The 1994-1995 models of W202 are part of the "wiring harness" problem set, making the 1996 models a little more desirable.

Properly sorted out, the 722.6 tranny (1998-) is great. If a car has a new transmission, don't be upset. It's a good thing. It means you have an updated version.

As to the four bangers, the 2.2L M111 and 2.3L M111 aspro engines (1994-1998) are some of the best gas engines MB has made. They are super reliable, don't leak much, have a huge double row timing chain, and run a long time without repair. I have begun to see many early models with 300,000kms and much more without anything more than the occasional valve cover gasket replacement. They share many design elements with the M104, but don't suffer the head gasket problems.

The engine bay on the M111 equipped cars is roomy and makes DIY simple. I can do most all the service tasks on my C230 without much effort. Greatly reduces long term costs.

The W202 is the simplest of all MB models made after 1996, and it shows. This means it's pretty much the most reliable MB available less than 10 years old.

My own C230 gets about 9.5L/100km's (25USMPG) in city driving and typically gets around 7.0 on the highway, but it's not tough to get 6.5. (34/37mpg) Now, you can't get that at 140km/h cruising speed.

Some on-going things a W202 owner looks to...

1. Front lower ball joints wear out if the car is driven on rough roads. I'm on my second set.
2. Sway bar bushings last about 4-5 years, maybe a bit longer. Simple to DIY, cheap parts.
3. M112 V-6 versions have the troublesome harmonic balancer.
4. M104 I-6 versions have the troublesome head gasket.
5. If the ACC/AC system goes on the fritz, it's typically an evap temp sensor. Cheap part, easy DIY.
6. Air Mass Meters on ME2.1 cars can last about 160,000kms at the outside. It seems changing the engine air filter on a regular basis extends it's life, but be prepared to treat the AMM as a maintenence item.
7. M111 engines (and other MB engines) are sensitive to oil fill level. Overfill and you can kill the main crankshaft seals.
8. M104 and M111's both have tempermental valve cover gaskets. Not an expensive part, but (at least on the M111) it's a bit of a pain to do.
9. Spark plug lead ends are a source of misfire codes and should be replaced every 4-5 years, but check 'em every so often.

Change the oil frequently, change the coolant (and use MB coolant) every two years or so. Keep the brake fluid clean by changing it every two years or so. Change the engine air filter often, don't foget the cabin dust filter (eases the load on the blower motor and evaporator) and on FSS equipped cars, forget the super-long oil change interval. Go for 8000km's or less.

I've owned my C230 since new, and it's the most reliable car we've owned, including Acura, Honda, Mazda and so on...

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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