What to look for in a manual petrol 2002 (52) C200K SE

[makings]

Hello there,

I'm looking at buying a manual petrol (gasp!) C200K from a dealer under the Approved Used scheme - what should I be looking out for?

I understand the insurance group (14) is a bit higher than I'm on at the moment (8!), and the VED might be crippling next year (I'm waiting for another Labour u-turn), but what are average service costs like? The car itself is on 52,000 miles, is there a big nasty service around that mark?

Also, does anyone know of any good indies in the East Midlands area?

Thank you,

Mike Kingscott

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Check carefully for rust, if its a W210 you also need to check underneath for corrosion to the front subframe, necessitates removal of plastic sump guard.
Make sure the vehicle is covered by MOBILO still.
Oh and welcome to the forum

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

If you realy want a manual, and most Merc' buyer's do not. It need's to be discounted accordingly!!

 

[st4]

Its a w203. Manual is fine if you want it, less risk of ££ repairs but make sure it comes cheap. Do remember MB's have that foot operated parking brake, and with a manual box on a hill start thats either a lot of clutch slippage OR iffy footwork.

 

[100%Bitch]

Do remember MB's have that foot operated parking brake, and with a manual box on a hill start thats either a lot of clutch slippage OR iffy footwork.

OR, some incredible footwork that Ronaldo would be proud of.

 

[makings]

"make sure it comes cheap" - is £9k for 52,000 miles on a 52 plate reasonable?

As for manual, I'm quite the stickler, and I've been reading about slow pickup on autos on the W203. As for the nifty footwork for the parking brake, my wife has a C180K so I'm used to it

Thank you,

Mike K.

 

[duncanh]

Hill starts with a manual merc

It is easy to do a hill start with a manual Mercedes.

When you stop on a hill, or anywhere else, put right foot on brake, left foot on clutch, put out of gear.

Then use left foot to put parking brake on. There now, that wasn't difficult. No fancy footwork required, no rolling back, no problem.

Starting off is the same as any manual car, cos you let the parking brake off with your hand.

I have had 4 mercs, 3 have been manual. I have been hearing this nonsense about "difficult to do hill start", "nifty footwork required" etc for years. It is utter rubbish.

Also for those who say that after an automatic Mercedes, you will never go back to manual, I am the exception to that rule, my four were manual, manual, auto, manual. I miss the foot operated parking brake when I drive my wife's Peugeot.

 

[paul c]

I agree mine is a manual once you get the hang of it there is no problem really.

 

[makings]

Thanks for the advice on hill starts, now all I need is some advice on whether £9k for a 52 C200K is reasonable

Thank you,

Mike K.

 

[PeterCLK]

Try these 2 sites for values :-

http://www.webuyanycar.com/Default.aspx

http://www.networkq.co.uk/nq/buyers/valuecar.do

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Check for oil from the inlet cam adjuster going into the loom and up to the control unit.

check plug at the front of the engine under the under the plastic cover with merc star on.

if oil present there then check at engine control unit under the fuse box cover back left of engine bay as you look at it.

 

[Tzus]

I have a C240 Elegance SE (Manual). Good acceleration and great fun when you want to use the gears and give it some stick. Hill starts are absolutely no problem. The manual shift is excellent - don't believe all that rubbish about it being a bit notchy. Mine at least is silky smooth. Servicing costs are OK, I paid £239 for my recent A List service at 36,000 miles and expect to pay about £450 for the B List service next year. I have just re-insured it fully comp for £215 with a £250 excess.

 

[blueskies_6]

Having had both a manual and an auto 52 plate C200Ks, I have to say that the auto is just an absolute delight.