1995'' C class engine/box reliability?

[lowride1985]

Hi guys, need some advise.

iv been looking at a 95' merc c class

can someone tell me if you can point out anything to look at when i view the car.

c class 2.8 6 cylinder
full service hisstory
has 130k miles on her
auto box

question i suppose is, how many miles do these engines turn over without having issues? regular oil changes/filters all its life.

do the auto boxes have any issues with 130k + on them??

and what to look for when a 2.8 6 cylinder has over 130k on

any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Stratman]

The biggest problem you are likely face is rust. Check around the wheelarches, the door seams where the inner and outer skins meet, and the bootlid around the keyhole.

Mercedes say the gearboxes are 'sealed for life', mainly for financial cost of ownership reasons. If it hasn't had the ATF changed then budget around £160 for it to be done at a good independent.

Where are you located? Some suggestions for indies may come your way.

And welcome to the forums

 

[Adam230K]

I think its BMW's that say their gearboxes are sealed for life (which is utter pants), but the C280 V6 is bomb proof, but I think the car you are referring to is a 1995 and might have the straight 6 engine, which can suffer from headgasket issues, but other than that its still a pretty sound engine.

Those old C-classes are as close as your going to get with the old mercedes reliability, they are brilliant in that respect. And yes they do rust.

 

[lowride1985]

happy days, its a car im potentialy viewing this weekend.

adam230k it is the 2.8 straight 6,

 

[Grahamcol]

Not certain about this but didn't the straight 6 have engine wiring loom issues and / or ECU alarm issues + Head Gasket ? Yes, watch out for rust but some W202's dont have any, my 1996 C200 for example although my 2000 C280 V6 has very slight rust at the bottom of each rear wheel arch on leading edges + similar very slight rust on the leading edge of the nsf wing. This rust I've managed to control for now by coating in waxoyl clear. The C280 straight 6 ought to be a lovely car with plenty of smooth effortless performance as is the case with my C280 V6. Good luck.

 

[Iain]

Not certain about this but didn't the straight 6 have engine wiring loom issues and / or ECU alarm issues + Head Gasket ? Yes, watch out for rust but some W202's dont have any, my 1996 C200 for example although my 2000 C280 V6 has very slight rust at the bottom of each rear wheel arch on leading edges + similar very slight rust on the leading edge of the nsf wing. This rust I've managed to control for now by coating in waxoyl clear. The C280 straight 6 ought to be a lovely car with plenty of smooth effortless performance as is the case with my C280 V6. Good luck.

Rust shouldn't be as big an issue on the pre facelift cars. The loom will be an issue though,but mechanicals themselves should be pretty bombproof.

 

[grober]

Straight six = possible cylinder head gasket--- budget £500-600 to change if necessary. Its right in the " zone" for engine loom problems but may have been replaced already? If its the 4 speed hydraulic box its usually fine--- the electro/hydraulic 5 speed might have problems. Make sure it gets into 5th gear on any test run! check the autotrans fluid is a nice translucent red colour-anything brown or blackish with a burnt smell spells trouble! Body condition on a car of that age is more important than anything mechanical.

 

[lowride1985]

well, took the plunge there big old motors arnt they, took it in px

im over the moon with it at the min seems great ''touch wood'',

the air suspension gets a few looks i have to say, will be for sale soon as i am leaving the country for good

 

[SAFC]

!((% C Class.

My 1994 C Class is still running though it is burning oil these days. I've just relectantly got rid but the engine and (manual) box were marvellous. The engine was the 4 cylinder 2.2 L, by the way.

Bottom corners of the driver's and passenger doors are to be looked after - right on the corner near the middle of the car - they'll go there if you don't keep an eye on them. Also take a look around the boot lock - this is a common rust spot and, as already stated, have a look at the wheel rear arches.

The wings aint great- I replaced both of mine. In exceptional cases (mine, for instance, had done about 200, 000 miles at the time) you can start to see rust in the boot area - but not much.

The exhaust system was the original from new and is STILL on the car - so no probs there, I would think.

Drop a bit of oil on the single wiper mech now and again and it'll quieten down and give you no bother.

Back subframe bushes might go around the 150,000 - 180,000 mile mark but not necessarilly.

Sounds like a great car - buy it !!

 

[lowride1985]

i have bud, its great,

il get some piccys up very shortly.

thanks for your advise guys greatly appreciated, and just a teaser