which c280

[steve hw]

Hi. Had a c180 (1995) for the last six years. Cannot grumble about this car at all. For what it is, and what its worth its been 100% reliable, fairly comfortable but corrosion has now set in, and with 240,000 miles a change is due, or overdue !(the wife says!!)
So as i we do few miles and insurance is not a major issue thinking of a c280. But it seems the the straight six i would have gone for is only made up to 1996/1997 ??? I would of like to get a fairly late 202 model 1999 or 2000 ,but the v6 seems more available. Any comments good or bad for either much apreciated. As amg use the straight six to tinker with (c36) and didnt do the same with the v6 (correct me if im wrong) i naturally thought why's this) Many thanks.
Steve

 

[Quickbrit]

I searched pretty good for a clean low mileage C280 (I-6) as it happens I found two with similar mileage (65K) one with leather and AMG alloys (which I bought) and a second that was 101% perfect in every way but had cloth interior and lower spec wheels...

My point (finally) is there are decent I-6's out there, if you're prepared to forage for them.

MikeE

 

[steve hw]

After much seeking and finding lots of c classes (202) models are suffering from rust, have decided to look at later 202 models 1998 - 2000. BUT my original requirements of a 280 with inline 6 are now out the window, with only the v6 engine available. How much difference in performance , reliability and fuel are the c240 v6 and the c280 v6 ???? Have viewed a few 280's and love the performance, and have one sunday to see and 2 c240's. Many thanks for any help / advice. steve

 

[television]

The V6 is a very nice lump, and slightly more economical than the inline, very quiet with no real problems

 

[st4]

Would a C230k be another option. These are very strong cars with solid engines and grunt.

 

[steve hw]

Malcolm,
so would you go for 2.4 or 2.8 ??? Any common faults on one but not other, and both good for loads of miles 200k ??
ta steve.
ps Not to worried about fuel economy.

 

[television]

MBs are heavy beast, so the power to weight ratio is so much better with the larger one, they really shift, and god for many miles ,its worth keeping an eye on the timing chain after 150k

 

[steve hw]

have drove a 2005 c230k, but obviously this is 203 model but yes very nice. A friend has a 202model c220, but feels similar to my 180. noisy and not real smooth., hence was planning on the six cyl

 

[st4]

Malcolm,
so would you go for 2.4 or 2.8 ??? Any common faults on one but not other, and both good for loads of miles 200k ??
ta steve.
ps Not to worried about fuel economy.

Fuel economy for 240 and 280 is similar, but 280 much faster -i'd drop the 240 off the list. A 230k is a better option power wise than a 240.

I must ask if a C43amg be in reach or a C36amg if you crave the perfect balance of an I6.

 

[kth286]

If keeping a car for the long term then go for simplicity.

Leave small 4 pot compressor models out and go for the smooth 6 cylinders.

The inline sixes are great engines with no additional balancer shaft drives to worry about and thery use just six cheap spark plugs, and very smooth and economical with great power to weight ratio.

My 95 3.2 six at 166,000 miles just gets better.

Just done a round trip of some 230 miles and got 32.5 mpg (brimed tank test).

 

[Alex M Grieve]

MBs are heavy beast, so the power to weight ratio is so much better with the larger one, they really shift, and god for many miles ,its worth keeping an eye on the timing chain after 150k

Perhaps a Freudian slip Malcolm - but we know you are.

 

[Iain the gadget]

Didn't the I-6 have issues with the underbonnet wiring loom, or am I dreaming?

 

[kth286]

They will ALWAYS need to replaced if not already done on the 124 models. Most have been done by now I would have thought looking at all the publicity on various furums.

However the same problem does not seem to appear on the 202 models because they later years.