New member! Looking to buy W204.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 11
From: Tampa, FL
W205 C300
New member! Looking to buy W204.
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!
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!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 57
2013 C250 Sport
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?
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?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 11
From: Tampa, FL
W205 C300
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?
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?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 57
2013 C250 Sport
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 11
From: Tampa, FL
W205 C300
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 171
From: Walnut Creek, CA
325Ci, 325Cic, C300
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!
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!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 57
2013 C250 Sport
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.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 11
From: Tampa, FL
W205 C300
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.
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.
Last edited by riotrhythm; May 25, 2016 at 12:28 AM.
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 885
Likes: 57
From: PA
2019 E63s AMG
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.
Last edited by xEryx; May 26, 2016 at 10:58 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 57
2013 C250 Sport
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?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 11
From: Tampa, FL
W205 C300
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.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
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
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 11
From: Tampa, FL
W205 C300
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
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?
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
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
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
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 11
From: Tampa, FL
W205 C300
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 57
2013 C250 Sport
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.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 885
Likes: 57
From: PA
2019 E63s AMG
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?
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?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 517
Likes: 22
From: California
Mercedes C250 Coupe
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
(Which was nicely performed with no surprises)
ez
Super Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 536
Likes: 41
From: Perkasie, PA
2014 C300 Sport
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.
The interior is light years ahead of the pre f80 3 series. The leather/suede combo sold me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
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!
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
A W204 C300 is reliable and easy to work on. Unfortunately it is not very sporty and engaging as the BMW. I alway say MB makes a better upper level car but BMW makes a better entry level car. If it were me I would choose the W204. Here is why. It’s easy to work on. Chances are more reliable than the BMW. Straight forward and plenty of parts available. More comfort in ride as where BMW is usually more firm. The W204 especially post face lifted 2012-2014 have aged nice. They get good MPG and the AWD 4 Matic is nice.
Member
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 152
Likes: 50
W204 C250 Sport (AMG Package with Pano Roof)
A W204 C300 is reliable and easy to work on. Unfortunately it is not very sporty and engaging as the BMW. I alway say MB makes a better upper level car but BMW makes a better entry level car. If it were me I would choose the W204. Here is why. It’s easy to work on. Chances are more reliable than the BMW. Straight forward and plenty of parts available. More comfort in ride as where BMW is usually more firm. The W204 especially post face lifted 2012-2014 have aged nice. They get good MPG and the AWD 4 Matic is nice.
