alcmackew
Senior Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2022
- Messages
- 57
- Reaction score
- 24
- Location
- Eltham, Victoria, Australia
- Your Mercedes
- 2012 S204 C200 CDI ESTATE
Hi all - new to the forum and to Mercedes Benz ! Have had almost everything else from Japan, Europe and Australia. 
Per the sig I have a 2012 W204 C200 CDI Estate with 88,000klm on the odo (now 97,000 klm) in Tenorite Grey. OM651 2.1l diesel with 7G Tronic + transmission.
Has been an interesting ownership experience so far with the below Pros and Cons:
PROs:
- Great build quality;
- Magnificent fuel economy esp with fuel prices lately; Commute to work is 5.0l/100 klm;
- Great torque (my first diesel car ever);
- Great looking wagon and body style (was looking at BMW 3s and 5s before);
- Great service and parts back up from both MB Dealership network and independent service centers.
CONs
- Oil leaks have been an issue - after purchase the sump, oil cooler and oil switchover valve all needed replacing (oil on the driveway about a month after purchase);
- Required engine removal and refit and I chose F.W Graunke here in Melbourne to repair as they have MB certification but are not car sellers or traders and have a solid reputation. With the engine out they recommended a new new water pump and thermostat..... (AUD3000k)
- Probably why it was traded in in the first place.
Running very well now and probably should have got a pre-purch inspection. Common issues apparently.
Looking forward to reading up on this forum and will try not to post questions already covered in this knowledge base!
Interested to hear how many klms these OM651 engines can reach without major work required.
Planning to tow a light caravan in December!
Per the sig I have a 2012 W204 C200 CDI Estate with 88,000klm on the odo (now 97,000 klm) in Tenorite Grey. OM651 2.1l diesel with 7G Tronic + transmission.
Has been an interesting ownership experience so far with the below Pros and Cons:
PROs:
- Great build quality;
- Magnificent fuel economy esp with fuel prices lately; Commute to work is 5.0l/100 klm;
- Great torque (my first diesel car ever);
- Great looking wagon and body style (was looking at BMW 3s and 5s before);
- Great service and parts back up from both MB Dealership network and independent service centers.
CONs
- Oil leaks have been an issue - after purchase the sump, oil cooler and oil switchover valve all needed replacing (oil on the driveway about a month after purchase);
- Required engine removal and refit and I chose F.W Graunke here in Melbourne to repair as they have MB certification but are not car sellers or traders and have a solid reputation. With the engine out they recommended a new new water pump and thermostat..... (AUD3000k)
- Probably why it was traded in in the first place.
Running very well now and probably should have got a pre-purch inspection. Common issues apparently.
Looking forward to reading up on this forum and will try not to post questions already covered in this knowledge base!
Interested to hear how many klms these OM651 engines can reach without major work required.
Planning to tow a light caravan in December!
