Quote:
Originally Posted by Darragh
Hi all!!
New to the forums. Spent a few days browsing about though. Im 21 years old and from Ireland.
I bought my first car a week ago. Its a 1998 Mercedes C180 Black. Since this is my first car let alone Mercedes , I have a load of questions.
Its hard not to notice that the key is not a key. Its more like a fob that I have to stick into the ignition. Is there any way of getting a spare key somehow?
Also, the alarm on the car is a little strange. I think I have to hold the armed buttton in and the windows wind up. Then when opening it, the unarm button opens the driver door, then press it again and the entire car opens. Could someone please explain to me how this works? I don't know if Im doing it right.
I got new tyres from the dealership that I bought the car off. So I was thinking of putting this chemical in them which makes them impossible to puncture. Has anyone ever used this stuff? Is it worth getting?
And finally, are driving schools any good? Im thinking about taking a few lessons.
Thanks,
Darragh
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Hello, Darragh, and welcome to Mercedesshop!
My most recent Mercedes was the same chassis as yours, a slightly larger 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. It didn't have the key fob instead of key setup, or the arm/unarm arrangement; somebody with a '98 or newer C-Class will have to address those issues. I think an authorized MB dealer is the only source for spare keys: You give them the VIN and your proof of ownership, and they run you up a new one.
The W202 (that's its chassis designation) was the most reliable and economical MB of the three I've had. My '97 was the first year for the electronic 5-speed auto transmission, a unit with known glitches, and I got caught. Yours may have the updates MB added, or you might have a manual 'box and it won't apply.
The car was easy to change the oil on, always started except when the battery died (and MB came right to my door, sold me a new one, and installed it), kept me cool in summer and warm in winter. A very good car, all around.
And yes, driving school is always a good idea. Anything you learn in that line will put you well ahead of all the "punters" (if I'm using that UK term right) out there who can barely manage to steer and chew gum simultaneously.
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