What are your thoughts about the C class (00-07)

[jazzenator]

Hi

My dad is trying to rejoin the 'Mercedes Club' by buying a C-class (00-07) after owning a very problematic E300 a while back.
He would either like the 180K or the 220CDI.
Is anyone aware of any faults with the cars or anything to look out for like electronic problems etc?
Let me know and I will be grateful for your help.

Thanks

 

[ian l]

I had an 00 220 saloon which was brilliant - 120K miles with no warranty faults. 02 220CDI Estate which at 5K miles developed an irritating buzz from the suspension transmitted through the steering column - MB could not correct it, but no other problems in 80k miles. Current 05 220CDI has required the instrument panel replaced as it stopped displaying any oil level indication but at 40k miles nothing else has gone wrong. Hope this helps!

 

[verytalldave]

I own a 2004 C Class Avantgarde model W203 and its a fine car. There are so many morsels of advice one could give, but I will limit myself you just a few of the more important ones.
If you can afford them, only buy a facelifted W203 built after about mid 2004.
Its identified by the CLEAR headlamp glass and the new dashboard layout with 2 side-by-side centre dials for revs and speedo. Many other differences, but those are the 2 giveaway indications. Much improved over the pre-facelifted W203 hence a price premium, but worth the extra.
Whether you want a petrol or diesel is down to the buyers requirements. Diesels are more fuel frugal, but you will pay a little more for them in first place. So its horses for courses.
I wouldnt recommend buying the Classic model. Its the basic model and is less desirable because of its slightly lower spec.
The Elegance is the "traditional" model with wood trim and aimed at those who seek comfort more than other attributes.
The Avantgarde is aimed at the "sporty" owner with aluminium trim in place of wood. Lowered and stiffer suspension and a different grille are the main visual differences.
Other options which are nice to have fitted is COMAND (built-in sat nav and phone integration entertainment unit), sunroof, sports pack and metallic paint. Leather trim is almost a must-have option. It should go without saying that the car must be fiited with an auto box unless you really WANT manual. Selling on a manual C Class is difficult to put it mildly.
So there you have it. A few pointers. No doubt others will add to that little list, and maybe even disagree at some of my comments.
Hope that helped.............
PS....see mine below......
Its fitted with the sports pack as indicated by the 17" wheels, lower profile tyres and bigger ventilated discs......

 

[Amos]

If he drove the new one he'd never want the old one.

 

[verytalldave]

If he drove the new one he'd never want the old one.

That may very well be true, but of course it depends how deep your pockets are.
I would LOVE to own a W204, but unfortunately I dont have £35,000 sitting around going spare.

 

[jazzenator]

Thanks for your opinions guys.

I am sure this will help. Anymore will be most welcome.

I agree with verytalldave. He would love the new C class but he is retired now so money does limit things somewhat.

Regards.

PS Verytalldave. Nice looking car. Love the colour.

 

[Jensen]

Verytalldave.......is that colour cubinite silver?

 

[verytalldave]

Verytalldave.......is that colour cubinite silver?

It certainly is.................or as some would prefer to call it "metallic beige"......

I think it makes the C Class extra good.............but of course, thats just my personal opinion.

Three more shots of it..........

 

[fred52]

W203 Estate

I have done 50k plus in a 2001 CD270 Estate Avantgarde SE and apart from a recent problem with the ESP sensor, it has been a dream. The auto gearbox is sublime as is the acceleration and handling. I also believe the Estate was built in Germany as opposed to South Africa for the saloon.

Its the first and only diesel I've owned but the mpg is far far superior to my previous car - a V6 2.9 SE S80 Volvo - which returned an overall 34mpg. Overall from the CD270i is about 36mpg (much more of course on a motorway crusie).

I can't comment on the smaller engines, but I would have no hesitation in recommending the CD270i. I also agree the integrated telephone and COMAND is a great thing to have - but not the end of the world if you can't get

Hope this helps

 

[Rory]

I also believe the Estate was built in Germany as opposed to South Africa for the saloon.

That's correct.

Its the first and only diesel I've owned but the mpg is far far superior to my previous car - a V6 2.9 SE S80 Volvo - which returned an overall 34mpg. Overall from the CD270i is about 36mpg (much more of course on a motorway crusie).

Presumeaby you've typo'd the Volvo's MPG? My late 04 C270CDi is showing 43MPG overall since it was born on the trip. I tend not to use it much for short journeys though.

I can't comment on the smaller engines, but I would have no hesitation in recommending the CD270i.

I's like to change mine, but it's been (touching very big piece of wood) absolutely faultless. I'm scared to change it in case its replacement is troublesome!

 

[jubhi]

My dad has a 2005 facelifted C180 Kompressor in Brilliant Silver.

I have driven it on many occasions and think it is a great car. Very smooth with the Auto box and gives decent mpg on the motorway and in town depending on how it is driven.

He has had it for a year now and touchwood have experienced no problems with it.

You can pick them up at very reasonable prices now at the dealers because the new shape has come out.

 

[jubhi]

My dad has a 2005 facelifted C180 Kompressor in Brilliant Silver.

I have driven it on many occasions and think it is a great car. Very smooth with the Auto box and gives decent mpg on the motorway and in town depending on how it is driven.

He has had it for a year now and touchwood have experienced no problems with it.

You can pick them up at very reasonable prices now at the dealers because the new shape has come out.

 

[fred52]

Yes - I typo'd the Volvo S80 mpg

The Volvo S80 2.9SE did 24mpg NOT 34 mpg. The CD270i (at 35mpg overall) is used on a lot of short journeys. On a long journey I can easily get 45mpg as long as I'm not too heavy on the foot and the traffic is light (not often!)

Regardless of the mpg, I find the CD270i is a much more responsive engine than the V6 petrol 2.9 Volvo unit.

 

[ernieh]

Agree With Verytalldave

I have a 2004 C200 Kompressor Elegance (facelift), now done 42K miles and agree with Verytalldave. C Classes are fine driving cars and particularly relaxing on the motorway where I can see 41MPG, although around town it can be as low as 22MPG. I recently tried a Sports Edition Estate (C220CDi) and found the sport suspension too hard for me. It might be worthwhile trying both side-to-side before making a decision.

As regards reliability, I've had a couple of oil leaks from the oil level sensor on the engine and another from the gearbox; both repaired under warranty. A knock from the front suspension was finally traced to a faulty strut which was also replaced.

I went through a stage where bulbs were failing, but this has now cleared up. However, the Service Advisor at my 'local' fitted awkward ones if I supplied the replacement. He has also reset the electronics on the window lifts and the heater flaps.

I would buy another, but the new model is too expensive and I have taken out a contract for 'Service Plus' for the next 2 years, which I am assured will cover all service items and wear-and-tear repairs but not tyres. For info, my last tyres went for 26K and 22K, front and rear respectively.

Hope this helps come decision-making time!


Ernie

 

[philharve]

C230K, yr 2000

Hi All

I personally prefer the more angular look of the old W202 of which mine is one of the last examples. Perhaps I'm just old-fashioned.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[jazzenator]

Thanks guys. I am going to test drive the C180 and C220CDI later. Will remember what you'll have said.

 

[Y15HAL]

Hi People,

Im new on this forum, and am thinking about buying a c class in the very near future.

I noticed this thread and would like to hijack a little if thats possible

Can anyone comment on the C200 or C240? I am looking to get around a 52 plate, which should set me back by around £7000.............

Any in put would be mucho appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Splatt]

If he drove the new one he'd never want the old one.

I am so happy with my 56 C180 that I cannot concieve I would want anything better. It`s a great looker with the Avantguarde spec and sports pack, leather seats and dark maple interior trim. But what sends me is the way it drives , like a magic carpet. I do not feel the need to race along which probably explains my average mpg ( petrol ) of 39.1. in the last 3,500 miles since re-set
PS. No I do not cause traffic jams.

 

[CMR]

Can anyone comment on the C200 or C240?

Yes I can, I have a W203 2001 C240 and very happy with it. When I was buying it I didn't know much about different mercedes models and the indy garage who sold it to me let me drive a 4 cyl and then the 240 6 cyl (which I much preferred as primarily I wanted comfort etc when doing long journeys). See if you can try both too when test driving to form your own opinion. Try to go for elegance (or above) Personally I love the elegance soft suspension (as opposed to stiffer AG) feels luxurious! Even though mine was pre facelift I don't have any real issues at all (mine was made in Germany). Good luck with your search - I'm sure there is plenty to choose from.

 

[littlebrooklyn]

If he drove the new one he'd never want the old one.

I think the new C Class is awful, it's so ugly