mcbc220

I have a 1994 C220 with about 90,000 miles on it. I'm the second owner; first owner put 43k on it over 17 years. I live in California and it's a California car. More or less runs great; I just replaced the serpentine belt. A/C works, but not 100%, and I think there may be some suspension work to be done in the future. Also, because of its age, I'm aware that seals may need to be replaced in the next few years. There is a tiny bit of rust in the driver's side interior doorwell. I haven't checked in other nooks and crannies but I don't see obvious rust anywhere. Transmission fluid has never been changed on two different mechanics' advice. I did replace a transmission up shift knob earlier this year for $220.

I'm a recent law school graduate moving to Washington, D.C. in the fall, and I can't figure out if it's worth shipping the car. On the one hand, I don't want to waste a car that still has years of life left on it; on the other, it's 23 years old and east coast winters make rust a much bigger concern. I will need a car in DC, and I have enough saved up to buy a 1-2 year old CPO Benz (I worked for two years before and during law school), so I wouldn't be stranded or have to settle for a car I don't like (Toyota, etc). I don't want to throw money away if the C220 would last me another 5-10 years; I also don't want to sink more and more time and money into transporting, and then repairing, an old car, only to have to buy a new one in a couple years anyway. My mechanic said he's heard some shipping horror stories and that he doesn't think it's worth it because of the rust issue, but he also admitted he doesn't know a lot about shipping or the east coast in general.

mcbc220

Any insight into C220 durability at this age?

ptcruiser

Drive it...It shouldn't have any problems.
With proper maintenance, your good to good for several more years.
90,000 is just getting broken in.
If it does have a problem, and being a lawyer, you can sue the pants off Mercedes just for practice. :-)

mcbc220

Thanks! That is how I am leaning. Only concern is the rust, but I guess I can just wash it weekly and keep my fingers crossed

ptcruiser

Main rust concerns have been in the suspension. Here is a link to see what I mean
You should be able to get it up on a hoist and check the top and the bottom coil spring areas. This can be dangerous, and costly to fix.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Merc...JgEfNIhZFNM%3A

mcbc220

Yikes…yeah, that's the only thing stopping me. I checked the car a little more today (still have to get it on a lift to look underneath). The doorwells have a tiny bit of rust, and there are bubbles forming on the bottom left corner of the sunroof portion of the roof.

ptcruiser

If that's all there is, then you have nothing to worry about. The photo was an extreme case, but a good visual inspection should set your mind at ease.
Also check the sway bar front and rear bushings for wear. Makes a big difference, especially squeaks. They are cheap. I also recommend checking he tie rod ends.
https://www.google.com/search?q=merc...uwHeKo_i5cM%3A

ptcruiser

Here is the assembly
http://www.germanimportsllc.com/20tierodasco.html
Do some internet searching, and you can get it for around $70.00, with free shipping if it needs to be replaced. It is a wear point, so check it out,
Better to get a front end alignment shop to look at it.