I am looking at a 1997 C230. It currently has 99,000 mi. I'm curious if anyone can give me some direction with this year and model? I had an E series wagon that lasted until I was rear-ended. It was a solid car BUT I had to make sure I really stayed on top of the maintenance schedule. Besides getting it serviced regularly and on schedule is there anything specific I should be looking at when considering this car? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I would recommend you take the car to a MB dealership and have them do a service inspection. Tell the customer service rep that you plan to purchase the car, but you need them to do a full evaluation including a STAR diagnostic test for code errors. Sometimes sellers will erase the codes temporarily, which last about a week or two. Then the codes reappears. The codes are indication that there are problems with various parts of the car (engine,transmission, etc). Again, do not purchase the car based upon looks or what the seller tells you. It is worth the $200-$300 to have an evaluation of the car. Because if you find a problem after you purchase the car, I can assure you that the cost of the repair will not be less than $800-$1,000 to repair the car. BTW, MB used cars are not expensive at all (except when you purchase new). The big killer is the maintenance cost of the car ----not the purchase price. Good luck!

 

jmsbiz

I just purchased 1997 C230 4 cyl had 145,000 miles on it, just traded for a new nissan .. i do not have 200-300 for mb evaluation so i have to use best judgement, the car looked a if it was in an accident, minor, right rear door it was supposed to had been owned by an older lady in fact i got the title because i paid cash for the vehicle and it was owned by a lady, the dealer tried to tell me they did all this work to the car because it was in such great shape, they did nothing, the only problem I've had is the brake system, one of the brake pads actully had fell out out the caliper while my daughter was drinking it, it just made the rubbing noise she brought it back to me I fixed it and found a frozen caliper as well i'm in the process of replacing the two front calipers and I think that will do it the car is in perfect shape otherwise still have the originial floor mats and the interior is in perfect shape few scratches on the exterior but for the year the paint is very good .. I think I got a good deal ..

 

wayne1023:

So far it sounds like you got a reasonable deal. But as I stated before, I would never take a chance and purchase any MB without an evaluation (especially used). The reason is that most of the complex work must be done by an MB dealership. And the cost of repairs at a dealership is nothing more than legal robbery. The rates are $120 per hour where I live. In 10 years I have been to the dealership once. The only reason I went was because no one else could fix the problem (transmission related). The bill was $750 and all they did was flush the entire transmission system plus calibrate the transmission. I could have done the job, but I do not have the propriety computer (STAR system) they have. By the way, have you notice how many people are on this forum asking questions on how to fix their Benz? WHY IS THIS? Answer ....> Because of the repair cost at a MB dealership! I truly hope you never have to go to a dealership to get you car repair. Otherwise, I know you will be sending a reply saying ...YOU WERE RIGHT.

Good luck.

 

My engine siezed and I am currently looking for an engine for the car.

If anyone can help please let me know I live in Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

Engine for MB www.tomsforeignautoparts.com