buying advise for C200 / C240 please!!!

[myredsl]

Im looking to buy a C200 or C240 as an inexpensive runabout but know little about them. Can anyone give me any advise such as what to pay,look for,avoid etc. Im particularly interested on opinions regarding 200 v 240 engine. So far I seem drawn to the C240 with 6 cylinders,automatic. What year did the face-lift ,tip box,come in?
All advise would be much appreciated as I reckon this is the site to get proper MBZ info.

Thanks

Nick

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
What chassis/year are you looking at? W202, W203, W204, take a look here,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Class.

 

[myredsl]

Hi. Thanks for the link. Im looking at w202 saloon,1997 onwards (facelift,I think?)with either the 2.0 or 2.4 engine,petrol,auto.

details of cars Im going to look at:

1. 2000 w reg, C200 eleg`,59k miles £2795
2. 1998 R reg, C240 eleg`, 60k miles, £2995
3. 1998 S reg, C240, 91k miles, £1995

 

[jberks]

The 240 is a sweeter engine but no quicker than the 200 and less economical. Maintenance will be a tad higher on the 240 too. Not much to choose between though. I went from a C220 (same as the 200) to an E240 but I can't think of any do's and don'ts. Just go on the condition/mileage/spec/price etc and don't worry which of the 2 engines the winner has. You'll be happy with either.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Hi. Thanks for the link. I'm looking at w202 saloon,1997 onwards (facelift,I think?)with either the 2.0 or 2.4 engine,petrol,auto.

details of cars I'm going to look at:

1. 2000 w reg, C200 eleg`,59k miles £2795
2. 1998 R reg, C240 eleg`, 60k miles, £2995
3. 1998 S reg, C240, 91k miles, £1995

I don't want to be a prophet of doom, but these cars were built in the era from which MB current rust problems arose. I had a MY W 202 C200K Sport Estate auto in super condition with only 47,000 miles after 7 years, but I moved it on after the second episode of rust (paid for by MB without a quibble).

As for Jberks, you will not be disappointed with any of these engines - but if you can stretch to a car made after they started galvanizing them (see other threads), it would repay you. Any engine or trim level will be good and I would recommend strongly an automatic.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Tiptronic was only available as a cost option on the W202 in a 2000 model, and is quite rare in the 202 chassis.
If I was in your shoes, would not go for either the 200 or the 240, and go for the 230 Kompressor, it is cheaper to maintain, than the 240 (if you decide on a 240 with 60,000ish miles ensure that it has had a service as this service can be expensive as lot of servicing extras will need replacing spark plugs x12 for example), and no more to maintain than the 200, economy wise it will do upto 35mpg, and on paper I believe, is the most economical petrol engine in the 202.
The 230k does not need any special servicing procedures and the Kompressor will not cause any problems, I have had mine from 24,500 miles and done 115,000miles in it and the engine has not missed a beat in fact the engine still runs so sweet and smooth I reckon I could balance a coin on its edge whilst running.
Whatever engine you decide on, do check the body for rust, the wheel arches especially, check for even tyre wear, as this is a good indication of worn suspension components though not horrifically expensive to repair. Check correct operation of all dash warning lights, if its auto check the car changes and pulls smoothly through all of the gears and there is no sign of juddering, though the consensus of opinion is to buy auto when buying a Merc, also do budget on getting the gearbox filter and fluid changed if it has no record in the history of it being done. Don,t be put off by a manual, though the handbrake (though operated by foot in a w202) does take a bit of getting use too.
Good history is essential, though most 202's would probably been taken out of the main dealer service network by now, and will more than likely boast Independant stamps which is nothing to be too concerned about.
Theres probably more that I have forgotten about, but I,ll add as when I think of them.
You will thoroughly enjoy your 202, if the experience of my two is anything to go by.

 

[myredsl]

Thanks guys for the info,keep it coming if you do have any more as I have 2 weeks browsing/searching time before making final decision.

Nick

 

[grahamcol]

Hi, Just putting my slant on this. Why not consider a C280 as an alternative to the C240 ? Performance is brisk and turbine like smooth / quiet, economy not that bad really. I've got a C200 W202 pre facelift and a C280 V6 W202 post facelift (late 2000 model) and they're both superb cars. Performance wise however they are worlds apart, more so than the mediocre difference in fuel economy would suggest. The face lift version of the W202 came in 1997 and had many differences BUT the paintwork was not as good as the pre facelift version hence rusting is more of a problem. That said, both of my cars are rust free. They are tough cars and if you buy wisely you will jave a vehicle which will last and last. Good luck

 

[myredsl]

Just been to look at the 1998 c240,91k miles with full history up to 79k miles ( servicing coincidentally by same garage as my sl - SS Motors of Weybridge). Car drives very well,super cool a/c, had new air mass filter 20k ago. Small rust spot on front wheel arch otherwise seems ok. Bit of play in steering wheel whilst engine off,kick down and manual gear change also seem good. Smoke silver with biscuit /cream heated leather. MBZ boot spoiler (... not sure I like that!). A lovely drive and think I can get it for £1800............hope Im doing right thing!

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Just been to look at the 1998 c240,91k miles with full history up to 79k miles ( servicing coincidentally by same garage as my sl - SS Motors of Weybridge). Car drives very well,super cool a/c, had new air mass filter 20k ago. Small rust spot on front wheel arch otherwise seems ok. Bit of play in steering wheel whilst engine off,kick down and manual gear change also seem good. Smoke silver with biscuit /cream heated leather. MBZ boot spoiler (... not sure I like that!). A lovely drive and think I can get it for £1800............hope Im doing right thing!

The average mileage per year is just over 8,000 and the price is sensible. What do you have to lose? Enjoy it.

Please post pics - it's the only reward we get!

 

[myredsl]

Looks like a winner! Thanks to all for info,will post pics of the c240 and my sl after this weekend of polishing ready for Bromley Pageant.

btw...the c240 only has 1 key as the original key/barrel sensor failed and was replaced and apparentlt extra keys are tres expensive...or so they tell me!?

 

[jberks]

Looks like a winner! Thanks to all for info,will post pics of the c240 and my sl after this weekend of polishing ready for Bromley Pageant.

btw...the c240 only has 1 key as the original key/barrel sensor failed and was replaced and apparentlt extra keys are tres expensive...or so they tell me!?

Nope - barrels, if ordered from the dealer properly, are coded to the car so original keys should continue to work.