W202 or W203?

[yellowbenzene]

My beloved 1997 w210 e200 classic is due for replacement within the next year. She's served me well (175k, 50k in my ownership) but is beginning to look shabby and cost too much to keep on the road, and I suspect the next MOT might diagnose a catastrophic rust problem.

I would love another MB from that era, and I particularly like the styling and dimensions of the W202 saloon, particularly in the Sport trim. However, the W203 is easier to come by at lower mileage.

My questions to the MBClub community - which is best to go for? Is reliability and rust a bigger issue with the 202 or the 203? Any users owned both for a direct comparison?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Depends on your budget, but a late 202 is far better than an early 203 IMO.

 

[yellowbenzene]

Depends on your budget, but a late 202 is far better than an early 203 IMO.

That's what I'm leaning towards. I've seen some low mileage 2000-reg W202s for sale up here in Scotland, which look like they're in decent nick for the money. Only want to spend about £3k.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Engine wise most people seem to prefer the 230k engine, I have the C240 V6 which can be thirsty around town, but on the Motorway is fine.

Have a look in all the usual places, bootlock, all for arches for rust. But also have a look around the jacking points and the bottom of the rear arches theres a small lip. any sign of rust here could be an early sigh of trouble.

Early W203s can have rust problems also, ive seen the odd couple which are getting towards W202 levels of rust.

If you find any W202s online that you like the look of, either PM me or post them up here for the panel to 'review'

 

[GP801]

The early 203s had dreadful electrics. Believe me we had one from new and it was forever going wrong. Rust is just as bad if not worse than on the 202s. Suspension bushes give up prematurely - just 25k on ours. If you can find a well cared for 202 then go for it. As above the 240 is thirsty for very little extra go. If you want petrol then the 230k or 280 are better. The 280 uses little more fuel than the 240 but has a lot more go.
The diesels are good and last forever but not particularly quick.

 

[duncanh]

Have a look at the crash test ratings of both cars before you decide.

The W202 is an old design, and feels it. The W203 still feels like a modern car.

My W203 is a fairly early one (2002). I have had very few problems, none electrical-related and it has covered 257,000 miles.

My view, W203 every time!

 

[yellowbenzene]

thanks for the advice everyone

nearer the time I'll ressurect this thread and post anything I like the look of.

Thanks for the comment regarding safety, that's a good thing to bear in mind.

 

[NW_Merc]

What about a C43

 

[Chrishazle]

Early 203 problems seem to be rust (wheel arches, door bottoms) and Valeo radiators causing ATF contamination and expensive transmission problems. Best engine according to original road tests is the 270cdi - which I have, plenty of grunt and 45mpg. If you test a diesel, floor it to make sure kickdown works and engine will rev above 3k - if not, MAF is probable culprit. Also clunks from front suspension - I've replaced all bushes and rose jointed bits on mine. If ATF hasn't been changed, doing so will improve the gearbox - most will only change the 4 1/2l in the box rather than also changing the torque converter fluid - additional 2 1/2l of ATF but awkward to do. Mine had the 4 1/2l and filter change for £145 at an indie.

Have had my 203 just over 3 years now and love it. Have no experience of a 202 so can't compare.

 

[gurpz]

W202 all the way, well engineered, built like a tank and relatively easy to work on. Have had mine for a while now and love it. Like Karl has said if you see any adverts for sale feel free to post them up for the panels verdict.

 

[neilz]

W202 all the way, well engineered, built like a tank and relatively easy to work on. Have had mine for a while now and love it. Like Karl has said if you see any adverts for sale feel free to post them up for the panels verdict.

WHAT?!!!

If you do get a W202, please for heaven's sake don't get an early one or a C200 - the ECU is killing them off. I had one. Look on Honest John's site.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

WHAT?!!!

If you do get a W202, please for heaven's sake don't get an early one or a C200 - the ECU is killing them off. I had one. Look on Honest John's site.

My old W202 was a early 94 and was built like a tank. The ECU issues isnt really a built qualty issue is it?

 

[gurpz]

If anything its often debated that although the early ones are less desirable in spec & trim where even more reliable and less rust prone ?

 

[andy27168]

Regarding the rust I agree the earlier prefacelift cars suffered less, though reliability I would say the only thing that would make the facelift less reliable was the introduction of the EIS, all IMO of course.
Again IMO unless you can afford a facelift 203, stay with a 202.
Best engine C230K, gearbox I prefer is manual, though which is best has often been the subject of much heated debate.

 

[BlackC55]

WHAT?!!!

If you do get a W202, please for heaven's sake don't get an early one or a C200 - the ECU is killing them off. I had one. Look on Honest John's site.

Honest John is not very accurate IMO.

202 every time.

Early 203's are poorly built. We repair many more 203's than 202's.

 

[BenzedUP]

203 IMO.

Looks better, allot safer and will have more toys etc.. if you can go for a facelift 04 plus model!

 

[neilz]

Honest John is not very accurate IMO.

202 every time.

Early 203's are poorly built. We repair many more 203's than 202's.

I think people with real problems with their W202s would just sell them on or scrap them - they're pretty much worthless from what I've seen. W203s on the other hand look much more modern so have more moneyh thrown at them. Mine felt like the interior of a Mk1 Mondeo in terms of quality/refinement and there's no excuse for the trim patterns!

 

[martyz]

you bought one,had a problem you could not resolve,so they are now worthless ?

no, they are good cars,if looked after properly

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Mine felt like the interior of a Mk1 Mondeo in terms of quality/refinement and there's no excuse for the trim patterns!

What exactly in the interior felt like a Mk1 Mondeo?

I went from a Mk1 Mondeo to a W202. From my experience they are worlds apart.


Regarding the trim patterns, however shocking some of the early ones are, the fact is they were designed in early 90s Germany

 

[neilz]

You misunderstood - they are worthless in the financial sense. I could have resolved the problem but I could have bought a much better model for less than the ECU cost.

Now, let's see:

Black Mercedes C 200 Elegance | eBay
1996 MERCEDES C200 SPORT AUTO GREEN...GOOD FOR YEAR AND MILES!!! | eBay
MERCEDES BENZ C180 PETROL, AUTO, RELIABLE & ECONOMICAL INTERESTING PLATE DAVE!! | eBay
Mercedes-Benz C200 2.0 auto Elegance | eBay

Proved my point? No?

Mercedes c200 automatic with 1 year mot and 6 tax in Dartford, Kent | Used Mercedes-Benz for sale | Gumtree.com
Mercedes N Reg Elegance in Sm4 Surrey, London | Used Mercedes-Benz for sale | Gumtree.com
mercedes in Dunstable, Luton | Used Mercedes-Benz for sale | Gumtree.com

And here's a Nissan Micra... Nissan Micra S 2001 59K NO RESERVE | eBay