Ultimate Overview of the Mercedes W204 C-Class Leaves No Part Behind
Whether you drive a W204, or are in the market, we’ve got the lowdown on the wildly-popular C-Class platform.
The Mercedes-Benz W204 is the platform for the generation of C-Class vehicles from 2008 to 2014. This generation was a big seller and an extremely popular one for Mercedes, and it continues to be a hot ticket in the resale market. It rides like a dream, has exceptional luxury features, and offers powerful and efficient engine options.
In this buyer’s guide video by FCP Euro we learn just about anything and everything you could ever want to know about the W204, from its capabilities, to its potential problems. We couldn’t ask for a better host than Kyle Bascombe. He is a walking Mercedes encyclopedia, and serves as Mercedes Catalog Manager for FCP Euro.
Bascombe starts out with a C300 4MATIC AWD, a C300 RWD Manual, and a C300 AWD Sport on hand. He breaks down the W204 for everyone ranging in automotive expertise, from beginner to Merc pro.
Some direct competitors of the W204 would be the BMW E90, Volvo P3 S60, and V8 Audi A4. All exceptional cars, and nice company to be in. But do they really come close to the excellence of the C300 or the Mercedes-AMG C63? We’re going to have to say no.
“Mercedes does make it fairly simple to decipher which of their two main trim levels the car may be,” Bascombe explains. “Luxury and Sport model W204s can be easily distinguished by their front grille and hood emblem.” He shows how luxury models don the hood star and no emblem on the grille, while sport models have a 2 slat grille with a bold emblem and flush mounted hood emblem.
Bascombe gives other examples of the trim differences from interior features, to exterior styling. He also explains the various engines, and their specs.
Next he takes it to the streets, test driving a C300 4Matic with a seven-speed transmission. Bascombe really impresses here, with great pro-tips for identifying potential problems.
One common complaint he addresses and offers sound advice about is the steering column locking up. And he shows how the driver can feel for harshness or vibrations while the car is idling. These small tips from a seasoned pro can save drivers big bucks in the long run when it comes to troubles with the engine and transmission.
“The shifts for the most part should feel imperceptible,” he notes as he drives along.
“As you pull off from a stop light, do so aggressively,” he says. “What you’re listening for are your control arm bushings. When they’re gone you’ll either feel it, or hear it.”
Fortunately, his ride is smooth as butter. He shows off the interior features, and nicely demonstrates what a C-Class is capable of.
Finally, he gets into the nitty gritty. In the garage, Bascombe gives a full technical overview. He ops the hood and removes the cosmetic covers. He shows where to troubleshoot for problems.
“What I like the most about this engine family is everything is super accessible,” he says. “You have a lot of room to work in the engine bay…it is a very simple motor to work on.”
He goes into great detail about the tires, brakes, suspension, drivetrain, and interior. Along the way he address a number of common problems that drivers come across. He gives excellent and easy to follow suggestions on and how to spot them, and how to be proactive in W204 vehicle maintenance.
Overall, it is clear that Bascombe loves the W204, and really shows why it is such a popular and beautiful ride. If you own a W204 generation C-Class, or are considering buying one, this video is a must-see.
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