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So I got rear ended today, thus ending my reign with my beloved w203. Onto the w204, I'll be doing all my own maintenance, and I want to know which will give me the least MAJOR problems. Essentially, I'm looking for the most reliable year. Also, what are you thoughts on reliability b/w the different engine models 250 vs. 300 vs. 350. Thoughts? Input? Mucho appreciated.
-Scott
Hmmm.............would avoid years with the SmartKey start which has the ESL failure problem..look for push button start. Some would say the DFI ( Direct Fuel Injection) engines are more prone to carbon buildup even at 35-45K miles or more, especially if short trips are the 'usual" for the car. DFI have high pressure fuel pumps that can fail. Sorry I don't know the model years off hand when Push Start begins or DFI engines start. Sure others more in the know will chime in.
people will tell you buy a 2012 c300 probably. If you can pull a 2012 c350 4matic, do etttt.
Dont get a c250, they seem to have the most issues.
2008-2012 have NA engines 300/350
2012-2015 have DI engines (bit more hp/fuel eff but carbon buildup)
honestly 2012+ you should be good to go though.
The only thing in my 2011 I don't like is the flip display, a bit annoying. And I only like V6 engine, regardless whether turbo 4 has higher HP/torque or not.
To me the best year generally means the last year or close to it, as they've already figured out the bugs throughout the life cycle. The only reason why the last year won't be the "best" is if they start winding down and actually start putting less features in the car to make it more cost effective.
Example: The last production years of the Infinity G35/37.
As for the W204...anything with the M276 (direct injection) gets my vote. When shopping, this was one of the primary reasons why I considered the C-class, since the engine finally got a makeover.
So I got rear ended today, thus ending my reign with my beloved w203. Onto the w204, I'll be doing all my own maintenance, and I want to know which will give me the least MAJOR problems. Essentially, I'm looking for the most reliable year. Also, what are you thoughts on reliability b/w the different engine models 250 vs. 300 vs. 350. Thoughts? Input? Mucho appreciated.
-Scott
My 2012 C250 Luxury is pretty reliable. I would recommend this model year (2012)...
Been nearly 12 years, the only major failure and only one failure is the stuck open thermostat failed two years ago. I bought an OEM replacement and replaced it myself.
Hmmm.............would avoid years with the SmartKey start which has the ESL failure problem..look for push button start. Some would say the DFI ( Direct Fuel Injection) engines are more prone to carbon buildup even at 35-45K miles or more, especially if short trips are the 'usual" for the car. DFI have high pressure fuel pumps that can fail. Sorry I don't know the model years off hand when Push Start begins or DFI engines start. Sure others more in the know will chime in.
2013-14 C350. Dont worry about the carbon build-up just use a good quality gas like chevron 91-94 and occasionally open up the throttle and it will clean it for you. If you find a low mileage car just replace ALL the fluids including the tranny and differential and you will have a almost bullet-proof vehicle. Also get the SPORT model. Then if you are one of those "I want a mean sound that won't break the bank" swap the resonator with a magnaflow X-pipe and it will do the job. Stick to max 18" wheels on the vehicle and if you get the one with the nice 18" AMG rims DO NOT DISPOSE THOSE and get them refinished and slap 10mm spacer on those to give the perfect stance. Keep it as close to stock and it will turn heads even on today's standards as the W204 proportion is so damn perfect and sporty that it just does not get old. Now to make it 2022 user friendly buy one of those android/apple wireless toggle you add on the command and you won't feel like you are driving a +10yr old vehicle.
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; Nov 4, 2022 at 10:55 PM.
Been nearly 12 years, the only major failure and only one failure is the stuck open thermostat failed two years ago. I bought an OEM replacement and replaced it myself.
The C250 seems to get its' share of negatives.
We have a CPO 2012 C250 coupe. Got it with 23094 miles. Had the ESL issue at 38180. And that is the sole negative we've experienced........................
OTOH, it's the best looking car I've ever owned. On a 1600 mile round trip to Scottsdale - I calc'ed 36.5 MPG. While not as strong as the V-6, the turbo 1.8 actually accelerates and handles decently for this old sailor.
2008 C350, 145K miles. Purchased from the 1st owner, came with a stack of maintenance records, always maintained at MB Dealership since day one with all recommended services done ON TIME!
Car runs, drives and shifts like new, awesome ride.
I would recommend a 4matic C300/350 with the 6 cyl engine. I've read that the 300 is the same engine as the 350, just de-tuned.
I had a 2015 C250 coupe with the 4 cyl engine and at 60K on the odometer, the timing chain/tensioner issue caused the car to spend a few weeks at the dealership getting the engine rebuilt. At 80K, the head gasket was replaced under warranty as a failed part from the rebuild. I dumped the car at 90K since it was leaking oil from the rear main seal, the upper oil pan and the oil level sensor. Being rear wheel, the car was horrible in the snow.
I now have a 2015 C350 coupe with 4matic package. Having the 4matic package is night and day difference in the snow. The car is so planted to the ground that I never fear going out. The 6cyl engine has no turbo lag and actually moves when I step on the gas. This is my fav MB yet. I also had an 02 c230 coupe.
I must say that this will probably be my last MB as I'm not to fond of the direction MB has gone with the cars. I had a 22 C300 loaner over the summer and the car feels to tech oriented. No gauges in the dash, no multimedia click wheel and such a light feel in the steering wheel that I didn't enjoy driving it.
I have a 2013 C300, the MOST IMPORTANT thing is maintenance history! Like any car past maintenance is a good indicator of future reliability, especially on German cars. Me, I’ve had very few issues with my car, that were significant. Other then putting in an ESL emulator, a broken spring, command going out(warrantied), and now the rear subframe(the bigg one) the car has just been maintenance which I am very proactive on. Don’t worry about the DI as I can’t think of a C300 having a real issue with that, just use good gas (92/93). The C250 has carbon issues I heard.
Wow, very impressive logbook! I noticed you replaced your own grille. Mind if I ask how much that cost? I just lost my 2011 C250 4Matic to my insurance company because a new driver reversed into me in parking lot & broke my grille. They said it will cost $10k to repair w/ new OEM part, and basically robbed me of my otherwise good as new car.
Less than a hundred bucks to replace the grill. That was an ebay copy, however. And when it comes time to do it again I will go genuine. The fake ones use a softer plastic that chips more easily. That said it looks great when new.
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