Looking for a cheap C Class Estate, advice needed

[bob 6600]

Friend of mine is looking for a C Class estate, must be diesel and auto. He has a budget of £2.5k as it will a run around and for lugging small bits around.

My knowledge is a bit limited on these (W203?) so are there any to avoid? I know to look for black death amongst the usual stuff but is there anything else?

If anyone has one or knows of one for sale please let me know.

 

[LostKiwi]

The c270 is arguably the best one to go for notwithstanding issues with black death and stripping injector threads in the cylinder head.

As with all MBs of that age rust is to be looked for as are broken springs.

 

[mercedes13156]

Don't forget the electronics plate in the gearbox. Those fail with regularity if you let the ATF go too far past its service, or let the level drop too far. Make sure you have the proof of having the ATF and filter changed at least once. Check the colour of the locking tab on the ATF filler tube. Black is the original factory colour and red shows it has been serviced by MB. (Or is it the other way round?) No locking tab sometimes means it's been done by the owner on the drive.

O Rings on the low pressure fuel delivery pipes on top of and at the front of the engine. These flatten off with vibration and leak air into the system causing starting issues.

 

[bob 6600]

Thanks gents. Yes the ATF tabs are black at factory and red once replaced.

Wisely, he wants to invest in a STAR kit. Stupidly, just after I sold mine for a good price!

 

[om613]

I think the iCarsoft i980 would be fine for a S203, as £2.5K should get something from around 2005?

 

[mercedes13156]

I think the iCarsoft i980 would be fine for a S203, as £2.5K should get something from around 2005?

The iCarsoft 980 is perfect for the C Class W203. I've used it on both of mine with complete success.

 

[LostKiwi]

I'll have an i980 for sale in a week or two....