Mercedes C class W203 2000 - 2007 - Used vehicle

Mercedes C Class W203

In 2000, the third generation Mercedes C Class was introduced as a 4-door sedan and rear-wheel drive. In addition to the standard version, Mercedes offered two more: a more comfortable Elegance and a sportier version. A three-door coupe version was subsequently offered and in 2001 a 5-door station wagon.

Since 2002, Mercedes has included all-wheel drive in the C-Class. The 4Matic drive only comes in combination with automatic transmission and 6-cylinder engines.

The best-selling models with gasoline engines are the C180 with 129 hp and 143 hp. The strongest model on offer is the C55 AMG with a 5.5 liter V8 gasoline engine with 367 hp. Diesel engines have power from 102 to 231 hp.

They are included in standard equipment ABS, ASR, ESP, driver's side and airbag and automatic belt tensioners. The 2004 redesign added a new dashboard, scratch-resistant nano paint and translucent headlamps. In addition, all models received improved suspension and a more direct steering wheel. In the Euro NCAP safety test, the Mercedes C class received the highest rating.

The basic engine on offer in the Mercedes C 180 with 129 and 143 hp is sufficient for everyday driving, and they are also economical with a consumption of about 7.9 liters per 100 km. If you want a little better performance, stronger petrol engines are also available, but they are also more expensive to maintain and their consumption is much higher. Diesel engines consume about 6 - 8 liters per 100 km.

The biggest problem in all models is electronics. All fuses are connected in the main box, which is not very resistant to rust, so problems occur. Most commonly affected are the xenon headlight control system and the car ignition system. The dashboard display doesn't work very well either. With the 2004 redesign, problems with electronics were reduced. Problems are even possible with rust on wheels and fenders.

According to the experience of the owners and repairers, it is one of the highest quality and most reliable diesel engines on the market, as confirmed by the statistics of the German ADAC. All common-rail diesel engine 'children's diseases', primarily with the head gasket, were resolved in 1999, and electronic problems with the engine and airbags were resolved by 2004. As a result, newer models do not have any typical breakdowns, and problems with the reliability of Mercedes diesel engines , were mainly due to poor fuel. In the event of a blockage of the syringe or fuel filter, the electronics would often stop the engine to protect it from loading.

When buying, pay attention to:

* electricity, the owners complained that they had problems with light switches and wipers.
* the engine, six-cylinder and CDI engines have proven to be excellent in practice, while the four-cylinder has generally caused problems after 250000 km. Automatic transmissions have proven to be better than manual transmissions.
* chassis, rust is not a problem at all Mercedes and each car is followed by a 20-year warranty. But pay attention to the body joining points.
* The catalytic converter on ordinary engines knows that it is clogged even 120000 km. If the rear exhaust muffler is rusty, the catalytic converter will quickly depart.

ITS GOOD TO KNOW

It is most worthwhile to buy a basic C180 gasoline model with 129bhp, as it is very durable and costs moderate, given the size of the car. Very high quality, but also consumed model C 320, with a V6 engine of 218 hp. The C 200 with compressor and 163 hp is the least recommended as it is the most demanding to maintain. The 2148 cc Common-rail diesel engine is offered with 116 bhp (C 200 CDI) and 143 bhp, respectively 150 bhp (C 220 CDI). The weaker version, due to less load and longer durability, is more recommended.

Advantages - Mercedes C class W203

• Above average driving comfort
• Very safe car
• Spaciousness in the interior
• ESP comes as standard equipment
• Large selection of engines
• Longevity
• Reliability
• Long wear parts

Mane - Mercedes C class W203

• Rust on some parts of the suspension, wheels and fenders
• Problems with electronics by 2004
• The insulating rubber on the door can loosen and leak
• The front tires can suffer because of the weight of the car
• Little space in the back seats
• High prices for some spare parts

Sources:
auto-mane.com
autoportal.hr

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!