What do i need to know before buying a W204?
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Joined: Feb 2020
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VW Passat
What do i need to know before buying a W204?
I've driven a VW for a long time and i'm looking to switch over to Mercedes and i am looking at both pre and after facelift models, years from 2008 to 2012/13. I wanted to know if the W204 is reliable, does it have automatic gearbox problems (i've had a lot of troubles with DSG gearboxes that cost me thousands of dollars). Are the gearboxes dual clutch or torque converter? Is there any model that i should avoid?
Where i live, most of the cars are sold at around 150k - 200k km. Are these cars reliable after that much usage?
Lots of questions i know, but i've been burned by the DSG before so i'm doing a thorough research before buying a new car.
Where i live, most of the cars are sold at around 150k - 200k km. Are these cars reliable after that much usage?
Lots of questions i know, but i've been burned by the DSG before so i'm doing a thorough research before buying a new car.
Last edited by EdmondB; Feb 24, 2020 at 09:18 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
Here's the logic I used when buying my car:
For the sake of looks and technology, you should definitely go with facelift which means 2012 or 2013 or 2014.
The 250 M271 EVO 4-cylinder engine is not reliable at all with timing chain stretching, turbo problems,and high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) problems.
The 2013 and 2014 C300 and C350 use the brand-new-then M276 V6 engine which had the following problems: HPFP, check valves installation requirement to eliminate knocking sound on cold start,
This leaves you with the 2012 C300 4MATIC which uses the super reliable M272 V6 engine and the 7G+ transmission (torque converter) which was also reliable by then.
This is how I ended up with my car and I've been very happy with it with no problems.
For the sake of looks and technology, you should definitely go with facelift which means 2012 or 2013 or 2014.
The 250 M271 EVO 4-cylinder engine is not reliable at all with timing chain stretching, turbo problems,and high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) problems.
The 2013 and 2014 C300 and C350 use the brand-new-then M276 V6 engine which had the following problems: HPFP, check valves installation requirement to eliminate knocking sound on cold start,
This leaves you with the 2012 C300 4MATIC which uses the super reliable M272 V6 engine and the 7G+ transmission (torque converter) which was also reliable by then.
This is how I ended up with my car and I've been very happy with it with no problems.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 402
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C350
Yah, 2012 C300 is probably the best bet from reliability standpoint. Though if you get a rwd model instead of 4 matic the transmission doesn't matter much, it was the transfer case that was the issue on earlier cars. I'd still stay 2010+ since there were a few issues early on. I don't think the m276 are super problematic, but the m272 is pretty bulletproof by EOL. You do give up quite a bit of power if that matters to you.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
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From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
2008....
1-Bushes front, wheel alignment.
2-The steering lock issue.
3-Condition of shocks and which type-?
4-The belt and front pulleys and tentioner condition.
5-Last battery replacement.
6-Gearbox service history.
7-Brakes, discs etc.
8-Lived in garage or outside under trees, rust/corrotion.
9-The rear wheels linkages rust issue.
10.On cars like these I would get oil samples, fluid samples and have it analised, thats what I did with my new vcar out of gurantee deciding to keep it.
1-Bushes front, wheel alignment.
2-The steering lock issue.
3-Condition of shocks and which type-?
4-The belt and front pulleys and tentioner condition.
5-Last battery replacement.
6-Gearbox service history.
7-Brakes, discs etc.
8-Lived in garage or outside under trees, rust/corrotion.
9-The rear wheels linkages rust issue.
10.On cars like these I would get oil samples, fluid samples and have it analised, thats what I did with my new vcar out of gurantee deciding to keep it.
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 239
Likes: 23
2011 C300 Sport, 6M, Dynamic Handling Pack
I'm partial to the pre-FL models. IMO I like the 2011 best. The headlights on the FL models look cheesy to me. I believe 2011 is when they started with the LED DRLs but it still has the pre-FL headlights. The interior of the post-FL models is radically different with the dash design. I think the pre-FL interior is more attractive, but definitely doesn't appear to be high tech if you care about that sort of thing. I like how simple it is with the center console closed, and the dash feels really low.
Then again, age and mileage would probably steer you towards a newer model.
None of these are my car.
Then again, age and mileage would probably steer you towards a newer model.
None of these are my car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 517
Likes: 22
From: California
Mercedes C250 Coupe
all the best,
ez
Last edited by ezshift5; Feb 29, 2020 at 01:53 PM. Reason: PUNC.
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 435
Likes: 81
From: New Zealand
W204 C200, BMW E30 M3, 1980Gt Mini, Toyota Corona, KTM 200 EXC.
Not sure where you live, but 150-200k would me my concern.
Can you purchase from somewhere else and buy one which has done around 100k km that way you could own it and drive another 80k? and still be good vs 200k and adding another 80k in to it would be more likely to encounter some sort of $ problem.
If you are after the 4 cylinder model like I have at 200k the cam chain would be stretched, sprockets worn and should have had 3 transmission services, good chance is none of these items were taken care of properly.
Can you purchase from somewhere else and buy one which has done around 100k km that way you could own it and drive another 80k? and still be good vs 200k and adding another 80k in to it would be more likely to encounter some sort of $ problem.
If you are after the 4 cylinder model like I have at 200k the cam chain would be stretched, sprockets worn and should have had 3 transmission services, good chance is none of these items were taken care of properly.
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Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 242
Likes: 48
From: West by god Virginia
'08 C300 4Matic Sport / '11 C63
It does depend on ones interior preference, I kept pre FL on both of my W204 because I actually love the pop up screen. I know all are going that way but I don't need an ipad everywhere I look.
Anyway, others have mentioned it, by 2008/2009 M272 is pretty bulletproof all around. If you can find one with service records it should be pretty good to go.
All have the ESL issue but that is remedied by a $5.00 Chinese motor as a preventative maintenance step if one is smart.
I will say double check brake lines as a couple of us have had corrosion/rust issues especially under rear end and trunk area where the line crosses for passenger rear caliper for mine, although cheap fix if you do it yourself it's pretty sketchy when you can't stop anymore.
Some have had bearing issue in trans and or transfer case for 4-matics but it doesn't seem to be very often that you see it, so not a major worry in my book (as long as decent service records are linked).
Got a 105k miles on mine and plan to keep it forever as I have my w202. Reliable car in my book. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another one in a heartbeat.
If you can the C300 for 2012 with the M272 is best deal because it is actually the 3.5L M272 so you can tune it right back to where it should be and have plenty of power.
Anyway, others have mentioned it, by 2008/2009 M272 is pretty bulletproof all around. If you can find one with service records it should be pretty good to go.
All have the ESL issue but that is remedied by a $5.00 Chinese motor as a preventative maintenance step if one is smart.
I will say double check brake lines as a couple of us have had corrosion/rust issues especially under rear end and trunk area where the line crosses for passenger rear caliper for mine, although cheap fix if you do it yourself it's pretty sketchy when you can't stop anymore.
Some have had bearing issue in trans and or transfer case for 4-matics but it doesn't seem to be very often that you see it, so not a major worry in my book (as long as decent service records are linked).
Got a 105k miles on mine and plan to keep it forever as I have my w202. Reliable car in my book. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another one in a heartbeat.
If you can the C300 for 2012 with the M272 is best deal because it is actually the 3.5L M272 so you can tune it right back to where it should be and have plenty of power.
