Faults:

Purchased the car with 70000kms. The first owner was a doctor's wife; it has been always serviced at Mercedes.

Nothing has gone wrong with the car, except sometimes when I accelerate off the lights, the car just doesn't go anywhere, I have to pump the accelerator before it responds. I have had some nervous situations at some busy intersections. My brother in law has a 2003 CLK 230, and he has the same problem. I figure it's a Mercedes fault as my mechanic can't work it out.

General Comments:

My Father also has an old reconditioned '83 230E sedan (one owner) and it's a pleasure to drive. I don't think I can speak so highly for my C200 K. The car's performance is definitely nothing you would brag about, but it is what you would expect from an engine this size. The suspension is very loud over bumps, and almost feels cheap when comparing it to the smooth, quiet ride of the BMW 320I or even the Lexus IS200; I have test driven both in the past.

The steering is very light, and I will give the handling a 5 out of 10. The reason I chose the Merc over the BMW, is Mercedes interior (seats) wear a lot better than BMW's soft leather seats. But the comparison stops there; the dash is very plastic, steering wheel wears out quickly (common fault) and the climate control is very analog looking. The sound system is sufficient, BUT it doesn't pick up AM radio, lots of static, (another common fault I have read in forums). I have no idea how they could get that wrong, but anyway.

Interior marks I would give it a 4.5 out of 10; my interior is all grey. Maybe if I had bought one with a black interior, I would have been more satisfied.

Overall the C200K may be quicker off the lights than a 320I and the IS200, but both these cars in my opinion are built a lot better. If you're in the market for this class car, find a BMW with a neat interior.

Would I buy another car from this manufacturer, maybe, but only if it's a C63 and upwards.

Faults:

Cam adjusters needed replacing - $2500, but replaced under warranty. Pretty ordinary these going at 62000kms.

Air vent under dash needed replacing - $2300, replaced under warranty.

Fuel gauge does not work correctly - yet to speak to the dealer about this.

Paint chips easily. Make sure you get some touch up from the dealer.

General Comments:

We bought this as a second car, and overall I really like it. The 2lt. supercharged engine has enough power for blasting around town, and it uses bugger all fuel. Generally the car is well built, with no creaks or rattles.

Fortunately for us, we have a 2 year Merc warranty.

The trouble starts with the engine. I don't think these early 203's have one of Mercedes better engines. One look on any internet forum will find the same issues appearing time and again.

I wouldn't waste my money on a 01 to 04 of one of these cars. Make sure you get an update model. (they have a different instrument cluster to the early ones)

Faults:

When pushed, the brake pedal would eventually hit the floor! At the stop light, the brake pedal would start to slowly keep pushing through until it hit the floor and the car would start to move. Took the car to the dealership 4 times before they finally realized that there was an air pocket in the brakeline as well as a small hole in the lining. Realizing the potential danger, they finally fixed it.

General Comments:

Brakes work really well now and has gotten me out of trouble a few times! Good timing!

Faults:

Squeaking from from front anti-roll bar bushes. Lubricated by dealer once, now kit from Mercedes installed, seems to have stopped.

Electric window relay unit (in front drivers door) replaced twice.

Felt 'rub' strips from internal window seals replaced on all doors after peeeling off in hot weather.

Front Left hand indicator bulb holder has burnt out twice (and replaced twice by dealer).

Radio/music drops out momentarily about twenty seconds after starting the car.

Parking brake cable rubbed against tail shaft (twice repaired), gives a road speed rubbing/grinding noise if you turn to the Left.

Leather gear selector 'boot' too short and would lift up the front part of the chrome surround when 'drive' selected. Replacement part fitted and did the same - 'bodge' job has held for 18months so far.

General Comments:

Handles well.

Poor fuel economy.

Air conditioning doesn't handle Australian heat well.