1997 Mercedes C180 Euro 5sp auto

[Hocky]

I have just bought another C180 as I like them and like the one before, I did it without getting any inspections done, thats me. I would appreciate it if any owners of similar or larger engined models of the same year up to 1999 would be so kind as to list for me any thing to look for that this model may be known to have faults in like the engine, the elects, the trans, the cruise, etc. I have made this mistake before, but have done it again, so don't tell me what I should have done first. Please get to the point and list things I should look out for and fix them before they get worse and leave me stranded on a highway.

Next question is whether the 5sp auto is reliable, if it really has 5 forward speeds or other and the gear ratios as such.

Can I put in alloy rims say from 15" to 17" or not? Can I put in tyres from 195 to 215 or even 225?

Can a non-OEM CD changer and controller(radio) be fitted easily as this car has radio/cassette only?

Thanks for your valuable inputs guys. Cheers.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

The 722.6 has turned out to be a reather reliable transmission. There were a few teething problems and a few that saw premture failure, but there are aslo many that have seen a very long life.

I beleive that there are two gear ratio versions of this transmission. My car has the "W5A580" version. Rated for 580 Nm of torque with 5 forward gears and two reverse gears.
On my car gear ratios are
1 3.59
2 2.19
3 1.41
4 1.00
5 .83


I believe your car has the "W5A380" version rated for 380 Nm of torque and slightly different gear ratios. I think you probably have a shorter first and second gear at the least.


Yes larger wheels will fit with a shorter sidewall, obviously.

[Hocky]

Thanks Ali for your interesting comments. I certainly hope that my car will go on forever without any need for trans rebuilds. Do you people ever have regular trans servicing? Think its very expensive and most of the time the mech will come out with something wrong even if nothing as we never have any chance to look inside the box once its closed. What they charge for may be phantoms or mirages. How can we layman ever trust them? The car has been fitted with used very nice and almost new looking AMGs 16" I think with Michellins 215s. Looks fantastic, but haven't done the transfer yet so have to wait till this Saturday to feel the new wheels and tyres. They have put 36psi in the tyres saying it is necessary for the Benz being a heavy car. The original steel wheels and 195 Michellins were included in the trade in. Got a very good price for the 4. The car is a 1997 model with the updated bumpers, dash, lights and so on. Its a dark blue colour in duco only, not metallic. High mileage, but got it very cheap. The CD/radio I will put in will be a Pioneer or others in a month when the funds build up again in the bank. Only player, no seperate changer and original speakers to save cost. Hope they sound good enough for me. Trips here are usually short like half to one hour, so don't want to spend too much on this luxury.

[Hocky]

Ali it has 224000kms on the clock, but looks very new due to careful previous Dr owner. Always Benz dealer serviced and fixed. Runs like new. Only problem at the moment is one of the ear headrests won't come down and the vacc actuator is not available says the dealer. Its bull as they will have it if the car was sent there hahaha. Shifty lot they are. Hope the cruise is ok and the trans and motor are also ok, but my personal test shows these are acceptable. The shop reground the brake rotors to meet roadworthy tests. Will get the car this Saturday if they find the vacc part, hopefully. Otherwise they can fix it later, I want the carrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I am also looking at another car a C220 1995 and maybe a C200 so I have become a Benz maniac. Cheers.