Which post-facelift W204 engine?

[CC381]

Hi everyone! First post

Thinking of switching from my BMW 3 series to a post-facelift w204. I love the way the C-class looks (not a fan of BMW's design direction in their newer cars) and from what I've read it's a pretty solid and reliable car.

Most likely, I'll be looking to pick up a 180 cgi or c200/220/250 cdi given that these are the most common variants out there and suit my budget. Just had a few questions for you guys:

1) Reliability is my top criteria - Which of these engines is most trouble free? I'm aware of the fuel injector problems in the blue efficiency 220 and 250 cdi engines - is the problem completely solved in the cars which have had the solenoid up(down)-date?

2) Does the fix for the 220 and 250 cdi engines decrease the efficiency/emissions/power of the car? I read somewhere that effectively they downgrade the engines to a 200 cdi and remove one of the 2 turbos in these engines?

3) Are there any reliability issues with the 180 cgi models? Slightly worried it will feel underpowered and that real world mpg will be pretty poor vs official figures given you're likely to drive it harder than mb did in their testing

Thanks in advance!

 

[markjay]

For the post facelift W204, the petrol engines are based on the 4-pot M271 engine, however unlike earlier variants the engine is turbocharged rather than supercharged ('Kompressor').

Early facelift C180 had the 1.8L engine, later models had the 1.6L engine, both produce the same bhp (around 154-156 bhp).

The C200 CGI and C250 CGI both use the 1.8L engine, with the C250 CGI producing 201-204 bhp.

However, in practical terms the C180 1.8L and the C200 1.8L are very rare. You will find loads of C180 1.6L and some C250 1.8L.

You should also consider the trim level: Sport, Sport AMG (that is to say a standard car with some AMG bits, not a 'proper' AMG), SE, or Elegance. And there is also 'Edition 125' celebrating MB 125th Anuversarry and featuring SatNav as standard.

 

[Mbstarz]

I have the c220 which is great. It's an 08 so pre facelift and no DPF to worry about too. Had it over a year with no issues at all just the regular checks and maintenance. Pulls well and ok economy for size and power it delivers. Better mpg on long runs approx 40-45. Between 23-30 in town. Personally I think the 200 will be underpowered. The 220 is just right and 250 would be even better performance. I would say if u do get one, check if it's had the ATF service done. Some people and even some dealers think it never needs doing. Regardless I did this just in case.

 

[markjay]

The Petrol/CGI engines do not suffer from the Delphi injector issue that affected the Diesel/CDI engines.

In terms of known issues....

M271 engines suffer from timing gear failure at around 100k miles. This can be easily averted by replacing the timing gear preemptively at around 80k, however if left unattended a failed gear can cause valve and piston damage which spells a replacement engine. If the car did more than 60k miles, listen for any noises from the front part of the cam cover.

Some owners complained about cabin creaking/crackling sound from the interior trim which can be very difficult to rectify, so take the car for a test drive over rough surface.

The 7G Plus automatic transmission may need a software update.

 

[Mbstarz]

Is there anyway of checking online using reg or vin what engine type I have?

 

[markjay]

I have the c220 which is great. ... mpg on long runs approx 40-45. Between 23-30 in town....

This does not sound right?

My C180K (Petrol) averages 40 mpg on mixed A roads and Motorways, and 45 mpg on Motorway only (at legal speeds). I get around 20 mpg in town.

I would have expected the 220 CDI engine to be far more frugal than the petrol engine?

 

[Mbstarz]

This does not sound right? My C180K (Petrol) averages 40 mpg on mixed A roads and Motorways, and 45 mpg on Motorway only (at legal speeds). I get around 20 mpg in town. I would have expected the 220 CDI engine to be far more frugal than the petrol engine?

I live properly in the city with constant stop start, so if I'm doing all city drive, I average around 27mpg, a bit better in summer.

On a long run doing 70/80 I average about 45, pushing to 50 if I am steady.

I have noticed though during winter I'm getting poorer mpg.

I've read a few posts with same engines getting similar mpg to what I get.

 

[artyman]

I have a pre facelift 200cdi OM646 no DPF engine, and haven't felt short of power, though I guess that statement may be relative, it depends on your expectations.

 

[Mbstarz]

I have a pre facelift 200cdi OM646 no DPF engine, and haven't felt short of power, though I guess that statement may be relative, it depends on your expectations.

What sort of mpg do you get out of interest?

 

[artyman]

About 35-40 but I do a lot of very short runs, on a trip to Scotland it was 50mpg

 

[Mbstarz]

About 35-40 but I do a lot of very short runs, on a trip to Scotland it was 50mpg

That's pretty good.. I've noticed as long as the car keeps moving mpg is ok. It's the damn traffic and lights which kill the mpg overall. Cant wait till roadworks are done with in my area!

 

[markjay]

I shold add that the mpg info in my previous post is based on the dash computer, not a real-life brim-to-brim measurements, so the displayed mpg may be incorrect.

But the reason I am surprised is that I would have expected Diesel cars to fair much better than mine.

 

[pembssurf]

Hi everyone! First post Thinking of switching from my BMW 3 series to a post-facelift w204. I love the way the C-class looks (not a fan of BMW's design direction in their newer cars) and from what I've read it's a pretty solid and reliable car. Most likely, I'll be looking to pick up a 180 cgi or c200/220/250 cdi given that these are the most common variants out there and suit my budget. Just had a few questions for you guys: 1) Reliability is my top criteria - Which of these engines is most trouble free? I'm aware of the fuel injector problems in the blue efficiency 220 and 250 cdi engines - is the problem completely solved in the cars which have had the solenoid up(down)-date? 2) Does the fix for the 220 and 250 cdi engines decrease the efficiency/emissions/power of the car? I read somewhere that effectively they downgrade the engines to a 200 cdi and remove one of the 2 turbos in these engines? 3) Are there any reliability issues with the 180 cgi models? Slightly worried it will feel underpowered and that real world mpg will be pretty poor vs official figures given you're likely to drive it harder than mb did in their testing Thanks in advance!

THE
I have the c180 CGI with the 1.8 engine the reason I got this is all the reasons you list above. It's pretty much bomb proof, economic no my is good at 37mpg mixed for me and up to 44mpg on a run (measured from refill) and performance is pretty good with plenty of low down torque from the clever turbo charging. The only time I feel like I need more power is when my estate has 5 people in and a full boot. But otherwise it's a peach of en engine with a decent pitch when you kick down.

 

[pembssurf]

THE I have the c180 CGI with the 1.8 engine the reason I got this is all the reasons you list above. It's pretty much bomb proof, economic no my is good at 37mpg mixed for me and up to 44mpg on a run (measured from refill) and performance is pretty good with plenty of low down torque from the clever turbo charging. The only time I feel like I need more power is when my estate has 5 people in and a full boot. But otherwise it's a peach of en engine with a decent pitch when you kick down.

Apologies for my iPhone spelling urghhh

 

[cws196]

If you go for a post face-lift CDI then I think they all have the latest Diesel engine - OM651. There have been a few recalls on this engine so if you get one then check via MB that all the recalls (if any are applicable to the car) have been done.

One of my friends who's head technician at the local MB dealer is still weary of the OM651! He says it's not quite as refined and more awkward to work on, compared to the engine it replaced - OM646.

 

[CC381]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like there isn't too much difference in fuel economy between the c180 and the diesels. I imagine the 1.6l engine would potentially be even more frugal? Anyone have experience with this one? Although how does the real world driving experience compare between the 1.8 and the 1.6 engines? My current Bmw is a 2l non turbo with 170bhp and I'm pretty happy with the power I get there.

Has anyone with the c220/250 cdi engines (om651) had issues after having the fix carried out? Any experience of decreased performance/efficiency etc?

 

[pembssurf]

Depends on your mileage. If doing long motorway miles the diesel is prob the best bet. If doing mixture and around 10,000 miles then go petrol. C200CGI super rare but also pretty frugal for a petrol and essentially the same engine but different mapping. Zero difference between 1.6 & 1.8. 1.8 seems more common on earlier c180 automatic estates like my 2011 one. But I find around 160 horses enough for my every day driving. Like I said I wanted a merc petrol engine as they seem to have less issues than the diesel and also are cheaper to maintain long term. Also still found the merc diesels pretty agricultural sounding when I test drove one. But quieter at cruising.

 

[Marcus1212]

I've bought 1.6 petrol amg sport model ..I'm getting a dreadful 18 mpg locally and hardly driving it hard .. Just soft gear changes at low revs . Really getting fed up now with the car as its performance is extremely poor.

 

[pembssurf]

Defo something wrong with 18mpg. That's V8 AMG territory.