W203 reliability issues?

[quasarman]

Having recently bought my 1st MB I am a bit confused by seemingly mixed views with regard to reliability?

Can anyone shed any light as to what if anything I need to keep an eye out for on my '02 C320 Estate?

All info/experiences shared much appreciated...

 

[recycled]

i think it is pretty reliable.
There were issues with ball joints creaking. front off side, steering rack leaks.
Not sure if your is affected by the gearbox valeo issue.

 

[quasarman]

Forgive my ignorance, what's the gearbox valeo issue? Mines an auto if makes any difference.
Read somewhere estates made in Germany less problematic than African saloons, any views/knowledge???

 

[recycled]

Forgive my ignorance, what's the gearbox valeo issue? Mines an auto if makes any difference.
Read somewhere estates made in Germany less problematic than African saloons, any views/knowledge???

As far as i know no estates were made in east london south africa, (i may be wrong) Only saloons were made there. your vin should tell you were yours was built.
The valeo issue was when coolant was leaking and affecting the gearbox ecu (something along those lines) for E-classes and only affected autos

 

[rf065]

There are two issues with the autobox.

1. Oil seal leaks allowing transmission fluid to enter gearbox ECU.
Very easy to fix and not costly.

2. Valeo radiator leaks allowing coolant to mix with transmission fluid.
Very costly repair if not found in time.

A few searches on the forums should tell you what years are affected

Russ

 

[ddentrec]

Front suspension is a known problem area, as is body corrosion.

If you take off your Mercedes-Benz beer goggles you will find it is no worse or better than a 6 year old Mondeo.

Allow for at least one service bill of £500 and you should not have too many surprises.

I have a 2003 C-Class: I would not buy another of any year.

 

[quasarman]

I have a 2003 C-Class: I would not buy another of any year.

Is that in a good way?

 

[jonm]

Had all of the following on mine:

Alternator fail; known weakness, not cheap to fix.

Front bushes (not sure where exactly), these replaced under warranty.

Gearbox oil leaks, had this twice, fixed under warranty, not happened since.

Other than that its been fine, unless yuou include the radio, wheels, tailgate release....in truth not the most reliable machine I've ever had.

Mines an estate, presumably made in Germany...

Still love it though and would buy another.

 

[R2D2]

I think when they did the facelift in 2004 most of the known bugs were dealt with. My 2004 facelift w203 is the best car I have ever owned. It has done 53000 miles now and gets better and better. Good maintenance helps. Ball joints go at 50-60k bu nothing too much to get uptight about. If your money can run to a facelift car I think you'll enjoy it more.

 

[verytalldave]

I think when they did the facelift in 2004 most of the known bugs were dealt with. My 2004 facelift w203 is the best car I have ever owned. It has done 53000 miles now and gets better and better. Good maintenance helps. Ball joints go at 50-60k bu nothing too much to get uptight about. If your money can run to a facelift car I think you'll enjoy it more.

Thats EXACTLY what I was just about to write....................

 

[1998K]

I have a 2003 C-Class: I would not buy another of any year.

please explain, is 2003 C-Class the perfect year?

Mine is also an 2003

 

[recycled]

No he hates it.
Yes he likes it

 

[SpikeUK]

As a new owner of a '53 W203 (C270CDi Elegance SE), I was hoping you would all bring me good news!

 

[crockers]

No he hates it.
Yes he likes it

I always thought I was indecisive now I'm not sure.........

 

[CiaranMcKeown]

They are really troublesome, but we love them anyway.

 

[R2D2]

troublesome!!!!!!!!! Streuth, you'd better never buy an Alfa then.

 

[Smatt]

My 2003 W203CL (coupe) is generally great and has been very reliable.

Front track rod on o/s needed replacing (non MB mechanic said this is common anyway on all cars due to roundabouts!).
Other than that had no probs- done 56000miles. Weak spot is rear speaker in door which gets broken on seatbelt buckle- design fault.
Not even had to change a bulb, despite fair proportion of night driving!

Edit: forgot I had Audio 10 changed under warranty as rds auto re-tune not working

 

[quasarman]

But back to the start of the thread....what about my 2002 C320 estate?
I couldn't afford an 04 facelift or I would have bought one!
What should I check for?

 

[R2D2]

But back to the start of the thread....what about my 2002 C320 estate?
I couldn't afford an 04 facelift or I would have bought one!
What should I check for?

I think its been said. Front suspension, ball joints in particular, alternator sometimes, occasionally some electrical issues. Basically a good car with a great engine. If you can get a good example where the suspension is sorted and the rest is immaculate you could get a truely great reliable, practical, fun car..................if facelift ones comes within budget then even better. What is the budget?

 

[quasarman]

Already bought!! Pics will follow - not collected yet...