spanners.
I don't particularly understand your remark about the digital display in the fuel /temperature gauge.Yes I would suggest that this was a standard factory inclusion as mine has one. This readout provides an indication of the outside temperature and I suspect yours is blank. Have a good look at it with the ignition key in the on position. Have a torch ready to shine on it. Does it indicate a digital reading that you can observe when you shine the torch on it? If it does then the light bulb in the instrument cluster has failed. You will need to pop out the cluster from behind by removing the bottom dashboard panel ( about 6 Philip head screws) and the bonnet release handle. The bonnet release handle is a litlle tricky but observe how the cable rolled end slides and unclips from the red bonnet release handle.You will have to put this back in the reverse order. This is about the worst tricky part to the whole procedure.
The instrument cluster requires a substantial force from the back to release from the dash. Ensure that the pushing force is evenly distributed to avoid damage.Before you pop it place a towel or soft rag on the steering column to avoid scratching the instrument cluster face.
The bulb should be readily available from any decent auto supply outlet.
Regards Aussie Nick

 

[pb8770]

Cheers Nick, I will shine a torch on to the display and see, thanks for tip, will let you know the outcome.
Many thanks
pb.8770

 

[M Paul Lloyd]

Don't forget to have the steering track rod ends checked, these tend to go after about 60,000 miles leading to uneven tyre wear and offset steering. The jacking points can become water traps leading to potential corrosion, also some cars get fitted with the wrong battery, as in the C180 battery fitted to a C200, which is cheaper but not up to the job long term.

 

[Ron Palfrey]

Cheers Ron and Nick, the car has only covered 91900 miles, I dont know why it has taken me this long to get one. She cost me £1495, She is the Esprit model, I have noticed also that there is a digital display in the fuel/temp gauge, did this model have the display working as standard, or is it fitted to all models and depending on trim level had it working. Having looked through the old M.O.T certificates she has only covered less than 5000 miles in 4 years. I have had the car looked at by the Mercedes dealer, to check my throttle and linkages and the mechanic and he said that the linkages were worn, saying that the mechanism was modified on newer models, so he suggested having it modified at a cost of £288 fitted would you say this was a tad expensive or is it easy to fit yourself saving me the labour costs.

pb.8770

Mine has a space for the display but does not have the function as it was an optional extra, and was not specified on my car. Your car is probably the same so you'll perhaps be searching for a non-existant fault!

As regards the accelerator, I would definitely recommend lubricating the cable first. With that low mileage over the last 4 years it has probably dried out/gummed up through lack of use.

I always try the simple solutions first, particularly on a cheap car. (No offence meant, I just mean that you seem to have found yourself a bargain).

Regards, Ron