mostly standard maintenance issues (tires, rotors, pads, thermostat, hoses, belt, filters etc), BUT....had to replace the temp and fuel level gauges in the cluster ....radiator failed , a/c condencer disintegrated , and fan clutch fell appart.... my BMW never gave me **** like that....

 

how are the 94 and up C220's? are they more problematic than the C280's?

 

Maybe the Australian climate is good for Mercedes. I have a 1996 C180 217k and the only issue I've had ever is the crank angle sensor giving up on a very hot day with aircon going. The sensor is now changed and everything is sweet again. I previously had a 2004 Audi A4. Things went wrong with this on a weekly basis and in the end I became very nervous driving it because I never knew what was coming next.

My son has a W202 1999 C200 Elegance and same story - never any problems.

 

My wife's (Jackie) 1999 C280 has probably been the most problem free vehicle I've ever owned. Brakes.....oil changes and a crank sensor is about all I can remember.