About to buy 1994 W202

[mradamjames]

Hi all,
about to take the plunge and buy this beautiful 94 w202 2799cc for £800. Only got 56k on the clock, and just passed a new MOT. One of these out of the blue, friends rich parents getting rid kinda thing. Just wondered what thoughts were on these lovely cars? And what sort of things if any, I should be aware of going in? Thanks a ton for any advice. Adam

 

[merc85]

I had a 1996 N reg w202 c180, cracking car it was.

 

[mradamjames]

At least I'm pretty sure its a w202? From the pictures. It's an M reg. Going to pick up this week. Not driven an automatic before, will miss gears... but this is too good to pass up.

 

[DSM10000]

Welcome!

It is a W202, you will not miss changing gear once used to it, especially in stop / start traffic

Things to look out for, rust, rust and rust. It can lurk unseen on suspension mounts, jacking points etc etc.

 

[DSM10000]

If the bodywork is in decent order and the chassis similar you should get a lot of enjoyable miles out of the car, the engine / gearbox are strong (consider a gearbox fluid change. A 1994 is one of the early ones so I think you have the straight 6 engine?

Mercedes-Benz M104 engine - Wikipedia

The eccentric windscreen wiper mechanism can cause problems if not correctly lubricated (a simple job)

Also, check the MOT history for a heads up on any issues you may face, corroded brake pipes etc

 

[Parisien]

Welcome to the very "youngtimer" club as our continental friends would say!

I've just bought two in the last month, one a 1996 C180 the second a 1999 C230 sport compressor estate.

Check list for this particular model are as follow IMHO>

1. Rust - in all four wings, boot floor, bottoms of doors, tailgate on S202 and boot lock on W202, suspension mounts, also try and look under plastic sill covers/pop off jacking point covers, all 4.
2. I 6 has a better reputation than V6, check leaking rocker gasket.
3. Water pumps wear/leak
4. Electric coupling fans may not work, check for some resistance on turning by hand when engine off.
5. Poor starting or cutting out, check fuel pump relay.
6. Brake/ABS/ASR light comes on, usually brake light switch.
7. Wiper motor known to get worn, check smooth, non jerky operation.
8. Lower suspension ball joints wear quickly, other suspension components too, but as has new MOT shouldn't be an issue.
9. Window switch packs can give bother.
10. Central locking/fobs give up, make sure you get 2 fobs, £242 plus VAT replacements from MDs.

Let us know how you get on!


P

PS If all sound underneath/sills, door bottoms, I'd spend a few quid waxoyling it!

 

[grober]

Looks a good un. The engine wiring loom may fall into the age bracket for degrading insulation but if the car is otherwise in good condition its not a deal breaker. Unclip [ upwards] the black plastic cover at the front of the engine and have a look at the wiring to the sensors--- any sign of cracking or flaking means the insulation is on the way out. The water pump assembly renewal is a big job on the M104 so check the waterpump for leaks.