riotrhythm

Hi all! I currently have an aging BMW 325Ci, aka the E46. I test drove the F30 3 Series and the E90 and I just don't like them at all. I test drove an older W204 sedan and fell in love with it.
Before I take the plunge on one of these, I'd like to get some comps maintenance-wise of what I would be looking at for a gasoline W204, as well as some known issues. I'm really only looking at facelift 250 204s and 204 coupes. I'm aware of the minor things like the ESL/EIS acting up, but I've read some horror stories about some 204s having engine and 7G-Tronic issues. Anyway, I'd love to hear from you guys! Is this one of the more reliable Benzes on the road today? Thanks!

michail71

Welcome!

You have probably stumbled upon the major issues on researching. One of the local German shops told me they only see these cars for maintenance and the BMWs keep them in business. But it's always a gamble. My W204 has spent a crazy amount of time at the dealer but I have hope that is behind me now.

I started off looking at the BMWs as well and the W204 just called for me.

Do you plan to go for RWD or AWD?

riotrhythm

I bought my E46 BMW because it was my dream car. Got it for relatively cheap and with VERY low miles. (30k when I bought it). Mine currently has 50,000 miles and it's been nothing but headaches, and that was with doing preventative maintenance. In short, I want a German car that isn't going to fall apart on me, and I've heard MB has gotten their stuff together from the early 2000s. I was looking at just sticking with RWD! No need for 4Matic on these Florida roads!

michail71

So far my experience is the C250's RWD performance has been amazing in any of Florida's wet conditions I have thrown at it so far.

The biggest problem with the car is the unpredictable throttle adaptions. From what I've heard it seems this had plagued many of the later model German cars. But there are ways around it.

riotrhythm

Good to hear. My BMW is rear wheel drive and I've had no issues with florida roads. You mentioned yours was at the dealer for a long time. May I ask what for?

cvx5832

I find the W204 quite reliable. At 8 years and 112k miles I haven't found reason to sell it.

michail71

I don't want to go too deep in it as I was getting a reputation on here for having really bad luck.

Navigation system issue - headunit replaced
interior damage done by dealer when replacing head unit
CD player in new head unit not working
Fuel cut and CEL - wound up being software related
Timing chain tensioner failed
guide pulley and belt tensioner replaced
front wheel bearings had to be repacked
ABS wheel speed sensors had to be replaced.

The dealerships love to take a long time once they get you in a loaner. I've suspected the loaner might be a good source of income for the dealer if they collect from the factory.

So I'm attributing my issues to a combination of random bad luck and then issues with dealers. They took about 6 weeks just to work on the navigation issue.

riotrhythm

That's not good! Unfortunately, even companies with the best quality control also have some slip through the cracks. No car should have those issues before 100k miles, especially one that's currently only 3 years old. I was actually looking at Benzes from Carmax. That MaxCare warranty would definitely come in handy, especially with German cars.

xEryx

If you buy one from CarMax as the 2nd owner you can extend the original warranty up to 7 years and 100k miles relatively cheap on here. I bought mine from CarMax and they wanted around 5k for their best package, the OEM ELW 7/100k is only around 3k

michail71

I've seen conflicting info on the factory warranty extension and CPO status. Are you saying that any second owner can get buy the warranty extension?

xEryx

Any second owner can extend the warranty as long as the person did not buy it from a Mercedes Benz USA Dealership without warranty. As long as it is still under 4 year 50k of course.

riotrhythm

Really? If so, that's excellent. I was looking at a 2013 coupe with 22k miles the other day. I'd much prefer to deal with MBUSA themselves than go through MaxCare, having the car be moved from Carmax to an MB dealer, etc.

WhiteonBlack

Ive had my 2013 C250 for a little over 2 years now and its really only been into the dealer for services and a minor problem with my volume knob, but nothing seriously major yet. Its been good to be so far especially with all my mods like an intake and a straight pipe

riotrhythm

Dude, yours is badass! I love the contrast of black and white! Also glad to hear you've had relatively benign issues.

Another question, let's say I get a 204 with the base headlights and I wanted to retrofit OEM xenon projectors. Is that something I can do without having to code them?

WhiteonBlack

Thanks! I'll be getting some new carbon fiber soon as well as a strut bar

I've actually never seen someone retrofit the OEM projectors you most likely will have to code something. But check out the depo headlights if you want the oem look

Reanimation

I would love a w204 320cdi in silver lovely motors, maybe one day.

riotrhythm

I'll check those out. Thanks! I love how this car feels. At the risk of sounding corny, it feels like an extension of the driver. It hugs the road like nobody's business.

michail71

It's nice to get fresh perspective like this from time to time. You can get used to the car after a while and lose sight of these things.

xEryx

You can but it is upwards of $3,000 and not worth it when you can get aftermarket hid headlight that match OEM 95% for $400.

ezshift5

My C250 was a CPO from the local MB dealer. Summer of 2014. As noted in a prior post - only visit to dealer was for 10,000 miles service..................

(Which was nicely performed with no surprises)



ez

97 GSX 97

I can't really chime in for longevity, but I just bought my 2014 C300 Sport Plus with AMG packages and 4matic. It's by far been my happiest experience with a car yet. I love this thing! I went with the pretty much fully loaded (NAV, Harman/Kardon speakers, and adaptive headlights). You won't regret it.

The interior is light years ahead of the pre f80 3 series. The leather/suede combo sold me.

LILBENZ230

I love my C350.. I do recommend finding one with the most options available. I had been eyeing the facelift W204 for 2 years, refusing to settle for one unless it was equipped the way I wanted. Worth the wait!