Potential cl203 c320 owner!

[Tonyecross]

Hi all, I'm a vw & bmw man but am considering going Benz! Trying to tie in a deal for a c320 near me car has 46000 miles, on a 53 plate and has full service history, really bad aftermarket wheels and a lovely engine! I know absolutely nothing about Merc's and these cars so any advice is welcomed!

 

[markjay]

Thr mileage is good, but two things to note re the C-Class.

At some point during 2003 Mercedes Benz started galvanising body panels - earlier ungalvanised cars were prone to rust.

Not sure when the cut off point was, I think April 2003, someone else here might know.

Also, from mid-2004 the W203 (and I believe also tbe CL203) got a facelift, with new interior, and it is a much better car all around.

Might be worth your while to look for a lare 2004 car instead (perhaps with smaller engine to fit your budget) ?

 

[SMP2010]

Hello! Welcome!

 

[DSM10000]

Welcome!

I have the very car you are looking to buy.

Markjay makes very good points, like any car buy on condition. There was a problem with some Valeo radiators leaking into the transmission cooler causing gearbox damage on the pre-face lift model.

Has the car had the gearbox fluid changed? If not then it would be prudent to get this done, the old fluid can also be checked for any Glycol contamination. A good MB independent will charge around £180 for a full torque convertor drain and fluid change.

Has the car had the spark plugs changed? It takes 12 and they should have been changed due to age if not mileage. The car also has twin air filters but parts are quite reasonable if you shop around