Looking at 98/98 C230/C280…need tips
01-27-2007, 08:38 PM
#2
MBworld Guru
Hello everyone,
Currently, I drive W140 S1995 420. Awesome car, I like to haul people around so usually volunteer for dd on the night out or on the way to the parties, and this big-body Benz (I call it triple B…BBB) does its job.
But sometimes I feel the car is way too huge. So for the daily driver, I am thinking about getting W202. 98 or 99 C230 / C280 seem to be pretty good deal.
Would you like to share any suggestions or tips before I jumped into this particular model?
And what do I need to look closely when I buy the car?
Including current one, I’ve owned three S Classes but never experienced with C Classes. Any inputs would be highly appreciated.
Plus, I am currently in St. Louis, MO due to my job and originally from Arizona / SoCal area. Thinking about making trip to down there for a couple of days to buy a car and ship back to Missouri. Seems like around here, I don’t have wide options and cars in Arizona / SoCal areas are in a lot better condition.
Currently, I drive W140 S1995 420. Awesome car, I like to haul people around so usually volunteer for dd on the night out or on the way to the parties, and this big-body Benz (I call it triple B…BBB) does its job.
But sometimes I feel the car is way too huge. So for the daily driver, I am thinking about getting W202. 98 or 99 C230 / C280 seem to be pretty good deal.
Would you like to share any suggestions or tips before I jumped into this particular model?
And what do I need to look closely when I buy the car?
Including current one, I’ve owned three S Classes but never experienced with C Classes. Any inputs would be highly appreciated.
Plus, I am currently in St. Louis, MO due to my job and originally from Arizona / SoCal area. Thinking about making trip to down there for a couple of days to buy a car and ship back to Missouri. Seems like around here, I don’t have wide options and cars in Arizona / SoCal areas are in a lot better condition.
01-28-2007, 02:27 AM
#3
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1998 C 230
Check Carfax and maintenance records
I am sure you know this but sometimes people overlook these things
As far as c230 vs. c280 you would do much better on the gas mileage with the 230 unless you really want the power.
I have been told that the c280 engine is really crammed into the engine compartment and difficult to work on.
Some of the issues I have had. Bellow underneath dash dried out, that involved removing the entire dash. Ignition module had to be replaced, make sure that is in good working order. Make sure the temp control display is o.k.
mine decemented, luckly found a used one on e-bay. Latest problem, only minor but costly is the ULO drivers side mirror is leaking, might want to check the one your looking at for spots or a line accross the top.
The brake parts for the c230 are reasonable if you decide to do the work yourself.
Have a mechanic have a good look at the suspension system, especially steering linkage area.
The c230 is a tough durable car and probably much safer than most newer cars on the road.
Good luck on your purchase!
As far as c230 vs. c280 you would do much better on the gas mileage with the 230 unless you really want the power.
I have been told that the c280 engine is really crammed into the engine compartment and difficult to work on.
Some of the issues I have had. Bellow underneath dash dried out, that involved removing the entire dash. Ignition module had to be replaced, make sure that is in good working order. Make sure the temp control display is o.k.
mine decemented, luckly found a used one on e-bay. Latest problem, only minor but costly is the ULO drivers side mirror is leaking, might want to check the one your looking at for spots or a line accross the top.
The brake parts for the c230 are reasonable if you decide to do the work yourself.
Have a mechanic have a good look at the suspension system, especially steering linkage area.
The c230 is a tough durable car and probably much safer than most newer cars on the road.
Good luck on your purchase!
02-02-2007, 04:30 AM
#4
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Mercedes C280
I am sure you know this but sometimes people overlook these things
As far as c230 vs. c280 you would do much better on the gas mileage with the 230 unless you really want the power.
I have been told that the c280 engine is really crammed into the engine compartment and difficult to work on.
Some of the issues I have had. Bellow underneath dash dried out, that involved removing the entire dash. Ignition module had to be replaced, make sure that is in good working order. Make sure the temp control display is o.k.
mine decemented, luckly found a used one on e-bay. Latest problem, only minor but costly is the ULO drivers side mirror is leaking, might want to check the one your looking at for spots or a line accross the top.
The brake parts for the c230 are reasonable if you decide to do the work yourself.
Have a mechanic have a good look at the suspension system, especially steering linkage area.
The c230 is a tough durable car and probably much safer than most newer cars on the road.
Good luck on your purchase!
As far as c230 vs. c280 you would do much better on the gas mileage with the 230 unless you really want the power.
I have been told that the c280 engine is really crammed into the engine compartment and difficult to work on.
Some of the issues I have had. Bellow underneath dash dried out, that involved removing the entire dash. Ignition module had to be replaced, make sure that is in good working order. Make sure the temp control display is o.k.
mine decemented, luckly found a used one on e-bay. Latest problem, only minor but costly is the ULO drivers side mirror is leaking, might want to check the one your looking at for spots or a line accross the top.
The brake parts for the c230 are reasonable if you decide to do the work yourself.
Have a mechanic have a good look at the suspension system, especially steering linkage area.
The c230 is a tough durable car and probably much safer than most newer cars on the road.
Good luck on your purchase!
Not on the C280s past 97. I've had no problems working on mine so far, the V6 is lighter and more compact and even better, but needs more revs than the Straight 6, both engines are great though.
Last edited by SechsPackSound; 02-02-2007 at 04:35 AM.
