I'll agree, Im a member of club202, but I find that the only valuable information typically revolves around modifications... good mods, and bad mods. Its a cool forum though.... as said above, very creative W202 enthusiasts. Mercedesshop though, is THE PLACE for real world tech help and so forth.

My C280 made it to 180K miles before the transmission was rebuilt. That 180K includes lots of city driving in San Francisco.. which is not a very kind place for transmissions.

I have a great indie in Sacramento that rebuilt the transmission, and if I remember correctly it cost me somewhere around $3K. Since then thhe car has covered 6K miles without any major problems.

I dont see why you are so hesitant to purchase a W202 just based on transmission problems. The W202 is one of the most mechhanically sound modern gasser MB's that has been built. Im not sure about the 4cylinders, but the 6 suffered from a faulty headgasket design, which can be easily corrected. The only other major issue with these cars are faulty wiring harnesses. Another easy fix.

From the time the car was new, to its now current 186K miles, the only issues needing correction were mentioned above, along with normal wear and tear maintenance... front end rebuild, tune-ups, and oil changes. Some of these cars also suffer from minor electrical gremlins, but I havent experienced anything too major with mine. The only thing that doesnt work on my car is the rear interioir dome light... it turns on when the R. rear door is opened, or when the switch in the overhead console is turned on, but it doesnt turn on when the L. rear door is opened. The factory Becker stereo's can be a little problematic, but then again, thats another easy fix.

I wouldnt hesitate to buy another W202. While performance figures are nearly the same, I take to the liking of the 6cyl... smoother and more grunty.... feels like a small V8. Better power at low speeds. And while im not planning on "ricing" the car out like alot of the PEOPLE on club202, I am looking forwards to getting an Eisanmann exhaust... somthing that will look sharp, and bring out a richer exhaust note.

All and all these cars are nearly bullet proof. Get yourself a C230K and dont look back.

I never want to get rid of mine!

__________________
Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


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