Mercedes Benz C270 CDI impressions

[TimBru14]

Hi all

I'm looking at getting a 2002 Mercedes Benz C270 CDI with 287k on the clock. If I do a quick Google search for reviews about the car, there only seem to be positive experiences (have heard one or two issues with steering racks or power steering components as well as a few glow plug issues). I was wondering if anyone owned one of these or knows someone who does that could point me in the right direction in terms of any faults or issues I should look out for before buying.
A Mercedes approved workshop that I spoke to said that they are excellent cars, parts are readily available (and cheap) and that the diesel models are generally more reliable than the petrol ones (apparently the timing chain on the petrol models used to go every 100k kms and would cost 15 to 25k to replace).

Cheers

 

[Skalabala]

Its a money pit bud.

 

[TimBru14]

Have you had any issues with them personally or know of people who have?
I have only heard good things about these diesels (other than a rather peculiar issue where the O-rings on the injectors leak and the injectors basically melt themselves to the cylinder head but many people seem to have found fixes for this).
Not bashing you or anything, just asking around before I make any concrete decisions.
I drove the car last week and everything seemed to be working as it should. No noises or rattles to be heard.

 

[AndyPants]

I'm gonna agree with Skabala.....problems start at 200 000 km and does not stop.
Any "minor" thing turns out to be a R17k issue. My 2002 C230 cost me over R100k in breakdowns in 4 years. I'm getting offers of R30k for it and she is in great shape.
Don't do it

I'm talking about all older mercs in general.

 

[TimBru14]

The petrol models tend to give timing chain issues every 100k kms. That's why I have looked at the diesels instead.
I hear you. There are definitely cheaper cars out there that can do the same thing for around the same money (if not less) minus the breakdowns.

 

[TimBru14]

My reasoning behind going Mercedes is that I used to own a 1990 200E and I absolutely loved that car. Sure it was heavy and thirsty AF but I have yet to drive a single car that comes close to the sort of experience I got out of that Merc. I'm looking at something that's relatively fast, preferably diesel and RWD and my budget is whatever I can get for a 2013 Nissan NP200 1.6i 8 valve with nearly 170k on the clock.
I would've picked up a BMW 330D but those are far more troublesome than the Mercs and Audi's aren't too far behind (a mate of mine has an A4 2L TDI. Electronic handbrake decided to give up on life. Cost 5k to fix...5K! For a handbrake ). The authorised Mercedes repair/servicing specialist that my grandfather has used for years now highly recommends the C270 CDI over the C220 CDI, the C320 CDI and the petrol Kompressor models.

 

[LouisABC]

The petrol models tend to give timing chain issues every 100k kms. That's why I have looked at the diesels instead.
I hear you. There are definitely cheaper cars out there that can do the same thing for around the same money (if not less) minus the breakdowns.

Not really sure whom told you that, but my 2001 C200 kompressor, back in the day,before the land rover drove over me, I had about 250k on the clock, did a lot of mileage and had no timing chain issue, biggest problem was a blocked cat. which messes with the o2 sensor.

Anyways, agreed, can't really think whom would buy a diesel out of warranty, not for me, thank you.

 

[TimBru14]

I heard that from various Mercedes forums as well as an authorised Mercedes Benz repair/servicing specialist (Franken Auto Services) here in Durban. It seems to be very hit and miss though. The specialist says that you need to do timing chain and tensioner on the petrol W203s every 100k kms at a cost of anywhere between 7 and 15k each time it is done. People on other forums say that the C270 CDI was the best car they ever drove (and some are still driving them with over 300k on the clock) whilst others say they're horrible and breakdown often though there seem to be more saying that they're reliable.
I do hear everyone's concerns though. Luxury German cars are generally not the first port of call when looking for a cheap and reliable car.

 

[Rickster]

Is it an auto or manual?

 

[TimBru14]

Is it an auto or manual?

Auto

 

[AndyPants]

My Merc and my Dad's was maintained by a Merc specialist workshop. Trying to sell my Dad's old 1994 200E now and if it had been a manual my mechanic would buy it in a heartbeat (note the autobox is in perfect working order - he does not want it). Mercedes Auto boxes are very troublesome, get a manual.
I bought the C230 after having my mechanic thoroughly check it out - he assured me it's a great purchase, in fact his son drives the same model. It's a great car - if you have the money to maintain it. (or if you're a merc mechanic and can get parts for next to nothing and don't pay for labour)

If you don't mind me asking - how much is the C270 going for?

 

[Rickster]

All ask my dad, he specialises in German automobile repairs.

 

[TimBru14]

My Merc and my Dad's was maintained by a Merc specialist workshop. Trying to sell my Dad's old 1994 200E now and if it had been a manual my mechanic would buy it in a heartbeat (note the autobox is in perfect working order - he does not want it). Mercedes Auto boxes are very troublesome, get a manual.
I bought the C230 after having my mechanic thoroughly check it out - he assured me it's a great purchase, in fact his son drives the same model. It's a great car - if you have the money to maintain it. (or if you're a merc mechanic and can get parts for next to nothing and don't pay for labour)

If you don't mind me asking - how much is the C270 going for?

My 1990 200E was 1 owner from new (had been my grandfather's since brand new and was meticulously maintained - only had 120k on the clock when I bought it!). I will admit that the old Merc auto boxes are not great. Back then, the auto boxes were not smooth (could feel every single change in the 4 speed box) and it would hold itself in gears instead of shifting which would hamper the fuel consumption rather substantially. It was also extremely heavy to lug around so I don't blame the little 2L engine for giving such bad fuel consumption.

The owner wants 60k for the C270 (as she says she has done 20k worth of fixes to it since she bought it in March this year) but I have checked with various dealers and my insurance broker and the book value on that vehicle is only 48k (don't think she realises that maintenance on a vehicle doesn't necessarily increase the price). I told the owner I would pay 52k for it but she said that she will wait until the end of this week for other buyers and if not then I can take it.

 

[Rickster]

If you do get it the first thing i would do is drain the gearbox oil and replace with genuine MB oil.

Although it might me lifetime oil, you should change it.

 

[TimBru14]

If you do get it the first thing i would do is drain the gearbox oil and replace with genuine MB oil.

Although it might me lifetime oil, you should change it.

I have heard that from various forums. Will definitely service it first thing and replace the gearbox oil.

 

[AndyPants]

My 1990 200E was 1 owner from new (had been my grandfather's since brand new and was meticulously maintained - only had 120k on the clock when I bought it!). I will admit that the old Merc auto boxes are not great. Back then, the auto boxes were not smooth (could feel every single change in the 4 speed box) and it would hold itself in gears instead of shifting which would hamper the fuel consumption rather substantially. It was also extremely heavy to lug around so I don't blame the little 2L engine for giving such bad fuel consumption.

The owner wants 60k for the C270 (as she says she has done 20k worth of fixes to it since she bought it in March this year) but I have checked with various dealers and my insurance broker and the book value on that vehicle is only 48k (don't think she realises that maintenance on a vehicle doesn't necessarily increase the price). I told the owner I would pay 52k for it but she said that she will wait until the end of this week for other buyers and if not then I can take it.

You can have my 2002 C230 for R50k Only has 260 000km on the clock.
I've spent R26k on it this year alone - over R100 000 in the past 4 years, so you know....car is basically brand new

 

[Skalabala]

Had a 270 here 3 weeks ago. All the usual problems.
Air flow meter, Glow plug/control, Steering errors, traction control problems etc. And gearbox.
They leak water, not a cheap fix. Fan control goes bad. Endless list of problems.
If you find a nice one go for it, it uses OM612 engine. Its a beast.

 

[Skalabala]

Oh and plenty turbo problems, but its because people don't remove the cat(s)

 

[TimBru14]

Had a 270 here 3 weeks ago. All the usual problems.
Air flow meter, Glow plug/control, Steering errors, traction control problems etc. And gearbox.
They leak water, not a cheap fix. Fan control goes bad. Endless list of problems.
If you find a nice one go for it, it uses OM612 engine. Its a beast.

The one I'm looking at is definitely no slouch and it has been maintained pretty meticulously. That OM612 is used in the old shape ML and some of Mercedes' vans (which rack up millions of kms without being opened). I think it really comes down to how it has been maintained and who has been driving it. That being said, I will definitely look at the car a little more thoroughly if I view it again just to make sure there isn't anything seriously wrong. The onboard computer seemed to think that there were no malfunctions at the time.

 

[TimBru14]

You can have my 2002 C230 for R50k Only has 260 000km on the clock.
I've spent R26k on it this year alone - over R100 000 in the past 4 years, so you know....car is basically brand new

Do you mean C240? Can't seem to find a C230...

 

[AndyPants]

Do you mean C240? Can't seem to find a C230...

You're kidding right?

C230 Kompressor Coupe
LMGTFY

 

[TimBru14]

You're kidding right?

C230 Kompressor Coupe
LMGTFY

Oh, my bad...
Thought you were referring to the sedan

 

[AndyPants]

Oh, my bad...
Thought you were referring to the sedan

W203 is available in sedan as well - not sure how you're having trouble finding them

 

[TimBru14]

Was looking here - Car Specs - Car Specifications - Information in cars and specs for vehicles