Mercedes-Benz Forum banner

What should I know about w202 c180

2.1K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  PapaDee  
#1 · (Edited)
Hello, I have recently bought a c180 as a project and joined this group. I am new to this car and would like to hear some things I should know about it. Maybe some of you have some tips or anything, I’ll be glad to hear.
 
#3 ·
Google search is your best friend. "w202 c180 what to look for site:benzworld.org" and similar boolean searches.
Next step - Read and digest.
 
#4 ·
It may be afflicted with the eco junk wiring harness if it's built before 1997.
If it is an automatic 5 speed (722.6) beware that lifetime fluid (ATF) will be relative to the shortened lifetime of the transmission before it fails, i would change fluid every 50k kms.
If it is a manual, dont expect a super smooth shifting experience, it can be really annoying for city driving.
Other than that i think the C180 is rather bland and sluggish as far as acceleration goes but bulletproof, simple and is perfect for crusing at steady speeds.
Expect bad gas mileage for city driving and short trips (up to12L/100) but once again decent at steady speeds where this car shines (as low as 7L/100), my lowest was 6.3L/100 at a steady 100km/h before switching to E85.
 
#5 ·
Here is a thing everybody should know before buying a w202, Pre facelifts that doesnt have a electronically controlled throttlebody is miles faster and better than the ones with.
So mostly anything before 96 is a good choice, because the ME Ecu isnt a good performance mapped ecu, and there is even a good size difference between the two. Pre ME ecu usually have bigger throttle bodies and are much much more fun to drive.
 
#6 ·
Mine is a facelift model, built in 12/1997 but i was surprised to find out that it does not have an electronically controlled throttle body like my 1998 E200 had. Just a plain old cable you can adjust.
I would be curious to know what kind of ECU mine has. What i find interesting is that my 1994 E200 was more fun to drive, less bland when accelerating, felt different and more lively. I know it's not even the same car but it might have something to do with it.