The W203 C180k

[Stulc]

Are they ok as far as an old Mercedes goes, i have the chance of an 04 automatic wagon and thinking about it.

I will search for any potential problem one thing i did read was that the facelift model of the same year was better seemingly fixing some mainly electrical problems. I would get it for a reasonable price, thanks for any advice.

 

[AnthonyUK]

The later ones have better corrosion protection so rust will be an issue but it's just a case of how bad it will be.
Suspension bushes and springs are common issues but not particularly expensive or difficult.
The auto box is bulletproof if serviced.

 

[Stulc]

Yes i read that this one has some rust on the rear arches but seemingly not much the rest is supposed to be ok. I will see it shortly.

 

[SH0X]

THe facelift I belive started in 54 maybe 2004 but remember it may be a late registered PRE facelift (worse for rust - very bad actually) and the headlamps are crystal looking rather than hazy on the facelift along with a revised better styled bumper set. The wing mirrors with indicator led will probably let you know if its the facelift or not oh no hold up the steering wheel and dash / controls were changed too - its all coming back to me now & the rear lamps lol

SO yes. Facelift is alot nicer if you can find one for similar money. The rust issue is worth a few bob in itself - I had to get 4 arch areas treated & painted on my prefacelift . But essentially the same car. I had a few of both & found them to both be (at the time) very reliable. More impressive to me than the w204 is

 

[daibevan]

I've had mine for 3.5 years and it's been a great car. There can be issues with the M271 engine. If I'd read all there is here and elsewhere about these engines I'd never have bought it. But I love it.

 

[sailorjim]

M271 engine had a problem with the single timing chain and associated sprockets which were just not up to the task and wore, causing the timing to "slip" and cause expensive damage.

There was also the issue of oil leakage from the cam magnet into the wiring harness and eventually finding it's way to expensive electronic components. There should be an oil blocker fitted to stop this but it needs checking. Plenty of history in these columns if you search.

 

[Stulc]

Many thanks for that

I took the plunge it was a lady that had it and outside bodywork is not the best ie yes rusty rear arches but the paint overall is flattened as if it is ready for a respray. Interior is nice and virtually unmarked black leather but the old style dash.

She seemingly spent quite a bit of suspension parts under it at the front but there is still some knocking ect, need to get it checked. The eml was on but sealing the intake pipe seemed to put it off, just the srs/ air bag light which she says was due to a faulty clock spring to which she gave me 2 spare ones.

All in all though it is a nice drive I got it I think cheap enough but being honest and having driven it a few days, it will need the same again spent to bring it up to scratch.

It is the paint though I don't know what to do, a friend said get it wrapped but would need the rust ect fixed first. I'm a bit shocked at the mpg so far though ie low 20s about town but it is only a 1.8 albeit the kompressor heavy and auto so a recipe for disaster.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Those were not known for their economy. The corresponding diesels were - I regularly got 50 plus from my various diesel 203's - better than my S204 with the same engine.

I miss my last 203, but as said, rust was a hiccup.
They were an excellent car with very few inherent faults - just the usual Mercedes stupid niggles. An elegant car.

At that age, I would rather tackle the paint than wrap it. Wrapping will hide all sorts of rust gremlins working away underneath. It might respond to a good compound and polish - worth a try.