autobahnn

Hi people,
I am 'downgrading' from my X5 3.0 to a used 99-01 C280 or C230 for around $14k with less than 70kmiles. Questions:

How often is the oilchange and service according to MB?
Bmw requires oil change every 15kmiles and service every 30kmiles.

are the 99-01 models reliable? what are some things i need to be worried about? what are some parts that tend to break down between 60k-100kmiles.

what are some differences between 280 and 230 other than the cylindery difference? is 230 faster? are all 230 Sport?

i noticed most C doesn't have CD player?
I really love the classic look of the W202 and i look forward to be a owner.

040mercedes

It may only be downgrading in some perspectives but I wouldn't look at it like that. The benz will get better gas milege but you'll also be shocked how much better the benz is on routine service. As for changing the oil I would go with every 3k or 3 months which ever comes first, just like all other cars. 15k for every oil change on a bmw is hard to believe, you may have that mixed up. Last time I saw a car that waited that long for an oil change threw a rod out the engine. Service intervals usually go every 15k or 30k depending upon the milege of the car. I just rolled 130k miles on my 95 c280 with no major problems, so you should not have any yourself. No huge differences between the 280 and 230, just depends on the options that they came equipped with from the factory. One little hint of advice may be to find a certified used with a starmark warranty, it may cost a little bit more but may be worth the extra $$$. Don't worry, you'll enjoy your c class.

RunInColorado

I drive a C230, and the only difference I see between the C280 is that the C280 is faster, then again my C230 is fully loaded. I do not believe all the C230s are sport. In fact mine may be the elegence version, although I think other guys in the forum know more about that than me. I think from 99 on they used a Kompressor to speed the C230 up. You can find out by going to http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container...?persist=false and choosing the year and model you are interested in.

As for CD players, its an easy DIY job. It took me 15 min max. I bought mine from USASpec and it was plug and play.

Welcome to the club!

actionreaction

Oil changes and maintenance are regulated by a combination of sensors and timers and varies depending upon how you drive. I picked up my CPO'd C230 Kompressor Sport at 39k miles and have driven 5k miles without seeing the light - mostly highway drives of over 20 miles at a time. I asked the dealer about this and he said every 10k - 12k miles was typical unless I drove the car exceedingly hard. While getting your oil changed more frequently probably wouldn't hurt, it isn't really necessary.

You'll probably miss the overall size of the X5, but the 202 is a pretty solid, if not "big-feeling" car. Smooth and reliable, as you would expect from any premium auto. I agree that you should look into getting the warranty - as with Bimmers, repairs and parts on these German puppies tend to be $$.

BTW, my C230 Kompressor came with premium (Bose) audio and a 6 disc changer. The Sport package also added more sporty and (IMHO) comfortable interior, white faced guages, firmer suspension, nicer wheels, and a cool "graphite look" dash/trim kit. Moonroof, heated mirrors, dual zone climate control, etc...

These are not low option versions of the more expensive MB models, like you might find in a 318, 323 or 325, for example.

Does anyone know if a cloth or vinyl interior was available on the W202?

In any case, good luck and enjoy your new W202 if that's the direction you want to go. If you're located in No. Cali check out San Francisco Mercedes - that's where I got mine and they treat you right. (No I'm not a dealer or working on commission... )