Early W203 reliability problems

[eldiablo3000]

Hello to all,

This is my first post on the forum and let me just say, its good to be a part of the MB owners community!
I recently acquired a w203 c180 estate from 2002 and was "googling" about the w203 (typical...) when I read a post on this forum about early W203 having reliability problems, especially the petrol ones like mine.
The car was bought directly from the previous and only owner. Then, I went to a local Mercedes dealer to do a check-up, and they replaced my front brakes and front disc brakes and a part from the rear suspension, nothing serious this last one. Other than that the car is fine.
Currently, it has about 59.000 miles.


What should be my concerns about the car?
What are these reliability problems I hear about?
Can they be prevented?
How?

Thank you very much

 

[BlackC55]

Suspension issues are the main thing. They wear very quickly.

The SAM units are generally unrelaible but if it 'aint broke don't fix it.

 

[eldiablo3000]

Thank for the warnings.

BTW i forgot to say, I got a manual 6 speed gearbox.
Anything I should know about them?
Once again

Thank You

 

[lynall]

Wifes 203 is an early one 2001 and apart from normal servicing has been no bother at all, crank sensor went buts thats a common merc v6/8 engine fault regardless of model.

Owned 18 mths front spring broke, again common prob and front suspension bushs wore out again another common problem.

Im always winding wife up saying its a plastic car but in truth its a pretty good motor.

But as a im a mech i only pay for parts.



Lynall