C Class buying advice and opinions

[BTB 500]

The pre-facelift 6-Cyl C350 CDI (Diesel) and C350 CGI (petrol) both had the 7G box.

Some later W203s came with 7G-Tronic as well - our 2007 230 (petrol) had it.

 

[RolandK]

Can I double check which C or E Class petrol cars don't have the M271 engine fitted. Is the issue with these engine limited to a certain period or range of engine numbers or does it apply to all.

I understand that to do a proper inspection of the rear subframe some parts like the rear part of the exhaust needs to be dropped? I can't see any seller letting me take the car away and get it inspected before I buy! I've done a fair bit of spannering and a few nut and bolt restorations over the years on many cars as I love a tinker! A while back the prospect of swapping out a subframe wouldn't have phased me but I have to admit the years are catching up with me and I no longer have the garage facilities either. For that reason I'll need to 'out source' most stuff so I don't want a constant stream of issues. I haven't had a Merc for a long time as the last two, being a CLK 320 and an A Class, were so much hassle we said we'd never have Mercs again! But just lately I've started looking at a few and they do have a feel good factor! And I won't be doing the miles I used to.
My head tells me to buy another Honda CRV to replace one I have but my heart tells me I want something more special and a darn sight faster.
I'm still hankering after a W123 as well but that's another story!

 

[RolandK]

Firstly thanks to all of you taking the time and trouble to post help and advice.
That's helped me to come to the conclusion that a W204 C Class is probably not going to give me what I'm looking for what with a potential issues from both the M271 and M272 engines. And then the possibility of corrosion to consider. Think I'm going to rustle up some more budget and take a look at the W205 with the M274 engine. Possible a later E Class too. Hopefully mitigating the corrosion issues too. Just started picking through the details of what M274 engine is fitted to what!
Cheers

 

[markjay]

Firstly thanks to all of you taking the time and trouble to post help and advice.
That's helped me to come to the conclusion that a W204 C Class is probably not going to give me what I'm looking for what with a potential issues from both the M271 and M272 engines. And then the possibility of corrosion to consider. Think I'm going to rustle up some more budget and take a look at the W205 with the M274 engine. Possible a later E Class too. Hopefully mitigating the corrosion issues too. Just started picking through the details of what M274 engine is fitted to what!
Cheers

Late 2013 W204 cars, and all 2014 W204s, will have the M274 engine (for the C180), and do not suffer subframe issues. They'll be cheaper than the W205 - but then the W205 is the newer model / nicer car.

I guess what I am trying to say is that if opting for a car from mid-2013 onwards, then you can ignore M271/M272 engine and subframe issues, and simply base your decision on budget and model as you normally would.

 

[RolandK]

Late 2013 W204 cars, and all 2014 W204s, will have the M274 engine (for the C180), and do not suffer subframe issues. They'll be cheaper than the W205 - but then the W205 is the newer model / nicer car.

I guess what I am trying to say is that if opting for a car from mid-2013 onwards, then you can ignore M271/M272 engine and subframe issues, and simply base your decision on budget and model as you normally would.

Just had a look around Autotrader and some 2.0 ltr w205s 2015/16 cars sub 60k miles around £15,500 to £16,800ish. A couple sub 30k miles! Late 204's not much cheaper. Bearing in mind the limited supply of used cars at the moment and corresponding rise in retail prices not too bad I guess? Just nearly doubled my budget but might be worth it!
I also tend to budget for a new set of tyres for a used car as they often come with a right old mix of crap tyres. Especially if the dealer has had to fit some. Like you'll get a Sunnyboy Supergripper in one front and a Ming Highway on the other. A pair of ragged Pong All Terrains on the back.
Cheers

 

[SpikyMikey]

I also tend to budget for a new set of tyres for a used car as they often come with a right old mix of crap tyres. Especially if the dealer has had to fit some

'Tis true. My otherwise very nice S204 had been fitted with a pair of super high quality Wideways by the seller to pass an MOT.