Faults:

Tie-rod end on one wheel. $150.

Spark plugs had never been changed, which caused a no start condition. $350 (LOL).

General Comments:

I wasn't very sure about this car when I got it. I was tired of the Paseo and the suspension problems, and I just wanted something else.

I wanted RWD, and I found the C220 for a cheap price. I came here, read the mixed reviews, and said, what the hell. I will go with my instincts. I guess I was right.

It took me a month to get used to driving this car. I didn't enjoy it at first. The gas pedal was stiff compared to other cars. It was so quiet at lights, I'd forget I was driving. It has pretty good pick up once you get past 25.

It just feels heavy, like a tank, but handles well considering the size. You can cruise all day without exhaustion. I get 28 MPG combined.

This car has left me impressed. Cruise control and central locking have never worked, will fix them one day. It never breaks down. All the equipment works like new. It looks new. And it's over 20 years old.

I've been keeping my eyes open for potential problems because I don't have deep pockets, and so far, I've had to replace only brakes, wheels and oil changes, and recently the A/C because the auxiliary fan had stopped running.

After this car, it's highly unlikely that I will buy any other model than Mercedes from now on.

If anyone knows how to fix the central locking and cruise control, I'd love to know.

Faults:

LCD clock back light has been out for as long as I've had it.

SRS light comes on for 2 minutes upon starting, but doesn't affect anything.

Wood covering on center console is showing minor cracking from age.

General Comments:

First of all, don't buy this car expecting a sports car. It's not designed to take corners fast and hug curves in the road. It was designed to be a cruiser, get it out at 75-90 mph (120-145km/h) and relax; that's what it's made for.

Acceleration is good, however with rear wheel drive, you will experience slight loss of traction on slippery days if you give it too much gas.

Steering is smooth and solid, not sporty.

Cabin layout is great. Elegant yet user-friendly at the same time.

Air conditioning cannot keep up with 5 people in the car on a very hot day.

Don't let the price fool you, I bought the car for 2/3 the price of my 2000 Toyota Camry, and I love the Benz ten times as much.

It's a Mercedes-Benz, expensive to maintain, only drinks premium fuel, but is also the safest car on the road. If you can look past the few negatives you will find a vehicle containing luxury, elegance, safety, power, simplicity, all in a refined package.

By the way - this car takes about 2 weeks to fully appreciate, don't expect to fall in love with the feel the second you step inside, it comes with time.