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Mercedes-Benz C180 Problems

Are you having problems with your Mercedes-Benz C180? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Mercedes-Benz C180 issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Mercedes-Benz C180 in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Mercedes-Benz C180 2002: Setting dashboard language to English

We’ve asked Mercedes-Benz for help with your problem, but in the meantime you could take the car to a Mercedes-Benz specialist mechanic and have then show you, or do it for you.

My car is too expensive

Buying a smaller, new car would give you the certainty of a long warranty and the benefit of capped price servicing. You could consider a Kia Rio, for instance, which would have a 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

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Tesla has issued a voluntary recall for its electric Model S sedan and Model X SUV after discovering a potential manufacturing issue that could stop the electric park brake from functioning properly.
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Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class review: 2007-2013

The C-Class was the entry to the prestige segment and still resonates as a solid choice.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was conceived to compete with the BMW 3 Series at the entry level of the prestige segment.

When the W204 series C-Class arrived in 2007 it had the common Benz trait of coming in a bewildering range of variants on a central theme, in this case a compact rear-wheel drive sedan and wagon.

In an attempt to breathe some excitement into the brand, Mercedes revamped its styling and the W204 arrived with clean, fresh and attractive lines. Compared to its predecessor, it was longer and wider, rolled on a wider track and had a stiffer body.

Its increased overall dimensions meant it was a little roomier inside, although that was mostly in the front. Rear occupants still found themselves cramped.

There was reasonable storage inside and the decent-sized boot accommodated a full-sized spare wheel.

Engine choices were many, from a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder to a 3.0-litre V6 on the petrol side and a 2.1-litre four to a 3.0-litre V6 in the diesel line-up. Outputs varied among engines of the same capacity.

The transmissions were automatic, a five-speed on some early models and subsequently a seven-speeder across the board.

Mercedes has never been renowned for driver involvement, unlike rival BMW. That’s not to say that the C-Class was below par on the road, it’s just that it progressed without the furious feedback expected of a BMW.

The C-Class displayed impressive levels of grip with little body roll as it was being pushed hard through corners. It was a joy to drive.

There are now other models in the lower reaches of the Mercedes range but the C-Class is still an affordable model promising the panache of bigger Benzes.

The temptation to buy the prestige of the three-pointed star can be very strong, especially when a preloved example can be acquired for the price of a common-or-garden model. However, it’s important not to be blinded by the allure and to shop carefully.

If you believe the feedback from C-Class owners there is little to be concerned about with the “babyish” Benz. The reports we’ve had contain no cause for undue concern.

One complaint that often cropped up was the cost of dealer servicing, which is something to take into account when thinking about buying a used Benz.

It’s not something that’s exclusive to Mercedes and generally applies to all European brands. One remedy is to find an independent Benz specialist mechanic to look after your car. There are lots around, most of them are Mercedes trained and ex-dealer staff mechanics.

Parts are also expensive but a smart mechanic will know how to import cheaper replacements, most of which will be factory parts.

Servicing is recommended every 25,000km or every year, and having this carried out is vital. Assure yourself that the car you are considering buying has been regularly serviced by a mechanic who knows the brand.

Check for oil leaks around the engine and transmission. Check particularly for erratic or rough shifting in the automatic, as there is the odd report about it from the trade and it can be very expensive to replace.

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Replacing a C180 with an X3?

The X3 would be fine but you should also - perhaps surprisingly - consider a Volvo XC60 which I rate as slightly better than the BMW as a secondhand choice.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class review: 2007-2011

For a long time Mercedes struggled to get on terms with the BMW 3-Series, which was slaying them in the compact prestige market, but the C Class launched in 2007 was good enough to finally get the three-pointed star into the game.

The W204 was all new, it had new looks, the cabin was new, the suspension was refined and much improved. It was good enough to compete with the all-conquering small Beemer. The new looks were fresh, lively, and more dynamic, they were a great step forward from the fairly stodgy looks of the earlier model.

At first it was only available as a sedan, but a year after the initial launch Mercedes released a practical wagon

There was also a fresh new look inside, as well as new seats with more support, and a new dash and dials.

At first it was only available as a sedan, but a year after the initial launch Mercedes released a practical wagon, both were available in Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trim.

The C200 Kompressor was the entry point in the model range, and the car most wannabe 'Benz owners chose.

It came with a supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, which thanks to its forced induction had good bottom-end performance and pushed the baby 'Benz along quite nicely.

It was linked to a five-speed automatic, which was in tune with the engine and smooth in operation. In combination they gave the C200K quite a sporty feel.

The C220 CDI was the C Class entry point if you wanted a diesel engine. It came with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which had good punch through the low and mid-range and delivered decent fuel economy.

On the road, the C Class was responsive and responded well to steering inputs, it had much better road feel than previous Mercedes-Benz models and encouraged the driver to enjoy the drive.

The appeal of buying a used prestige car like the C Class 'Benz is that you can get all of the benefits of a car that might normally be out of your reach financially, but at a much reduced price.

Buy a four-year-old car and you can avoid the worst of the depreciation blues, while still enjoying a car that hopefully has plenty of life left in it.

For starters, the W204 C Class still looks good on the road, so you're not signing up for a car that has dated looks. With odometer readings on average between 80,000 and 200,000 km there should still be life in the little 'Benz yet.

It's better to go for a later example, one with a lower odometer reading to minimize the chances of trouble down the road. Should you choose an earlier car with a higher odo reading, have it checked by a mechanic with Mercedes experience, so you know what you're getting yourself in to.

Either way make sure the car you choose has been well cared for with regular inspections and oil changes as per the factory recommendations.

One of the main things Mercedes owners complain about is the cost of servicing their cars at factory dealerships, and many seek out independent service mechanics to do the work for them. While that's not an issue, it is important to make sure the mechanic who has been doing the work knows his way around the brand.

A mechanic who knows the brand well will often be able to make repairs more efficiently than some dealerships

It's even more important as the kays climb when problems can crop up. A mechanic who knows the brand well will often be able to make repairs more efficiently than some dealerships, and won't charge an arm and a leg to do it.

Before handing over your money thoroughly test drive the car you've chosen to make sure the engine runs smoothly and without any hesitations, vibrations or odd noises, check that the transmission engages and shifts smoothly and without hesitation.

If you're buying an older example with higher kays consider having the auto transmission serviced. It won't cost the earth and it's better than risking an expensive rebuild later on.

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Options for retirement car?

If you're retiring and you have the cash, you should reward yourself. I would recommend the excellent Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but not a diesel unless you do more than 30,000km a year.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class review: 2001-2013

Mercedes-Benz has just launched an all-new C-Class model, so there's a good chance many owners of older models will be trading up. Meaning there could be a glut of used C-Class in Australia, giving you the chance to select between the many on offer, as well as the opportunity to select from the best of them. 

Mercedes C-Class costs significantly more than many cars in its class, and offers owners considerably more in the image stakes. Yet the C-Class is becoming increasingly more affordable on the prestige scene. To the extent that it's often close to the front of the hotly contested midsize-vehicle sales race. 

Though it has been built down to a price when compared with upper crust Mercedes models, the price trimming of the C-Class has been done intelligently and it certainly doesn't look like a ‘stripper' as the interior has decent quality materials in stylish designs.

Mercedes C-Class is sold as a three-door coupe, a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon. Coupes from 2008 to 2011 were called the CLC-Class in an attempt to give them a sportier image. That didn't seem to work and with the new model of 2011 the C-Class coupe name was taken back to simply C-Class again.

This is a rear-wheel-drive car so those travelling in the back seats of sedans and wagons may find themselves a little cramped unless those in the front seats are willing to give up some space. This situation has improved over the years as the C-Class cars have become slightly larger, but it's still smart to take the family along during your pre-purchase road test to make sure it suits them. Naturally the back seats in the coupe are smaller, but that's par for the course - and we have seen worse.

Boot space is good and the big bootlid in the sedans makes it easy to load. The wagon has a sloping tailgate that steals some cubic capacity, but we it still works for most owners.

Few cars come with such a staggering range of engines as the Mercedes C-Class. Four, six and eight-cylinder engines are offered. The latest petrol engines have direct petrol injection and are significantly better than the older units in terms of performance consumption and emissions. Look for the letters CGI in the car's title, indicting the new-generation engines. 

‘Kompressor' in the car's title means it has a supercharged engine to provide extra torque. Later units use a turbocharger rather than a supercharger. Indeed, in recent times turbo engines have become by far the most common.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class with turbo-diesel engines have been sold for many years, long before they became common in other European marques. They have either four or six cylinders. The newer diesels (look for CDI on the badge) are a big advance on the older diesels in smoothness and refinement and once the car is cruising at a steady speed we defy you to pick them from petrol powerplants.

The hot AMG models have tremendous engine performance and even better handling dynamics, but this comes at a cost in high fuel consumption and some may find the ride is rather firm.

The great majority of C-Class Mercedes-Benzes will have an automatic transmission. Some older four-cylinder cars have a five-speed manual gearbox, which may cause real hassles at resale time.

Spare parts, servicing and repairs are all expensive for a car of this size, but certainly not for a machine with the high prestige rating the Benz affords you. Insurance costs are generally reasonable for a car in this class.

A used Mercedes-Benz that's been serviced throughout its life by an authorised dealer will invariable cost more on the used scene - many consider them a worthwhile investment. Be sure the service books are genuine and haven't been rubber stamped by private mechanics.

Mercedes-Benz Australia offers a good used-car scheme on cars up to five years of age. The length of the warranty varies according to the workshop's assessment of the car.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Do a visual check of the car inside and out for signs of damage or worse-than-average wear. Pay particular attention to the bumper-bar corners for signs of paint scrapes. Also have a good look at the condition of the seats.

Be sure the steering is positive with no unnecessary free play in the straight-ahead position.

There were some problems with the early version of the Brake Assist System (BAS). These should have been rectified by a dealer after a recall. Contact the dealer or Mercedes' head office to make sure.

A noisy engine, or one that's slow to start, may need expensive repairs or even a complete rebuild.

Call an expert to carry out a full inspection no matter how good the Mercedes appears to be after you check it out. Either use a mechanic trained on Mercedes or a senior inspector from your motoring association.

CAR BUYING TIP

Beware the seller of an upmarket car who was desperate to gain prestige, but sank all their dollars into the purchase, leaving them nothing for the service and maintenance.

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Used Mercedes-Benz C200 review: 2001

Robert Gray is considering buying a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C200. It is a one owner car that's done 77,000 km, it has the service manuals, and the asking price is $13,000. He wants to know how they compare for economy and parts cost of other cars?

NEW

The move by Mercedes-Benz into the medium market was designed to spread its market penetration beyond the high-end luxury cars it was renowned for building. The company saw attracting new buyers to the brand who previously couldn't afford a three-pointed star as one of the keys to prosperity going forward.

The C-Class was aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series, which was enjoying booming sales at the time and showed that there was a market for those who wanted the badge cred that came with a European brand like BMW or 'Benz.

The rear-wheel drive W203 C200 sedan was launched late in 2000 as part of a range that also included wagons and coupes.

It was available in three levels of trim and equipment, starting with the Classic and progressing upwards though the Avantgarde to the Elegance with all the fruit.

Initially it came with a 2.0-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine producing 120 kW and 230 Nm.

Mercedes's idea to use supercharging was to produce a smaller more efficient engine that was economical while at the same time having the punch of a much bigger engine when the supercharger kicked in. Being a supercharger there was none of the throttle lag that made most turbocharged engines unpleasant to drive in a day-to-day environment.

A 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine replaced the 2.0-litre engine in 2002, and it put out the same power, but slightly more torque.

The transmission choices at the launch of the C200 were a five-speed auto and a six-speed manual, with most buyers going for the automatic.

In 2002 a new sports-shift automatic replaced the original automatic, while the six-speed manual was unchanged.

Being rear-wheel drive the C-Class can be a little cramped in the rear seats, so take the whole family along when assessing its suitability for your use.

Beyond the cabin there was a good-sized boot with a big bootlid that made loading and unloading things a breeze.

The C200 of 2001 wasn't tested by ANCAP, but it came with plenty of the safety gear you want and need. Included in a comprehensive array of equipment were dual front airbags, side airbags, ABS braking with BAS emergency brake assistance, seat belt pre-tensioners and traction control.

On the road the handling was rock-solid, the ride was firm, the only criticism was that there could be a flat-spot in the engine's response at low speed.

NOW

While built to the expected Mercedes-Benz standards of quality the 2001 C200 is now an old car, and while its quality is fundamental to its longevity the reality is that it has reached an age when problems can crop up on a more regular basis as components naturally wear out.

A typical 2001 C200 could be expected to have done between 200,000 and 300,000 km, and engines, transmissions, drivelines, suspensions, indeed the whole car could be expected to show signs of wear.

In the case of the car Robert Gray is considering buying the odometer is showing just 77,000 km, which is very low, and it shouldn't be showing the same wear.

The key to a long life for any car is regular maintenance, so it's vital that anyone buying an old car, such as Robert is considering, should check for a complete and credible service record. It doesn't have to be a dealer who has done the work, but it should at least be a mechanic who has an intimate knowledge of the brand.

Having bought such a car it is important to continue to have it properly serviced, again by a dealer or a specialist mechanic in the brand.

If you want to save money on servicing, yet still have your car properly serviced, find an expert in the brand. They will not only service your car well, but at a more reasonable cost than a factory dealer, and they will usually be able to source more affordable parts.

Parts for a C200 can be expensive if bought over the counter at a dealer, but with things like the internet parts can be sourced from other countries at a much reduced price.

Having done just 77,000 km the C200 Robert Gray wants to buy should drive like new, without squeaks or rattles, the engine should still perform like it did when it left the showroom 13 years ago, and the transmission should shift sharply and precisely.

Other cars, with more typical mileages under their belts, need to be test-driven more thoroughly, and preferably by a mechanic experienced in the brand.

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Run flat tyres on new Mercedes-Benz

Fitting run-flats is a commercial decision by the company, no doubt it saves money. Not having a spare is not a massive issue for most Australians who rarely stray too far from civilization, but obviously can be for someone who does venture into remote parts. Those people would probably be wise to carry a spare.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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