thinking of getting a w203 c220 or c270 cdi

[b21playa]

Since Ive been paid out from someone hitting my car, its time for something new. I have about £6500 to spend.

Has to be a diesel and decent spec

Ive seen a few 2002's with around 85-100k for around £5k with auto box (c270cdi)

What are the cars like, any common problems, etc?

What sort of mpg is achievable?

Thanks

 

[b21playa]

Can't believe not one reply yet

Any info would be great, and very much appreciated

 

[rpe2]

Other than the obvious, check for leaky injectors (black gunge under the engine cover).

If auto, check the box changes and pulls smoothly (see posts on Valeo radiators).

Richard

 

[SpikeUK]

I can only tell you that I love my 2003 C270, and have had no problems in the 6 months I have owned it. Others will tell you (I'm sure)to get the face-lifted model from '04 onwards if possible, as they are allegedly more reliable.
Those of us with a budget sometimes have to compromise.

 

[1998K]

I can only tell you that I love my 2003 C270, and have had no problems in the 6 months I have owned it. Others will tell you (I'm sure)to get the face-lifted model from '04 onwards if possible, as they are allegedly more reliable.
Those of us with a budget sometimes have to compromise.

when I was looking for my used W203, a part from budget, I'd like a lot the pre-facelift dashboard rather than newer

an avantgarde pre-facelift car have a bodystyle more sporty and look newer, similar to facelifted

 

[SpikeUK]

when I was looking for my used W203, a part from budget, I'd like a lot the pre-facelift dashboard rather than newer

an avantgarde pre-facelift car have a bodystyle more sporty and look newer, similar to facelifted

I must admit, I have had the headlights replaced...just for a more attractive look.

 

[b21playa]

thanks for the info

With my budget, it will be around a 2002 really.

How can i check if it has a valeo rad and is there any fixes for this apart from replacing rad?

Also what sort of mpg are you getting from local driving?

 

[edthedead]

Had my w203 220 cdi (pre face lift 2003) 18months - only problem was that the crank position sensors had to be replaced (under warantee) I believe this to be a fairly common problem. It caused the car to cut out occasionally, particularly when the weather was very cold - seems to have solved the problem but I will know for sure in a few months . Other than that all i have has to do is replace the electric seat fuse when that blew!

 

[b21playa]

what sort of spec should a 2002 avantgarde have?

I pressume more then my standard 320d

 

[edthedead]

I think that it is usual for most things to be an option on a merc! Mine has elec windows all round, single cd player, cruise, alloys, metalic paint, elec & heated seats, elec & heated mirrors.

I think the only option on that list is the leather - I suspect that this includes the heated seat option but not the elec adjustment

I' m sure someone with a better knowledge will be along soon!

 

[nigel cross]

Common problems are wear in all the steering joints and anti-roll bars, plus steeper motor or linkages failure (these open and shut all the heater vents.

 

[b21playa]

expensive to fix ? diy?

 

[kwakdonut]

Heated seats are an option - make sure you get leather!!!

Check that the air con works - the rad tends to corrode and the gas leaks out. Mine had this problem, not cheap to fix!!!

MPG will differ with driving style but worst I've had is 38, best was 53. It averages about 42 overall.

Torque link bushes fail - this is characterised by 'banging' from the front under braking and possible wheel judder, like an unbalanced wheel. Not expensive to fix - £180ish from an indie.

I love mine - it's so relaxed compared to the 4 cylinder 200/220 which I have also driven. Gets very similar mileage and is more powerful!

 

[jonm]

As has already been said, wear on front suspension parts is a problem, mine we repalced under warranty, worth checking if they have been done.

Alternators are a weakness also, and damn expensive to get replaced.

Personally prefer Avantgarde spec, wider alloys plus aluminium trim inside, although IIRC all models get wider wheels with the 270 engine. Wheel corrosion is a weakness on Avantgarde models at that time also, on my second set and the current ones are absolutely knackered.

Wearing the outside of the front tyres is about par for the course (doesnt seem to be anything that can be done...theres more than a few threads on this one) as is drifting left, but this is more to do with sensitivity to rode camber (more than a few threads on this one also).

Can't comment on diesels as mine is petrol.

 

[kwakdonut]

Front tyre wear can be offset by running 2psi higher - doesnt affect handling, braking or ride and prolongs tyre life!

 

[jeremytaylor]

I don't think you can get a facelift 270 for £5k, can you? I too prefer the facelift dash.

Suspension bushes will need regular attention, and I don't think it's an easy DIY. The tracking can get knocked out easily by speed humps - get it checked every 10,000 miles or so to ensure even tyre wear. I had an EGR fail on mine, but otherwise its a good car, with a nice 5 cylinder warble to it.

You can tell a Valeo rad by the label. About £400-ish for a dealer to swap, less at an indie, but either is cheaper than a new gearbox. You can do a glycol test but this isn't conclusive - if it's a Valeo, swap it for a Behr!

 

[Corrado]

This is a link to Honest John w203 page.... Scroll down to "What to Look Out For".
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=238

Also, check out Honest John's link to the extremely friendly and "Useful online forum"

 

[1998K]

I must admit, I have had the headlights replaced...just for a more attractive look.

you have done well

 

[1998K]

You can tell a Valeo rad by the label. About £400-ish for a dealer to swap, less at an indie, but either is cheaper than a new gearbox. You can do a glycol test but this isn't conclusive - if it's a Valeo, swap it for a Behr!

only to note that not in same car the autobox cooler is distinguished by the main radiator: mine is a Valeo radiator but after a better analysis I've the autobox cooler in the upper part of the engine, rear of the oil filter, hiedden below.

So, even if it's a Valeo, you can stay safe.

But obviously you have to well check in the engine bay, so starting with the brand of the radiator, if it's a Behr, you are of, if it's Valeo look fo a separate cooler!!