t-im

Hi all,

I'm currently in the market for a 'new' car and have come upon a 1998 C230 with 89,000 kms (55,000 miles). 2 owners, full history (haven't looked at the papers yet). I'm pretty new to Mercedes (been driving a BMW for eons..) so any help would be appreciated!

What issues should I be aware of with this car? From what I've searched, I should pay attention to the wiper motor, front lower ball joints...anything else?

Should I be concerned about the timing chain or anything of the like?

Thanks in advance,

Tim

LawRens

I've had nothing but good experiences with my w202 (1995~ to 2000~ C Class), but other members may say otherwise.

Regular maintenance for me and it's all good. I've got a 1998 c230 as well running up at 125,000 miles, and she's still a beauty.

But if you REALLY want a super rock sturdy mercedes, head out for a w124. Potential buyers may just be turned off by the semi-aged look.

C280 Sport

Personaly I would not ever buy another W202. Thats just me thoue. How much are they asking? 55,000 Miles? This almost too good to pass up. Take a look at the papers first and have it inspected before purchase. Also find yourself a Indiependant shop. Stay away from the dealer.

LawRens

For sure, stay FAR from the dealer. Too many reasons to explain.

C280_Sport, i'm assuming you've had bad experiences with the 202 :[

C280 Sport

Not to many issues that are serious. Just tons of stupid issues like inteior parts breaking,bulbs always going out,thumps,rattles,sqeaks. I dont plan on keeping it much longer. I am at 75k right now so I might get rid of it at around 80-85k.

LawRens

woooww wtf? Everything you mentioned is perfectly fine in mine. =__= The only problem is that when it gets super cold one of the sunroof buttons stops working, and that's about it.

rfoo

I have a 94 C220 with 92,000 miles on it and all of my interior is good. No bulb going out or so. Most of my problem from my car are mechanical issues cause by the first owner. But now everything is good. I got the car around 55,000 miles too.

C280 Sport

I think its because I have always had the S,SL,E and the biggers cars and I thought it would be the same with the W202. But like say dont meet your heros.

alphanumeric

the best w202 is the 2000 year model. has a redesigned transmission. my 2000 c230 komp was bought with 50k miles and now has 130k hard drivin miles and the only things iv replaced were brakes, shocks and a maf sensor.

I have noticed around 1995 w202 threads like "help, 1995 c280 wont start" and many 99 and older c43, c230 and c280s with blown transmissions but this i guess was fixed in 2000 when they added the tip tronic, just a heads up.

LawRens

2000+ began to suffer chrysler quality, so beware of that too... Up until 1996 there were also wiring harness problems. Dont know if i said it here, but 202 tranny's ARE its weakest point, cuz it was too new a technology for its own good (the learning ECU, kinda wrecking the tranny in the process).