Hey gassers -- A friend of mine is looking at a 1998 c280 for his son. I'm a diesel head from the other side of the tracks and know nothing of this engine/chassis.

I've done a few inconclusive searches. If y'all don't mind telling me -- what maintainence items and issues should he be looking for/expecting with this model?

Thanks in advance!

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1998 E300 +310,000K
1996 E300 +460,000K

Bump

C'mon, can't y'all help an oil burner out here?

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1998 E300 +310,000K
1996 E300 +460,000K

The V6 powered W202 chassis is a good car, not many issues Dependant on previous service history. Frequent oil changes NOT following the MB recommended schedule!

OF course the auto trans DOES need servicing.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Thank you. What model number is the transmission? I'll do a search for issues.

__________________
1998 E300 +310,000K
1996 E300 +460,000K

722.6

Of course with a 10 year old car having a "complete" pre-purchase inspection BEFORE the $$ is spent is the way to go.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I"ve had a 2000 C280 for almost 3 years now. Mileage from 35m to currently 60m. Love the car and so far relatively trouble free. The advantages to the 98-2000 models are the keyless entry, no antenna to break, and electronic A/C. I settled on MY 2000 because it was suggested the 722.6 tranny was well sorted out by then. The M112 engine has the harmonic balancer problem so check and see if the updated part is in there. Plenty of threads on this.

The only things I have done to it is replace the camshaft position sensor (CPS) which causes the sudden stall syndrome (SSS) that many have complained about. I've changed one o2 sensor and another one has recently starting throwing a CEL but the light goes out after a day or two. I just changed the plugs and one or maybe two were fouled, hopefully due to just age and nothing more serious.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400