Any Advice on a w203 C320 Classic 6speed Manual

[Aspa]

Hello All,

I am about to pick up a C320 Classic (2003) 6 speed manual with 85K (genuine miles) next week, i was wondering if there are any things i should look out for or be aware of, any advice or information would be most appreciated.

And does anyone know whether this will have a the inbuilt aux in the glovebox.

Kindest Regards.

 

[DSM10000]

Rust in the wheel arches front and rear, rust in the sills, the doors will rust at the bottoms and the boot lid, bonnet etc. This model was very prone to corrosion due to poor protection at build

Check all electrical items operate correctly as issues with signal units are not unknown. Check for suspension knocks, clunks, rattles etc, the multi-link suspension is prone to wear in bushes and ball joints like any car but does tend to be heavy on it's suspension components.

A C320 Classic manual is an odd specification, I thought the 320 was only made in Elegance or Avantgarde and I have never heard of a 320 manual, if it is a Classic (i,e, basic trim level) then it is unlikely to have the Aux in fitted,

Face-lift cars 2004 on were better built, had an updated dashboard and many other improvements and an automatic is a much better suited gearbox.

 

[Aspa]

Rust in the wheel arches front and rear, rust in the sills, the doors will rust at the bottoms and the boot lid, bonnet etc. This model was very prone to corrosion due to poor protection at build

Check all electrical items operate correctly as issues with signal units are not unknown. Check for suspension knocks, clunks, rattles etc, the multi-link suspension is prone to wear in bushes and ball joints like any car but does tend to be heavy on it's suspension components.

A C320 Classic manual is an odd specification, I thought the 320 was only made in Elegance or Avantgarde and I have never heard of a 320 manual, if it is a Classic (i,e, basic trim level) then it is unlikely to have the Aux in fitted,

Face-lift cars 2004 on were better built, had an updated dashboard and many other improvements and an automatic is a much better suited gearbox.

Thank you kind Sir, I appreciate your time and advice.

It is odd, but it does have leather trim and 17 inch alloys, its my first Mercedes so i'm bit unsure to be very honest but it came up as classic on the car check data, it might be a Classic SE i guess?

It has no rust whatsoever and has had both joints and springs changed in the last two years so fingers crossed for when i go to see it/collect it next week in person.

Thanks for the help, i am much obliged.

 

[Ted]

1st-2nd can be baulky on these boxes when cold.
If it is, you can replace the oil with Redline MTL to fix it.

 

[DSM10000]

If you put the vehicle VIN into here: Mercedes-Benz VIN Decoder

You will get the datacard that shows the exact model type and the equipment it came from the factory with.

It would be interesting to see the original specification.

I am surprised the vehicle is not showing signs of rust but glad for you it is not. I had a C320 Avantgarde Auto that I got rid of because of the extensive rusting.

Also check when the spark plugs were last changed (there are 12 of them) as these should be changed on a mileage OR age basis.

The engine is one of the best MB have made in recent years in terms of being relatively problem free and is a very smooth unit with good performance and respectable fuel economy.

 

[Aspa]

Thank you Gentlemen,

You are all very kind to take the time to advise and reply, I appreciate it.

 

[DSM10000]

Thank you Gentlemen,

You are all very kind to take the time to advise and reply, I appreciate it.

You are very welcome.

I forgot to add that a change of cain filter (in a tray clipped over the battery) and air filters (two of these) might also be worth looking at. Mann filters from Euro Car Parts are good value and quality.

Is the vehicle a saloon or 3 door ?