Any faults i should know about c220 cdi auto before i buy??

[Terry1]

Im about to buy my first MB. Are there any known faults or weak areas of the c220 cdi auto i should know before entering into this relationship??, i dont want to get sucked into a money pit.
Car in question is an older W reg 2000 model, 65k, looks like its done half that and not a spot of rust.

 

[jberks]

Well, at 65k she's not run in yet.
Check the body carefully for any rust, around the wheelarches and especially around the boot lock where they are prone (faulty seals apparently).
Aside from that, I assume it's a late W202 which were pretty much bullet proof (last of the 'real' mercs IMO) so you should be fine.
Normal things, make sure it has a comprehensive maintenance history and that things like gearbox oil and filters, have been changed. There has been a lot of confusion with regard to this item as MB kept changing their mind between every 40k and sealed for life, so it is very possible it hasn't been done. If not, no worries but current thinking says get it done asap.

An RAC/AA inspection is always a good idea too.

 

[Terry1]

Thanks for that, that sounds positive. No rust at the boot lock and its got a part MBSH not full. HPI data check done and all clear on the registers. I would get it fully serviced immediately anyway, that usually shows up some faults.
Anything else from previous owners, they cant be that perfect surely??

 

[television]

They are very good Terry, all cars can go wrong, you ask a hard question but as Jberks says only just run in, buy it and be happy, in my view there is little point in having it serviced for the sake of it, the next service date will soon come round