W203 pre 04 facelift.

[monkeyspanner]

Is there anyone on the forum who has a pre 2004 facelift W203 C class who actually likes their car? Reading some of the other threads you’d think that that these cars are a bit of a liability. Surely these models must have some fans?

 

[pedrowk]

I am quite happy with mine...First Post

I have a 2003 (53) 2.7 CDI Auto Avng Estate. My first MB after driving 6 cylinder GMs for the past 20 years. Bought it in July last year and am more than satisfied up to know having completed about 6000 miles. Do all my own servicing using genuine MB parts and their recommended lubricants. Had 'Comand' retro fitted via Comand.co.uk. The only negative is the ride on non trunk/motorway roads is a little tiring, probably due to the sports pack 17 inch wheels and low profiles. The diesel engine took some getting used to, but fuel consumption is fantastic....A recent trip from Rochdale to Anglesey and return same day returned 55mpg at average of 51mph. I have changed the transmission fluid and filter having read about the 'Valeo' problem on this site, but having examined the pipe work there is no tranny connection to the rad on this model. Finally no sign of rust ...yet....

 

[jberks]

Is there anyone on the forum who has a pre 2004 facelift W203 C class who actually likes their car? Reading some of the other threads you’d think that that these cars are a bit of a liability. Surely these models must have some fans?

Most people post on a forum when they have a problem. Hence views will be skewed.
Most owners love their Pre 04 203s, it's just that, on average, there are a few more issues than people would like and that don't affect post 04 cars.
People whinge about 1998-2004 E classes too. I had a 2000 model and yes it had issues. But for the most part it was a great car. Comfortable and reliable. Sure it spent more time in the workshop than my current 04 E class has but even a few weeks extra (inc corrosion fixes),when spread over several years is pretty small.

 

[monkeyspanner]

Thanks pedrowk & jberks. Of course, as pointed out, many owners tend to post comments or threads when they have a problem and need help. From time to time it's good to read comments that offer a more balanced view. Cheers.

 

[David Nock]

My 2001 C180 was fine over 60,000 miles. Sold in 2005. Bit of a paintwork finish problem on A pillar but nothing serious. (South African build I Believe).

 

[paul c]

My c240 2001 has been fine have owned it for 4.5 years now ,no rust and a few items but no more problems than any other cars owned expensive to run but its a Merc.

 

[NJones59]

As above, my 2.7 CDI is a great car. 9500 miles since te last service at an average of 46.4 mpg, can't complain. My only gripe with the bodywork is that the bonnet on the top (not the very front where you would expect it) seems to suffer more than my previous cars with stone chips. maybe I should stop going offroad with it

 

[MSG2004]

I've had one for almost 4 years.

Pulling to the left, uneven tyre wear........back to MB many times under warranty.

The command sstem plays up & carverheats easily

it's a 2003 53 plate 180k se auto.

noise from the back, on & off.

From what i've read, the face lift from 2004 is a better bet.

Good bits - drives well on -ways, good mpg imo.

5 star crash rating

spacey in tefront but not rear

hope this helped

BTW - mine is Obsidian black - paint work is rubbish as its wate based i think

 

[monkeyspanner]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I have found this interesting.

 

[tikw2124]

W203 problems

Sorry to be bearer of bad news:

My 2002 W203 2.7 CDi, purchased 2 years ago with 120k mls has had following problems:

My pre-requisite prior to buying car was to have an indie give it the once- over, from this, the bill to seller was just under £3k. All brake discs/pads, front thrust arms servo block on auto box (£400 alone) drivers seat cushion, 2 tyres, bonnet and front end re-spray (stone chips).

Since then: AC compressor, Alternator, HP fuel pump, fuel lines, poly belt tensioner, rust problems (ongoing), a plague of stione chips on bonnet and front bumper. Even the indie says i have been unlucky with this car. Now on 161k mls, auto box some times slips out of gear or sticks in 2nd when accelerating briskly, there is annoying rattle from under dash/instrument panel and rear n/s suspension, can't seem to trace them down. MPG is excellent (55 ave).

Apart from this, i still like the car!

Regards

Keith

 

[Neo4]

Hi monkeyspanner,
I had a 220CDI (03), bought it april 04 and sold it march 08. It was a very good car, I had to change 2 bulbs( rear brake light) in all the time I had it. I only did about 50K in it (it had 6K when I bought it). The services cost me (3 in all) about £600 each
But then I had a great motor, it never failed me, great ride, great mpg, around 45-50 doing 85 (obviously on private roads )
Cant fault the car, loved it. Still miss it (I drive an E estate now, miss my saloon!)
Pete

 

[SpikeUK]

I love my C270CDI. On a '53 plate and in Andradite Green it still looks lovely. The average MPG is 45, so I am really happy.....