94 C280 (W202) that I'm looking to buy - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

comm-tech · #1 06-29-2011, 01:20 PM

I'm looking at a 1994 C280 (W202). This is a nice car and it runs/drives great. About 148,000 on it. But it has a few issues.

First, what is a reasonable price to pay for a C280 of this vintage in nice driver condition with everything working? I don't mean NADA or the KBB but what are real world prices. I'm thinking that he's got an over inflated feeling for what these are worth without any problems.

I don't think the guy selling the car is a car guy. And it's his mothers car (she can't drive anymore) so although he has driven the car he really hasn't spent much time with it.

The issues:

1. It seems the blower motor is not running. When I push the various buttons on the HVAC control panel I can hear what sounds like the dampers moving but I can't hear the fan run on any speed. The a/c compressor DOES come on. What fuse supplies power to the fan motor and where is it. (Anyone have an outline of the fuse panel and location for this car?) I understand that fan controllers are a not uncommon failure and that blower motors do go bad. Where are each of these and what's it take to get at 'em?

2. The duct system.... The guy selling the car says that he used to be able to feel a little bit of air coming out of the center dash register. But he didn't know if the blower fan was running or not (remember, not a car guy). So I'm thinking that going down the road with the system on but the fan not running he may have been feeling air coming out but not because of the blower. However I have been reading about vacuum leaks and duct damper door actuator issues. Also have been told there are sometimes issues with the in dash button/control unit. So what's it take to get at those buggers? Also read about broken vacuum manifolds. So where is the vacuum source for this system?

Is there a cabin air/pollen filter on this model?

3. The sunroof has track issues. The little arms that lift the back of the movable panel are broken on both sides. I can see the drivers side slide moving back and forth but the passenger side is back a ways and does not move. So what's involved in fixing this mess? Any links to pics/instructions of this procedure on a W202?

And then there is the engine wiring harness issue that this vintage of Benz either had or will have. How can I tell if the harness has been replaced with the later style of non-self destructing insulation?

Thanks in advance.
Karl M.

Hirnbeiss · #2 06-30-2011, 07:46 AM

On most MBs of that vintage the blower motor is accessed by removing the lower dash cover in the passenger footwell. Check ebaymotors for parts prices as well as idea of what car is going for.

Gilly · #3 06-30-2011, 07:57 AM

1. I believe there is a large "maxifuse" for the blower motor in the fuse box or in the K40 relay, I would normally assume the fan might be stuck if it has been the car has been sitting around a lot. Fuse chart under the fusebox lid?

Yes, just a dust filter, under the passengers side dash, you'll be in the same area checking out the blower motor.

2. If you can hear flaps changing setting I don't think it's a problem and also not really a big problem with 202s. Vac source is called the PSE pump located under the back seat IIRC. PS yes you will get some "vent" air out of the center vent when moving. Would be interesting to know if the air is colder with the AC on?

3. Sunroof problems can be a beeyatch. Not too terrible on a 202 but still has a steep learning curve. The sunroof panel is removed fairly easily, then the fun begins. Sorry no link for ya.

4. I don't know if there is a way to tell if the harness was done, other than if yours isn't crumbling and the engine runs good. Just looking at the exposed wires of the harness you should be able to tell if there is a problem or not. 202's I didn't think were as affected by rotting harnesses as other MBs. 124s seemed to be the worst.

Gilly · #4 06-30-2011, 08:04 AM

OH sorry and on the price, yes check eBay "completed listings". If you want a "from the gut" price check, given the miles and existing problems I think I'd walk away at anything over $3K, $2500 would seem to be more reasonable. And this is assuming there is not a lot of maintenance to be done and the interior and exterior are in reasonably good shape. By maintenance I mean you won't need to almost immediately buy tires, brakes, belts, flush all the fluids. If it needs a carp load of stuff done just to feel confident driving it out of state, maybe only a couple grand. If the car were perfect and under 100K it might be worth 5-6K tops

Gilly · #5 06-30-2011, 08:46 AM

KBB says I was pretty close. The BEST condition I would call it is fair, with some of those problems you might even say poor:
http://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/1994-mercedes-benz-c-class/c280-sedan-4d/?intent=buy-used&mileage=148000&pricetype=private-party&condition=fair

comm-tech · #6 07-01-2011, 02:26 AM

I'm sure I could get the car for $2500. But given the condition (which the car is in nice condition) and the repairs needed I was thinking "fair"- also. Cosmetically it's in good driver quality condition. I'm thinking that $2000 would be more comfortable. But what do you folks that are much more familiar with this series of Benz think about what it's reasonable price might be? (It's dark green with a parchment interior)

I checked ebay closed auctions first (that is a good indication of what people are actually willing to pay for a vehicle). But there are just not allot of these either listed for sale or that have sold. Then I checked NADA and KBB. I've found that often KBB is a bit high on their retail sales price. I think that NADA is more realistic but you have to be sure and pick the right condition.

Karl