Purchase of a C180 - Request for opinions

[BrianE]

I am looking at purchasing a C180 '99 reg Petrol through a garage at £10,000. Does anyone have any comments on this price for that model.
Whilst I was looking at it we tried the key in the lock, boot & doors but it failed to turn. Was that just the battery or could it be something else.
What points should I check before buying.
Any comments on this model would be most welcome.
Is there a branch iof the club in the Scotland/Glasgow area

 

[mike_smith]

Purchase of a C180

Although I do not own a 180 I have thought of buying one but a friend who has one has allowed me to drive it
very nice but a little undepowered you would do better looking for a 200 or 220.The only advice I can give is ensure it has a full dealer history, better still buy from a main dealer you get a very comprehensive warranty.....

 

[BrianE]

Purchase of a C180

Thanks for your reply Mike.
I've looked at the 200 & others on the Internet but they look a little above my budget.
Maybe a little slow is not such a bad thing after all since i left my boy racer time a while back

 

[Arnie]

Purchase of a C180

...if the key doesn't turn in the locks, it's not the right key. Check everything carefully before you buy!

May have had igition lock changed and may be two different keys now. (why?)

(Edited by Arnie at 5:42 pm on July 15, 2002)

 

[Dave B]

Purchase of a C180

did the remotes unlock/lock the car ??

Hard to comment on price as you've not stated which model it is eg. Classic\Esprit\Elegance\Sport or what options it has fitted - sunroof\air con\leather\auto box\alloys etc.

Advice...yeah, don't buy unless it's got full MB service history and give it a good test drive before parting with dosh.  Pretty sure we have members in Scotland.

 

[BrianE]

Purchase of a C180

Thanks dave,
Its a Jan '99 reg Classic and I am not sure of all the extra's. I'll check the key and service history but the salesman seemed a bit overawed by the car and didn't seem to know anything about all the knobs and switches.
I'll certainly give it a good run as there is both city and motorway very close to the saleroom.
Thanks to all the members who have given me some checks to carry out.
Brian

 

[fuzzer]

Purchase of a C180

Another point about the lock is .......

Who ever uses the key anyway ? The lock is most likely stiff .....I can count on one hand  how often i have unlocked the car with the key rather then the zapper.

Jason
(from glasgow)

 

[Dave B]

Purchase of a C180

Yeah, I'll second that.....I've never used the key, always the remote.  It's lazy I know but I guess that's what we're meant to do, seeing as the lock wholes are covered with a small plastic gromit type thing (not a very technichal description but what the heck).

As it's a '99 C the remotes should look like one of these but with the 3 buttons not 2 (for estates).  

(Edited by Dave B at 10:48 am on July 16, 2002)

 

[hocky4711]

C180

I have a 1994 C180 and its quite a good car. Not much power though. I use 98RON and its ok, anything lower and it drags along(creeps!). Noisy engine, gearbox is a bit lumpy with changes when cold jerky in the 2 to 3 or 1 to 2. Once warmed up its ok. A bit oily in the floor pan look for this. Look for coolant leaks as the water pump may be going. Oil leaks from the shocks, noisy bearings, worn out belt, a/c problems and so on. Your model is like my other 1997 C180 with the elect key which when inserted in the keyhole makes a mechanical sound which disengages the immobiliser(I think) and when turned, the motor should start. The steel key inside the plastic key should open the door and boot if turned correctly. I had the same problem with my boot not opening with the steel key until I turned it a few ways around. The plastic handle is so small, makes it hard. I had to use this as the battery was disconnected to recharge and all electrics went dead. This model looks a lot better than the 1994 one and also has factory 16inch 5 hole alloys with 215 Michellins. I like the quieter motor and it has a lot more get up and go than the older one. Also the 5speed can also be driven in 4speed if you have heavy loads or around the city roads.

 

[John McPherson]

C180

Brian,

I bought a 1998 C180 Elegance with fairly low mileage last September, I like yourself am past the boy racer stage so I'm very pleased with the performance and the comfort. I would recommend automatic.

John.

 

[Aletank]

Whilst I was looking at it we tried the key in the lock, boot & doors but it failed to turn. Was that just the battery or could it be something else.

As already mentioned - not many people use the key, so the locks probably are seized.
My drivers door lock works but the boot doesn't - I've tried WD40 etc in it but no luck - so the locks are probably just seized.

 

[jimsinessex]

I have had a 5yr old CLK from new and after reading a post on the Tech Forum about mech key probs I decided to try mine for the first time.
Both the driver's door and boot were too stiff to turn first time, tried harder and they both eventually succumbed and opened the lock.
Have made a mental note to use mechanical key at least once every 6 months. When I need it Sod's Law will dictate it is a cold, wet, pitch black night, so can do without the hassle.

Cheers, Jim