chris666

Hi Everyone.. this is my first thread in this forum. Probably this question has been answered many times over, but wasn’t able to locate the thread so here goes…

I’m considering a w204. The 3ltr v6 is my preference, but need some advice on which one should I consider and what to look for especially with 100k+ km Mileage

xsever

The M271 engine in the C250 suffers from engine rattle noise caused by timing chain problems and the M276 engine in the 2013-2014 C300-C350 suffers from high-pressure fuel pump failure and rattle noise caused by timing chain/check valves problems which are documented in the PDF I am attaching here.

Due to my knowledge of this, I went with a 2012 C300 4MATIC Sport which has the mature and trusted-by-then M272 engine which does not have any of these problems. It's been nothing but a reliable since then and you'll notice the same from the forum here. Many people used this logic and went with the M272 and couldn't be happier. The engine had its problem when it first came out in the mid-2000s, but by 2012, it was mainly trouble-free.

C300CA

Mine is 2011 C300 bought new. It has about 59k miles now. It has a minor initial issue: engine oil spilled a bit sometimes after driving onto the engine housing. Dealer found a rough engine oil fill opening. They de-burred the opening and no more issues. That is it.
Been eight years and the C is a solid piece whenever, wherever I go to, just keep routine maintenance.

tekfoc

I traded in my 2012 C300
Great driving car,easy to maintain .
Only major thing done was transmission was replaced at 19.000 miles dew to a bad transfer case.
Intake manifold was also replaced dew to bad vacuum intake control flappers.
All done on factory warranty.
Besides that it was extremely reliable.
Great highway cruiser.
Try to get a 12 with all its maintenance in order.

chris666

What about the ESL issue, is limited to a certain range/year or common to all models & specs?

chris666

Btw... 2010+ are out of my range...

CGC

Where are you located and what is your budget?

abqhudson

I have the car you are looking for. Unfortunately, it is in Albuquerque, NM.

chris666

Downunder. Australia mate

Adi-Benz

Slow unlock motor when you put key in (turn off easy entry to hear better)

Drive 75mph (convert it to kmh) and listen for whirring noise if it's a 4matic only

chris666

Thanks for the info on the ESL...btw I'm only looking at the rear-wheel drive