My wife has a 2002 c230K with 39K on the clock. She loves the car but I am getting tired of trips to the dealer. So far:

Loose suspension parts (noticed on way home from dealer).
Warped body panel (3 trips to dealer to fix).
Hood latch sensor not working (2 trips to dealer).
Engine dies intermittently (replaced crank position sensor).
Left headlight blown.
Panoramic sunshade will not close (2 trips and counting).
Fuel gauge not working.
Passenger window switch not working.

Are the older SL models more reliable? I am considering a mid to early 90's trade for an SL next year when my wife's commute will change from 35 to 4 miles each way. This is our 1st MB, I have heard that the older cars are great once all the bugs are worked out. Does this apply to the newer ones also or can I expect trips to the stealership every few months. Thanks in advance.

 

Most people here will tell you the older Mercedes are more reliable. And it's true...

Many attribute the lack of quality in today's models to the merger with Chrysler. There seems to have been some slacking off in Stuttgart. I've heard of many problems, from little things like windows not working to huge problems like defective harmonic balancers that destroy timing chains.

Why does your wife need an SL for commuting? Sounds like a waste of gas to me. Just my $.02.

 

Jer

She doesn't "need" an SL for commuting, but she has always wanted one. However she puts about 20k per year on her car and we didn't want a gas hog. Next year her commute will change from 35 miles one way to 4 miles. I was thinking about trading in the C230 for a 560SL. It seems like there are fewer things that can go wrong with the older cars. Sometimes simpler is better.

 

From what I've heard, the 107s (560SL) are expensive to maintain. Yes, there's less electronics and goofy gadgets to deal with in the older cars, but the SL still has its issues. If fuel economy is a concern, SL is not the way to go. How about a 190?

 

SLs are expensive to maintain. They also have the wiring harness issue from 1993-1995 like all the other models. It's a bummer to hear about all these problems. This is unacceptable for a MB I think. I bought my c280 (1994) knowing it had design flaws, but I knew exactly what they were and knew I could deal with them myself. Other than replacing the head gasket when I got it, it's been virtually trouble free for my two years in owning it. It's got 73k and drives very solid right now. Overall I'm very happy with it.

The W210s seem to really be a a step above some of the stuff MB has put out lately. This is just my opinion, no flames please. I've spoken with several owners and they seem to have minimal problems with this model. I will probably pick up an E420 or E430 in the next 18-24 months because of this. Power, decent gas mileage, and reliable. Seems like the 97's had (722.6) had some issues that needed to be worked out on the transmissions. But that was about it.

The 190e 2.6 is a great driver. It was my first one. The only problems I had go on that were normal wear and tear. It was solid as a tank, and drove out very nice. Everything worked on that car and it was 12 years old. Sometimes I wish I had kept it instead of getting my c280. It was built better I think. The main reason I got rid of it was because I believed it was abused a bit by the previous owner and I was afraid I may pay for it in the long run.

Do your homework before you pick something up. I wish MB would tighten there cars up. It's a shame. If you wanted an SL maybe get a pre 1993. But if you don't do your own work and take things to the dealer it will get pricey fast. 190e 2.6, 300e (pre 1993) are solid cars. The c220, c280, E320 are marvelous cars too. But have problems you have to make sure were sorted out first or have money aside to deal with them. They are wonderful once the problems are addressed.

My two cents.

 

IMO, I think the older benzes are built more solid and probably more reliable than the newer models today. Don't get me wrong, I love the new MB's coming out, but it seems that some people have problems and some don't. Tho, in reality, MB is having some quality control issues, but they promise to be more focused on quality like the old days in 2005 models and onward, stated in a news article (forget which).

I drive a 94 C220, which now has 135,500 miles on it. Aside from the flaws they had in the early w202 C-Classes, it has been great car. Reliable, safe, solid built. I commute to school everyday, 50 mile round trip give or take. I've had no build quality issues, such as interior (leather is still great as day one, all functions still work, etc). Only major things were the notorious w202 headgasket problems and front end suspension quirks. Other than that, I love the car.

Just wanted to share my perspective on older benzes. However, I do believe that the newer MB's are safer in construction as technology has advanced since older models, but none the less, MB's are still safe, new or old.

-G-

 

GDawgC220 I'd be interested to see that article that you were talking about. If you remember or find it feel free ti email or pm it my way. Thanks.

 

I have it booked mark among the other thousands of benz stuff, lol. I'll see if I can dig it out for ya.

-G-

 

I like my parent's E320 W210. The 98 has the 5 spd tranny, 2000 has ESP std and curtain airbags. It's pretty reliable and very solid.

Many 98 are priced around $22-25k with 50-70k mi or so. 2000 models are less than $30k and should still have a bit of warranty left.

I doubt if the SL will be a good commuter. It's a guzzler, expansive to maintain and probly requires more maint than a sedan.

 

Thanks bro.