C class reliabilty
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Joined: Dec 2005
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I like mine
I have a 97 C-280 that I drive every day. I bought it with 51k on the odometer and it now has 95k on it. Since it was $11,500 I paid it off quickly so now I basically drive it for the cost of maintenance. The brakes are easy to work on. I have also replaced the plugs, wires, mass airflow sensor, fuel pressure regulator, crankshaft position sensor, and both O2 sensors.
I only wish I had gone straight to replacing the fuel pressure regulator first as it was the cause of the infamous cylinder misfire condition. Somehow the car's computer realizes it isn't getting enough fuel in a given cylinder and the computer shuts off that cylinder. The end result is it drives like a 5 cylinder car until you shut off the ignition and restart it. At idle, it surged and dropped rpms a lot. But it's been a good car for me other than that annoying problem.
It's even good in the snow if you put about 200 lbs of ballast in the trunk.
It also feels very heavy and solid - not that I'm planning ro get in a wreck.
I only wish I had gone straight to replacing the fuel pressure regulator first as it was the cause of the infamous cylinder misfire condition. Somehow the car's computer realizes it isn't getting enough fuel in a given cylinder and the computer shuts off that cylinder. The end result is it drives like a 5 cylinder car until you shut off the ignition and restart it. At idle, it surged and dropped rpms a lot. But it's been a good car for me other than that annoying problem.
It's even good in the snow if you put about 200 lbs of ballast in the trunk.
It also feels very heavy and solid - not that I'm planning ro get in a wreck.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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I was close from buying a 99 C230k sedan with 71K for $9500, but I decided against it because the repairs just scare the crap out of me. Also the C230k engine is like a truck engine, it is so rough. The c230k engine on my gf's is dampened pretty good, but hte one on the 99 made the whole car shake! But i still love how it drove and sat 
oh, it didnt have heated seat, so i had to say no
oh, it didnt have heated seat, so i had to say no
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Chesapeake, Virginia
'11 C300
Bought the wife a '97 C280 brand new. It now has 70k miles on it. The only problem it had was the mass air flow sensor went around 50k. Other than that it has been perfect. I certainly wouldn't call it a beater.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: St. Louis, MO
1999 W202 C230 Kompressor Sport
I have a 99 230 K sport, and I don't notice any rattling or excessive noise. you might've just looked at a bad one. the motor is most definitely not like a truck, it's nice and smooth.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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nice and smooth? far from it. My gf has it on her 02, the motor has a lot of torque, but it definitely makes a lot of noise and has a lot of vibration. Regardless, the W202 are definitely cool cars and I would love to own one someday
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: St. Louis, MO
1999 W202 C230 Kompressor Sport
well, i'm coming from a rickshaw with a motor in it, so i might have more appreciation for a car that's a little more refined, but to each their own. agreed on the cool car aspect. 
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: CA
Originally Posted by tmak26b
nice and smooth? far from it. My gf has it on her 02, the motor has a lot of torque, but it definitely makes a lot of noise and has a lot of vibration. Regardless, the W202 are definitely cool cars and I would love to own one someday
If you are looking at getting a 94/95 C280 make sure it had the wire harness replaced and check for the common head gasket leak. Other than that they are very reliable.
