C280 buying advice

[Bluespot]

Hello I'm new on the forum and would like to become a Mercedes owner!. I would like some advice if you can help please

I have been to view a C180 saloon 1996 4 owners 85K miles showing, the straight 6 engine, seemed to drive ok. Some concerns I have are :

1) When the handbrake is released seems very abrupt for want of a better word is this normal ?

2) The wheels are AMG type large flat ones I think from the High performance version of this car, will this be a problem geometry or insurance wise ?

3) Normal breaking seemed very powerful and slightly "harsh" grabby rather than smooth and progressive what do you think ?

This car is from a private seller

I would appreciate any feedback.

 

[jberks]

The handbrake is abrupt. It just releases when you pull the lever. Thud and it's off.
I doubt you'll have specific problems with the wheels though it is worth telling your insurance co. Do point out that they may have been factory fitted and are manufactured by Mercedes. They will probably be happy then. They can get touchy with after market upgrades but manufacturer supplied ones are normally ok.

I'm not sure I'd run a C180 (title says 280? - if so ignore this point) with very wide tyres as it's not over endowed with performance to start with, and the extra rolling resistance isn't going to help with acceleration or economy. You'd get a good price for those wheels if you decided to downgrade to standard alloys. Just something to think about.

The brakes are powerful, but if you have any doubts, just get them checked. It really depends on what you came from as to whether there is a problem of its just very different to what you're used to.

 

[Myros]

everything Jberks said and a few more

the brakes should feel very civilised. None of the Mercs I've driven ever had " grabby " brakes. If anything, you probably feel they aren't doing much and you press them a bit harder, compared to cars like VWs. Progressive and smooth are definitely the words for a W202 standard brake set-up.

If you have to replace all the discs and pads, which I just did, look at a bill of £300 or more including labour.
If you are spanner-brained, you can do it yourself and save about £100 on the cost.They will last you about 30,000 miles or more, depending on how you drive.

It does sound like a 280 and not a 180 from the straight six description.
Get the Vin number and we'll tell you how to find out the factory spec when it left germany.

 

[Blobcat]

If you want to stop the handbrake from 'thudding off' keep your left foot on it whilst pulling the lever. You can then gently let the brake off with your left foot.

 

[Bluespot]

Thanks to you all for your reply's

I think the disks maybe need replacing I was gentle with the breaks but they definitely felt sharp and snatch. my wife has a toyota and the breaks are very powerful but still progressive and controllable these particular ones I'm sure will need some TLC (new disks etc) will give me a bargaining point.

I will get a MB soon and I am looking forward to it, they are such elegant understated cars the saloons that is. I am going to get an older model as I do a low mileage and can't afford large depreciation costs, luckily I don't mind getting my hands a bit dirty and doing some maintenance myself.

Thanks again. I'm going to buy this car, all being well on saturday if anyone can think of anything I must check please let me know. Yes it should have been C280

 

[anyweb]

check the AC if any is installed (turn it on and make sure it blows freezing cold air)
check for rust under the wheel rims and on the sides of the doors
check the operation of the sunroof (if it has one)
test the abs by breaking on a gravelly road at 60kmph
check the level of brake fluid in the brake fluid chamber under the bonnet, be aware it has two sides, front and back corresponding to front and back brakes. mine lost all the back brake fluid recently due to a leak in one of the back pipes,
check the head of the engine in and around the dipstick area, look for any obvious signs of leaking oil, if there is, chances are it'll need a new head-gasket

good luck and welcome to Mercedes C series

cheers
anyweb

 

[Bluespot]

Thanks anyweb.

I will do a visual check for oil leaks and see if any has been collecting at the bottom of the engine compartment. The AC I've already mentioned this to the owner This was after we had replaced the car in his garage (so many other things to take in I did not put the AC on It did occur to me but was confused as to what settings on the controls to use so I have made a special note to check out the AC on the second visit / purchase time !! he said it takes a while to work, how long do you think it should take for it to deliver freezing air from start up ?

I much appreciate all the advice.

 

[Bluespot]

Update

I'm not going to get this car have issues with vendor.. Will keep looking

the old toyota I drive is ok for now, so no panic. A bit disappointed I was looking forward to a Merc.

Thanks again, will do more research on this fantastic forum.