Mercedes Benz Upgrade Issues

[dyllindd]

Good Morning Everyone,

I currently have a 2004 Mercedes C180 Kompressor with 110,000km on the clock and have been wanting to upgrade lately to a bit of a bigger Benz. Nothing wrong with my vehicle, I just like the bigger models. But it seems that pickings are slime when trying to avoid cars with systems that are known to failure and can financially ruin a person when they do go wrong. For example:

The 4 Cylinder M271 engines had the timing chain and cam gear issues.(Mine hasn't had this yet - touch wood)
The 6 cylinder M272 and 8 cylinder M273 engines had the problem with it's balancer shaft, timing, idler and camshaft adjustment solenoid valve.

One has to try to avoid cars the ABS Air suspension as the shocks cost about R15,000 a corner to replace and the sensotronic brakes (SBC) on models like the R230 SL . As far as I know the ABC system came standard on all Models with the 500 designation and is optional on the 350's.

So what suggestions do you guys have for me in terms of buying a bigger Benz? What can I go for to avoid these issues? A and B classes don't count.

Thanks for everyone's input

 

[Rickster]

What about a Class T-Model?

 

[Toxic T]

This is one of the pitfalls of owning a newer car. Lots of issues. This is one of the reasons putting me off. One the other hand I have been keen on the GFV deals that are floating around. You drive the car for 3 years, after that trade it in for a new one. Sure you wouldnt own the car but nowdays, who will like to own a car when the maintaince is going to cost an arm and a leg.

 

[Ecco]

GLE Coupe

 

[JackWhite]

Buy old. The problems would have already been realised by other owners, hence lots of information and alternative cheaper solutions would be available.

 

[froot]

Good Morning Everyone,

I currently have a 2004 Mercedes C180 Kompressor with 110,000km on the clock and have been wanting to upgrade lately to a bit of a bigger Benz. Nothing wrong with my vehicle, I just like the bigger models. But it seems that pickings are slime when trying to avoid cars with systems that are known to failure and can financially ruin a person when they do go wrong. For example:

The 4 Cylinder M271 engines had the timing chain and cam gear issues.(Mine hasn't had this yet - touch wood)
The 6 cylinder M272 and 8 cylinder M273 engines had the problem with it's balancer shaft, timing, idler and camshaft adjustment solenoid valve.

One has to try to avoid cars the ABS Air suspension as the shocks cost about R15,000 a corner to replace and the sensotronic brakes (SBC) on models like the R230 SL . As far as I know the ABC system came standard on all Models with the 500 designation and is optional on the 350's.

So what suggestions do you guys have for me in terms of buying a bigger Benz? What can I go for to avoid these issues? A and B classes don't count.

Thanks for everyone's input

It's a W203... you've got the last really really nice Merc, which I was told by Merc a while ago.
My dad's W203 has 250'000km on it and still going strong.