advice on 96 C220
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advice on 96 C220
Hello all
I am about to buy a 96 C220 that I found today, 72k miles, seems to be in good shape as far as I can tell... and could use some advice.
I am going to have it checked out by a mechanic to be sure, but was curious if there were particular areas that I should be concerned about...
... or if I am about to make a horrific mistake by buying this car, please stop me!
Also there is no maintenance record or owners manual with this car, is a manual available? And in the absence of a record, should I assume that none of the recommended things have been done and have them all done now... or is the damage already done?!
Thanks in advance,
Jim
I am about to buy a 96 C220 that I found today, 72k miles, seems to be in good shape as far as I can tell... and could use some advice.
I am going to have it checked out by a mechanic to be sure, but was curious if there were particular areas that I should be concerned about...
... or if I am about to make a horrific mistake by buying this car, please stop me!
Also there is no maintenance record or owners manual with this car, is a manual available? And in the absence of a record, should I assume that none of the recommended things have been done and have them all done now... or is the damage already done?!
Thanks in advance,
Jim
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Re: advice on 96 C220
Are you in the UK? Your location isn't filled in. So it will make a difference on my answer.
-s-
-s-
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 333
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From: NYC
red bicycle
I drive a 1996 C220 and have never had a major problem with it after over 81K miles. I love the car. The only part that had to be replaced so far was the PSE pump (which controls the climate control, door locks, etc.).
The car will most likely be very reliable, but seeing how it is a Benz, if something does go, it will cost you (i.e. I believe the PSE pump was somewhere around $700, if not more).
The car will most likely be very reliable, but seeing how it is a Benz, if something does go, it will cost you (i.e. I believe the PSE pump was somewhere around $700, if not more).
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 52
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From: Portland, Oregon
96 C220 with Turbo
I bought my 96C220 two years ago at the time it had 80,000 on it. A little less than a year ago, I went crazy and modded the crap out of it. To date I have had no problems (other than issues I have created due to the mods) and the car has 108,000. Moreover it was raced (legally at a track) very regularly over the last summer. These cars are well built, and if you keep it stock and well maintained it will probably see 200,000.
Jason
Jason
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,681
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From: Birmingham, Alabama
2008 SLK-280
I was told not to buy the C220 when I was out looking. The only reason is because if you plan on working on the car yourself it is not as easy to work on as the C280. This is not a very good reason, but that's all I've got. Reliability is usually not a major issue with these cars but expect to pay high dollar if something does go wrong. Horsepower is not a plus on the C220 but as you can see by JasonH, it can be fixed. Good Luck.
