Hello Naija brothers! I just registered on here after reading so many priceless advises especially about cars. It's an honor to meet and get advises from experienced people like you. I greet una ooo
Please I need a candid advise on the best C class Benz model between 2004-2006 model based on reliability, maintenance, speed, parts availability and perhaps fuel consumption. It will be my first buy, daily drive within city and sometimes outside the city. Also, I saw advise on here too about avoiding a benz with the Kompressor badge cos it's expensive. How expensive in terms of cost? How often do I need to service the car? How much cost do I need to set aside for maintenance?
I will be glad to get your contributions


Regards

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
C320 CDI
Medium Car: Station wagon, 7 seat, 2987cc 165kW diesel engine, 7-gear automatic
2005 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
C320CDI ELEGANCE
Medium Car: Station wagon, 7 seat, 2987cc 165kW diesel engine, 7-gear automatic
2006 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
C320 CDI AVANTGARDE
Medium Car: Saloon, 5 seat, 2987cc 165kW diesel engine, 7-gear automatic
2006-2007 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
C320 CDI ELEGANCE
Medium Car: Saloon, 5 seat, 2987cc 165kW diesel engine, 7-gear automatic
2005-2007 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
CK
Medium Car: Saloon, 4 door, 5 seat, 1796cc 105kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2002-2007 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
COUPE
Sports car: 2 door, 4 seat, 1796cc 105kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2002-2008 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
 
Medium Car: 2 door, 4 seat, 1796cc 105kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2004 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
 
Medium Car: Saloon, 4 door, 5 seat, 2597cc 125kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2003-2004 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
 
Medium Car: Station wagon, 5 door, 5 seat, 2597cc 125kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2002-2005 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
CK
Medium Car: Saloon, 4 door, 5 seat, 1796cc 105kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2004 Driver safety
Good score

ovkie: Hello Naija brothers! I just registered on here after reading so many priceless advises especially about cars. It's an honor to meet and get advises from experienced people like you. I greet una ooo
Please I need a candid advise on the best C class Benz model between 2004-2006 model based on reliability, maintenance, speed, parts availability and perhaps fuel consumption. It will be my first buy, daily drive within city and sometimes outside the city. Also, I saw advise on here too about avoiding a benz with the Kompressor badge cos it's expensive. How expensive in terms of cost? How often do I need to service the car? How much cost do I need to set aside for maintenance?
I will be glad to get your contributions
Regards

I heard that the 2008/2009 C-class is notorious for EIS (steering lock module) failure at around 70kmiles, don't know how true shaa.

kingschild123:

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
C320 CDI
Medium Car: Station wagon, 7 seat, 2987cc 165kW diesel engine, 7-gear automatic
2005 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
C320CDI ELEGANCE
Medium Car: Station wagon, 7 seat, 2987cc 165kW diesel engine, 7-gear automatic
2006 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
C320 CDI AVANTGARDE
Medium Car: Saloon, 5 seat, 2987cc 165kW diesel engine, 7-gear automatic
2006-2007 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
C320 CDI ELEGANCE
Medium Car: Saloon, 5 seat, 2987cc 165kW diesel engine, 7-gear automatic
2005-2007 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
CK
Medium Car: Saloon, 4 door, 5 seat, 1796cc 105kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2002-2007 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
COUPE
Sports car: 2 door, 4 seat, 1796cc 105kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2002-2008 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
 
Medium Car: 2 door, 4 seat, 1796cc 105kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2004 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
 
Medium Car: Saloon, 4 door, 5 seat, 2597cc 125kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2003-2004 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
 
Medium Car: Station wagon, 5 door, 5 seat, 2597cc 125kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2002-2005 Driver safety
Good score


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
CK
Medium Car: Saloon, 4 door, 5 seat, 1796cc 105kW petrol engine, 5-gear automatic
2004 Driver safety
Good score

Thanks. I would prefer fuel powered engine to diesel power engine and a 4-door Sedan. Forgive my lame question but can you give me a good description of the other model so I can look it up to compare? Thanks

tsiriman:

I heard that the 2008/2009 C-class is notorious for EIS (steering lock module) failure at around 70kmiles, don't know how true shaa.

Thanks. I'm focusing on 2004-2006 Models.............More contributions pls

tsiriman:

I heard that the 2008/2009 C-class is notorious for EIS (steering lock module) failure at around 70kmiles, don't know how true shaa.

True and sometimes fails around 50k Mileage

ovkie:

Thanks. I'm focusing on 2004-2006 Models.............More contributions pls

where are you based? Are they good benz mechanics around?

I currently drive the 2002 C320 model known as the pre facelift. I don't think you can compare the 2004 and 2006 price wise cos may share the same exterior but different interior the 2006 was facelifted. It has been fun owning the car and the fuel economy is ok coming from a 2003 Camry sometimes I can't even spot the difference except when I'm in traffic for a long time.

The car is Durable you have to make sure you don't stay around a neighbourhood that gets flooded easily cos the car doesn't really like water entering the wrong places. Parts maybe a bit pricey but they don't break down often and lasts long after replacing them.

Cheers!

cne010:

where are you based? Are they good benz mechanics around?

I currently drive the 2002 C320 model known as the pre facelift. I don't think you can compare the 2004 and 2006 price wise cos may share the same exterior but different interior the 2006 was facelifted. It has been fun owning the car and the fuel economy is ok coming from a 2003 Camry sometimes I can't even spot the difference except when I'm in traffic for a long time.

The car is Durable you have to make sure you don't stay around a neighbourhood that gets flooded easily cos the car doesn't really like water entering the wrong places. Parts maybe a bit pricey but they don't break down often and lasts long after replacing them.

Cheers!

Thanks Cne10. I reside in Benin City, Edo State. I think I can easily find a good benz mechanics around. Benz are very common in the city and I think mechanics around are not too bad. Do you advise on the 2002 C320 compared to other models like C230 and co?

ovkie:


Thanks Cne10. I reside in Benin City, Edo State. I think I can easily find a good benz mechanics around. Benz are very common in the city and I think mechanics around are not too bad. Do you advise on the 2002 C320 compared to other models like C230 and co?

It depends on which of the engines you prefer. C320 and C240 are V6 engines in prefacelift models while C280 and C350 are the V6 engines in facelifted models (same engines with W204). The W203 was given a facelift from 2005 MY. The bumpers, Headlights, onboard computer display and CD system are different. you will only notice the difference when you take a critical look at both models. Mine is a 2005 MY C320 4MATIC. hope the little info helps. You can read through the benz thread for more info.

ovkie:


Thanks Cne10. I reside in Benin City, Edo State. I think I can easily find a good benz mechanics around. Benz are very common in the city and I think mechanics around are not too bad. Do you advise on the 2002 C320 compared to other models like C230 and co?

I went for the C320 natural aspirated cos it was faster and I just wanted the V6 Power not minding fuel economy.
The C200 and C230 are 4 cylinders and those with the Kompressor badge are Turbo charged and quite fast as well and pretty economical the choice is yours (Note: the Turbo is wear item so you might need to replace it sometimes but I think it is too pricey)

danadam:

It depends on which of the engines you prefer. C320 and C240 are V6 engines in prefacelift models while C280 and C350 are the V6 engines in facelifted models (same engines with W204). The W203 was given a facelift from 2005 MY. The bumpers, Headlights, onboard computer display and CD system are different. you will only notice the difference when you take a critical look at both models. Mine is a 2005 MY C320 4MATIC. hope the little info helps. You can read through the benz thread for more info.

OK. Thanks a lot for the information. It did help

cne010:

I went for the C320 natural aspirated cos it was faster and I just wanted the V6 Power not minding fuel economy.
The C200 and C230 are 4 cylinders and those with the Kompressor badge are Turbo charged and quite fast as well and pretty economical the choice is yours (Note: the Turbo is wear item so you might need to replace it sometimes but I think it is too pricey)

Once again, thanks very much. Regardless of the fuel consumption which is not really important, Friends do say that V6 Engines could be difficult to fix if broken down. Do you have an idea of the cost if the Turbo wears out?

ovkie:

Once again, thanks very much. Regardless of the fuel consumption which is not really important, Friends do say that V6 Engines could be difficult to fix if broken down. Do you have an idea of the cost if the Turbo wears out?

An average naija mechanic runs for safety when they see a v6 engine. The w203 rarely have engine problems once you use the right oils. On the plus side the C320 toks engine costs about 80 to 100k while the toks engine of the C230k is above 200k.

I have no clue how mix the Turbo cost, sometimes it's an easy fix you might just change the clutch in the Kompressor.

cne010:

An average naija mechanic runs for safety when they see a v6 engine. The w203 rarely have engine problems once you use the right oils. On the plus side the C320 toks engine costs about 80 to 100k while the toks engine of the C230k is above 200k.

I have no clue how mix the Turbo cost, sometimes it's an easy fix you might just change the clutch in the Kompressor.

That's a huge plus. I would've guess a higher figure for the engine, I never cared to ask. Like you mentioned, Mercedes engines are quite strong so a meticulous user might not need any engine change during the course of ownership.

danadam:

That's a huge plus. I would've guess a higher figure for the engine, I never cared to ask. Like you mentioned, Mercedes engines are quite strong so a meticulous user might not need any engine change during the course of ownership.

I don't see a meticulous user needing a new engine the way the car is electronically designed helps like the low coolant and low oil warnings just make sure you keep your eyes on the guage and watch out for over heating.

cne010:

True and sometimes fails around 50k Mileage

If it fails and you change it can it fail again?
I'm eyeing that car but the repair cost dey fear me.

Op everything you mentioned r OK except for reliability n maintenance...., which depends on the availability of Merc experts around you. But anyways a Merc is not designed to be a cheap maintenance vehicle comparatively........

Eyop leave romance section n comment here......

tsiriman:

If it fails and you change it can it fail again?
I'm eyeing that car but the repair cost dey fear me.

I don't think so no one has reported a double failure online. It was the current EIS batch for that specific year (2008 to 2010) that failed from 2011 till date no failure has been reported few 2010 though aside that it is very solid or better still buy the 2011.

Smartchoice am here. At OP,do you have a reliable mechanic to handle services for you when you finally acquire your Machine?

tsiriman:

I heard that the 2008/2009 C-class is notorious for EIS (steering lock module) failure at around 70kmiles, don't know how true shaa.

You heard right and 2008/2009 and partly 2010 were greatly affected by EIS failure and it's very expensive to fix which you'll have to wait for more than a month to get it completely fixed since it has to be programmed in Germany. However,if you could step up a bit to like 2011 or 2012,then you won't have an issue. But sincerely,if you must go for the W204 Benz,avoid the 2008/2009 but 2010 is Ok.

Eyop: Smartchoice am here. At OP,do you have a reliable mechanic to handle services for you when you finally acquire your Machine?

Thanks Eyop, yes I do know of a mechanic that most Benz owner patronize

smartchoice: Op everything you mentioned r OK except for reliability n maintenance...., which depends on the availability of Merc experts around you. But anyways a Merc is not designed to be a cheap maintenance vehicle comparatively........

Eyop leave romance section n comment here......

Thanks smartchoice. I do know quite a few Benz mechanic workshop where lots of Benz owners fix their cars. Just yesterday, a friend who drives C280 (no sure about the other detail) said at least I should set aside 100,000 for repairs and maintenance yearly. You think he's right?

cne010:

An average naija mechanic runs for safety when they see a v6 engine. The w203 rarely have engine problems once you use the right oils. On the plus side the C320 toks engine costs about 80 to 100k while the toks engine of the C230k is above 200k.

I have no clue how mix the Turbo cost, sometimes it's an easy fix you might just change the clutch in the Kompressor.

Oh wow! 80-100k for a c320 engine? That's very reasonable...cheaper than most jap cars. I use to think C320 was way to high in terms of cost compared to the others (how ignorant I am) I think I'm making a choice here...thanks!!!

ovkie:

Thanks Eyop, yes I do know of a mechanic that most Benz owner patronize

Ok then. I will suggest you either get the 2005 C230 Kompressor or the 2006 C230 naturally aspirated engine. But the 2006 comes equipped with 7 speed tiptronic gearbox.

ovkie:

Thanks smartchoice. I do know quite a few Benz mechanic workshop where lots of Benz owners fix their cars. Just yesterday, a friend who drives C280 (no sure about the other detail) said at least I should set aside 100,000 for repairs and maintenance yearly. You think he's right?

It's not a must that you spend such an amount of money every year. That's like an estimate,it may be lower or higher.

Eyop:

Ok then. I will suggest you either get the 2005 C230 Kompressor or the 2006 C230 naturally aspirated engine. But the 2006 comes equipped with 7 speed tiptronic gearbox.

Ok got it man! Thanks a million..always good to variety of choices...

Eyop:

It's not a must that you spend such an amount for money every year. That's like an estimate,it may be lower or higher.

Ok. Make Benz take am easy ooo I love it anyway

ovkie:


Ok. Make Benz take am easy ooo I love it anyway

Remember benz service is once a year if you make use of 0w-40 Full Synthetic motor oil and parts replaced on benz last very long unlike the Japanese. Just ensure that the ride is in a perfect condition before you buy and you won't experience problems.

Eyop:

Remember benz service is once a year if you make use of 0w-40 Full Synthetic motor oil and parts replaced on benz last very long unlike the Japanese. Just ensure that the ride is in a perfect condition before you buy and you won't experience problems.

Nice! Servicing once a year? Nice!! I was thinking every 3 months!! Maintenance is not expensive as people proclaim after all!!! Thank Eyop for your contribution. I sincerely appreciate your time

ovkie:

Nice! Servicing once a year? Nice!! I was thinking every 3 months!! Maintenance is not expensive as people proclaim after all!!! Thank Eyop for your contribution. I sincerely appreciate your time

According to my manual, 13000 miles (20900km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

danadam:

According to my manual, 13000 miles (20900km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Make sense! I'm sure jap needs to be seviced 2-3 times a year....I'll be getting C240 or C320...thanks naira landers ....I knew I could count on here

ovkie:


Make sense! I'm sure jap needs to be seviced 2-3 times a year....I'll be getting C240 or C320...thanks naira landers ....I knew I could count on here

Congratulations in advance and that means you are avoiding the supercharged engine well is all good but would advice you consider the C320 instead. The C240 is underpowered. Goodluck chief