which 1 should i buy

[orbitalegg]

guys i am looking to buy a c class w202 but want some advice on which model to buy, i am looking around a 95 -97 ,c180 up to c220 (auto ) i am informed that the 180 lacks power is this true ? pls any ideas on reliability, what sort of milage ,things to look out for and general tips

 

[jberks]

Hi,
My dad had a '95 180 for a couple of years. He loved it but complained it was a bit short of power. I had a '95 C220 (petrol auto) and loved it. Its no racer and would feel a bit flat if you'd come from a 280/300, but its nippy enough to keep ahead of the traffic and plenty of pick-up at motorway speeds. I bought it in '98 and kept it until 2000 when I sold it to my dad and traded in his 180 for my E. He's still got the 220 and still loves it.

The only troublesome component seems to be the remotes for the central locking that play up from time to time. Other than that, I can't think of anything that's ever gone wrong... He recently put a cat on it and there is a slight water leak into the boot that we haven't managed to track down yet (collects under the N/S taillight) but thats about it really.
Admittedly it has been well looked after from new but many are.
Solid reliable motor and IMHO the last of the properly engineered Mercs.

Just look for the usual - good documented history, no accident damage and general condition. Its still worth having a specialist give it the once over though.

 

[MondeoMan]

I had a look at a few(C180 to C220) before settling for a '96 C200 Elegance Auto. None could be considered quick, I found a manual box completely at odds with the nature of the car, and I wouldn't bother with the poverty spec Classic. The Esprit and Sport have firmer suspension, but I likes me squashy ride and wood trim. :grin:

Things to watch out for are failing cats (rattling is a giveaway), and seizure of the wiper mechanism (mine has an ingenius bodge). Bit of rot around the rear wheelarches is quite popular too.

 

[pascal]

My Dad had 2 C180s (95 & 99) before buying an 03 diesel. His 99 one (am pretty sure) had a 2L engine and 5sp Auto, and I thouth it was fine to drive.

BTW. Its funny that every ones 'Dads' seem to own these. LOL

Pascal

 

[orbitalegg]

thanks for the feedback guys ,much appreciated ,all things considered i have decided to go for the 220 .

 

[littlebrooklyn]

We've got a C Class 1800 Kompressor and it does seem to have a lot of poke in it and my partner just loves to race people away at the traffic lights now, something I had kinda hoped he would of grown out of by now, but I guess boys will always be boys lol!

Lyn