superangrypenguin

I've honestly been looking at new cars, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it. Nothing really catches my eye b/c of the following

1) Devil you know, and the W204's devils are few and far between.
2) Insane reliability, especially for a "German" car
3) Lack of direct injection (yes, I despise DI given the issues that I had on VAG cars)
4) Squeak free - I can't think of a car that i've owned this long that doesn't have an annoying cabin squeak
5) I can honestly see myself driving the same car for another 5 years, if not longer.
6) Ease/cheap maintenance - (when compared to cars I've owned (which are German/Japanese - this hands down has been the cheapest to maintain and own)
7) I've fully paid off this car a bit ago, so there is the notion of not having monthly car payments to pay

I've always said I'd keep a car more than 4 years, and this is the first one that I've actually done so. I'm curious if any of you share the same thoughts b/c of a positive ownership experience.

dieseldoc

Like my W204 better than the 205. The only thing I do not like is the sport suspension. Wish I had a luxury model. It has been problem free. Cannot find any thing I really like.

dennish

My 09 C350 with face-lift LED taillights looks and drives like a new car to me. I'm a hobbyist detailer and car looks pristine with 60K. Everyone thinks its new also.

Just204

I'm making payments... lol


Plus I gave up a car I loved for this and I'm very happy with it. Even though I get criticized for buying it lol, but I don't care. It looks real good, drives very nice, quick, and I actually get a lot of compliments on it. Had it for just over a year now.

C300CA

Before I bought my 2011 C, I listed about eight compatible cars from BMW, Lexus, Audi, Infiniti, etc., mainly to compare their noise level. I used Consumer Reports as the main source. C is definitely of the lowest noise level that time. I cared less of other characters such as trunk size, leg room, knowing it is a small car.

I found my C is not as quiet as I like it to be. As for reliability, I had only one issue and dealer fixed it: Engine oil fill opening was rough along the edge. Every time after driving and I parked it for a while, the engine oil leaked out and dripped onto the engine housing with a burning smell. Dealer de-burred it and problem solved.

I will keep it 'forever'.

Carsy

My C220CDI is almost 10 years old. I would like it to be my last car & to be buried in it as it :-

-Does not have a Diesel Particulate Filter as all new diesels have.

-It has a real spare tyre .Its replacement does not

-IMHO its replacement does not look as good.& has had its share of problems eg melting vinyl seats.

-Touch wood I have never had a major problem ever, just niggles during warranty. Absolutely none since coming out of warranty.

-It has been only serviced my me so I know it has been done correctly.I have a copy of WIS

- I just like driving it & it is the best & most comfortable long distance car we have owned.

BUTIf it does start breaking down & costing money it will be out the door like a shot.

superangrypenguin

I forgot about the spare tires! Yes, I love that about the C. All the new Mercs have run flats. EFF me NO THANK YOU.

I agree with many that the car just looks great and drives well. I'm at 50k km and it looks new. I drive it hard but keep it looking pristine, and now that i'm doing my own services....I know they're done right

How does one get a copy of WIS?

Thanks!

Carsy

Ah hah , I found CDs on Ebay a few years ago. It seems they were pirated by an Irishman who I heard, is in goal.

I believe there is a MB subscription obtainable in the USA.

MB Marko

I have been car shopping a while and nothing catches my eye except for 2012-14 C63's, I posted the car for sale I had it sold and changed my mind because I didn't want to be in a honda.

The only way i'll sell the car is if the right C63 comes up (my dream car). I've yet to see the spec. I want so its a waiting game.

to add my W204 has been rock solid so far except for the secondary air pump failed at 60,000KM now at 99,500km it sounds like its dying again....I know I can DIY this but why does it keep failing? beats me.

superangrypenguin

Interesting. Is this a common failure point in this vehicle? Is it expensive to fix?

Adi-Benz

lose money lol

MB Marko

Funny thing is I was so mad I dug deep into some research. I found it happens all across the board w211 E class, ML,W203,w204, I took a risk and looked at my fuse chart found two fuses that are dealing with the secondary air pump took them out one seemed loose.... put it back in and the noise was now gone. Will see for sure if that was a lucky one time sea or not. From what I've read carbon builds up in the pump and it either fails or you can open it up get all the carbon out and might be lucky to save 500$. I'm going to check the fuse and rely more often.

Flarearrow

I just bought my car only a year ago, so I'm hoping not to sell it any time soon =p

I used to have a '05 C55 from 2012 to 2016. I quietly traded in the C55 because the transmission was acting up. Then a year later, missing having a Benz in my stable, I picked up this '13 C350 4matic coupe. I love this coupe, especially since I was able to find it with the adaptive HIDs. To an untrained eye, give this car a quick glance and you might think it was an AMG =D

Funkwagen

I know more about w204s than any other car, mine is above 200,000km and has a worthless resale value, I love the looks, the way it drives, and every single time I'm driving another car, I immediately wish I was driving mine, even compared to other, objectively better w204s.

Colin G

Only way I'd sell mine is if a coupe came along at the right price.

stormrider

I'm in the same situation. The only car I've shortlisted as my W204's possible replacement is the BMW 320d and I've been vacillating for weeks now if I should go for it.

My W204 is a C200 Kompressor and although its aging quite well, it doesn't drive as fun as the 320d (based on my test drive). I'm also apprehensive with BMW quality and reliability.

I'm not really digging the W205.

edgalang

I have 8...

Major reasons:
#1 It is crash/accident free (knock on wood).
#2 It is reliable (no repairs yet after 78k miles).
#3 I want a high mileage award to put on the grill (155k miles needed).

Minor reasons:
#4 It was a wedding anniversary gift from the wife (paid in full).
#5 It was custom ordered to my liking (which I had to wait 8+ months for. My wife and I placed the order around the same time we found out that she was pregnant).
#6 It is currently modded to my liking (not really looking forward to starting this all over again since I refuse to remain stock).
#7 General self-maintenance is clean and easy since you never have to crawl underneath the car with the exception of a transmission flush.
#8 Delivery date was the same weekend that my son was born (dealer called me to pick it up when my wife and I were in the hospital during labor).


The status of any of the 1st 3 reasons needs to change before I would even consider selling.

ezshift5

I can certainly with the first two points above.

It's a beautiful little coupe - a CPO purchase at 21k - whose highway fuel numbers really surprised me during a recent 1800-mile round trip to Phoenix.

ez

Flarearrow

That should be reason number 1 =)

Alfadude

I generally don't buy new cars, but as soon as the Alfa Romeo Giulias come down to the price I am willing to pay, I will get one of them. Probably about three years from now.

Adi-Benz

same.

TheBestElijah

The only option I'd rather have other than my 204 is an AMG of some sort, either the new C63s Coupe or an E63 but both are far out of budget right now. Got rid of a car that I didn't mind driving but hated to own, a Ford Focus, fully loaded but full of problems. That car was a nightmare and I'm in love with my new car. Surprisingly haven't done anything more than stroll around the Mercedes dealership for a look, when I owned my Ford I was crawling all over every dealership lot looking for something else I'd rather have.

ghlkal

money

Actually I'm very happy with my 2011. But, if I did have the money, I wouldn't mind an E550 with the bi-turbo V8.


Regarding the secondary air pump -- I just replaced mine at 56K miles. This is a pretty common problem due to a design flaw (condensation eventually rusts the motor out).

NZ-Merc

The thing for me is I like the overall style, shape and size of the W204 and don’t like the shape of the W205 rear window and rear profile of the car.

Carsy

I agree, JC