Looking for a MB, what is the best choice? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

deportes · #16 03-05-2015, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFreeh

If you like what you now have, search out a last year of production, low mileage example to replace the SLK with.

While devotees may argue that the W123 or whatever was the best Mercedes made, it's not a current car and is not the best choice for a daily driver.

As mentioned the W202 C-class cars are known for being good cars. My daughter has one, a 2000 C230 Kompressor, and it's got 195K miles on it. My cousin previously owned it, so I've got a documented history, and the car has been a very low problem vehicle. My only gripe is the vibrating engine, but since you already have a 230, you know all about that.

Start going newer, and you dramatically increase the complexity. Double edged sword here, on one hand better mileage and power, on the other increased potential service costs.

Advice is hard to give, since you have not narrowed down your preferences, i.e.: power, economy, convertible, need to haul, etc.

Might also look at the classifieds in the MBCA Star magazine, you can find cherished cars there.

Jim

Jim , is the 2000 c230 a 1.8 or the 2.3 kompressor engine? The slk99 has the 2.3. If it is a 1.8, does it have enough power to have 4 adults? I know the oder c230 k had the 2.3 thanks.

TexFinn · #17 03-05-2015, 09:07 PM

I tend to gravitate towards older stuff than the OP is looking for, but I'm kind of with who ever said about a W211 CDI. Don't know about the prices, so not sure if you can find one for the price, though.

My daughter's 05 C230 has been a solid runner for her for over three years now with issues whatsoever and wouldn't hesitate to recommend one for others. Her car came with impeccable service records, though, so that probably makes a difference in the current reliability, too.

Skid Row Joe · #18 03-05-2015, 09:49 PM

RE: W211 CDIs - they come in all prices, miles, and conditions. From $4K & Up. $10K will definitely buy one. What it'll cost in upkeep hours & time, repairs, and money after buying, is the biggest unknown.

ps2cho · #19 03-05-2015, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deportes

Do you like the e350 not 4 matic, I don't need 4 wheel drive in the san francisco bay area.
Could you add to the goods of such a car! thanks.

Non-4matic gets the bad 7 speed.

w123fanman · #20 03-05-2015, 11:49 PM

My personal advice is spend more for something in better condition if needed

JimFreeh · #21 03-06-2015, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deportes

Jim , is the 2000 c230 a 1.8 or the 2.3 kompressor engine? The slk99 has the 2.3. If it is a 1.8, does it have enough power to have 4 adults? I know the oder c230 k had the 2.3 thanks.

2.3, same as the SLK.

Being the last year of the W202 body, this car has all the improvements that MB added over the lifespan.
It's noticeably smaller than the E class, which might be an advantage in The City.
Reasonably economical, a bit over 30mpg on the highway, as well as sprightly.

I own a W211 as well as several W124s, and while the W211 is very nice, it is much more complicated.
I enjoy the W124s, but they are too old for your criteria. Personally, I would not own a W210 (96-02 E class) due to quality and reliability factors.

Jim

deportes · #22 03-06-2015, 02:58 PM

Thanks guys

Skid Row Joe · #23 03-06-2015, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

2008 E350 4Matic. I'm gonna buy the next nice one we take in on trade.

Best hold out for a low mileage one, or one from the Southern latitudes that's not spent it's life in the Salton Sea Up there.

Skid Row Joe · #24 03-06-2015, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deportes

Do you like the e350 not 4 matic, I don't need 4 wheel drive in the san francisco bay area.
Could you add to the goods of such a car! thanks.

They're fine.

liquiddog · #25 03-06-2015, 08:56 PM

Seems like I remember reading that 2001 was the sweet spot for the E320. I'd guess you could find a low mileage sample for your target price.

ramonajim · #26 03-06-2015, 10:40 PM

2001 E320 (W210): watch for electronics (everything attached to the CAN bus) and search here for harmonic balancer. They're prone to falling apart.

Biggest worry: spring perches. Again, search here.

gatorblue92 · #27 03-07-2015, 06:39 AM

Personally I would find the nicest W211 4 matic you can. I am solely driving W124's for my daily transportation and when the time comes that is what I'm going to get. In addition to all of the known mechanical and rust issues with the W210 I just don't like the way they look.

liquiddog · #28 03-07-2015, 03:20 PM

I've been considering an e320 as my possible next car. Is the spring perch issue mostly for northern cars with rusting, or is it more of a stress fracture/weak metal issue?

Skid Row Joe · #29 03-07-2015, 04:19 PM

A Northern issue - and ones that spent their winters being driven in the North.

MTI · #30 03-13-2015, 02:02 PM

As an owner of a 1999 C280, the biggest issues with this V-6 are the transmission (had a rebuilt installed) and the quality of the materials used in the interior and trim. The trans failures due to the "lifetime fluid" are legendary, however the later production years (98-00) did not have the wire harness issue. The interior is finished mostly in plastic and "mouse fur" and headliner sagging is epidemic.

On the other hand, the W203 cars are total disasters, being most affected by the Chrysler merger budget cutting and QC.

A best bet would be a maintenance documented or CPO car that doesn't have the ABC suspension.