The C220 from 1994-1995 and the C230 from 1996-1999 never had problems with head gaskets or wiring harnesses. I don't think they have any inherent problems whatsoever.

There was a discussion a while ago about the most trouble free Mercedes ever built, and many of the dealer technicians answered that the C220 / C230 was the best in their opinion.

The C220 and the C230 are the same engine. The C220 is just a 2.2 liter engine, and the C230 is a 2.3 liter engine.

I don't know if you'll notice any differnc in power.

My mother had a 1994 or 1995 C220 and put about 150,000 trouble free miles on it. She traded it in on a 1999 E430.

Whether you buy a C220, C230, or C280, The C classes are very nice cars, and feel more like a Mercedes than the current ones.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".