reliability on '96 C280?
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'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
reliability on '96 C280?
The eldest daughter is a few months away from getting her license. I was thinking along the lines of a Neon or something like that (1st car, high school parking lot, ...), but now a '96 C280 has popped up locally. Looks very clean, can't tell on mileage and am waiting on a call back. I'd feel better about her driving a more solid car than the Neon.
I'm wondering how realiable these models are? Should I be sticking with something 'simpler', or are these things generally reliable?
What are the particular problems on this model?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I also need to post on the older e class forum, as a co-worker has a 94(?) e320 that she wants to get rid of and they don't look to be much more than the same vintage C class...
I'm wondering how realiable these models are? Should I be sticking with something 'simpler', or are these things generally reliable?
What are the particular problems on this model?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I also need to post on the older e class forum, as a co-worker has a 94(?) e320 that she wants to get rid of and they don't look to be much more than the same vintage C class...
Last edited by mtnman82; Dec 6, 2009 at 07:40 PM.
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From: North
W203X2 w201X3 W208 W129
I am not saying your daughter is a bad driver or implying anything related to that I am just saying in general its a bit too much car for a beginner My first car was a 94 c280 I beat the **** out of it, it has alot of engine for a new driver boy or girl its too tempting.
Google "1996 mercedes c280 reviews" alot of good website will come up like, epinions.com
http://www.epinions.com/reviews/auto...s_Benz_C_Class
I like that website alot. I use it when ever im looking to buy a new car. you can read reviews and easily see what the majority think by the smiles
As for buying a new driver a c280..
1 insurance will be insane
2 That car is bad *** and pretty fast, she will probably get a few speeding tickets.
3 That car is very safe I was t-boned in mine she was going at least 40 mph in a Cadillac (not my fault the lady was on her phone and speeding to make a light) My car was totaled I walked away without a scratch.
If you can get a good deal on it I would go for it but wait a year or two maybe make her work a bit and pay you for it so she can appreciate it. and so your next post isnt "parting out daughters smashed c280"
I give the 90's c-class two thumbs up. I currently drive a 98 c230 an love it.
I have no idea about the e320 but Reviews are easy to find.
You should also look into a 190e I really lke those and for a new driver those are perfect they are tanks!
Good luck.
-Brian
Google "1996 mercedes c280 reviews" alot of good website will come up like, epinions.com
http://www.epinions.com/reviews/auto...s_Benz_C_Class
I like that website alot. I use it when ever im looking to buy a new car. you can read reviews and easily see what the majority think by the smiles
As for buying a new driver a c280..
1 insurance will be insane
2 That car is bad *** and pretty fast, she will probably get a few speeding tickets.
3 That car is very safe I was t-boned in mine she was going at least 40 mph in a Cadillac (not my fault the lady was on her phone and speeding to make a light) My car was totaled I walked away without a scratch.
If you can get a good deal on it I would go for it but wait a year or two maybe make her work a bit and pay you for it so she can appreciate it. and so your next post isnt "parting out daughters smashed c280"
I give the 90's c-class two thumbs up. I currently drive a 98 c230 an love it.
I have no idea about the e320 but Reviews are easy to find.
You should also look into a 190e I really lke those and for a new driver those are perfect they are tanks!
Good luck.
-Brian
Last edited by E=MC^2; Dec 6, 2009 at 08:38 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Atlanta, GA
C230K
Wiring harness. Throttle actuator. Front end suspension bushings. Vacuum problems within the dash. Remember, if you have a major engine or tranny problem that it will probably cost as much as you paid for the car to repair.
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2000 c230 Kompressor
Definitely do a test drive. I'd also suggest taking it on a highway and flooring it at some point just to see how it responds. But do keep in mind that it is a pretty powerful car and for a new driver, it can be a difficult car to control.
However, Mercedes are pretty darn reliable. Mine has had some problems in the past, but it has never let me down. Mine is almost like a good friend in a way, I treat him with respect and he does the same back. (yeah, I love my car) But anyway, if there are problems, they can become very costly. I think finding out the history of the car is very important, especially things like oil changes. Also, if they have always used synthetic oil, with regular changes, then the engine should be in better shape. Also, have they always used high octane fuel? You can take off the oil cap on the engine and seeing the condition of the cam and shafts might give you an idea of the overall engine health. If they're dark in color, that's not good. Also, if you can have an independent mechanic look at it and maybe put it on a lift, that would be a good idea too. Make sure things like the tie rods are in good shape.
Bottom line, see how it drives.
However, Mercedes are pretty darn reliable. Mine has had some problems in the past, but it has never let me down. Mine is almost like a good friend in a way, I treat him with respect and he does the same back. (yeah, I love my car
) But anyway, if there are problems, they can become very costly. I think finding out the history of the car is very important, especially things like oil changes. Also, if they have always used synthetic oil, with regular changes, then the engine should be in better shape. Also, have they always used high octane fuel? You can take off the oil cap on the engine and seeing the condition of the cam and shafts might give you an idea of the overall engine health. If they're dark in color, that's not good. Also, if you can have an independent mechanic look at it and maybe put it on a lift, that would be a good idea too. Make sure things like the tie rods are in good shape. Bottom line, see how it drives.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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1997 C280
The C280 was/is my first car (acquired when I was 17) and I can tell you it's a great teenage car, at least for me. It's safe, somewhat sporty, and will gain your daughter much more popularity than with a POS Neon
Be prepared for high maintenence costs and paying for premium gas though. These cars are reliable as far as not breaking down but routine maintenence is quite a bit. Plus the '94-2000 cars are known for having some "issues". Namely the wiring harness, sometimes the head gasket, and a few smaller things. But by now those problems should have been repaired by the previous owner.
Couple of points:
-insurance won't be THAT much (if she's added to your plan)
-it is a peppy car but it isn't exactly a muscle car and I doubt she will feel the need to street race it. The comment about it being too powerful to control was just rediculous.
-If you decide not to go with the mercedes then for the love of God, get anything but a Neon.
Be prepared for high maintenence costs and paying for premium gas though. These cars are reliable as far as not breaking down but routine maintenence is quite a bit. Plus the '94-2000 cars are known for having some "issues". Namely the wiring harness, sometimes the head gasket, and a few smaller things. But by now those problems should have been repaired by the previous owner.
Couple of points:
-insurance won't be THAT much (if she's added to your plan)
-it is a peppy car but it isn't exactly a muscle car and I doubt she will feel the need to street race it. The comment about it being too powerful to control was just rediculous.
-If you decide not to go with the mercedes then for the love of God, get anything but a Neon.
Last edited by C280Pilot; Dec 7, 2009 at 03:18 AM.
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From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
Thanks guys. I'm gonna see about a test drive today... If anybody has anything else to add, please do so!
And c280 - I hear you about the Neon, which is why I'm doing some looking...
And c280 - I hear you about the Neon, which is why I'm doing some looking...
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lots of cars
Well, yesterday I met with a buyer for my 73 Mustang and found out it was going to be a first car for a 17 year old girl. I showed them my c-class and told them to look for one of those instead. It's safe, comfortable, and pretty easy car to have without looking dated.
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Thread Starter
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From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
Just got done test driving it. I only took it around the block because it's definitely missing on at least one cylinder. He had a guy with him he claimed was a mechanic who swore it was just a spark plug wire and that they had a set on order (and that they all ready changed the plugs - when I asked he said he had thrown the old ones away and said only one looked fouled ... hmmm).
Other than the cupholder (missing and the lid/cover was messed up) the interior was nice and everything seemed to be working. The exterior is clean and it has older style aluminum AMG wheels.
I need to get a flashlight to check out the corners of the head for weeping closer (any corner in particular to look at)?
Also, what should I look for if there's a problem with the wiring harness? Or, what should I look for if it's been fixed?
Throttle seemed fine - something in particular to look for there?
He's supposed to call me back after the plug wires come in and are changed out...
What won't work if there are vacuum leaks in the dash?
One other thing - he used the key to open/close it. When I used the remote, both the red & green lights on the rear view mirror continued to blink for some time. Is this normal?
Oh, and it has 145,500 miles and he wants $4500 firm. What do you guys think about those numbers?
Other than the cupholder (missing and the lid/cover was messed up) the interior was nice and everything seemed to be working. The exterior is clean and it has older style aluminum AMG wheels.
I need to get a flashlight to check out the corners of the head for weeping closer (any corner in particular to look at)?
Also, what should I look for if there's a problem with the wiring harness? Or, what should I look for if it's been fixed?
Throttle seemed fine - something in particular to look for there?
He's supposed to call me back after the plug wires come in and are changed out...
What won't work if there are vacuum leaks in the dash?
One other thing - he used the key to open/close it. When I used the remote, both the red & green lights on the rear view mirror continued to blink for some time. Is this normal?
Oh, and it has 145,500 miles and he wants $4500 firm. What do you guys think about those numbers?
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1997 C280
The misfiring cylinder is almost certainly the wiring harness. It's not a huge issue, though. The lights blinking isn't supposed to happen. I just saw the fix for this somewhere but I forget what it was... As always have a mechanic inspect it before you pay to make sure it doesn't have major issues.
If the car is in good condition externally and the AC WORKS $4500 isn't a bad price.
If the car is in good condition externally and the AC WORKS $4500 isn't a bad price.
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From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
Sooo, the wiring harness issue mentioned above is wiring on/to the spark plugs? Does this engine have coil on plug?
I'm searching on the blinking lights but haven't found anything yet...
Edit: found info on the lights - since they're both flashing at the same time it looks like it's just the remote battery voltage...
I'm searching on the blinking lights but haven't found anything yet...
Edit: found info on the lights - since they're both flashing at the same time it looks like it's just the remote battery voltage...
Last edited by mtnman82; Dec 10, 2009 at 01:33 AM.
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lots of cars
I would pass, you can find another nicer car for 5k with out all those issues. I know my c230k had issues here and there but i fixed them all within a weekend ( tails, interior, wiper motor, seat controls, tune up, etc..). It could also be that one of the coils is bad, but those are fairly cheap online. Wiring harness isn't that bad of a DIY either, but if you're going to spend extra money just buy a better car to begin with. $4500 + $500-1000 more of parts... just buy a car with no issues and less miles for $5k-$5500.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Atlanta, GA
C230K
Too much money these days for 145k miles.
>>Also, what should I look for if there's a problem with the wiring harness? Or, what should I look for if it's been fixed?<<
A receipt for the actual part and labor listed separately. That could cost you $8-1200 or more to have fixed.
>>Also, what should I look for if there's a problem with the wiring harness? Or, what should I look for if it's been fixed?<<
A receipt for the actual part and labor listed separately. That could cost you $8-1200 or more to have fixed.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
Can anyone tell me the problem(s) that manifest when the wiring harness goes bad? What about what doesn't work when there's a vaccum problem in the dash (will vents not function properly, or ???)?
