1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Kompressor 2.3 supercharged from North America

Summary:

New: A lot of money for a car. Used: a lot of car for the money!

Faults:

1. Noises from gear selector housing: lots of squeaks going over bumps

2. Groaning from rear and front of car when going over humps or getting in/out of car

3. Three light-bulbs blew in one week (but not an expensive problem)

General Comments:

Good points:

This car is:

Quick

Powerful (185 hp) yet economical (I get 29mpg)

Comfortable

Elegant (I like it better than the new C class)

Solid.

Bad points:

Far too many noises, squeaks, rattles groans. The quality of materials is not as MB was used to in its heyday.

Servicing is expensive ($800 for a major service + extras so think of $1000+ every time unless you;'re under warranty)

A little noisy when accelerating, and sometimes the supercharger takes a second or two to deliver the power.

A little noisy inside, compared to Lexus, BMW and other peers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th February, 2005

20th Jan 2007, 07:19

I bought my 1999 C230 K used with 35,000 miles. Overall, I like everything about the car except very expensive MB service. But service does come with a loaner.

Rust is starting to emerge on the door, while the 1999 Intrepid that my son drives is clean. I am now experiencing loud rattles coming from the door jam / center post area. I expected more from an MB as it aged.

But I like the car enough to have the problems fixed. Wish me luck.

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1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 CDI Estate 2.2 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent compromise between a fast tourer and a load carrier

Faults:

Glow plugs replaced (x2)

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Although the engine is relatively small, the high torque means that it can be made to press on very well if the circumstances call for it.

Although it is coming up to 6 years old, it still feels like a new car and looks like a new car, apart from the inevitable few stone chips.

There is no noticeable driving or noise deficit compared with the saloon version, and the estate facility gets used very regularly.

The quality of the car is excellent and the reliability has been as one would expect of Mercedes - at least up to this model!

The only downside is that if the front passengers are tall, then the rear seat space is rather limited.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2004

1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class CDI Diesel Sport TDI from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Gearbox failure at 100000 miles.

Head Gasket failure at 70000.

General Comments:

Comfortable on long journeys.

Very very fast!

A great car which I regret selling and intend to buy another one now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st October, 2004

11th Jan 2006, 22:39

I'm surprised you regretted selling your mercedes even though it had a head gasket failure. That is a serious problem.

1st Sep 2006, 09:46

Its true a blown Head Gasket is serious, however, I had to take some of the blame as previously I had allowed the coolant level to drop and drove the car home as it overheated, the Head Gasket blew a few days later! so I hang my head in shame on that one, it was dark, raining, I was in the middle of nowhere, and frankly could not be arsed to stop.

Still a cracking car tho, and highly recommended, just keep your eye on the coolant level!

1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good introduction to a top Marque

Faults:

Boot clip that holds the Warning Triangle kept falling out - less than £3 to replace.

Headlamp Bulb blew after 4 days of ownership - £5 to replace.

General Comments:

I love it.

It is very comfortable, and not nearly as bad a performer as I had expected.

I am not looking forward to the servicing costs, but want to maintain the full Dealer Service History.

The cost to buy 2nd hand was very reasonable, and the quality of the finish is great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2003

10th Sep 2012, 04:09

How come no poster appears to give any indication(s) of fuel consumption (FC) figures? Is it assumed that these Mb Class cars are so thirsty like 4x4s, and hence assumed as "normal consideration", or are there some other reasons?

FC indications would be most appreciative for the purposes of education and counsel for would-be buyers. Thank you.