I'm a glutton for punishment. I currently have a '99 ML430 and was thinking about getting a used C or E class, 1997 or later. Can the veterans give me any advice on which models have proven to be problem free, well, as reasonably problem free as possible. Looks like the C280 had some head gasket issues. Your advice is appreciated. -Norm

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?action=showresults&searchid=888540&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

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1995 E320 smoke silver / parchment

Thanks Yosshimura. :p

You might want to drop back one year to a 1996, and check out a well-maintained C220. It is one of Consumers Reports best ever used cars. With one in my stable I have to concur with them. As long as you don't have a big family (the rear seating is a tad tight) or expect super-charged performance, this is a fine automobile! Also, with gas prices where they are, this is a good option, as even with over 100K on the Odometer the car still gets 36 mpg highway....not too shabby for over 3300 lbs.

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1996 SL320 97K miles
1996 C220 130k miles
1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold
1986 300E 216k miles <---sold

I'd go with a 1999-2000 C280, of course i'm a little biased.. Only problem i've seen is the crankshaft balancer and an occasional MAF sensor. Plenty quick enough for most tastes. Good luck.

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1999 C280 Sport, 1967 911s Porsche

I'd be a little shy of a 97 W202 thanks to the first year 722.6 tranny. However, many of the 97-99 cars are not sorted out tranny-wise. The pick of the litter as I see is the 2000 C280 for the V-6, the well-sorted out five speed automatic, the side airbags and SmartKey. A sport package C280 from MY2000 is a very nice car and can be had for a pretty good used price.

Next would be the 1996 C220 and the 1998 C230 for four cylinder cars in "aspro" form.

So far, the 99-00 C230K models are doing well, but I have heard some rumblings on the supercharger front, but nothing serious so far.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Just wanted to add my $0.02 on the 96 C220. I have a 95 C220 with 101K miles, and it just purrs. Bought it two years ago with 58K miles, and the only big things that I've had to have done (other than religious preventative maintenance) are:

1. Front Flex Disk
2. Blower motor (old one started squeaking at about 70-75K)
3. Front Rotors and pads (more of a wear item than anything)
4. Front Bumper, grille, and passenger side mirror (three separate hit and runs, there are some real a**holes out there)

Good luck!

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98 e430, 55K

John,

No problems so far with my S/C @ 83 k.
Even if it did pack it in, Canadian Superchargers in Winnipeg sells completely rebuilt units for $ 1 K ( canadian ), which I think is a bargain.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

Get one with a Starmark warranty. Drive the hell out of it and enjoy.

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

Mike Kerley,

Absolutely - I got a 97 C230 Starmark-certified with 61k, and negotiated an extra year - for 2 years/100k. I've already used the warranty on suspension squeaks and an alternator, but as I've got 33k left of coverage, I'm enjoy my "new" car.

Most people have commented on the C class but it you want more room, go for the E class. I have a 96 E320 with 145,000 + miles on it that still drives like new.
I am getting 23 miles per gallon combined highway/freeway but it does drive very smooth and looks great.

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My pick would be a 1997 E420 - First year of that 5-speed transmission though but I really like the motor 4.2L M119 32V V8 - then again I'm biased..

and one with the sport package looks really sweet.

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

Thanks to all for your comments and advice. I ended up getting a 2004 C230 Kompressor Sedan. I love it so far. I just couldn't pass up the deal ($28,800). Plus, all the service is included during the manufacture warrantee period. Woohoo!!! -Norm

Congratulations on your new C230K!

Curious about the included service... did you have to negotiate for it, or is it standard for US delivered Mercedes? Up in Canada, it appears the service is not included.

Thanks :-). It was included and the salesperson told me about it. It seems that Mercedes is losing too much money on this and I was told that it will not be offereing it on their '05 models. They had to flatbed my '04 from another dealer in another state. -Norm