1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Solid, reliable and comfortable

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Offered this car at an unbelievable price by a contact. I was a bit worried about the running costs compared to my old Primera. So far I need not have worried as the car has been faultless. Service parts and spares can also be obtained very cheaply from German after-market spares specialists.

Car drives nicely and is very comfortable. The cabin is spacious and the equipment level ample. Engine is slightly sluggish, but drives along happily and quietly.

The build quality is very good and it feels like it will last a long time. Many friends and colleagues said I should have got a 3-series BMW, but I must say I am not in the slightest bothered. This is a quality car albeit a bit heavy on fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2007

9th Nov 2012, 20:36

Your friends are just jealous, what do they drive?

BMW 3 series are no C200, unless you're getting the M3.

1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180 Esprit 1.8 from Germany

Summary:

A comfortable, well built wagon that's fun to drive

Faults:

At about 20,000km the aircon was leaking gas. The problem was fixed under warranty with no questions asked.

General Comments:

A very well built, luxurious, comfortable station wagon with fantastic brakes, fairly good performance, state of the art safety features and heaps of driving pleasure. In other words: A Mercedes-Benz!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2006

1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class c-230 2.3 gas from North America

Summary:

Not like the Mercedes-Benz I heard about

Faults:

The cold start sensor went bad at 28,000 miles $450.

The battery died at 25,000 miles $125.

The knobs for things like the seat controls, door locks and remote mirrors have all came off at sometime or another.

The center console cup holder just blew apart.

Snow shattered the plastic front wheel well liner.

The defrosters come on by them self when you first start the car and accelerate.

The car never starts on the first try always on the second try.

The special key only works when you are within 10 feet of the car even with new batteries in the key.

General Comments:

I bought this car from my sister in law knowing it had been serviced and garaged. I expected refined workmanship, but have been very disappointed. I have babied this car like no other, but have been disappointed in the overall experience.

The car is made to be sold to people who know nothing about maintaining their own vehicles since there is no books about the car except the owner manual, the dealer is the only one able to read the computer codes, and they know it so they charge you accordingly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th July, 2005

1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 2.8L from North America

Summary:

Fantastic car, only wish the paint had held up

Faults:

Air conditioner went out in '04 at around 125,000 miles. Other than that, car has required nothing but routine maintenance. Granted, though, my wife drives the car like she was an 80 yr old grandmother, not a 40 yr old man (like I would).

Only gripe I have about things lasting concerns the headlight bulbs. I have had to replace around five of them so far. I don't ever recall having to change that many in any other car I've owned or that my family has owned. I think this is pretty minor, though.

General Comments:

Paint has not stood up too well to the sun, clear coat has pretty much gone away from being parked outside almost all its days. Nights have always been in the garage.

Still starts every time with the original battery. Shifts like a dream, and gets 30 MPG on the highway.

I have absolutely nothing bad to say - the car has been wonderful and still is. I would drive it anywhere without hesitation.

Handling is rock solid and everything still works just as when we bought it new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2005

16th Aug 2005, 18:38

I faced exactly similar problem - ac not working and rear bulbs getting fused often. However, I am also faced with starter problem (starting after 2-3 clicks).

20th Jul 2007, 11:34

I need to update my review since it's been a few years.

The headlight problem seems to have gone away, but I, too, experienced the rear tail light bulb burning out every 3-5 days about a year ago. I took it to my local mechanic and he diagnosed a fused electrical something-or-other in the tail light assembly. Anyway, $250 later it worked fine.

The car now has 180000 miles on it. Still rides like a dream, still gets 30 mpg on the freeway. Had to get the O2 sensor replaced at 175000 along with new brakes. The interior still looks great as well; no rips/tears in the leather seats or cracks in the dash or wood. Which reminds me, M-B has really cheapened the C class interior in my opinion. I note that these days, getting wood trim isn't automatic with their C cars. I think that's a shame.

I also need to retract my statement about the paint. I forgot that my wife was in a very minor fender bender that required the hood to be repainted when we'd had the car approx 18 months. The clear coat peeled from the repair, not the original factory job. Sorry 'bout that.

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