best w202 to purchase
#1
best w202 to purchase
well im a college student that has a couple of bills and im about to switch my car for somthin thats sport and luxury my picks are either a BMW E36 or a MB w202.
now my question is wich of the w202 is the best to purchase, the one with the least common problem that i wont have to spend big bucks to fix and yes im a grease monkey so i could do labor my self.
now my question is wich of the w202 is the best to purchase, the one with the least common problem that i wont have to spend big bucks to fix and yes im a grease monkey so i could do labor my self.
Last edited by rawkusx; 05-01-2006 at 12:31 PM. Reason: misspelling
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C32, 911 SC
Originally Posted by rawkusx
well im a college student that has a couple of bills and im about to switch my car for somthin thats sport and luxury my picks are either a BMW E36 or a MB w202.
now my question is wich of the w202 is the best to purchase, the one with the least common problem that i wont have to spend big bucks to fix and yes im a grease monkey so i could do labor my self.
now my question is wich of the w202 is the best to purchase, the one with the least common problem that i wont have to spend big bucks to fix and yes im a grease monkey so i could do labor my self.
All Euro cars are expensive to fix. To minimize that, get a latter model W202 with perfect maintenance and repair records. I also heard that c220/c230 is relatively cheaper than its 6/8 cylinder counterparts.
#3
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 C230 Kompressor Sport
I drive a 99 C230 Kompressor and I am very happy with my purchase, had it for 3 years and still feel the same. The BMW is nicer on cornering as I had an 87 325i before, but the c230K is more to my liking, luxury and when needed has the supercharger to over pass traffic, the only thing I had to get use to was the different stages of the gas pedal, but now I got the hang of it...
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Boston
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
2004 C32 ///AMG
depends on how much you have to spend.
if you really like the w202, get a c36 or a c43.
i would save up a little more and go up to a w203.
you can get an 01+ c240 or and 03 c230 coupe for around $15k
if you really like the w202, get a c36 or a c43.
i would save up a little more and go up to a w203.
you can get an 01+ c240 or and 03 c230 coupe for around $15k
#5
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Hellas
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
202
I believe the W202 C230 Kompressor is one of the best choices because 1st of all you're a student, 2nd you get 2.3lt (niiice) and 193hp (sweeet) while 3rdly, you still have a V4 engine (not thirsty), so YOU will be the only one with a drinking problem! . Oh and may I suggest... White! Hehehe! Hope you get the best anyway.
#6
well w203 are a lil off my buget cuz of insurance and other things like that, so im guessing a 98-2000 could be the best choice??
so a c230k wont give me much problems??
and which years are the ones that came with tranny problems??
so a c230k wont give me much problems??
and which years are the ones that came with tranny problems??
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport
98 C280 or 99^ C 280 or C230K is the best IMHO. There is no way in hell I would get a w203 C 240. If you are going to get a w203, I REALLY would advise against the C 240. That thing has NO engine. You are WAY better off with a 99-00 C 230K than that car.
Trending Topics
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by rawkusx
no i dont want a w202 im going for a BMW e36 or a MB w202
That made no sense but its okay.
Get a 99^ C280. Make sure you get low miles and you get all the record that come with it. Look for a lease car(one that used to be leased). If you take care of the car then it will stay in shape.
#10
ive read a couple of threads and ive got that the c230k is a real good engine and dont give problems, could that be a false statement??
what year did the bad tranny's come in on w202??
what year did the bad tranny's come in on w202??
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport
Originally Posted by rawkusx
ive read a couple of threads and ive got that the c230k is a real good engine and dont give problems, could that be a false statement??
what year did the bad tranny's come in on w202??
what year did the bad tranny's come in on w202??
#13
Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2000 CLK 430 Coupe
Originally Posted by rawkusx
so is a 99-2000 c230K or non K the best choice??
Regards,
e harmon
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by NdnMbLova
2000 c280 sport!!
When I was first looking at pre-owned Mercedes, i started off looking at the W202 as well.
The 2000 model gets touchshift (if you like that) and a new steering wheel design. Plus the Sport model gets the steering wheel similar to that found in the 2000 SL 500! It also comes with a carbon fiber trim.
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Texas
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2008 Rav4, 1997 Lexus ES300
I'll give you personal problematic info from my own experience in owning a W202 (1999). I currently have about 77K miles on the odometer. My wife and i have owned the vehicle for about 4 years and have put about 53K miles on it since owning it. To date, the only non-warranty issues we have had is that the odometer reading (last number on the far right) goes in and out. Some days it is readable when we start the car, other days only part of the number is readable. Is this a big deal? Not at all. At least not for us. I was told in order to fix the problem, that I would need to order a whole new instrument panel, which would run me about $800 or so. The only other issue that we have had is that there is a noise coming from the drivers side dash area. It only occurs when we begin to accelerate. Again, doesn't bother us too much and doesn't affect the performance or driveability of the car. Maybe one day i'll try to find out what is causing the mysterious noise.
Other than that, we (actually it's my wife's) have had a very worry free experience with this vehicle. Just keep up with the scheduled maintenance as best as possible and it should treat you right. Good luck with your decision.
Other than that, we (actually it's my wife's) have had a very worry free experience with this vehicle. Just keep up with the scheduled maintenance as best as possible and it should treat you right. Good luck with your decision.
#21
2000 C280!!!!
230 vs. 280 naturaly aspirated vs. supercharged
186hp vs. 194hp similar acceleration 0-60...8.0 vs. 8.3 sec
200ft/lbs vs 195ft/lbs better high end on 280. better performance above 60 miles.
more luxuary on 280 ..10 way power seats, digital readout auto a/c,
2000 vs older models....5 speed touchshift tranny with no problems....tele aid...better antenna, better stereo headunit with the cell phone functions( yes its useless without the mikbox)
280 SPORT edtion has ugly(imo) larger wheel(16inch vs. 17) sportier suspension set up. ugly(imo) 2 tone seats( not like the ones on C43) ugly steering wheel (imo again) and ugly ( grey trim) but it was only 900 dollars option and itsworth it for the nicer suspension set up.
if you can afford it, go for a 2000 C280 with low miles.
you can find one between 13-17k depending on condtion and mileage. most good condition ones are around 15-16k
you can get a nice 99 c43 for 17-18 and imho it would be better to take more time and save up for a 99 C43. for 1-2k more, you get heated seats with more adjustments( lumber support and such) xenon lights with washers, rain sensing windshield wiper, nicer sportier look, these are all other than performance aspects. if you test drive a c43 , you will also notice the exhaust tone of the V8. donwside of the C43, you will pay more for the gas, and no touchshift tranny, higher insurance (maybe)
230 vs. 280 naturaly aspirated vs. supercharged
186hp vs. 194hp similar acceleration 0-60...8.0 vs. 8.3 sec
200ft/lbs vs 195ft/lbs better high end on 280. better performance above 60 miles.
more luxuary on 280 ..10 way power seats, digital readout auto a/c,
2000 vs older models....5 speed touchshift tranny with no problems....tele aid...better antenna, better stereo headunit with the cell phone functions( yes its useless without the mikbox)
280 SPORT edtion has ugly(imo) larger wheel(16inch vs. 17) sportier suspension set up. ugly(imo) 2 tone seats( not like the ones on C43) ugly steering wheel (imo again) and ugly ( grey trim) but it was only 900 dollars option and itsworth it for the nicer suspension set up.
if you can afford it, go for a 2000 C280 with low miles.
you can find one between 13-17k depending on condtion and mileage. most good condition ones are around 15-16k
you can get a nice 99 c43 for 17-18 and imho it would be better to take more time and save up for a 99 C43. for 1-2k more, you get heated seats with more adjustments( lumber support and such) xenon lights with washers, rain sensing windshield wiper, nicer sportier look, these are all other than performance aspects. if you test drive a c43 , you will also notice the exhaust tone of the V8. donwside of the C43, you will pay more for the gas, and no touchshift tranny, higher insurance (maybe)
#23
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Hellas
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
202
I would still go to C230K, its feistier and it drinks less. If you live in the USA you might want the C280 because you generally have larger engines but if you especially live in EU then no question about the C230K. And besides silver and white colors, I really like the champagne one and the gray ones, in general though all light colors need way less cleaning and washing than dark ones.
#24
in usa 280 wont hurt you much, its got better gas/mileage then most american cars. with little exta bucks you get power seats, digital a/c and much better high end performance.
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
Going back to the 230 and the 280 gas mileage. I have the 2005 C230 with the 1.8 liter engine. And I have one complaint. The RPMs are very high and thus affect gas mileage.
Thus, since the 280's RPMs might be lower, you might get better fuel economy at faster speeds than a 230 would at the same speed. Say a more extreme case, at 100 mph, the 230 might be drinking more fuel since it's revving at a higher engine speed and fuel consumption increases exponentially at higher engine speeds.
Thus, it's probably a good idea to go with the 280 as well.
Thus, since the 280's RPMs might be lower, you might get better fuel economy at faster speeds than a 230 would at the same speed. Say a more extreme case, at 100 mph, the 230 might be drinking more fuel since it's revving at a higher engine speed and fuel consumption increases exponentially at higher engine speeds.
Thus, it's probably a good idea to go with the 280 as well.