How many miles can I reasonably expect from a C200 W205 petrol

[MasEm]

Hi guys, I know there is really no precise answer to this question but what sort of mileage life span can someone typically expect to get from a W205 C200 petrol? I only bought it a year ago with 45k miles at the time but have already racked up another 25k miles this past year to take it up to 70k. Do these engines commonly last over 200k miles or is that wishful thinking for a petrol? Thanks a lot for any advice!!

 

[BTB 500]

May depend on which engine. The W205 C200 petrol has had two - originally the M274 (1991cc), then from the 2018 facelift the M264 (1496cc). People doing mega miles normally buy diesels though so not sure how much data there would be on high mileage petrol ones.

 

[markjay]

I seriously doubt that any modern engine won't do at least 200,000 miles if properly maintained. Some engines have specific common faults, but as long as they are addressed in time there shouldn't be a problem.

Your worst enemy is probably carbon build-up due to the short journeys (your M274 GDI engine is direct injection), and so using fuel additives or premium fuels can help, but ultimately the engine likes long motorway cruising and not school runs / going to the shops.

 

[BTB 500]

I seriously doubt that any modern engine won't do at least 200,000 miles if properly maintained. Some engines have specific common faults, but as long as they are addressed in time there shouldn't be a problem.

Hopefully that's the case, but you do wonder about the implications of dropping larger capacity engines in the name of emissions & economy and extracting more and more bhp from much smaller units instead (via twin turbos etc.). A 1.5 litre engine just *feels* rather small to be lugging (say) a fully loaded C Class estate around

 

[JB052]

My previous C200 had done 250,000 miles when I sold the car and was still fine.

 

[MrGreedy]

I'd say 12k oil changes with the correct MB spec oil, correct transmission service intervals, and not ragging the car (especially when cold) should see you well on the way to 200k+ miles.
Also, if any problems crop up, don't ignore them in the hope you will get to it later.

I guess it might also depend on mechanical sympathy. Driving it like you stole it, smashing over speedbumps, potholes and into curbs whilst parking won't be good for it either.

Long cruises at motorway speeds are of course kinder than stop start short journeys as already been mentioned.

 

[markjay]

A 1.5 litre engine just *feels* rather small to be lugging (say) a fully loaded C Class estate around

So your W205 is the facelift model (2018 - ), and has the M264 EQ engine (mild hybrid). If the car covered 50,000 miles in under 4 years, then (unless it was a taxi) it must have been motorway miles. So good news.

 

[190]

Hopefully that's the case, but you do wonder about the implications of dropping larger capacity engines in the name of emissions & economy and extracting more and more bhp from much smaller units instead (via twin turbos etc.). A 1.5 litre engine just *feels* rather small to be lugging (say) a fully loaded C Class estate around

I used to think that but it's very rarely the load bearing part i.e the bottom end that is the weak link in new engines. I think they beef up the crank bearings to cope with the torque which results from forced induction. I have the infamous 1.6L M271 at 72K and have no fear for the bottom end or cylinders which are sensibly cast iron sleeved rather than plated. It's the valve train that's the worry but if the cam chain and sprockets were replaced I have little doubt it would easily do 150K as my old 190e did.

 

[BTB 500]

So your W205 is the facelift model (2018 - ), and has the M264 EQ engine (mild hybrid). If the car covered 50,000 miles in under 4 years, then (unless it was a taxi) it must have been motorway miles. So good news.

I don't think we know which version the OP has.

My own 2019 W205 C300 has the 1991cc M264 in a higher state of tune and no hybrid assist.

 

[markjay]

I don't think we know which version the OP has.

My own 2019 W205 C300 has the 1991cc M264 in a higher state of tune and no hybrid assist.

I was under the impression that all 1.5L M264 engines in the W205 were EQ, but I may be wrong.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

As long as you service it to plan, you'll probably need to change it after 500,000.

Most people either can't be bothered to do the oil / tyre / brake / clutch changes so damage the vehicle early, or just chop it in because they want a newer car with the latest gizmos.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/slideshow/secrets-cars-did-million-miles-–-one-engine-0

 

[BTB 500]

I was under the impression that all 1.5L M264 engines in the W205 were EQ, but I may be wrong.

They were. The OP may have a pre-facelift C200 with the 2.0L M274 though.

 

[MasEm]

wow thanks for all the replies! yes I have a pre facelift 2014 C200 W205 with the M274! I do mainly a lot of motorway/A road miles (I should have really bought a diesel in hindsight) and I get the car serviced whenever its due, although I use my local independent as opposed to a Merc dealer or Merc specialist, would using a merc specialist be a better long term solution? I asked the question mainly to find out if its wise for me to keep piling on the miles so its great to read the good experiences and confidence you guys have in the engines provided they are well looked after!

 

[fabes]

A local competent garage will be fine for 80% of your cars needs.
They will know and use correct spec consumables and will spot if weight based components are wearing out ( actually, your main worry like suspension, mounts etc)
Gearbox servicing, any technical updates (or recalls) are what you'll miss out on, plus any 'knacks' or knowledge on the occasional odd issue that crops up.
If they ever do, where are you located in the UK - a recommendation could be provided by the forum.

PS keeping your (good) tyres in good nick and the correct pressure is an oft missed factor in piling on the miles reliably

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

.... its great to read the good experiences and confidence you guys have in the engines provided they are well looked after!

The engine is the least of your worries. It's everything else that can cost the money or drive the desire to replace.

Could be something as simple as "can't be bothered to spend the money to service and replace brakes and tyres," or "won't spend £500 to fix that dented panel," or "it's only worth a couple of grand at most, so I might as well buy a newer one like Wayne's. It's got satnav and bluetooth"

 

[MasEm]

Thanks for the advice guys! Ill keep and eye on the tyres and your advice on the merc specialist seems very wise! I live in the Bedford area if anyone knows a good merc specialist!

 

[MasEm]

The engine is the least of your worries. It's everything else that can cost the money or drive the desire to replace.

Could be something as simple as "can't be bothered to spend the money to service and replace brakes and tyres," or "won't spend £500 to fix that dented panel," or "it's only worth a couple of grand at most, so I might as well buy a newer one like Wayne's. It's got satnav and bluetooth"

Yeah that's a really good point! already had to replace the suspension mounts on the last A service, luckily the recent B service not much came up but will need to replace the brake pads soon.

 

[DITTRICH]

Hi guys, I know there is really no precise answer to this question but what sort of mileage life span can someone typically expect to get from a W205 C200 petrol? I only bought it a year ago with 45k miles at the time but have already racked up another 25k miles this past year to take it up to 70k. Do these engines commonly last over 200k miles or is that wishful thinking for a petrol? Thanks a lot for any advice!!

My 2016 C200se estate is on 176,000 miles. My tip, would be to drive in economy mode and coast down hills on the motorway at 70mph and 700rpm with the 7 speed automatic in D(as opposed to D1-D7). D means the gear box isn't driving the wheels. Keep the start stop off. Its ex lease (roadchef company car) and I bought it at 154k in October 2019.

 

[Fastcar155]

My 2016 C200se estate is on 176,000 miles. My tip, would be to drive in economy mode and coast down hills on the motorway at 70mph and 700rpm with the 7 speed automatic in D(as opposed to D1-D7). D means the gear box isn't driving the wheels. Keep the start stop off. Its ex lease (roadchef company car) and I bought it at 154k in October 2019.

Hi , braver man than me !

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

As suggested as long as you maintain it well and repair stuff promptly then it will run for ever. But that’s expensive and most people don’t do it as it becomes harder for them to justify as the car depreciates.

No reason why your trusted independent mechanic can’t maintain it, but I would insist that they follow the Mercedes schedule to make sure that age and mileage dependent items are addressed.