Just How Reliable are C270's (CDI 54 Plate?)

[SAFC]

I keep reading bits here and there about dodgy auto gearboxes, suspension knocking, injector/head problems ...etc.

Are these things just jumping out at me because of where I'm looking or am I making a mistake buying a second-hand C270 CDI?

I'd like to hear your views on reliabilty.

 

[davidjpowell]

I do not know the answer, but don't forget on a Forum like this you often see the problem cars, but not the good ones...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I don't own a C270 but have the same generation C-Class, and an ML with the same 270 engine.

If you get a facelift C-Class there are quality improvements, however most of the problems are generic.

Coil springs snapping are common, but also common on lots of cars.

Some cars do have torque converter or transmission problems but they are the minority, and probably no more or no less than other brands. MB auto boxes are well regarded for traditional autos.

Diesels will require glow plugs at some point, and injectors do fail, but again this is true of any diesel not just MBs.

As David suggests, forums tend to attract people with a problem looking for advice, so don't be too put off!!

 

[SAFC]

My C270 Worries and Your Replies.

DAVIDJPOWELL AND BOBBY DAZZLER,
I'LL REPEAT WHAT I SAID TO OTHERS IN MY RESPONSE (TO YOUR RESPONSE) ... >>>

Wow !! What a response.

Thanks, chaps.

I've been advised to test drive the car from cold for about a 20 mile drive checking all gears are working on the Auto box - I'm assuming it's 5 speed.

It's a 6-year-old (54 plate) C270 Elegance SE CDI (What's SE mean?) so I think I'll have to check and see if all the gizmos are working too. I'll keep an ear out for suspension knocks and test for wobbly (there's that name again) braking at speed - if it's anything like my old C220 it'll probably be due a set of discs.

Thanks again, John.

 

[st4]

My C270 Worries and Your Replies.

DAVIDJPOWELL AND BOBBY DAZZLER,
I'LL REPEAT WHAT I SAID TO OTHERS IN MY RESPONSE (TO YOUR RESPONSE) ... >>>

Wow !! What a response.

Thanks, chaps.

I've been advised to test drive the car from cold for about a 20 mile drive checking all gears are working on the Auto box - I'm assuming it's 5 speed.

It's a 6-year-old (54 plate) C270 Elegance SE CDI (What's SE mean?) so I think I'll have to check and see if all the gizmos are working too. I'll keep an ear out for suspension knocks and test for wobbly (there's that name again) braking at speed - if it's anything like my old C220 it'll probably be due a set of discs.

Thanks again, John.

SE = special equipment.

I think there have been a few 270cdi engines with leaking injectors but on the whole its a reliable engine capable of big miles. IIRC I saw a 270cdi E class with 333,000 on the clock and it was going strong.

Make sure you go for a facelifted C class...