Hi,
I have the opportunity to buy a 96 C280 with 82 000km
(51 000 miles).Inline 6,194 HP, 4 spd auto. The body is spotless, as is the interiorand engine bay.Underneath, I see some rust on some suspension components, exhaust hangers, brake components. It seems very clean for a Montreal car(Owner says it was rarely winter driven).
The price also seems good at $15900Cdn($11700US) for this area.
What should I look out for on these?
Anyone have experience with C280?
Thanks,

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1987 190E 2.3L (Daily Driver)
1985 VW Scirocco (Mint-Summer)

C280 is a very good solid-built car.

It has the last year of the 722.4 hydro-mechanic ally controlled transmission and it has turned out to be a very strong tranny.

The M104 striaght six is about as bullet-proof of an engine as it gets. One common problem on it, however, is the tendency of the headgasket to develop an external oil leak. Also, some engines develop a leak at the front timing cover. I would be on the lookout for any oil leaks, especially if the headgasket has not been changed yet. The replacement headgaskets have a reinforced metal insert to prevent the tendency for it to leak. Once these problems are addressed, it is a very good engine.

You should be on the lookout for the usual pre-purchase inspection items on the rest of the vehicle. And of course, it goes without saying, that it is paramount to have records that the vehicle has been maintained.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

The engine looked very clean, and I saw no leaks(and I was looking!). He has the maintenance book stamped and dated from a reputable local garage (up tp 72000km) but no repair bills.
I drove it (highway and city ) and it drove really nice. Very solid, quiet, good power. I am having it inspected on Thursday.
It is rare to find a low mileage MB around here for a reasonable price.

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1987 190E 2.3L (Daily Driver)
1985 VW Scirocco (Mint-Summer)

If it has no leaks, has records, drives well and passes the pre-purchase inspection, I would say go for it if it is the car you really want. It is not overly-complicated to work on yourself and I love the very solid feel it has for a small car.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

I agree.

If there are no oil leaks and the car passes a PPI (pre purchase inspection), then I would buy it if the price is right.

The C280's are very well-built cars, durable, and reliable. Other than the aforementioned oil leaks due to problems with original head gaskets, there are really no intrinsic problems with this chassis.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".