1997 C180 Elegance Auto - Advice

[stever_c180]

Hi Guys,
Just bought myself one of these, my first Mercedes. Don't know why but always really liked this car so had to buy one.

Mileage - 80k Miles
FSH
Very small patch of rust at one of the rear arches
Apart from that looks very clean.

Although i have already bought it just looking for some advice really on what to look out for?

My mates said the fuel consumption could be bad, although they don't own Mercs, so any ideas on what to expect?

Thanks for any help

 

[Darrell]

I have got the same model and had it for about 8 years. It was lovely when we bought it.

We haven't really looked after it but it has served us very well and althought battered, dented and rather smelly inside it still runs as well as the day we picked it up. It has no rust whatsoever.

It seems to be very good on the MPG front.

Good luck with it. It I could find a very good, well specced model I have another like a shot

 

[Nasco12]

Wiper mechanism. This should probably be greased. There's a HowTo somewhere.

Locks. Check that these work on the key. The boot lock can be particularly tricky.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). If memory serves this should be replaced every 40,000 miles or so.

Check straps. I understand these can do horrible things to the window mechanisms if they break.

 

[Grahamcol]

Hi Steve & welcome. These cars are bullet proof generally and will do huge mileages. I've got 2 of them, a 1996 C200 and a 2000 C280 V6. Best cars I've ever had. The C200 I've had nearly 5 years and is as good as the day I bought it (Better actually) with 132k miles, uses no oil, absolutely not a trace of rust anywhere and is fairly economical for a heavy family car. Watch out for front lower ball joints seizing up or knocking, odd electrical issues/alarm and immobiliser gremlins, and rust (particularly if its the facelifted one which yours may be). Fantastic value for money these W202's are.

 

[stever_c180]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Will give everything a proper once over when i pick it up on Friday. (probably should have did this before i bought it!)

Never been so excited to get a car...

 

[martin_a]

I have a 93 model of the same thing. Does 400 miles on a tank so not a disaster at all. Has rust on both front arches and corners of doors but drives fine, is nice and quiet and plods along nicely.

Stuff that is wrong is the sunroof is off a runner and the electric mirror switch is fubared (that seems common). Otherwise she just did 10,000 miles no issue and sailed its MOT with no advisories.

Can't complain at all.

m.

 

[Sonny Burnett]

Hi Guys,
Just bought myself one of these, my first Mercedes. Don't know why but always really liked this car so had to buy one.

Mileage - 80k Miles
FSH
Very small patch of rust at one of the rear arches
Apart from that looks very clean.

Although i have already bought it just looking for some advice really on what to look out for?

My mates said the fuel consumption could be bad, although they don't own Mercs, so any ideas on what to expect?

Thanks for any help

hi there mate sounds like a good car i have a 180 and had a 97 a while back.. they do really good MPG actually, a set of 16s with some decent tires and it will drive smooth, i have had mine ages and i have had nothing go wrong.. my 97 had no rust but my 98 has just had a full respray there lovely cars quite simple to maintain, just get it serviced regularly,

 

[jonnyboy]

Wiper mechanism. This should probably be greased. There's a HowTo somewhere.

Locks. Check that these work on the key. The boot lock can be particularly tricky.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). If memory serves this should be replaced every 40,000 miles or so.
Check straps. I understand these can do horrible things to the window mechanisms if they break.

Does anyone know if its Dexron 2 or 3 in these ?> Mate of mine has a c250td with a 722.6 box rang me last night box oil horrific but we couldnt find the spec online?

 

[Grahamcol]

Does anyone know if its Dexron 2 or 3 in these ?> Mate of mine has a c250td with a 722.6 box rang me last night box oil horrific but we couldnt find the spec online?

If it's the 5 speed auto (722.6) then you must use MB fluid only. If it's the earlier 4 speed (722.4 I think) you MAY be able to use another type of fluid.