Hi, I am new to this forum and after researching the internet and mercedesforum I have to admit I feel a little ill[:'(]. We purchased a 2000 c230 with 63,000 miles. We got it for a great price and it is in immaculate condition. Appears to be well maintained and had routine maintenance done as recommended.

From my research, after the sale, it appears this car can have many expensive problems. I want to get 200,000 - 300,000 miles out of this car and not have any costly repairs at least until it is paid for. Am I dreaming?

I have read soooo much info about the c class being a lemon, please say it isn't so?

thx for any input you can offer.

Belinda

 

Im pretty sure you wont have any major problems or any problems at all...I have a 97 c-230 that has 150,000 miles and its running strong....so it should def last as long as u want it to last...

 

I think you are dreaming. In my opinion - if you are seeking a car to put 200k-300k miles on you made a VERY POOR selection.

To achieve this kind of mileage with few "expensive" problems you should have selected an extremely simple low featured vehicle - not a vehicle that is extrremely far on the complex side such as a C Class Mercedes Benz.

To achieve that mileage you would want a simple car with few if any computers. You do not want electric everything such as 10 motors in the seats alone, 15 airbags, self sensing this and that. That is all stuff that is likely to fail at some point in the 10 or so years it will take you to hit 300k miles.

For example my other car is a 1997 Mazda Miata. This is about as simple as it gets. It currently has 127,000 and is doing well. It has no Dynamic Stability Control, no computers, manual seats, no ABS, only 2 airbags, no variable valve timing, yadda, yadda, yadda. It has spark plugs that cost $2 ea, plug wires are $45, oil changes every 5000 miles cost me $40 (with synthetic) not $200 at 15k miles like the C230.

Also look at tires. You may go through 10 sets in 300k miles. At $125+ a corner that will get old. The Kumho 195x50x15's on my Miata cost me less than $60 each.

For a 300k mile long time ownership workhorse I would recommend something like a Honda Civic, basic Subaru Impreza, basic Mazda 3, etc. Something along those lines.

For a fun to drive entry level luxury car - Mercedes Benz C230 Sport.

Just my crappy opinion...

-Eric

 

Good Day Belinda,
You got a great car and deal on your purchase with only 63,000 mile on it. I have a 2000 C230 Kompressor with 118,000 on it, runs like a champ and I love it. My suggestion to you is only read the post’s by actual Benz owners. The key with any automobile is; keep the car maintained and stay away from Benz stealer-ships. Find a repair shop that services Benz or a certified mechanic to do your maintenance. They are all around. Check the internet. Change the oil on your Benz every 4,000 miles and only use Mobil 1 synthetic 0-W40. This is the oil that is recommended by MB. Check the back of the bottle. Down the round of your 300,000 mile journey, check the battery, plugs, breaks etc.. The transmission fluid is in for life so there is no need to worry about that. When you need tires, get a good set. I just bought a set of Michelin Hydo’s. These tires cost a tad bit more than the cheap hard riding tires but they are great in the rain and snow. Very smooth and comfortable and they come with a 90,000 mile warranty so, you may only need 2 more sets at the most. I paid around 600.00 for them at Discount tires and that included the extended tire repair service and replacement. I had a Honda accord and a Mazda millenia s. You cannot beat the quality and workmanship of a German engineered automobile my dear. Now enjoy your new Benz !

 

I don't think that's impossible to achieve. I have a 2000 c230 k with over 220,000 miles and the car keeps going. I have had the car for about 8-10 years and the only maintenance I have done on it is breaks, tires, some suspension parts, filter replacements and oil changes. I also changed my spark plugs, front motor mounts ,and a break light stop switch, but other than that very little else has been done on the car. I haven't even replaced the O2 sensors or fuel filter. I have been driving it with unleaded 87 octane fuel and the car moves just fine even after 8-10 years. All cylinders have full compression and the car has no check engine lights. I don't doubt it hitting 300000+ !

 

Hi Belinda - if you're going to be keeping the car for that long, I'm sure that you'll be working on it yourself as well. I've attached a link to our helpful, DIY guides to the W203 platform. They will save you a lot of headaches and $$ down the line. Best of luck and please let us know if you have any questions!

Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 (2000-2007) Technical Articles – C320 E320 ML320 CLK320 SLK320 – Pelican Parts