W202 known problems - Benzworld.org

Greg in Oz · 01-01-2003, 10:03 PM

With my 300TE and 350SLC, I spend most of my time on the W124 and 107 forums so I am hoping the regulars here may be able to enlighten me.

My wife's parents have owned a 1983 230E (W123) since about 1985. They are considering a change but don't know what to get. The W123 has served them well requiring little more than a water pump and A/C compressor in over 200,000km. They would like to stay with a Mercedes but would like something a bit smaller . They have concerns with reliability and repair costs of some of the newer cars and I don't believe they will find anything that will match their W123 in this regard. The W124, whilst being a superb car and more modern than the W123, is probably not as reliable and is also a bit larger and older than what they are after. The W210 E-Class is larger than they require and is probably still too expensive. Finding a sufficiently "young" 190E (W201) would be difficult.

The W202 C-Class probably fits the bill. They do not require a 6 cylinder so the C280 (M104) head gasket, oil leak and engine wiring harness problems should not be an issue. They would most likely go for a C220 or C200 although even a good C180 would be considered. The C230 would be nice but was rare in Australia and we did not get the Kompressor version.

Can owners of the W202, especially 4 cylinder versions, please advise of known problem areas, what to look for and what to avoid?

Thanks

Greg in Oz · 01-07-2003, 05:42 PM

Can I assume that either W202s have no known problems or are there just too many to list here?

I posted a similar question on the General MB forum and everyone there is recommending a W124 rather than a W202. Being a W124 owner myself I am probably biased that way myself (they are a great car) but never having owned a W202 I cannot really make a fair comment.

What my wife's parents are really talking about is what is going to be a good and reliable replacement for there 230E. Whether it be a W202 or a W124 it will definitely be a four cylinder version (so six cylinder engine problems are not an issue).

Come on all you C180, C200, C220 and C230 owners. Let's hear all about the good and bad points of your cars.

Thanks

suginami · 01-07-2003, 05:48 PM

The normally aspirated C230 has no known quality problems, and a dealer tech on another forum voted the C230 (non-kompressor) as the most reliable Mercedes vehicle.

Michilein · 01-07-2003, 05:54 PM

I have a 1999 C230 K and although you say those were not available in Australia I must say that the rest of the car has been perfect, engine including. Not a single problem in almost 4 years.[:D]
Solid car

Greg in Oz · 01-07-2003, 06:48 PM

My wife's parents are hoping that the W202 is the right car for them. Whilst I feel I could comfortably recommend a W124 220E or E220 to them, I feel that they really would like a C230, C220, C200 or even a C180. They just want an assurance that it won't be a money pit.

Thanks for the replies.

heckflosse · 01-09-2003, 08:39 AM

The C180s supposedly stretched head-bolts and the serpentine belt tensioner on the C-Classe were prone to break, I believe a revised tensioner was introduced and can be retro fitted. Also the heating controls (which are electronic) can have problems causing the heater to 'jam' open.
But on saying this my C180 has so far been excellent and has now covered over 148,000 miles with no problems and virtually no signs of wear.

Rincewind · 01-09-2003, 01:17 PM

You might want to take a look at this other thread

http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?s=37edd976f05ca4381f09842de112adf6& threadid=12533&perpage=10&pagenumber=1

hocky · 05-31-2003, 07:53 AM

I drive a 1994 C180 Elegance auto with 193,000kms on the clock and I am the second owner. I've found the car to be great and very economical in fuel. However, there is hardly any power for 4 persons especially in hilly areas like mine. A C200 or C220 would be a lot better. Choose the Elegance for a bit more luxury in the interior and sun/moon roof.

AnE2pleaz · 06-04-2003, 04:44 AM

Hey Greg,

Its funny because I sold my 97 C200 to buy a 94 E280! I guess its different priorities. In the 5 years of ownership, the only problems were leaking steering box and a faulty fuel sensor. It used little petrol, the a/c was excellent, handling and ride were fab. The only gripe I had was the engine. Its fairly quiet and all but it wouldnt pull the skin off a custard tart. Like ive said a few times, put 5 people aboard, luggage and the a/c on and drive up a steep hill and you might be regretting that you didnt spend the extra $$$ for a C240, C280 or a C43! hehe kidding

My new to me E280 is in a different league altogether, its just so effortless to drive. Thats what I wanted. To me, even though these M104 engines have their fair share of problems, the difference in drive is no comparison. All in all, if your parents want a good A to B car, get a later C200 because the have an updated engine and also the 5-speed adaptive transmission.

All the best

hocky · 06-11-2003, 05:18 AM

I drove my 1994 C180 auto on the weekend to and from a new golf club called Heritage here in Melbourne and the place is hilly. With 4 adults and no luggage, and driving mostly in low gear like 2nd and 3rd, many times I was forced to floor the acc to change down probably to 1st gear to creep up to the top. The temp gauge was 100 degrees I am sure and not the usual 80 degrees. The aux fans did not come on as the outside air was only 16 degrees. Do get at least a C220, then you won't regret it. I took the C180 due to the price it was going for and the condition of the insides. The engine is a lot noisier than the newer W202s say 1998 and 1999.