Mercedes-Benz Problems

Mercedes-Benz has always enjoyed a good reputation for prestige, quality, refinement and reliability in this country; it was one that was, and still is, well earned. The problem for most of us is that the price that came with it was way out of reach.That was not only an issue for those of us who lusted after a 'Benz, but couldn't afford one, it was also an issue for the company if it was to build its sales in this part of the world. It had a good slice of the big-dollar prestige market, but that only got it so far; if it wanted to grow its sales substantially it had to appeal to buyers on a more limited budget. In short it had to take the three-pointed star to the 'burbs.The answer was the 190E and it was pitched at the young professional who couldn't wait until later in life to drive a 'Benz. That same quality, refinement, reliability and prestige is now available to the used car buyer at a very affordable price.MODEL WATCHThe biggest problem Mercedes had when introducing the 'budget 'Benz' was to avoid cheapening the brand in the eyes of its traditional buyers. It was a major issue for both the company and those buyers who were of the mind the company was abandoning the very things that made it what it was. The 190E was the first move Mercedes made into the sub-compact market that was then dominated by the BMW 3-Series. It was immediately successful being voted 'European Car of the Year'.At the time it was regarded as a radical departure from what had come to be accepted as the 'Benz norm. It had a rather edgy look, with sharp lines, and a high boot line and tapered rear section, both of which were driven largely by the need for fuel economy. The Mercedes driver felt right at home at the wheel of the 190E, the dash layout was like the rest of the range, the seat was firm and flat like those in the bigger 'Benzes, the fabrics and fittings were also familiar.There was generous accommodation inside and the boot was of a good, usable size. Underneath the suspension was conventional with MacPherson Struts at the front and a five-link independent arrangement at the rear. The steering was power-assisted recirculating ball, while the brakes were a combination of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS became standard in 1989. here were a number of engines used at various times in the life of the 190E.Between the introduction in 1984 and 1990 there was a single overhead camshaft 2.0-litre engine that produced 89 kW and 175 Nm. For a little more punch there was a 2.6-litre six-cylinder single overhead camshaft engine available between 1987 and 1991, and that produced 121 kW and 225 Nm.From 1990 to the model's exit in 1994 the base engine was a 1.8- litre single overhead camshaft unit producing 82 kW and 154 Nm. Also available between 1990 and 1992 was a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 97 kW and 198 Nm, and from 1992 to 1994 there was a 2.0-litre engine with 89 kW and 175 Nm. Up to 1990 it was only possible to have a four-auto transmission, but after that some models were also available with a five-speed manual 'box.While the 190E was aimed at budget conscious buyers it still featured air, power windows and a radio/cassette sound system. Later models, after 1990, generally also had central locking.IN THE SHOPThe 190E is generally robust and reliable, little of a significant nature goes wrong with them. The body is strong and doesn't suffer from rust to any degree; the paint quality is also of a good standard such that they still sparkle if looked after. Inside, it had a high standard of fit and finish and the hardware stands up well.Under the bonnet the early cars had a single row timing chain, later ones a double row that is better over the long term. Listen for any signs of a rattle that might suggest a worn timing chain, particularly in the earlier cars with the single row chain. It's most important to check the corrosion inhibitor that has been used; the correct inhibitor will mean trouble free running; an incorrect inhibitor will mean expensive trouble in the form of a corroded cylinder head.Check under the intake manifold for a possible oil leak from the cylinder head gasket. It's not uncommon to find a leak, but it's usually nothing to be overly concerned about. Underneath the front suspension stands up quite well, it's worth checking for wear in the bushes; more importantly it's worth checking for wear in the rear suspension bushes, which can affect the handling of the car. Check for a service record to make sure the oil has been regularly changed, as well as important items like the coolant.ON THE ROAD The 190E was no fireball on the road, it was lethargic at best, but its saving grace was that it was quite economical. The ride was smooth and comfortable; it soaked up the bumps well and isolated those in the cabin from most of the nasties underneath. It also handled with aplomb; a natural understeerer, it was a safe and sound driver. Today, it's important to check for wear in the rear suspension bushes. Wear there can result in the rear trying to steer the car in a rather unsettling way. Worn bushes can be replaced quite cheaply if needed.AT THE PUMP Around town a 190E will do 10-12 L/100 km depending on the driving style, but out on the open road it's normal to see 8-9.0 L/100 km.IN A CRASH No 190E had airbags, owners had to rely on the renowned strength and integrity of the 'Benz body. ABS braking was standard on most models, the entry-level model between 1991 and 1994 being the one to miss out on this most important safety feature. Buying an old car today it's worth inspecting the seat belts for wear and tear, and considering replacing them.OWNER SAYS Tasmanian Anthony Williams has driven Holdens, Hondas, BMWs, Nissans and Toyotas over the years, but all of them pale in comparison with his 1985 190E. It still rides and handles smoothly and when he closes the door there's still the sold 'thunk' that spells quality. So reliable has it been that fitting new brake hoses recently was the first time he'd had to spend anything over and above the normal costs associated with running and maintenance.LOOK FOR 'Benz badge prestigeVery affordable quality built carModest performanceVery economicalGenerally robust and reliable.THE BOTTOM LINEQuality build is shining through in later life with the compact 'Benz.RATING80/100

When most of us think of sports cars the image of a small, light, two-seater high on performance, but with few creature comforts, usually springs to mind. The image is a very British one, which can be explained by the predominance of British sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s when sports cars were a popular mode of transport.Anyone who cared, or dared, to look beyond the British brands, like MG, Austin-Healey or Triumph, would have found many other brands building distinctly different sports cars. Brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz were taking quite a different path with their cars, which didn’t fit the familiar British mould.Mercedes in particular was building sports cars on a much grander scale. Where British companies achieved levels of performance by using small mildly tuned engines in lightweight chassis, the Germans typically used bigger, more powerful engines in bigger cars.It was the same when the new wave of sports cars arrived in the late 1990s. The British sports cars were mostly confined to history by then, although MG enjoyed a resurgence and followed the old power-to-weight tradition by building a small light car with a tuned engine.Mazda mostly followed British tradition with the MX5, a small light car with a nimble chassis and a modestly tuned engine, while Mercedes followed its traditional path with the SLK, which was more sophisticated with lots of creature comforts to make the sports car experience a more enjoyable one for those not necessarily hooked on old time sports cars.MODEL WATCHThere was plenty of choice when Mercedes launched the SLK in 1997. Mazda had made sports cars popular once again and by 1997 there was a plethora of models on offer from a number of companies.No matter what your budget you could find a slinky drop top to suit your wants and desires.At $98,500 the SLK slotted into the middle segment of the market. It wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t the most expensive sports car on the market either.Typically Mercedes the SLK came packed with the latest technology. It had a clever steel roof that folded out of sight into the boot when you wanted to soak up the sun, but provided all of the security and comfort of a coupe when raised.It was the best of both worlds and the forerunner of many more models that would follow in the years after the SLK’s arrival.The only downside to the roof was that it slashed the available boot space once it was lowered. It was best to travel lightly if you were touring in an SLK.Chunky was the best word to describe the SLK with its wedge shape and large flanks, but it was attractive whichever way you looked at it.It was a little cramped inside, but it was stylish. The seats were typically ’Benz, flat and broad, which meant most people would fit in them, but they didn’t provide the best of support in the sports car tradition.The trim was a dashing blend of bright colours, leather of course, and there was a touch of nostalgia with the classical instruments and retro alloy touches on the centre console.At first there was just the one engine option available. It was a supercharged 2.3-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder unit that pumped out 142 kW at 5300 revs and 280 Nm at 2500 revs.When stirred into action the SLK230 was capable of accelerating from rest to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.As with the engine there was only one choice when it came to transmissions, and it was a five-speed auto. True, it could be shifted manually when you wanted to up the fun stakes, but it wasn’t in the class of the Porsche Tiptronic, and a long way short of a real manual ’box.Underneath lay independent suspension front and rear, four wheel discs with ABS, traction control and power steering.Inside there was standard air-conditioning, power windows, the roof was powered, remote central locking, immobiliser, and dual airbags.On the road the SLK behaved well. It handled nicely, rode comfortably, braked with assurance, but was geared more to highway driving than spirited driving down a winding country lane.A few months after the initial launch Mercedes offered a slightly cheaper SLK200 model with a 100 kW unblown 2.0-litre engine in place of the supercharged 2.3-litre unit.IN THE SHOPMercedes-Benz cars generally stand the test of time well, and with around 100,000 km on average on the odometer the SLK models are still in their prime when it comes to service.When checking one with the thought of purchase check for a service record because it’s better to buy one that has been cared for by a ’Benz dealer or at least an acknowledged specialist than one that hasn’t been serviced properly.Have it checked by a specialist who knows the make and model.Unlike some other sports cars the SLK is unlikely to be used in motor sport so they’re not normally abused.OWNERS SAYJanice Hyndman has travelled 54,000 km in her SLK230 and loves driving it, particularly on a sunny day when she can lower the roof. She loves the uncluttered, classical style, says it has sufficient power, and the boot is roomy enough for her needs. While she says it’s comfortable for her, her husband finds it a little cramped, particularly in the foot wells. Apart from a window winder motor that required replacing Janice says her SLK has been very reliable.LOOK FOR• Classical styling• great folding steel roof• comfortable ride• secure handling• good performanceTHE BOTTOM LINEGood looking drop top that makes a perfect cruiser on a sunny day.RATING90/100

Driving an old classic car can be appealing, but it's important to buy a quality oldtimer, like the Mercedes-Benz W123, to avoid the dream turning into a nightmare.There's something special about driving an old car. Sure they don't have the safety of a new car, they don't perform as well, and aren't as environmentally friendly, but they have something few new cars have, character.But it's important to make a high quality purchase. A car that was well engineered and well built in its time will usually stand the test of time well.  So, if you start with a quality car, and then buy one that has been lovingly maintained and is in good condition you have a better than equal chance of enjoying your classic motoring experience.Buy a worn-out, rusty old banger that wasn't a great car when new and you're asking for trouble.  The Mercedes-Benz W123 ticks just about every box for an everyday classic driver.  It was a great car when new and there are many examples still being driven every day.MODEL WATCHThe W123 was launched here late in 1976 and went on to become the best selling Mercedes-Benz of the 1970s and early-1980s.  It was a mid-sized model capable of accommodating an average family in comfort with enough room left over to swallow whatever luggage they wished to take with them.It was a model to suit all needs, the Mercedes for the people if you will, with three body styles, sedan, wagon and pretty coupe.  Typical of Mercedes there was a plethora of engine options to choose from, which expanded its appeal even further.The choices began with a modest 2.3-litre carburettor-fed single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine that boasted 80 kW and 186 Nm. In quite a heavy car the performance it delivered was best described as sluggish.Before diesels were even thought of by the everyday motorist Mercedes offered one in the W123. The 2.4-litre single overhead camshaft four-cylinder was an old-time diesel, no turbocharging here, and put out just 48 kW and 137 Nm. Only those interested in economy bought these.Or the most part W123 buyers chose one of the six-cylinder models, which offered more zip than the fours possibly could.  They were powered either by a carb-fed 2.5-litre single-overhead camshaft in-line engine or a larger 2.8-litre fuel-injected double overhead cam unit.  The 2.5-litre six put out 95 kW and 196 Nm, the 2.8-litre engine boasted 125 kW and 233 Nm.From 1980 there was also the option of a 3.0-litre five-cylinder diesel that gave a more respectable 65 kW and 172 Nm.  The vast majority of W123s were sold with four-speed automatic transmissions, but some made it to market with four-speed manuals. Final drive was through the rear wheels.Mercedes generally equipped its cars well, although nothing to the level of today's models.  Even the base model, the 230, came standard with air. It also had power mirrors, fog lamps, central locking and a radio-cassette sound system.  Other models had power windows and some also boasted cruise control.IN THE SHOPBuying a top quality model usually means it will stand up well over time, but even the best cars need regular care and attention and theW123 is no different.  It's wise to check for evidence of regular oil changes over the years, old oil is a car killer.  Also check for crash repairs and paint defects; a car as old as the W123 is likely to have been in a fender bender at some time.The engine should run smoothly and there shouldn't be any smoke from the exhaust, the transmission should engage gears smoothly without reluctance, and the brakes should pull the car up in a straight line.  Check the tyres for uneven wear that might indicate a suspension problem, and the power steering shouldn't be heavy.The sun can have an affect on the interior trim components, particularly the dash pad and rear parcel shelf where it's possible to find cracks and faded colours.  Find a car in good condition and the W123 can be a pleasure to drive.IN A CRASHThe W123 was made before airbags were routinely fitted, but Mercedes was a pioneer of safety in motorcars and were designing crumple zones before anyone else.  The 'Benz bodies are strong, but are designed to absorb much of the energy in a crash.AT THE PUMPNo lightweight, fuel economy isn't one of the W123's strong points. The fours and the diesels will deliver the best economy if you can stand the sluggish performance; the sixes are the best buy and will get 10 L/100 km on a run.LOOK FOR* Traditional 'Benz look* Stylish coupe a classic charmer* Smooth six-cylinder performance* Family-sized interior* Well built* Solid and sound* Affordable everyday classicTHE BOTTOM LINENeat old car that's fun to drive and still capable of handling modern day traffic.CLASSIC RATING75/100

The SL is the hero model in the ’Benz range. It was when it was introduced in the 1950s and it still holds a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz aficionados today.In the Mercedes-Benz lexicon SL literally means “lightweight sports”. It was an apt description of the 300 SL that began the line, but by the time the 500 SL was launched in 1990 it was anything but light.A more apt description of the 500 SL perhaps might have been “luxury sports”, but it was still an awesome two-seater sports car and ranked among the best in the world at the time of its launch.MODEL WATCH At the time of its launch the 500 SL was the first open top roadster released by Mercedes-Benz for 18 years and was an instant hit in Europe. The success was repeated here when it made these shores, and the first four years of supply was quickly spoken for as SL fans lined up for a slice of history.Australia only got the big-bore quad-cam V8 model, and it came loaded with everything from traction control to an electrically adjustable interior rear view mirror. It shared the top spot on the ’Benz totem pole with the S-Class sedan, but the S-Class could never approach the SL’s blend of style, performance and status.The 500 SL was impressive from every angle, and like all great sports car it looked capable of going fast even when it was parked outside the café as its owner sipped a latte inside.It was to be Mercedes’ sports car for the 1990s and as such couldn’t date quickly. Look at its sleek, lithe lines today and it’s clear that the 500 SL’s designers met their brief perfectly. Almost 20 years after its launch, it still turns heads like few cars can.The 500 SL was a complex car. As the Mercedes-Benz flag-bearer it pushed the boundaries of contemporary automotive engineering and packed the very latest technology available at the time.It came equipped with a clever power folding roof, an automatic rollover bar that sprung into place when it seemed you were about to turn turtle, there was traction control to keep the wheels from spinning, and the seats boasted automatically adjusting seat belts.The 500 SL was a surprisingly big car, a message that came through loud and clear when it was driven over a weighbridge. It was longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, and weighed in at a whopping 1770 kg.The suspension was fully independent with struts at the front and a five-link system at the rear; the brakes were disc front and rear with ABS keeping a watchful eye on them to prevent lockup, and the steering was power-assisted.Under the elegant bonnet lay a fuel-injected double overhead camshaft 5.0-litre V8 that put out 240 kW at 5500 revs along with 450 Nm at 4000 revs. The V8 was linked to a four-speed automatic transmission; Mercedes didn’t offer the buyers of its premier sports car the choice of a manual gearbox.Despite its considerable mass the 500 SL still packed plenty of performance. When the taps were opened to their maximum the 500 SL required a little over six seconds to reach 100 km/h, but it really came into its own on the open road where it would run all day at its electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.It also had impressive road manners. It was sure-footed with big low profile tyres on 16-inch alloys, rode comfortably and was finely balanced with a damping system that lowered it by 30 mm when it was travelling at more than 120 km/h.IN THE SHOP The 500 SL was a technically advanced car for its time and for that reason needs the care of a trained specialist with a thorough knowledge of the technology and experience in keeping it in good fettle. Generally the 500 SL was well built and this reflects in its on-going reliability, but they are now getting on in years, if not in kays, so the chances of something going wrong are getting higher.Before laying out any of your hard-earned cash have an inspection conducted by an expert who can give you a comprehensive report on a car’s condition. Be wary of imports, and there are quite a few from Europe and Asia that could well have been subjected to some pretty tough climatic conditions before they landed here. Local cars are more likely to have done fewer kilometres and housed in secure garages out of the weather, so they make a much more compelling case than cars with little known history from parts unknown.IN A CRASH Few cars in 1990 had an airbag, but the 500 SL was one that did. There was an airbag for the driver, and the ‘pop-up’ rollover bar provided protection in the event the car rolled over. It also boasted ABS, traction control, and the self-lowering suspension for an impressive dynamic safety package.AT THE PUMP A heavy car powered by a large capacity, highly tuned V8 engine is not a recipe for great fuel economy, but 500 SL owners are not likely to drive their cars on a daily basis so the cost of the occasional sunny Sunday drive usually isn’t high for them. If it were of concern it would get 15-18 L/100 km in average use.LOOK FOR • Classic roadster styling• Head turning prestige• Awesome performance• Be wary of imports• Packed full of featuresTHE BOTTOM LINE Perfect for the Sunday drive if you prefer your sports motoring with loads of luxury and style.RATING 75/100

There are two reasons to buy a used car. One is to buy cheap by avoiding the first couple of years when depreciation is at its highest, the other is to buy a better car than you could otherwise afford new.The Mercedes-Benz AMG C36 falls in the latter category. With a new price of $154,900 when launched in 1995 only the very well heeled could afford it, but 10 years later many more of us can afford to drive one of the great sports sedans of the last decade.The C36 was the result of the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and its performance partner AMG, which had built a strong reputation for its tuned versions of regular Mercedes-Benz sedans. AMG began tuning Mercedes-Benz cars back in the 1960s, but today is part of Daimler and its work is now done in-house.MODEL WATCH The C36 started life like any other humble C-Class; it only grew horns after being transported across town to the AMG factory where it underwent surgery of the most radical kind in the process of being transformed into a super sports sedan.When it emerged from the ’Benz bunker it was a C280 with a 2.8-litre straight six-cylinder engine, but by the time it left the AMG factory the engine was stretched to 3.6 litres courtesy of a larger bore and longer stroke and was a ’bahn-storming C36.Inside, the compression ratio had been raised to 10.5: 1, a new inlet camshaft worked with a high flow inlet manifold to ease the charge into the engine, and enlarged exhaust ports and a free flow exhaust system fast tracked the spent gases away.With revised electronics to make the best use of the changes the enlarged engine put out 206 kW at 5750 revs and 385 Nm at 4000 revs. That put it into the company of other hot sports sedans like the BMW M3 and 540i, and the homegrown HSV GTS.Tests at the time had it sprinting from rest to 100 km/h in 6.5 secs while accounting for the standing 400-metre dash in 14.5s. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h.Naturally the C36 wasn’t just about its engine, it also had a beefed-up four-speed auto taken from the S-Class and a sportier torque convertor. An updated model in late 1996 saw the four-speed auto replaced by a five-speed.Underneath, its suspension was lowered and retuned with new springs and shocks, while the steering was sharpened even though it was still lacking in feel much as most Mercedes do. Along with the extra speed the C36 also featured massively increased braking power with brakes taken from the S-Class with an overlay of anti-skid and traction control electronics for added safety.Large 17-inch alloy wheels and low profile tyres completed the sporty package, and were the main clues to the C36’s performance potential. There were other things that made you take a second look, but the C36 was a subtle package, the sort that caught others unaware when the lights turned green.A combination of a new front spoiler, side skirts and rear airdam along with some subtle AMG badges helped give it a meaner look than its regular cousins. As would be expected of a car costing almost $155,000 the C36 was packed with luxury features, including leather trim, air-conditioning, sports seats, cruise, power windows, tinted glass, dual front airbags, 10-stacker CD player, remote central locking and sunroof.IN THE SHOP There is always a risk in buying an expensive used car like the C36, which will have more than 100,000 km on average and as much as 150,000 km or more if they’ve been regularly driven. That’s the key as these sorts of cars are often garaged for much of their life while their owners use other more modest cars for their regular transport. For that reason they often have much lower odometer readings than most cars of a similar age.It’s also important not to rush in and buy the first you see. Although they are relatively rare and don’t come up for sale on a regular basis it’s best to shop around and make a careful decision. Look for a low mileage car, one with a verifiable service record and with all the indicators of low use. Things like lack of wear on the driver’s side carpet, the side bolster of the driver’s seat, the steering wheel.Get an independent check, preferably by a Mercedes expert, and inspect it closely for panel damage. Expect to pay more for replacement parts and don’t try to get away with cheaper parts if you want to maintain the C36’s performance.IN A CRASH An agile chassis with sports settings, big brakes, antilock and traction control electronics deliver a high level of primary safety, while dual front airbags protect the front passengers in a frontal collision. Used car crash investigators rate the C-Class ’Benz better than average in protecting its occupants in a crash and average in its impact on others.LOOK FOR • subtle styling masks performance potential• great high performance luxury cruiser• agile and responsive chassis• powerful brakes match performance• loads of standard featuresVERDICT A rare and exhilarating sports sedan worth considering instead of a new Commodore SS or Falcon XR8.RATING 85/100