CityNGR:

Add 350k and pick a toks

I don't have that grace for now, thus I am porting for a Nigerian used. I got one earlier but I was ltr to the party. Please assist with recommendations.

LeylowDee:




He who buy a w203 and uses xhp oil should not complain when issues occur....

Shortgun....if you like...u can decide to drive your own car with i better pass ma neighbour plugs........its all urs..

bros calm down easy na lol all these things dey make me laff nothing go happen sir ! so far he or she is changing same oil like every 2 months or at every 3000 kilometers. moreover that mobil 1 oil is just for longer service life na! e calm down

atiku07:



bros calm down easy na lol all these things dey make me laff nothing go happen sir ! so far he or she is changing same oil like every 2 months or at every 3000 kilometers. moreover that mobil 1 oil is just for longer service life na! e calm down

Stop spreading misinformation. Do you even understand how oils work?

HeavenlyBang:


Stop spreading misinformation. Do you even understand how oils work?

abeg go sidon jare ! mtcheew car wey i don dey use not 2 years or 3 years na so these new ppl wey just get money buy benz go dey pant up and down ! yeye

albeye:


i am not sure anyone has responded to this issue yet. I will share my own case, could be the answer to your question. I own a 2004 C240 base model, the Mercedes compressor failed, then i was advised to work a Peugeot compressor on it, which they showed me on some other cars that it has been used on before, then i agreed. I installed the compressor, then i noticed my car drags and the transmission started changing late. I consulted my mechanic and after diagnosis, he concluded that the compressor power is much, because the car would drive great without AC on and once you put on the AC, even on speed, you would feel the drop in power and most when you are at a stop and want to rev up to. I am still on the issue as i am yet to have time and go back to the AC man and I called him, he claimed he has been using the same compressor for other benz cars. I will appreciate if anyone has been in this shoe before to share their experience on here.

this is belated bro pls try and look for money and replace with mercedes compressor forget those work work it will kill ur engine de compressor power is quite diffrent, have been in ur shoes b4

atiku07:
abeg go sidon jare ! mtcheew car wey i don dey use not 2 years or 3 years na so these new ppl wey just get money buy benz go dey pant up and down ! yeye

You stand for everything wrong with the average Nigerian's car maintenance culture.

Go read your manual, you dumbarse. Tell me where it recommends that oil.

HeavenlyBang:


You stand for everything wrong with the average Nigerian's car maintenance culture.

Go read your manual, you dumbarse. Tell me where it recommends that oil.

Bro, people like him don't listen. You get time dey drag issues with am.

That was how one of them was telling me he has used his Avalon for six years without issues, albeit he removed thermostat and allowed fan to run and servicing with XHp oil.... I just looked at him and shook my head.

Chelseafan1:


Bro, people like him don't listen. You get time dey drag issues with am.

That was how one of them was telling me he has used his Avalon for six years without issues, albeit he removed thermostat and allowed fan to run and servicing with XHp oil.... I just looked at him and shook my head.

you don dey run mouth too o!

nwanneni:
you don dey run mouth too o!

I don shut up

I dey Lagos, come flex me na

Chelseafan1:


I don shut up

I dey Lagos, come flex me na

na phc I dey o!
Anytime you come,just holla

Hello people
I'm about to buy a fairly used W203; c180 classic. The said car was bought last year as tokunbo
Please what are the things to look out for and what's the reliability and maintenance like?
Thank you for your response

Essont:


Not imaginary na, just want to know if it worth buying the car with a bad steering pump then replace there after also to know if there is any peculiar issue with the 03' C200k that I need to know. No vex...... This will be my first car, don't want to regret it.

Honest opinion: if that steering pump issue has been there for sometimes, definitely its gona affect the steering rack too, you can confirm this by thoroughly inspecting the steering rack for any sign of leakage(the steering rack terminate into the two front tyeroid else if you just change the pump , you might still have stiffened steering then you know is time to change or fix the rack too, else you would be running in circle of always changing rack and steering pump till you are fed up (bad rack destroys the pump, likewise bad pump destroys the rack and vise versa) At that price believe me both of them are in for it . Working it is not expensive but you must do the two after your inspection of any leakage on the rack, so that you don't run into this circle of repair.

If you dont want to inspect it, you could also do a run up with the car at a higher speed , if you feel the steering shaking couple with too much play at the wheel, the steering rack is definitely bad, you may do well too to physically inspect the tyeroid too because both could have given in as well.

I bought a w203 c240 too , a very clean one in and out in the real sense of the word, but i was surprised at the extend of repairs i was subjected to if i had to keep it to my test at the factory level, cos i don't drive anything less in any of my cars. It's unfortunate that most Nigerians(99%) don't maintain cars, so expect the worst, and at that price you can close your eyes and fix them up, then you will never have any need for further repairs, as for these cars when you fix it once appropriately they last almost a century. You only need to make up your mind whether to buy it or not.

Meanwhile that's the picture of my changed rack. However, i changed the tyeroid ends as well.

DreCharles:
Hello people
I'm about to buy a fairly used W203; c180 classic. The said car was bought last year as tokunbo
Please what are the things to look out for and what's the reliability and maintenance like?
Thank you for your response

T start with Just note that these cars have very big optional equipment list, so are also the things to look out for for the petrol engines in a machine like this includes:
Oil leaks,
coolant leaks,
spark plugs ,
ignition coils,
various sensor failures,
false electronic warnings(mostly in the earlier models 2001 to 2003)
cooling system issues,
carbon build up,
steering fluid leaks leading to steering pump and steering rack issues

Most of these issue were solved here in nairaland in mercedes benz thread and w202 thread and can all be handled by DIY , atimes without spending a dime.

auhanson:


T start with Just note that these cars have very big optional equipment list, so are also the things to look out for for the petrol engines in a machine like this includes:
Oil leaks,
coolant leaks,
spark plugs ,
ignition coils,
various sensor failures,
false electronic warnings(mostly in the earlier models 2001 to 2003)
cooling system issues,
carbon build up,
steering fluid leaks leading to steering pump and steering rack issues

Most of these issue were solved here in nairaland in mercedes benz thread and w202 thread and can all be handled by DIY , atimes without spending a dime.

Thank you for the response. All noted. Please what are the likely engine issues peculiar to this car? Thanks

DreCharles:
Thank you for the response. All noted. Please what are the likely engine issues peculiar to this car? Thanks

no fear the engine no cost.90k pere!
So no too reason am.even if e cast,change am

nwanneni:
no fear the engine no cost.90k pere!
So no too reason am.even if e cast,change am

Like seriously? Wow. That low? I learnt that the engine doesn't have a dip stick, only oil use sensor. Please how often does it fail? Are parts that cheap as compared?

auhanson:


T start with Just note that these cars have very big optional equipment list, so are also the things to look out for for the petrol engines in a machine like this includes:
Oil leaks,
coolant leaks,
spark plugs ,
ignition coils,
various sensor failures,
false electronic warnings(mostly in the earlier models 2001 to 2003)
cooling system issues,
carbon build up,
steering fluid leaks leading to steering pump and steering rack issues

Most of these issue were solved here in nairaland in mercedes benz thread and w202 thread and can all be handled by DIY , atimes without spending a dime.

What kind of shocks do you use for replacement?

DreCharles:
Like seriously? Wow. That low? I learnt that the engine doesn't have a dip stick, only oil use sensor. Please how often does it fail? Are parts that cheap as compared?

parts are not too cheap tho being a Merc.
And Yes,no dipstick.you use buttons on the steering wheel to check

nwanneni:
parts are not too cheap tho being a Merc.
And Yes,no dipstick.you use buttons on the steering wheel to check

Okay. Thanks so much

DreCharles:
Thank you for the response. All noted. Please what are the likely engine issues peculiar to this car? Thanks

This engine doesn't have any issue but expensive to buy unlike the c240 and the c320, if you mean the c180 kompressor? though its much more economical than the c240 and c320 that carries 12 plugs and 6 coils, pwhereas it carries just 4 plugs.

You will certainly have a lot of mind blowing issues if you are careless and does not stick to the rules:
1.Dont swim water with it to avoid hydrolog because the kompressor hoes faces downwards and can suck water easily unlike the c240 and c320.

2.use the correct transmission fluid , mercedes benz fluid for lasting and durable transmission. It has a very strong tranny system. If you may use any other like the ATF dextronIII though not recommended, make sure you change it before 100000miles of usage, that's the hacks for poor guys.
else you are on your own.

3. Make sure too you use the recommended oil, common here is mobil 1 10w40 or any other 10 w40 for synthetic oil change but not 20w50 oils etc. if for any reason you may wish to use non synthetic oil, make sure is something in the range of SAE 40 like total classic SAE40 and flush it on or before 3000 miles or 3 month, which ever that comes first, that is another hack(Reason being that these modern oils have all the additives and minearals components needed to clean and maintain the engines if you stick to the recommended weight, not w50 pls. I don expect any support here because many don't know this. It is saver to do this for 3 months than to run mobil 1 for 1 year in an old car like this. I expect a lot of argument here but that does not change the fact) Note please that the timing is de factor.

4. make sure you use the right coolant for the sake of your engine and transmission because the coolant runs through the transmission as well to keep it cool . Anything above 0.3 volt when measured with a multimeter in your coolant bay positive and negative terminals dip inside the coolant there should not be used , because it kills the system over time. I strongly recommend for a good practice that you stick to the Mercedes Benz coolant and flush it after every 200000 miles , this may take like 7 yrs or there about depending on your driving habit. And MB coolant will read about 0.01v to 0.09v which is very good incase you buy fake.

5, use the recommended fluid for your cooling system too and you will really enjoy this car. .Thats is much i can remember

Also, if you can use platinum plugs, not necessary per say, though this could last you for 7 years. and clean your throttle body , MAF with MAF cleaner and your air filter regularly to keep up with the power as you may always be using our normal fuel(non premium fuel) so that you may continue enjoying your car without lose of power and other limitations that those who don't know experiences all the time. With these you will hardly be visiting the garages

auhanson:


This engine doesn't have any issue but expensive to buy unlike the c240 and the c320, if you mean the c180 kompressor? though its much more economical than the c240 and c320 that carries 12 plugs and 6 coils, pwhereas it carries just 4 plugs.

You will certainly have a lot of mind blowing issues if you are careless and does not stick to the rules:
1.Dont swim water with it to avoid hydrolog because the kompressor hoes faces downwards and can suck water easily unlike the c240 and c320.

2.use the correct transmission fluid , mercedes benz fluid for lasting and durable transmission. It has a very strong tranny system. If you may use any other like the ATF dextronIII though not recommended, make sure you change it before 100000miles of usage, that's the hacks for poor guys.
else you are on your own.

3. Make sure too you use the recommended oil, common here is mobil 1 10w40 or any other 10 w40 for synthetic oil change but not 20w50 oils etc. if for any reason you may wish to use non synthetic oil, make sure is something in the range of SAE 40 like total classic SAE40 and flush it on or before 3000 miles or 3 month, which ever that comes first, that is another hack(Reason being that these modern oils have all the additives and minearals components needed to clean and maintain the engines if you stick to the recommended weight, not w50 pls. I don expect any support here because many don't know this. It is saver to do this for 3 months than to run mobil 1 for 1 year in an old car like this. I expect a lot of argument here but that does not change the fact) Note please that the timing is de factor.

4. make sure you use the right coolant for the sake of your engine and transmission because the coolant runs through the transmission as well to keep it cool . Anything above 0.3 volt when measured with a multimeter in your coolant bay positive and negative terminals dip inside the coolant there should not be used , because it kills the system over time. I strongly recommend for a good practice that you stick to the Mercedes Benz coolant and flush it after every 200000 miles , this may take like 7 yrs or there about depending on your driving habit. And MB coolant will read about 0.01v to 0.09v which is very good incase you buy fake.

5, use the recommended fluid for your cooling system too and you will really enjoy this car. .Thats is much i can remember

Also, if you can use platinum plugs, not necessary per say, though this could last you for 7 years. and clean your throttle body , MAF with MAF cleaner and your air filter regularly to keep up with the power as you may always be using our normal fuel(non premium fuel) so that you may continue enjoying your car without lose of power and other limitations that those who don't know experiences all the time. With these you will hardly be visiting the garages

Excellent!

CityNGR:

What kind of shocks do you use for replacement?

Haven't changed mind yet and have not even bothered to check about it as they are still very good

HeavenlyBang:


Excellent!

Thanks Bro

auhanson:


Haven't changed mind yet and have not even bothered to check about it as they are still very good

Which type can you recommende?

auhanson:


Thanks Bro

Awfa bro

kingreign:


Awfa bro

Hey ma meh, the honourable. Bros where u na?

CityNGR:

Which type can you recommende?

To be frank, when it goes bad i will replace with exactly what is there whether from 'Belgium market oh' or brand new. I have not research into that yet as i am still enjoying it and have forgotten that it will get bad one day

auhanson:


To be frank, when it goes bad i will replace with exactly what is there whether from 'Belgium market oh' or brand new. I have not research into that yet as i am still enjoying it and have forgotten that it will get bad one day

Ok noted

auhanson:


Also, if you can use platinum plugs, not necessary per say, though this could last you for 7 years. and clean your throttle body , MAF with MAF cleaner and your air filter regularly to keep up with the power as you may always be using our normal fuel(non premium fuel) so that you may continue enjoying your car without lose of power and other limitations that those who don't know experiences all the time. With these you will hardly be visiting the garages

Very correct, suffered recently from mild misfires and had NGK plats replace my old Bosch. Immediately, multiple misfires started happening - vehicle lost power frequently more than one particular time I had the misfortune of driving a Benz in limp mode because two front speed sensors failed at once (story for another day)... Well, called Kingreign and he made out time from his hectic schedule to get me original Bosch Iridium plugs. I put them to the test today, Calabar - Ogoja to and fro (almost 660kms), and vehicle didn't flinch at all. Although, unlike my home boy Nwanneni I don't do over 130km even when overtaking.

auhanson:


Hey ma meh, the honourable. Bros where u na?

I gallant o. How your ends?

auhanson:


This engine doesn't have any issue but expensive to buy unlike the c240 and the c320, if you mean the c180 kompressor? though its much more economical than the c240 and c320 that carries 12 plugs and 6 coils, pwhereas it carries just 4 plugs.

You will certainly have a lot of mind blowing issues if you are careless and does not stick to the rules:
1.Dont swim water with it to avoid hydrolog because the kompressor hoes faces downwards and can suck water easily unlike the c240 and c320.

2.use the correct transmission fluid , mercedes benz fluid for lasting and durable transmission. It has a very strong tranny system. If you may use any other like the ATF dextronIII though not recommended, make sure you change it before 100000miles of usage, that's the hacks for poor guys.
else you are on your own.

3. Make sure too you use the recommended oil, common here is mobil 1 10w40 or any other 10 w40 for synthetic oil change but not 20w50 oils etc. if for any reason you may wish to use non synthetic oil, make sure is something in the range of SAE 40 like total classic SAE40 and flush it on or before 3000 miles or 3 month, which ever that comes first, that is another hack(Reason being that these modern oils have all the additives and minearals components needed to clean and maintain the engines if you stick to the recommended weight, not w50 pls. I don expect any support here because many don't know this. It is saver to do this for 3 months than to run mobil 1 for 1 year in an old car like this. I expect a lot of argument here but that does not change the fact) Note please that the timing is de factor.

4. make sure you use the right coolant for the sake of your engine and transmission because the coolant runs through the transmission as well to keep it cool . Anything above 0.3 volt when measured with a multimeter in your coolant bay positive and negative terminals dip inside the coolant there should not be used , because it kills the system over time. I strongly recommend for a good practice that you stick to the Mercedes Benz coolant and flush it after every 200000 miles , this may take like 7 yrs or there about depending on your driving habit. And MB coolant will read about 0.01v to 0.09v which is very good incase you buy fake.

5, use the recommended fluid for your cooling system too and you will really enjoy this car. .Thats is much i can remember

Also, if you can use platinum plugs, not necessary per say, though this could last you for 7 years. and clean your throttle body , MAF with MAF cleaner and your air filter regularly to keep up with the power as you may always be using our normal fuel(non premium fuel) so that you may continue enjoying your car without lose of power and other limitations that those who don't know experiences all the time. With these you will hardly be visiting the garages

Thanks so much. Duely noted. I appreciate this.

DreCharles:
Okay. Thanks so much

Anyways cost here is relative, c240 engine cost about 65k compared to yours.

This engine cost about 65k because they are naturally aspirated very rugged & dont give up and you have no reason to change them , they are the m112 engine in v6 and the m113 in v8, same engine found in ml, clk, g class and c240, c320.

You can buy after market dip stick you could always use if you don't want to go the electronic way from the dash.
But be careful that you or your mechanic does not pour tranny fluid into the engine bay like some does after having the dip stick. the dip stick will only be to check the oil level and after wards keep it somewhere save.