Buying C180 or 200

[ebbsfleetgooner]

I am thinking of buying a C-class, probably a C180 or 200 with my budget of £5 to 6000.

What points should I be looking out for?

Does anyone have experience of working on them how easy it is?

Are there any sites with detailed descriptions of trim levels i.e. classic, sport etc?

Are there any decent independent specialists in east Kent?

Thanks

Paul

 

[GRAV888]

Hi. I thought I recognised part of your user id. I used to live there a long time ago.
I have a c180 esprit (with loads of mods) and have had a few problems with it, but I took out a warranty with WHA and luckily, it has all been covered so far.
The c180 is a bit underpowered, but can be chipped for under £300.
Mine came with lowered suspension and alloys as standard.
Anyway, welcome to the forums and enjoy your new purchase, whichever you chose.

 

[ebbsfleetgooner]

Thanks M8

Had anything major go wrong?

 

[GrahamC230K]

Try a few searches on this site is probably your best bet, but here are a few links to get you going.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3163&highlight=reviews

Honest John is worth a read too.


Check for:

Rust around boot lock & boot lid handle above number plate.

Noisy/Jerky wiper mechanism

Check all electrics as many of the toys all share a common control unit which is prone to failure.


Used to own a C200 and they are fine cars.

 

[GRAV888]

Originally posted by ebbsfleetgooner
Thanks M8

Had anything major go wrong?

Heat gasket was the worst thing, followed by a radiator, but all were fixed at no cost to me.:bannana:

 

[heckflosse]

I had a '96 C180 for only a few months, didn't like it but that was only because of my taste and nothing to do with the cars reliability. Had a couple of gremlins, heater broke and SRS light came on a couple of times.

On the other hand my '95 E220 with the same W111 engine has had the following within 6 months;
Air-flow sensor
Throttle body
Headgasket
Rear number plate lights stoped working, wasn't the fuse or bulbs, but cured its self after a few weeks
SRS light (also cured its self),
and all before 100,000 miles with FMBH!
I like the car but I just don't have much confidence in it.

 

[ebbsfleetgooner]

Thanks for the links Graham made interesting reading.

Found an S reg C200 manual estate up for £5500 with FSH, the downside is its done 190k (TILT)

Has anyone got experience of running up big miles with them?

I am a former bus and forklift mechanic so I’ve got a bit idea under the bonnet, my mileage will probable about 7 to 8k a year, but I am worried what it is going to cost if something big lets go.

I was hoping to do stuff like brakes, exhaust, and the normal bits that go wrong myself and perhaps go to a local independent for a service

Wife likes the idea of an estate and from what I have seen they seem to be a bit thin on the ground.

Don’t want to start looking at Volvo V40’s

It is worth taking a look at or finding something else about the 100k mark.

Any suggestions welcome

Paul

 

[Simon]

I’ve had mine for nearly two years the only problems being a faulty ABS sensor which was fixed for less than £50 at an independent garage, and also a new battery this summer. I always get over 400 miles to a tank (About £45.00). I find it to be an excellent family car and not really lacking in power as some suggest, maybe I’ve just got an really good one or have low expectations. The car’s done about 88.000 miles and I hope to keep it for another 8 years. If or when it does go wrong I'll get it fixed, I know it's not going to fall apart so makes a good long term proposition. Also I'll be avoiding the car dealers as a bonus. I have no reservations in recommending the C180. I think you should get a good one within your budget. Let us know how you get on.

 

[Koolvin]

I've had my C180 for nearly 4 years only things that failed on it was the catylitic convertor and a fan belt damper (easy to replace)

damn fine car, try and get a R reg or later and go for a sport or Elegance... there are a few options to look for...

Defo get AC - climate control can be a nice feature....
Cruise control is nice too
Leather is a bonus as is heated seats....
Electric back windows
Centre Armrest Console.

SteveNL has 555K kilometers on his C class C250D
I have 60K on mine and I know someone with 500K miles on his C180.

I plan to keep the car in the family forever.

 

[ebbsfleetgooner]

manual gearbox that requires the driver to have three legs in order to hillstarts with that foot brake

Sorry for my ignorance but whats the crack with the foot brake

 

[GrahamC230K]

Don't hang me, I just represent the otherside of the argument.

I am on my 2nd manaul C-Class and personally think anyone who does not have the coordination to use the handbrake whilst doing a hill start is of an incompetance level, that given my way would not be allowed to drive at all.

 

[Steve_Perry]

Originally posted by GDC200
NOOOOO!!! We are not starting this again manual/auto comes down to personal choice (a number of legs )...

We'll just have to call Graham "Clever ****"

S.

P.S. Mine's a facelift model but I didn't get an adjustable steering column, should I ask MB to fit it for free?

 

[Shude]

Originally posted by Steve_Perry
P.S. Mine's a facelift model but I didn't get an adjustable steering column, should I ask MB to fit it for free?

I can imagine the tone of their response . Just remember Steve, EVERYTHING is an option

 

[Steve_Perry]

Originally posted by GDC200
The C200 is brill, Koolvins right about getting a facelife one if you can. You get little things like ASR/ESP, vented discs, adjustable steering and seats, electric windows, mirrors, heated washer nozzles! and at least 4 airbags.

Originally posted by Shude
I can imagine the tone of their response . Just remember Steve, EVERYTHING is an option

Nick

How true that is mate I'll count myself lucky that I even got a steering column then, even if it's of the fixed variety.

S.

 

[GrahamC230K]

Originally posted by Steve_Perry
We'll just have to call Graham "Clever ****"

Well, GD did say unless u had 3 legs

 

[ebbsfleetgooner]

After having a good trawl round autotrader and exchange and mart web sites there seem to be a decent range of C180 and 200 between £5-6000.

P – R reg with 60 to 100 k miles think this is the way to go. Have to settle for a saloon though.

This ASSYST thing does it work like the service lights on a Bmer?

Any colours to avoid?

 

[Steve_Perry]

Originally posted by ebbsfleetgooner
This ASSYST thing does it work like the service lights on a Bmer?

Any colours to avoid?

The ASSYST basically tells you when the car is due for a service, it takes into account mileage driven, how the car has been driven and time elapsed since last service.

OH No's!! Not the colour flamewars again Umm some will say buy silver, others may recommend anything but silver Depends if you want a good 2nd hand price when you sell the car on. Generally though, get metallic if you can.

S.

 

[sym]

You want a Silver, Auto - don't buy anything else . . .. none of these boring dark colour manual things . . .

<hides quick !!>

 

[ebbsfleetgooner]

Thanks for tip on specs GDC200 it seems quite confusing what model has what equipment.

Definitely want air con and hopefully cruise

When did the facelift models come in, are there any giveaways to tell a facelift model

 

[Steve_Perry]

Originally posted by ebbsfleetgooner
When did the facelift models come in, are there any giveaways to tell a facelift model

If you check the back bumper of the car above can you make out the lower 'lips' on the bumper to the left and right? That's a facelift model, pre-facelift W202's have a smooth profile to the bottom of the bumper. There is a similar design cue up front too. I'm pretty sure the facelift came in in 1997.

S.