W204 C Class Diesel Coupe Buying Advice

[GT160]

Hi,

I have always missed my previous w203 C class petrol automatic and still regret selling it at times, but i got it from my dad and the running costs, petrol, tax, and the mileages i was doing just didnt work out for me at the time.

Im now looking to return to mercedes and have my eye on a 2.1 C220 CDI BlueEfficiency AMG Sport Edition 125 G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr that im hoping to buy with around 100k on the clock, partial MB service history, recently serviced at MB specialist. I would be grateful for any specific buying advice. I do quite a bit of work on my own car and feel generally okay to check a car over, however, what is making me particularly nervous is the sub frame issue!!. I have done some research and it appears it rusts from the inside and apparently not apparent from underneath always. MOT history not suggestive of any rust or rear coil spring rusting or suspension parts, so i feel i am over worrying, but its an expensive job with no guarantee of MB covering the cost. To be honest, not had the best of luck with my mums A class and to be fair i think a large part is we are not regular customers of main dealers as use the local specialists instead.

Any other advice on what i should particularly look for when buying the car would be greatly received.

Many thanks , look forward to be active in the forum again
GT

 

[Petrol Pete]

Search W204 Rear subframe again.

You are not 'over worrying' it's bad , really bad. W204 Cars with fresh MOT can still sometimes be hiding rear subframe corrosion.

It does seem to be a bit hit and miss though. Not helped by MB's reluctance to own up to it.

 

[GT160]

Thanks for your reply, more reading required, its a real shame i just really prefer the shape and appearances of them over the w205. Its very unclear but i dont think getting a late 2014/2015 would help with that issue , most of the info can be conflicting as MB do not appear to be transparent about whether they changed them later on etc

 

[markjay]

The W204 are great cars, especially the facelift model. The OM651 engine in the C220 CDI is a good lump. Like all high miler Diesels, it could suffer from faulty injectors or faulty glow plugs. Also, the DPF can get clogged up. Repairs to the Diesel engine can be expensive (especially if the high-pressure fuel pump needs replacing), so choose a car with good service history. Also, the front wheel speed sensors can go, but it's an easy fix.