Anyone got one, or had one, or works on? There's a lovely looking 125k one local that's very tempting. I like older cars, love euro sedans, love the fact they cost zilch and don't lose money much. Please no anti euro crap, I like these well made older Germans and am happy using specialists and sourcing parts, and paying gas bill. But not owned one of these, mostly BMW of same era. From what I can find they are solid, well made machines, a return to standards after lesser 190 series. Any thoughts on parts supply, problems, qualified opinions?
intrade,
Jun 2, 8:16pm
bio degrading wiring looms is the year that would fit in to
tamarillo,
Jun 2, 8:19pm
Interesting, vendor mentions the engine bay wiring loom is replaced. Maybe rest is problem.
elect70,
Jun 2, 8:42pm
Wasnt that the period of management decision to "downgrade ' the cars as being "overbuilt " ? After losing lots of sales & new management they went back to better build quality .
tamarillo,
Jun 2, 9:01pm
I believe this is just before that. 'Merger' was in 1998 so I think that makes this one of the overbuilt ones. Certainly old tests talk of quality and solid build. Mate used a 2001 (I think) S class and it was terrible, in and out and always something breaking. Was told it was the dark period. Ouch.
jmma,
Jun 2, 9:21pm
Wonder how big a caravan it has been towing around? Jap import, so in your words " Can you trust the milage" (o:
dbolton,
Jun 2, 10:45pm
I had one. Beware if the wireing loom is defective. Nz price from dealership was around 3500 plus fitting. Bought one in from the uk at 1200 but with postage, duty and installation was around 2500. Also beware of head gasket issue. Nice comfortable drive but can be expensive if things go wrong
tamarillo,
Jun 2, 10:53pm
Absolutely right. Will judge by condition and if there's anything in service book that'll help. Good comment on towbar, could find out. Am resisting going to see it in case I want it!
tamarillo,
Jun 2, 10:56pm
Ouch. Was that only engine bay loom? Reports online only discuss this so far and this ones had that replaced.
poppy62,
Jun 2, 11:05pm
Hey Tree Tom. I like the C Class but check out the E Class of the same period. The E Class is the one that carried the tag of most over engineered car ever. There is very little in size difference and I personally think the E is the better of the two although it comes down to eye appeal. The Merc Marque is my # 1 car of choice having had many and wrecking far more.
franc123,
Jun 3, 1:13am
If I was looking to buy a Benz in that period I'd get a W124 in 260, 280, 300 or 320 form, or even a 190E 2.6. A W124 230E is also worth considering but isn't nearly as good as the 6cyl versions IMO. There are a few coupes about if that's what you fancy, now's the time to buy, they are good value at present. All of these cars were more durable than the W202 and 210's that replaced them.
gammelvind,
Jun 3, 1:19am
Love old Mercs myself but after reading articles such as this.
We all know that all 1992 to 1995 S-class and SL-class, 1992-1996 E-class, 1994-1996 C-class Mercedes cars have major problem: biodegradable wiring harness insulation. Plastic insulation flakes off on main engine harness, throttle body harness, starter/alternator harness, Mass Air Flow meter harness ( V12 engines) . Wires become exposed, short together and cause all kinds of electrical issues.
I would suggest that you avoid these years unless you are sure that the harness has been replaced by a non biodegradable item.
saxman99,
Jun 3, 5:45am
My old man has a one owner 1997 W202 C240 Sport which has done over 690,000k. Still using on a daily basis, interior is tired but mechanicals are fine. Never had the head off, original trans. Wiring seems to be ok, although there are a couple of electrical gremlins like interior light not working. He says he will run it until it dies. Could be a while yet.
jfstyle,
Jun 4, 1:37am
Second saxman99.get a facelift c240 or 280. V6 is much better than old straight 6. Only really really important thing to do is have trans electrical plug seals replaced as they dry out and let oil into the valve body electrics. Jonathan w202 owner.
monzaman,
Jul 30, 1:01pm
I worked for merc dealership till '01 and several times replaced those 3 ''O'' rings as they shrank,flattened out and leaked through plug,they didn't dry out,also valve bodies are submerged anyway-I used to rebuild merc and bm trans.(same with merc steering boxes)
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