Lifespan

[Wighty]

79k on an 08 c220 - mine has about 108k and decent service record, runs sweet as you like, no intention of changing it in what's left of my lifetime - I'm approaching 70! I'll take issue with Wighty about ATF change - our cars have the 5 speed autobox which is theoretically sealed for life, the 37.5k mile ATF change is for later cars (had a big row with the MB Ashford service manager on this point when I bought the car from them). However, I had mine done in Jan 2019 at approx. 100k miles - it had not been changed ever prior to that! Did not make a noticable difference to the box, but it's peace of mind.

You are correct that MB updated to a one off change , but the Indys and those who want to avert future gearbox problems are all in the every 40k camp

 

[mioba]

Troubles only occur if you dont keep on top of things, I am sure you have and will continue to do so.

 

[grahamcol]

I agree with all those who say keep it.
As long as there is no rust. Yours should be ok at that year because it's a later 203 which will have been galvanised.
I've recently bought an 07 CLK220 with 50k miles and I'm looking at this as the last car l buy as I'm almost 69. If l don't get at least 10 years out of it I'll be disappointed !

 

[Hugh Dowie]

Great thanks for the info

 

[Chrishazle]

You are correct that MB updated to a one off change , but the Indys and those who want to avert future gearbox problems are all in the every 40k camp

To do the job properly on a 204 (i.e. gearbox and torque convertor) is about £250-300 on top of the cost of a service, so a nice little earner. It was actually my indie that told me I could wait until 100k miles before having the ATF changed!

 

[M80]

Is it eu5, does it definitely have the DPF?
Check under the rear sub frame for rust,
and the brake pipes.

Treat early if there are signs.

Otherwise enjoy the view of the earth from the moon,
but might need new injectors for the return.
It'll likely ping a spring or three along the way.

 

[Rappey69]

I bought my previous c220 for 3.5k at just approaching 6 years old but it did have all the extras. Drove great.. That already should ring alarm bells as for that price what is wrong with it? Lack of servicing was really the only issue as fluids were more like tar.
The car went on to serve me for 10 years and the highest bill was £500. Worked out ok in the end.
Sold it with 273,000 on the clock and everything still worked!

 

[Hugh Dowie]

Thanks for the reply, that ended well for you then! I have had mine from new with full serviceing being carried out when due and also oil and filters more frequently, so fingers crossed it should run on for a bit yet LOL.

 

[Rappey69]

I liked the car but it started rusting away badly which was why i finally sold it.. In fact the day after i bought it the rust moved in !
There was not a single panel that didnt have rust in the end.
From 05 (i think) they came galvanised .

 

[A.J.]

I don't usually buy cars with under 80k miles. I normally run them to 200k.
You've got loads left in it yet.

Cripes, the highest mileage I have ever ran a car to is 41,000 and that was my last C220, current one is at 31,000 and as soon as this Covid lockdown is over completely I am out there looking to replace it

 

[Blobcat]

Cripes, the highest mileage I have ever ran a car to is 41,000 and that was my last C220, current one is at 31,000 and as soon as this Covid lockdown is over completely I am out there looking to replace it

You’re doing a great job of giving the next owners great cars. Please keep it up

 

[LostKiwi]

Cripes, the highest mileage I have ever ran a car to is 41,000 and that was my last C220, current one is at 31,000 and as soon as this Covid lockdown is over completely I am out there looking to replace it

210 is on 146k, 129 is on 142k, Smart Roadster is on 145k shock and 230 is on 106k (or thereabouts).
Bought the Smart at 80k, 210 at 112k, 129 at 135k and 230 at 98k.
Had an A8 I bought at 80k and sold on at 212k - still running perfectly. Had an S70 T5 Volvo bought at 98k and sold on at 221k. Still running perfectly. Wish I'd not sold that one.

 

[A.J.]

You’re doing a great job of giving the next owners great cars. Please keep it up

210 is on 146k, 129 is on 142k, Smart Roadster is on 145k shock and 230 is on 106k (or thereabouts).
Bought the Smart at 80k, 210 at 112k, 129 at 135k and 230 at 98k.
Had an A8 I bought at 80k and sold on at 212k - still running perfectly. Had an S70 T5 Volvo bought at 98k and sold on at 221k. Still running perfectly. Wish I'd not sold that one.

I would like to think that that is the reason, or someway toward the reason, I havn't had any problems with my MB's apart from a speed sensor on my current MB.

I have always bought as low mileage as I could in the hope that nothing is about to let go. So far it has worked for me. And of course the general condition has always been superior. It has meant that I have had to pay perhaps a little more for them but I have always got a little more back for them when I have P/X'd them.

 

[Wighty]

Cripes, the highest mileage I have ever ran a car to is 41,000 and that was my last C220, current one is at 31,000 and as soon as this Covid lockdown is over completely I am out there looking to replace it

Wow that is low , I happily buy at that mileage

 

[A.J.]

Wow that is low , I happily buy at that mileage

It's a C180 Sport AMG Line in Obsidian Black with light Grey faux leather with only 31,000 miles on it and full service history, not MB but always serviced with MB parts, it has about two maybe three small stone chips on the bonnet, no scratches or dents, regularly polished, just one crack in the drivers seat Artico, never thrashed, I always stick to the speeds limits, rear tyres are 6mm fronts are 5mm.............Just saying....

 

[Altamar]

Cripes, the highest mileage I have ever ran a car to is 41,000 and that was my last C220, current one is at 31,000 and as soon as this Covid lockdown is over completely I am out there looking to replace it

When I was working full time I had the benefit of leased cars provided by my employer and some nice motors graced the drive over the years, including three Audis, a BMW 5 series and two Mercs. I bought the W212 when I semi-retired as I had driven it from new and it's now up to 85000 trouble-free miles.

Most of my leased cars went back with 110k+ miles on the clock and in fact my brother bought my last Audi and ended up replacing it with 240k miles completed.

As others have said, regular oil changes are the key and now that rust is less of a problem than it used to be, I certainly intend to keep the E Class for a couple of years yet. It's unmarked and even the alloys are like new so I can't justify shelling out north of £30k to change it for a new one.

 

[LostKiwi]

I would like to think that that is the reason, or someway toward the reason, I havn't had any problems with my MB's apart from a speed sensor on my current MB.

I have always bought as low mileage as I could in the hope that nothing is about to let go. So far it has worked for me. And of course the general condition has always been superior. It has meant that I have had to pay perhaps a little more for them but I have always got a little more back for them when I have P/X'd them.

210 has cost me an AC compressor, CPS and radiator (plus replaced front wings due to metal cancer).
129 has cost me a broken spring (replaced pair), engine mount, front suspension arm, front anti roll bar mounts, top engine harness, PSE pump, catalytic converter and replacement plastic rear windows in the soft top. Not as expensive as it all sounds though - probably totals £1200?
Smart cost a boost control valve, two front struts and springs and a clutch. Total cost under £500. That doesn't include all the modification work - stainless exhaust, keyless start, upgraded radio etc.
R230 so far has cost a crank pulley and engine mount, but does need a new boot latch. About £400 including boot latch.

When I had the Volvo it cost me a throttle body, MAF and engine mount. Total about £800 for 100k+ (not including service items).
Given the very low depreciation losses I think older cars can make a lot of sense. The 129 has negative depreciation making my cost of ownership a negative cost at present!

 

[ajlsl600]

i am a fan of running older cars . but i would not buy a new car or even 2 yr old to run on as i believe there is a great deal of design to fail or AT best designed to "just" make it thru warranty particularly with electric/electronic components . the secret with the older cars is getting to know them and regular checking and oil changes . i dont wait for failure i look to prevent it . statistically i will have failure ,but its not yet happened and tho inconvenient i really wont be able to complain when that happens .

 

[A.J.]

i am a fan of running older cars . but i would not buy a new car or even 2 yr old to run on as i believe there is a great deal of design to fail or AT best designed to "just" make it thru warranty particularly with electric/electronic components . the secret with the older cars is getting to know them and regular checking and oil changes . i dont wait for failure i look to prevent it . statistically i will have failure ,but its not yet happened and tho inconvenient i really wont be able to complain when that happens .

I am a very much a get in and dive it person. I am past spending time underneath it or under the bonnet.

 

[ajlsl600]

whilst not wealthy, we are comfortable and i like to spend my cash as i see fit, not as some manufacturer might try to dictate, hence my maintenance policies , also , i plan so that when i set out somewhere i have a better than average chance of not having to walk ! (be in mind that my in use cars are 19 and 17 yrs old )last summer i changed lovelies a class timing chain , some would say needlessly ,but for me , its creating the odds on chance that that WONT be an issue down the road , same applies to belts and pulleys and benz organised that such changing them no fun .