Looking to buy a 1995 C280 - Newbie help -

[socaleuro]

Hey everyone, thanks in advance for taking time to read this an hopefully give me some input!

So, I'm looking at a couple of '95 C280's here in Los Angeles to use as a daily driver. I got the chance to drive both this weekend and was pleased with them overall. They roughly had about the same mileage (145k and 154k), but the lower mileage car seemed to drive alot better for only being 10k less, I would think at this point miles would be irrelevant for a Benz. None of them have had the head gasket nor the harness replaced, I know these are major problems from reading this forum. The higher mileage one also seemed to have a low whining noise when I first started to drive it, sounds like it was coming from the tranny or possibly engine, any known common problems with these? It also seemed to be overheating somewhat, the guy had driven it a few minutes prior to me arriving and the temperature here in LA was in the high 90's. From the time I started the car, the temp. gauge stayed about 3/4 of the way up. Only after driving it for about 15 minutes did it start to drop down to 1/2, bad water pump?
Also, the AC compressor didn't even seem to engage when the button was pushed; however, on the lower mileage car the AC worked fine but the owner stated it could have blown colder/harder, seemed fine to me. Now, one thing that did kind of scare me when I drove the lower mileage car was that the check engine light came on (stayed solid and another "light bulb" looking orange light came on too), it didn't effect the drive ability of the car, but it made me wonder if it was the dreaded harness problem in its infancy. The owner also stated the light would come on randomly but no problems could be found.
Replacements... The owner of the higher mileage car claims that the car is all original and snooping around the engine bay matches up with his claims. The only thing he stated was at the last service (by L.B. Mercedes) was that the knock sensor will need to be replaced soon. Ok, on to the lower mileage car... everything is also all original except for the alternator.
On to the cosmetics... the lower mileage car has minor body damage, the right corner of rear bumper and rear driver side passenger door has a pretty decent sized dent. I'm no stranger to replacing body panels on cars, so I guess it'll just take a few used parts and a Saturday to get that squared away. The higher mileage car oh the other hand, has clear coat failure on the hood, driver front fender and roof, not easy fixes to say the least.
Overall I am leaning towards the 145k car. The minor body blemishes don't really bother me that much and at $3000-$3500 think its a decent deal. My last 3 cars that I have purchased have all been Audi and they have been great cars with the regular maintenance I do myself but, I have always wanted a W202 and I am now in the position to get one.

[sdpartz]

It seems that you did your homework, $3000 to $3,500 seems fair to good as far as the price bracket (Southern CA) Have you tried a 96 and up year C class? wiring harness issue as well as headgaskets were addressed. The check engine light will be a problem when the car gets smogged it will fail the visual test you cannot transfer ownership without a smog certificate. I currently own two W202s a 94 C280 & 97 C230. Update!...bought a 95 C220 for the wife Now have 3 W202s

[Jim B.]

And it is right here:

MR MB Motors Tarzana, CA


Enrique is the tops. I drove my own car 700+ miles just so he could take care of it.

NOBODY is better with old Mercedes in LA than him. Mention to him that Jim with the black 560SEC from up near Sacramento referred you.

Good luck with whatever car you choose.

[socaleuro]

Thanks for the reply, guys!

sdpartz - I've seen some '96+ W202's that just came up in the locals and got on it for the extract same reason you stated, the two common problems have been addressed. Also, the car has been smogged an is in its 90 day period, I guess the light doesn't come on that regularly. How to do you like the 4 cyl. model? I might be looking at c220's as well...

Jim B. - Thats funny that you mentioned that shop, I'm a stones throw from it.

[Chadahar]

Well then get your arse (and the car) to Enrique's for a PPI.

I drive down from the Antelope Valley to have him service my cars. If you read all the posts on that thread, then you know he is one of the best and maybe the very best in SO CAL.

[georgeb]

The 202 is a fine vehicle. I have a 95 c280 and a 97 c230. Both have been very reliable. My wife drives the c230 and has put over 230m on it. Over the last seven years i've replaced the air conditioning compressor, water pump, and the maf sensor. The c280 has around 120m miles on it and the only thing i've done to it out of the normal is replace the evaporator for the air condtiioning. I prefer the c280 because its a little more powerful and feels more solid on the road to me. The c230 isn't a bad choice at all though, especially with the price of gas. I get 23 to 28 with the c280. The c230 gets 25 to 30.

[msethk]

one big thing i would tell you... check vin numbers on the cars and determine which harness the car will take and how much it is. on some of the later 94's and 95's the harness is close to $1000. it should be easy to put on yourself but that price could be a good bargaining chip. otherwise you might look for another mercedes that has had the harness replaced. $1000 makes a $3500 closer to $5000 real fast

[C280 Sport]

Personally I would pass on any of them W202's. Not at all what a Mercedes is and should be. Small, Ugly, cheap, high maintance. The driving position is terrable and the seats are stiff as a rock. The interior is all plastic and the ride is horrable. For the same price you can buy yourself an E or an SLK. Just my 2 cents thoue.