W202 Timing Belt/Chain Advice Please?

[mattjonescardiff]

Hi

I previously owned a 1995 C180. Now thinking of buying a 1998 C240.

Does the V6 have a timing chain like the old C180? i.e. not a belt that needs replacing?

Any other tips on buying a W202 C240 would be much appreciated. Looking forward to re-entering MB ownership!

 

[colechelle]

Chain, never owned a 202 but have heard a very good car, just look out for the norm, rust! crank sensors and air-mass sensors can be a fault on that engine as well as ign leads, sure someone like bigaston will give you some more pointers!!!

 

[dragon]

Definitely chain

 

[mattjonescardiff]

Thanks guys.

I loved my old W202, it felt absolutely bombproof, so really tempted by another.

More buying tips for the W202, specifically the C240, much appreciated!

 

[vijilants]

I previously owned a C240. Silky smooth engine, and the internals are fairly bulletproof as long as servicing has been regular.

If and when you buy it, get the crankshaft sensor replaced if it hasn't been done as yet. They are prone to failure and cause the engine to cut out without warning.

The sensor doesn't cost much and it is a fairly easy job to replace it.

The car takes 12 spark plugs and the replacement of the plugs is an awkward job, hence the surprising quotes when you ask for spark plug replacement. Try and find out if they were ever replaced and when.

If it is an auto, the gearbox oil and filter should be replaced approx every 50,000 miles. Usually between £100 - £150 total cost.

Lower ball joints usually fail at about 65000 miles but again, not an expensive job.

 

[mattjonescardiff]

Great tips thanks.

 

[television]

If you found a car like this one you would be a happy bunny

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=42339

 

[dragon]

I have a W202 for 12 years, the ride is still good but didn't understand the bad review about uninvolving steering.

The nagging problem is the Scorpion MBSS 2a alarm system.

Wonder whether I can fit a MBRSS as in my R170? I don't even know where this module is located-somewhere at the rear of the car.

If you enjoy it so much you don't even bother to know where are the parts are until it develops a fault.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Though i can,t really add much to whats already been said, but do ensure that all the warning lights work and extinguish as they should. Do buy one as high a spec as possible as this will make it more desirable for when you sell it.
Any particular reason for the choice of engine? As i have heard that the C240 can seem a tad underpowered and heavy on the front.
You could consider a C230K (kompressor) more economical (34 mpg) quicker and just as reliable (I have had mine for over 7 years and 100,000 miles now with now major issues.
60,000 & 120,000 miles i believe the car will be due a plug change which can be expensive if MB serviced, if not it could be used as a bargaining pointer, though not done the job myself, it should take approx. 2hrs to do and can be done D.I.Y. if your that way inclined.
As an after thought don,t forget to ask for the spare key as new ones can cost in excess of £150 some closer to £200.

 

[vijilants]

Though i can,t really add much to whats already been said, but do ensure that all the warning lights work and extinguish as they should. Do buy one as high a spec as possible as this will make it more desirable for when you sell it.
Any particular reason for the choice of engine? As i have heard that the C240 can seem a tad underpowered and heavy on the front.
You could consider a C230K (kompressor) more economical (34 mpg) quicker and just as reliable (I have had mine for over 7 years and 100,000 miles now with now major issues.
60,000 & 120,000 miles i believe the car will be due a plug change which can be expensive if MB serviced, if not it could be used as a bargaining pointer, though not done the job myself, it should take approx. 2hrs to do and can be done D.I.Y. if your that way inclined.
As an after thought don,t forget to ask for the spare key as new ones can cost in excess of £150 some closer to £200.

Agree .....I did find the C240 lazy but extremely smooth.

I moved onto a C230K.....much more noise from the engine, but I love the way the car drives as far as the torque is concerned. It is also far cheaper to mantain than the C240 and better on petrol ( as long as you don't boot it around all over the place). I have also driven the C280 but still find the C230k much more fun to drive.

Also if you decide to buy one with AC check to see if it works ....the old excuse of " it doesn't work but probably needs a regass" usually means " my condenser has failed, its a common problem and I don't want to spend £150 - £200 to sort it out"

 

[mattjonescardiff]

Thanks for the further replies.

I've seen a C240 locally that looks good so that was the only reason for the engine choice. I'm compiling a comprehensive list of probing questions for the unsuspecting sellers! I'll keep my eyes peeled for a C230K as well then in the meantime.