thanks rjnonnie - i do plan to take it the next 100K (no car payments is a good thing!)

regarding the spark plugs, i change them according to the service schedule which calls for every 30K miles. The last change was done at 90K.

My new OVP as come in today but haven't had a chance to replace it yet. I'll do that tomorrow and see if that helps with my warm engine start. I wonder if the replacement should immediately fix the problem if that is the culprit or does the engine need time to adjust to the new OVP?

Hello all,
First post here. I just thought other C220 owners would like to know about my car. It is a 1996 C220 with 198,000 miles on it.
It has had the regular oil changes done by myself with Mobil 1 synthetic every 5k miles. I dont wait for a little problem to become big and if the car needs something it gets it. I just replaced the plugs and they are text book tan.
These little four cylinders are incredible cars. I have had no problems with it whatsoever and as far as wondering if I am on my last leg... I highly doubt it.
The car uses no oil and still runs and looks like new. I am still getting 27 MPG on average and 31 MPG on highway trips.
I constantly get comments on the car's appearance and although it is definately not my nicest car, it has been my most faithful.
The only major event was the transmission which I replaced last month due to hard shifts. Not uncommon, however something that I felt needed to be addressed before I drive to see my family in California. In my opinion a small price to pay for this cars loyal service.
Whenever this car visits the dealer ( for safety and emissions) the mechanics always comment on how they are waiting to see how long this little engine will go. My guess easy into the 300k range, maybe more, but we will see. I plan on driving it quite awhile. Mercedes definately knows how to build their cars right and the upfront expense in my opinion has well outlasted any other car's I have owned incuding a Civic.
just thought you might like to know.
Happy motoring!!!
Joe

Welcome and glad to know that the C220 is so robust

__________________
Anders

1995 E300
2015 VW TDI Sportwagen 15K
1977 240D (197K)
2002 Subaru Legacy L Wagon (115k) (Wife's)
Gone but not forgotten:
2005 Buick LeSabre
1998 C230
1984 300D
1983 240D
1981 300SD
1974 240D
1974 Fiat 124 Spider
1968 Triumph TR250