greku69

Hi all.
as my w203 c180 is coming to 120000 miles I was thinking on getting w204 c180 g-tronic after lift with around 50-70k miles on a clock. Anything I should look specifically on those. Thanks for any help

jeffpakulonan

As a certified w204 owner, for the last 9 years i would gladly give you advice for w204 :
1. ECU = this has to be replaced every 8 years, depending on usage, if it is still original, you will replace it later anyway
2. Steering lock = the OEM steering lock, will make the car unable to ignite, i replaced this with china emulator, so i do not use the OEM anymore
3. Alternator = after your ECU is replaced, usually, this is usually alternator will always go bad, had to replace this too
4. Sensors = after 10 years + lower suspensions will usually have problem and steering rack starts to rattle, luckily for me, i have good cheap mechanics for this, but eventually you will have to replace, and also replace the sensors
5. Battery = standard battery replace every 4 years if you use the original battery
6. Engine seal leakage and that front thing look like gears, mechanic said that is it to crank the engine, will have to replace that too, while you replace engine seal packing..

all in all the last year i spend almost around 5k - 6k usd for my w204

greku69

So ideally I need a car with full history to see if any of those been change….

jeffpakulonan

sad to say, yes, idk in western countries, but, parts are expensive especially for mercs, and i don't know about labor there, but labor here in 3rd world countries are cheaper, so, only the parts that are expensive, but please check thoroughly before purchasing, or buy a lower km / miles cars, preferably younger years such as w205, but it is up to you to decide, these are the parts that i have changed in 2023 and my personal experience

greku69

Is 60k miles low mileage?

ezshift5

WE (my wife now drives the C250 coupe - I have a VW) have enjoyed our 2012 C250 coupe since 2014.

The ESL was replaced at 30k ($1000 at the dealer in El Dorado Hills (CA)

Since then no issues. It's a beautiful Silver coupe and receives significant envious glances (IMHO)

pete323

Check rear subframe for rust

greku69

ESL is that electronic steering lock ? If yes than looks like common problem. Thanks

Just204

the only thing on you list that has happened to me is the esl. To me a lot of stuff you’re saying makes no sense. I’ve never once heard you need to replace the ecu every 10yrs. I have a ‘13, and know someone who has the ‘12 of that car, he hasn’t needed anything your saying.

OP, I recommend a ‘13+, ‘12 and earlier have trans issues. ONLY get one with a documented proper maintenance history. It can be a great car, or a nightmare. Choose wisely.