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coming back to mercs - c220 or c270 ?

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philepo

Active Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
294
Car
C270 CDI (2004 w203)
Hi

I've had a break from mercs (diesel v70, which was excellent, but lacks 'waftability'), so now am looking for a cheap estate, prob a W203 2001-2004 model, prob betwwen 100000-150000 miles, budget around 4k max (big spender! ;)).

Typical questions
any difference in terms of reliability between c220 and c270?
Some people say they do similar mpg, is that true?
If the auto box fluid has never been change (i.e. virtually all of them), is it worth doing on a car of this age, or is it a case of let sleeping dogs lie? :dk:
I am familiar with common issues (from searching this site) but are there any top tips for finding a cheap goodun?

cheers! :thumb:
 
270 is definitely more thirsty (basic rule is that 1 cyl more equals about 1L/100km more, whatever it is MPG...) but if you remap 220 equalizing the 270 powers (can be done), i doubt there is no big difference. If standard 220 vs 270 powers, 270 is much more fun!!! And it is also stated that 270CDI has very good power to mpg ratio...

If gearbox works smoothly without hesitation and juddering, and there is not much over 100000 miles in o'clock, it could be ok.

Remember also glycol contamination possibility in some W203 models (usually already fixed)...
 
Depends what kind of driving you do. On the motorway the 270 is almost every bit as good on diesel as the 220, but round town the margin is greater.
 
thanks

To be honest, I will just get the best condition/value car and 220 or 270 so be it. But I would prefer the 270, as long as the mpg hit was not massive. I need to do at least 40 mpg.

Hmmm, heard about the radiator fuss. Easy way to check its not Valeo ? :crazy:
 
Yeah, if you only want 40mpg...go for the 270.
I used to average 55-60mpg on my daily commute. On a particularly good day with the wind behind me I could manage stuff like this without too much fuss :

70mpg.jpg


This was in a 2003 CLK270cdi with 19" wheels on it. With the standard 16's on it was even better. The c class obviously isnt as aerodynamic or as light, but mechanically they are the same car so your results shouldn't be too far off.

Even round town you can get 40mpg with a very light right foot and some luck.
 
philepo said:
To be honest, I will just get the best condition/value car and 220 or 270 so be it. But I would prefer the 270, as long as the mpg hit was not massive. I need to do at least 40 mpg.

Hmmm, heard about the radiator fuss. Easy way to check its not Valeo ? :crazy:
Click to expand...

Cars at that age and mileage would normally have already gone through the valeo rad issue. Just check the service history well.
 
philepo said:
To be honest, I will just get the best condition/value car and 220 or 270 so be it. But I would prefer the 270, as long as the mpg hit was not massive. I need to do at least 40 mpg.

Hmmm, heard about the radiator fuss. Easy way to check its not Valeo ? :crazy:
Click to expand...

My W210 does 34 mpg (motorway/city 70/30)... all year around (summertime slightly under 40mpg). I doubt W203 can theoretically do any better, same weight etc.
EDIT: Driving Computer may give as high as 45 mpg, but reality is closer 35...

It still may be valeo, but construcion has been repaired. Try search, lots discussed.
 
Last edited:
Mpg round town does depend on the weight of the vehicle. motorway mpg is all to do with air drag.

I used to comfortably get 40mpg+ from nearly every tank of my 2002 e320cdi with mostly motorway miles.

I test all of my vehicles tank to tank and don't rely on the on board computer, I know they are generally 10% optimistic.

Are you sure you are converting to UK mpg correctly?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using MBClub UK
 
mersum1es said:
My W210 does 34 mpg (motorway/city 70/30)... all year around (summertime slightly under 40mpg). I doubt W203 can theoretically do any better, same weight etc.
EDIT: Driving Computer may give as high as 45 mpg, but reality is closer 35...

It still may be valeo, but construcion has been repaired. Try search, lots discussed.
Click to expand...

EDIT: I used first converter came from the google search, so I put my consumptions in european way too;
All year average 7.0 L/100km (includes winter time auxiliary fuel powered heater usage)
Best board computer 'from the reset' (= full tank) 5.2-5.5 L/100km, same measured from the tank 6-6.5 L/100km.
 
7L/100km is 40mpg. I learnt that one whilst living in Germany. Maybe you were converting to US mpg.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using MBClub UK
 
Thanks everyone - I will look out for a nice un

cheers
 
Get a 270 every time. Mine's beaut !! 40 mpg ++ 56 mpg on the motorways.
Lovely smooth fast engine.
 
No question 270 all the way.
We had one new in 04 and did 80k no problems.
Beter still save and get a 320cdi
 
philepo said:
To be honest, I will just get the best condition/value car and 220 or 270 so be it. But I would prefer the 270, as long as the mpg hit was not massive. I need to do at least 40 mpg.

My 270 has averaged 36.8mpg since I bought it, and this has been mainly short journeys to and from work - on a long journey where I can "stretch her legs" the mpg can get up in the 40s very easily. :thumb:
Click to expand...
 
Bought a 270 today !
Need to get it taxed before I can raz around though.
Seesm to be v v quick compared to my old D5
 
philepo said:
Bought a 270 today !
Need to get it taxed before I can raz around though.
Seesm to be v v quick compared to my old D5
Click to expand...

:thumb::thumb::thumb:

Hope you have many happy and trouble free miles in your new motor.

Apart from service parts, i.e. oil & filter change, brake pads, the only thing I've had to do to mine is replace the thermostat. Make sure yours is reaching above 80º+ fairly quickly as Mercs do seem to suffer from failed stats. Running below normal operating temperature (92º) results in poor mpg.
 
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