'96 c280 reliability
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
BMW 325is
'96 c280 reliability
Hello everybody,
Im posting here in hopes of learning a bit more about the Mercedes world. I have been racing and working on BMW's for over 5 years now, but admittedly know next to nothing about Mercedes. Ive been given the opportunity to buy a '96 c280 for under 2k. It only has 95k miles on it and seems to be in very good condition. Are there any common problems I need to be on the lookout for? How do the automatic transmissions hold up? In BMW's of this era the cooling system is a huge weak point. Is there anything like this on the mercedes? What should I look out for in order to make this a reliable daily?
Thank you guys in advance. Im looking forward to learning more about these cars!
-Tyler
Im posting here in hopes of learning a bit more about the Mercedes world. I have been racing and working on BMW's for over 5 years now, but admittedly know next to nothing about Mercedes. Ive been given the opportunity to buy a '96 c280 for under 2k. It only has 95k miles on it and seems to be in very good condition. Are there any common problems I need to be on the lookout for? How do the automatic transmissions hold up? In BMW's of this era the cooling system is a huge weak point. Is there anything like this on the mercedes? What should I look out for in order to make this a reliable daily?
Thank you guys in advance. Im looking forward to learning more about these cars!
-Tyler
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 121
Likes: 13
From: Sugarland, Texas
14 E350; 12 Camaro; 07 Range Rocer; 06 Dodge Ram
Early w202 have engine harness problem, upper harness are changed out, but lower engine harness. m104 engine is reliably, head gasket need replacement if oil foam is found in the overflow tank. It's a 20+ years old vehicle, even well maintaince car needs work.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne Australia
1998 W202 C250 TD 2002 E320 CDI T210 2011 S350 CDI W221
If I am correct the 96 C280 will have the strait 6 cylinder which is notorious for having head gasket problems and wiring harness issues. Not to mention rust. The 4 speed auto is very reliable as long as it has been looked after. I am not a fan of BMW cars, I believe the Mercedes-Benz cars are much nicer but they suit my driving style much better.
