After recently getting a rescue dog (Fred, 3 1/2 years old). It instantly became apparent that I was unable to transport him around in the SL. Even with aload of blankets etc, its not worth the risk that he would scratch the seats, dash or centre console.



So, not wanting to get rid of it, I decided to get a 2nd car. - At what number of cars does it become a Mercedes fleet? :

With a budget of around £1-2k total, I planned on getting an old Mercedes diesel estate workhorse. An E-Class was too big for my Mrs who will be driving it also, so I opted for a S203 but it had to be a 'Sport Edtion' (basically an Avantgarde spec, with the AMG kit on it), Diesel and an Auto. I also fancied getting a project for my YouTube channel.



So, here we have my 2006, C220 cdi Estate, with AMG kit. The car currently has no MOT (suspension issues) and 176k on the clock. - I bought it Sight-Unseen so have taken a bit of a risk!.



The ulitmate plan is to get it to Germany next year and do a Lap of the Nurburgring


Here is the first episode of my series:

 

I don't think the diesels were available in the U.S. The estates or "station wagons" as we call them are also relatively rare. U.S. buyers are irrationally attached to SUV's which has undermined estate sales. It seems like an estate would be more fuel efficient than an SUV, handle better and be easier to park. I don't think you would be losing any cargo or passenger capacity by substituting an estate for an SUV.

Personally, I would enjoy owning a low mileage S203 estate with a manual transmission. Given the rarity of W203 sedans/saloons with manual transmissions in the U.S., I expect that there are relatively few manual transmission estates on this side of the Atlantic.

I'm planning to watch your YouTube series. Good luck with your project.

 

Nope, no diesels except E class sedans from what I can recall, and a fraction of a percent manual transmissions.
Enjoy the project, sounds like fun.

 

Thanks for the replies. Having owned multiple manuals over the years (common in UK, Autos only been the norm, the past 10 years or so). I wont miss one.

As the car is to be a work-horse, absolutely no need for one on this car.

I will post follow up episodes on this thread

 

Episode II - Full Clean & Detail of the Exterior and the Interior, Including machine polish. Total transformation!






MOT, and full Suspension rebuild coming next episode!

 

Episode III - MOT Failure + Complete Suspension Overall, including Eibach lowering springs!

 

Episode 4: New Eibach springs and dampers, new brakes and pads and can we get it roadlegal with an MOT:?

 

Episode 5: DEAD GEARBOX!

 

My car has a 6-speed manual, and don't have any firsthand experience with the W203 automatic transmissions. I've seen several posts and videos that suggest that a defective conductor plate can put these cars into limp mode. I don't know whether the C230 in the video I linked has the same transmission as the one in your car.

You may be able to find posts or links to videos on this forum or on other MB forums that can help you determine whether your issue is caused by a defective conductor plate.

Good luck with diagnosing your problem. I've enjoyed watching your series on YouTube.

 

Episode 6: The car is back up and running, Gearbox completely fixed & the car has truly been saved from the scrapyard!

You Tube

 

I'm glad you were able to keep the car on the road. It seems to nice to scrap. Good luck.

 

Took some photos at the weekend with my 'Fleet' (I know its just 2 cars ) as the C Class is now completely finished. The next video I will cover all the final modifications ive done, such as fixing the front grills & mesh etc. Plus a full breakdown of all the costs of the project. - Next month I might even be taking it to the Nurburgring in Germany.

 

I'd love to drive that SL63.
I love the back drop for your cars.
Where's that at?
Ha, I'll have to have you do a photoshoot for me on my
new to me immaculate 36K mile 2002 C230. That's a perfect location and light.

 

Its finished!

After 6+ months the car is completed, all mechanic faults fixed, all electrical issues fixed* and the rusty arches repaired!



In my latest episode I cover all the final tweeks and asthetical changes made to get it looking like one of the best S203s on the road.



Also, as requested I have got through a full breakdown of the entire costs - some may say ive spend too much on a 19 year old car, ill let you decide!



Finally, what does Fred think? All in episode 7:

 

Well she made it!

1000 Mile round trip to the Nurburgring, including 2x Laps around the Nordschleife. Not bad for a car which cost £600 to buy!

Latest (possibly final) episode:

 

Professional shots from the laps:





















Not bad for an 19 year old with 178,000 on the clock!