rennwerkes

My wife needs a reasonably priced reliable car to take to work.
It'll be parked in the sun all day and is often subject to abuse by the huge SUV's with doors that for some reason swing out and search for other cars to hit!
I've been looking at the early 90 190e's but wanted to get opinions on the C series cars also since they seem to be very close in price.
Since I'll be the maintenance person on this car I'd personally like the most reliable model available.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

timmyj51

I used to have a 190E and now drive a C220. You wanna go with the
C class, much better car in every respect. I'd stay away from the C280, the
six banger. More horsepower but a lot more problems. The C230s seem
to have a lot of transmission problems.

C280 Sport

How much are you willing to spend? Thats the first step.

PhilfromPA

the most reliable model is going to be whichever has been maintained the best and of course will command a premium. as it doesn't sound you are interested in amg or 16v versions you'll have to decide whether you are looking for the 4 or 6 cylinder versions of each chassis.

Likely a post update w202 in general would be the most reliable, but service history with any benz is one of the most important factors.

Not really sure which 6 "banger" timmyj is referencing since there are the m103, m104, & m112 versions between the two chassis? I've had the m104 (twice) and m103 and have found them to be relable as long as typical items are addressed accordingly.

rennwerkes

Quite frankly, for any of these models it really doesn't matter, just want to get a good deal given the current market.

rennwerkes

You're right, not interested in any of the higher end models. Just want something that'll run inexpensively and efficiently.
I agree that I should look for a car that's been well taken care off. But I'm not afraid to work on the car myself so assuming that helps.
The interesting thing is that during this search, I've started seeing ML320's selling for under $5k! But seems as though they've got a whole list of problems to deal with.
Thanks!

C280 Sport

Well if the price doesnt matter then I would say go right into a W210 E Class. Skip the C Class. Is this your first Mercedes? If so then you might like the C Class. If you have owned bigger Mercedes before then just skip the C Class. If you do decide on a C Class try and find a W203. Much better of a car I think. Whatever you choose make sure you get it insoected before purchase.

rennwerkes

Have an 01 E55 so familiar with the W210 class.
Others have suggested this route too.
Thanks!

xvvvz

>>If you do decide on a C Class try and find a W203. Much better of a car I think. <<

A w203 better than a w202?! Just one person's opinion, but I have spent quite a bit of time driving both and the w203 is like driving an uninspired Camry. Considering low mileage examples of both are still available, I would go with a good w202 from an old lady In terms of reliability, I would much rather have a 99 or 00 w202 versus any 2005 or earlier w203.

C280 Sport

The later W202 may be more reliable then the early W203 but you can pick up a 2004 C240 or C320 low miles for around $13,000. The W203 is just a much much more smoother car and interior quality is so much more better. The W203 also is better looking comparied to the boxy look of W202(Unless the Sport Edition it doesnt look too good). It is also more comfortable.The seats you can actually sit in without hurting your back. God I wish I purchased a W203 This is just my opinion. Go with what suits her best.

rennwerkes

I'm actually trying to stay under $5k for the car.
At $13k your in E55 territory!

C280 Sport

Ok then $5,000 your almost stuck in C Class territory. Or you can get into a 190E. 190E is a much more better car then the W202 I think. Or try looking hard for an E320 or E420 or E430. You never know what might come your way. Where are you located?

alphanumeric

just buy her a 98 toyota camery or something along those lines. it doesn't have to be a benz you know. the only w201 worth buying is the later 92-93, and year 2000 for the w202 because of the re-designed transmission. but a 2000 cost more then 5k, u can find a pristine condition 190e for under 5k.

I always see "HELP ME" threads regarding 1995 c280 wont start.

I have 92 190e 2.3 and 2000 c230 kompressor, the 190e has 93k miles on it and blew its trans and head gasket around 100k miles of ownership, the c230 kompressor had 50k and now has 130k of hard drivin miles and so far only replaced MAF sensor, and shocks. the 2000 w202 transmissions are pretty stout! iv seen many post of ~~~1998~~~~ c280 and even C43 amgs blow transmissions under 100k miles..

just go with a camery , they are very fine daily drivers

rennwerkes

Thanks for the info.
Sheesh, now I'm getting scared.
I know the Camry is a great car but I prefer to stick with German cars. Have always owned BMW's and have recently found Mercedes to be a great car (at currently great used prices) but wondering if the 99-02 E55's are unique. Supposed to be for the most part problem free (although my particular car has come with a few problems) but otherwise most folks say it's nearly problem free.

C280 Sport

The w202 transmissions all around are bad if you ask me. They shift so darn hard it feels like its going to all right now. Get into a W210 and dyou wont even know the car changed gears its so smooth. The W202 in general is far from the best Mercedes should/could of done with it.

LawRens

Dont know about you, but the w202 looks hardass as a VIP/mafia car, more than the 201 or the 203 period. And while it IS far from the best mercedes couldve done, you're not giving it anywhere near enough credit that it deserves.

My 202 doesnt have rough shifting, only on hard starts, but thats about everyone's ride. Maybe you didn't take care of yours?

C280 Sport

The car has 75,000 miles on it. I take very good care of all of my cars. I purchased it with full records and all. I have looked around and many others have said the same thing about it shifting hard. Its just the way it is.

C280 Sport

[quote=thepinoc;3284193]Dont know about you, but the w202 looks hardass as a VIP/mafia car.
quote]

The W140 yes. The W202 yes if your looking at from the front but from the side thats when it turns into a compact

F150SC

I have a 2006 W203 C230 Sport with the 7 speed automatic, nice modern C class with good power and smoothness and gets 22 city and 28 highway, it is my weekend car. I drive a 2006 full size F150.
My wife drives a 1996 C220 , is parked in a public parking lot, out in the sun all day, the same conditions you are expecting. This car feels like a tank, and its 4 speed auto is the last hydraulic tranny MBZ made (1981-1996).
This is the last old Mercedes, you just need to find out like this in good condition like ours. I do have the car maintained by an Indy every 18 months and the rest I do. Also weekly wash and monthly waxing, the car still gets recognize as a Mercedes Benz. Oddly it also gets 22 city and 28 highway.

F150SC

A C220 is the most durable C class, specially with its 4G-Tronic hydraulic transmission, which can last up to 300K miles. I have seen lots of C220 for sale with over 200K miles. Smooth shifting too, if its rough, just needs maintenance for its modulator valve, see your indy Benz mechanic

LawRens

I'm running on 126k miles, but it's single owner, never treated like crap. And with the w202, it's not like most other Auto tranny rides where you can just press the gas pedal at one place and have it shift buttersmooth; in a way you gotta find the rythm of how much throttle to give it at each certain RPM range. Thats how i kill my hard shifts on cold starts.

So either i have one of the good ones that have no problems shifting rough, or everyone is just treating their 202s like crap.

And yes, while it IS a compact luxury, specs wise it is considered by many a mid-size sedan. I mean, it seats four 6' tall people comfortably. And I'm in love especially with the 202 tails :]

alphanumeric

i have to disagree with it seats 4 6ft people comfortably. its the main reason I drive an w211 E, was tired of scooting my seat all the way up for someone sitting behind me. I dont consider myself a G rider either with the seat all the way back and low. but now in the w211 i feel so small... I like driving smaller cars with nobody sitting behind me lol

I thought u already owned a w210 e55, iv heard the 210 and w211 e55's trans are bullet proof!

LawRens

I guess our comfortable seating positions are different; I'm 6'1"+ and i have ppl 6'0"+ sitting right behind me, and they have no problems getting in and out.

But ofc a 202 will pale in size compared to an E series; thats just like saying a corolla is smaller than a camry =_=

C280 Sport

I too will have to disagree with it seating 4. It can only if you have smaller people in the car. I too am 6''1 but am a bigger guy(Play football in College) So the only way I can fit into it would be with the seats all the way back. The seats are very small. Not like on my W210 or W126.

LawRens

Like i said; comfortable seating positions are different. I dont sit up all the way to the front like a grandma, but i aint no baller status with it all the way to the back.

I guess it's just preference; and i like my 202, but i guess you guys can't really say the same :|