C class 06-08 model

[I.am.Sam]

Hello All

So im not in the market for any cars but i have been looking around for fun.

I have seen a nice 07 C 240 with the sport pack for like R90k but mileage was around 180k

i have seen a few decent ones for that price

now i was wondering how would they compare to say a jetta 5 (prices are similar for same year models)

and also whats the maintenance like on them. Services, shocks, brakes and normal maintenance

I know tyres would be around R1k each depending on size

 

[Kal86]

Just my opinion but I would say the C Class is superior to the Jetta 5 (And yes I am a Merc driver) I have previously driven a Jetta 5 for a few months and I would rather have the Merc, build quality, performance and overall driving pleasure was better for me.

As long as it has been serviced as per spec previously they are not bad cars at all. There are some great independent Merc mechanics out there that are very well priced. I use Mechspec Auto in Midrand for my C-Class and SLK.

Parts wise as Sinbad always says, Merc is not too bad from the dealers, but again it depends on what parts. I only fit original Merc parts (Mechspec does this too) and when I compare generic parts there is not much of a difference. The only major price difference I have come across for my SLK was the drag link. Merc wanted over R7k and I got eventaully got a Lemfoerder one for R2300.

This being said, you will of course find lemons out there as you would with any manufacturer.

 

[Colin62]

I have seen a nice 07 C 240 with the sport pack for like R90k but mileage was around 180k

That doesn't sound right. The 240 wasn't made in 2007 was it?

 

[I.am.Sam]

That doesn't sound right. The 240 wasn't made in 2007 was it?

not sure if they got the model wrong

 

[MrGray]

Be very careful. Merc had a major issue with certain models wiring looms during that period which they will not honour on warranty. From what I understand there is some component of the transmission that will inevitably leak oil into the wiring loom that runs through the transmission tunnel - R40k to repair and Merc not very sympathetic.

 

[MrGray]

Contact Noseweek - they've recently run a series of articles on a growing scandal with certain Merc engines. It appears that Mercedes was allegedly aware of the flaws and failed to follow recall procedures on these engines, preferring to wait until the warranty period expired. The affected models below:

View attachment 112552

It's behind a paywall, but here is the Noseweek link FWIW:

http://www.noseweek.co.za/article.php?current_article=3113

and here:

http://www.noseweek.co.za/article.php?current_article=3164





Anyone selling Mercs (even if not a Merc dealership) would have been well aware of the problem. If they did not disclose this to you then you have a strong case.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/611196

In a class lawsuit filed through their attorney Roy A Katriel, in the District Court in California, Seifi, owner of a 2006 Mercedes ML350 SUV with an M272 engine, said his “Check Engine Light” message flickered on at around 70,000 miles (112,654km). On diagnosis, his local Mercedes-Benz dealership informed him that the vehicle had a defective balance shaft gear that required replacement at a cost of $6,000 (R66,517 at the current exchange rate). He was told that the vehicle was not covered by the warranty.
The various models fitted with the flawed engines M272 and M273 and the sintered steel timing chain gear are all Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs equipped with either the V6, M272 engine (with serial numbers that don’t exceed 2729_ _30 468993) or with V8, M273 engines (with serial numbers that don’t exceed 2739_ _30 088611).

If you happen to have one of the above, Noseweek reckons Mercedes-Benz South Africa has a case to answer. Just remember where you heard it first!

 

[Colin62]

not sure if they got the model wrong

Pretty sure they did. The 240 was phased out before the facelift, which was in mid 2004. And if they got that wrong, I'd be wary of trusting anything else. I really like the W203 Mercs though, especially the post face lift ones. My preference is for the C220cdi though - it's a really sweet engine, performs well, is economical and lasts forever.

 

[I.am.Sam]

Just my opinion but I would say the C Class is superior to the Jetta 5 (And yes I am a Merc driver) I have previously driven a Jetta 5 for a few months and I would rather have the Merc, build quality, performance and overall driving pleasure was better for me.

As long as it has been serviced as per spec previously they are not bad cars at all. There are some great independent Merc mechanics out there that are very well priced. I use Mechspec Auto in Midrand for my C-Class and SLK.

Parts wise as Sinbad always says, Merc is not too bad from the dealers, but again it depends on what parts. I only fit original Merc parts (Mechspec does this too) and when I compare generic parts there is not much of a difference. The only major price difference I have come across for my SLK was the drag link. Merc wanted over R7k and I got eventaully got a Lemfoerder one for R2300.

This being said, you will of course find lemons out there as you would with any manufacturer.

what does services cost ?

Be very careful. Merc had a major issue with certain models wiring looms during that period which they will not honour on warranty. From what I understand there is some component of the transmission that will inevitably leak oil into the wiring loom that runs through the transmission tunnel - R40k to repair and Merc not very sympathetic.

holy krap

thats like half the price of the cars

 

[I.am.Sam]

Pretty sure they did. The 240 was phased out before the facelift, which was in mid 2004. And if they got that wrong, I'd be wary of trusting anything else. I really like the W203 Mercs though, especially the post face lift ones. My preference is for the C220cdi though - it's a really sweet engine, performs well, is economical and lasts forever.

i have been thinkin of buying a diesel one day but im so scared off the turbo

 

[JackWhite]

The timing chain issues were dealt with via recalls overseas but in SA they wait for your plan to expire and then rape you.

 

[Kal86]

WRT servicing costs, the normal run of the mill service is about R2 200. The more expensive services I have had were between R4k to R5k.