A few questions from a new member please

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Speedbird1986

New Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2020
Messages
5
Location
Scotland
Car
2006 C220 CDI

Hi all. I have joined the forum as I fancy a change of car and the following has taken my fancy - 2006 C220 CDI Avantgarde SE auto.

The car has covered 110K miles, new disks and pads all round, new rear brake pipes, part new exhaust, new suspension arms.

Just looking for some general info on these cars and what to look out for, common faults etc, engine reliability, autobox reliability, air con unit, timing chain change interval...

Is the autobox 5 or 6 speed ? Will the car have iso-fix fitted in the rear ? What does this spec of Merc include ? What sort of MPG should I expect ?

Sorry for all the questions, Any info very much appreciated.

Thanks very much
 
Welcome. I have a recently acquired 209 coupe which is very similar. The OM646 is well known as a very durable engine but it isn't particularly quick. I'd describe performance as adequate, economy good at around 40mpg. It can be noisy until warmed up but it is a diesel. It'll have the 5 speed autobox and again this is, a good solid box. Well built cars post 05 facelift preferred as they are galvanised and should not suffer the heater flaps issue of the earlier cars. Lots of electronics and sensors etc (at least compared to my earlier 202) but l understand these are generally quite reliable. Watch out for an ageing battery as this can cause all sorts of glitches - l've just replaced mine.
 
I think 2006 is the last of the W/S203's rather than the W/S204 from 2007, so it would have the 5 speed autobox - which was actually retained for the early 204's as that's what my S204 has! If the history does not show an ATF and filter change, at 110k miles I'd recommend that as needed, and you need a specialist who knows these cars to get a full box and TC change done rather than the easier "just the box" change. However, that would also mean that the C220 has only about 125BHP, which on the original 203 road tests was not popular as they felt it was underpowered - but that is personal choice, you may be OK with the performance after a test drive. Road testers said the best engine in the 203 was the C270Cdi, which was what I bought as my first MB about 10 years ago (a 2001 car, so I had rust problems, by 2006 they were galvanised and had nano paint so far fewer rust problems).

Om Avantgard you have firmer suspension than Elegance, again a test drive will show if you're happy with that. Also Avantgard has lots of electrical toys that are fine when they work but a potential money pit if/when they go wrong - which is why I opted for Elegance rather than Avantgard!!
 
I think it's 150 bhp rather than 125. As said though, not particularly fast. Not as lethargic as my old W202 C200 but definately not in the same league as my R170 230K. My 209 CLK coupe is the Elegance model and the ride comfort is superb. I also prefer the wood effect interior trim on the Elegance.
 
I had a 2006 W203 (albeit petrol, not diesel) for 9 years and it served me well.

The faults I had were minor - leaking pilot bush (electrical plug for the automatic transmission), and 'sweating' diff oil from the drive shatfs at the rear, so have a good look under the car for leaks.

I thoroughly recommend it, and also really liked how it looked externally - though if I'm honest then the interior did look a little basic and uninspiring, albeit very efficient.

There are broadly two variants, the Sport or Avangarde, and the Classic SE.

The Sport has lowered and stiffened suspension and staggered wheels, the Classic is taller with a softer ride.

There should be quite a few good 2006 cars around to choose from, it was made until mid-2007 when it was replaced with the W204 (so not many 2007 W203 were actually made).
 
Thank you for the replys - would the cars reg give any more info ? ST56 CVN

I was lead to believe the car was just over 140 bhp, just going by the advert though.

Cheers
 
- It has no tax, is it currently with a trader?

- it seems to have done only 50 miles in the last year?

- It seems to have last changed keeper in 2016.

- Quite a few MOT failures, mostly suspension components, brakes, tyres, and headlamp adjustment. The car may not have been serviced regularly?
 
- It has no tax, is it currently with a trader?

- it seems to have done only 50 miles in the last year?

- It seems to have last changed keeper in 2016.

- Quite a few MOT failures, mostly suspension components, brakes, tyres, and headlamp adjustment. The car may not have been serviced regularly?
The car is indeed currently with a trader and whilst not actively advertised it has just had another years MOT stuck on it (hence only 50 miles). I know its had new brakes all round inc handbrake shoes, back plates, brake pipes, exhaust backbox. There is some history with the car but still need to get a test drive and a good look. Can anyone shine anymore light on the spec of the car and what equipment comes standard and also is iso fix likely to be in place on the car, fuel consumption, a/c systems reliable ?

Thanks
 
As I said my 2006 car was very reliable, though I can't comment specifically on the Diesel engine because my car had a petrol engine.

But that kind of MOT history would put me off - it smacks of neglect, and to me is an indication of a car that was being run to a very tight budget. Sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear.
 
Welcome :thumb:
 
As I said my 2006 car was very reliable, though I can't comment specifically on the Diesel engine because my car had a petrol engine.

But that kind of MOT history would put me off - it smacks of neglect, and to me is an indication of a car that was being run to a very tight budget. Sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear.
Not at all, exactly why I joined here - to get some info
 

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