possible w203 swap advice needed

[derdav]

hi, new to the forum. ive posted this on another site so apologies to anybody who has seen it but just want to get advice from as many experienced merc owners as possible.

possibly swapping my civic for a w203 c200k 2001 tomorrow. drove it today and all seemed fine with regards to handling, suspension,gearbox, noises and what not. the only concern i have is that the computer flags up some faults on startup, namely check rear brake light and reg light. the boot light has been damaged in the past. also the engine management light is always on but its been on diagnostics with no results. 1 woman owner from new bar the person thats got it now. 1000 spent on suspension in may 2013. also there is signs of rust on arches and door bottoms but that was to be expected.

any advice would be appreciated as despite all that im considering to swap lol.

thanks

car has 160k miles with full mb service history.

 

[Darrell]

I think I would keep the Honda.

 

[markjay]

Rust on pre-2003 cars is expected.

The EML light is a worry, could be small issue or big bill, there's no way of knowing without the proper diagnostic kit.

Also I believe that it is now an MoT failure.

EML light need to be checked with MB STAR diagnostic computer, which MB dealers and Indies will have. Generic OBDII code scanners can only read a narrow range of faults.

A cluster of problems with electrics in the boot could be a faulty rear SAM unit, they tend to go when jump-starting the car from another vehicle.

 

[derdav]

Rust on pre-2003 cars is expected.

The EML light is a worry, could be small issue or big bill, there's no way of knowing without the proper diagnostic kit.

Also I believe that it is now an MoT failure.

EML light need to be checked with MB STAR diagnostic computer, which MB dealers and Indies will have. Generic OBDII code scanners can only read a narrow range of faults.

A cluster of problems with electrics in the boot could be a faulty rear SAM unit, they tend to go when jump-starting the car from another vehicle.

does this mean the lights ARE actualy faulty and may not be working correctly or just a false error from the SAM.

 

[markjay]

Just Googled it, EML light on is apparently not an MoT failure.

 

[derdav]

read about the sam. doesnt sound good.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

I would look around for another one, if you want a C200K.

Engine management light could be an expensive fix. Has it been diagnosed on a Mercedes STAR diagnostic machine or just a generic machine? Really needs the STAR machine to read the live data.

Rust is common on pre 2003 models (Galvanised from mid 2003) but there are lots of C200K's out there and some which are probably a better bet. If it's showing bulb failure, why hasn't the current owner replaced the dodgy bulbs? It could be something more complicated and more expensive.

It all depends on your budget and what toys you want on it.
Have you searched autotrader? Used MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS Car for Sale - Auto Trader UK

 

[derdav]

yeh i dont know now. prob give it a miss or if i knew it was the sam i could get one. dont know.

cheers

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Have you seen this? An idea of cost involved if it is the Sam. http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/166733-w203-sam-replacement-questions.html