by "DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
Published 04/29/2017 at 10:20
by "DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
Published 04/29/2017 at 10:20
No Tags
STARS: 0
Because I’m starting to think that a 230 Kompressor or 350 with lowering springs and a few other suspension mods could be my ultimate DD. I know the V6's have the balance shaft problem, which is why I’d also consider a Kompressor, or even an AMG if their reasonable enough to maintain.
Anyway, me actually buying one is a long way off. Defiantly after I get my El Camino :)
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
04/29/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 0
they were made in Germany
"Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras" (jegoingout)
04/29/2017 at 10:27, STARS: 1
It’s German
It’s probably going to break a lot
"E90M3" (e90m3)
04/29/2017 at 10:28, STARS: 2
even an AMG if their reasonable enough to maintain.
Reasonable to maintain and AMG do not go together.
"EL_ULY" (uly)
04/29/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 2
w203:Motorola Razr :: El Camino:Rotary Dial
"Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa" (bularmy)
04/29/2017 at 10:34, STARS: 1
If you don’t need 4 doors get a CLK. Much more enjoyable cars. They are also based on the W203 and I owned one. Mine was a manual 280(we had those in Europe) so the problematic V6, but mine was spared the problem, I got it with 140k km on the clock and sold it with almost 180k km. Now it is over 200k and still going with no problem according to the owner.
The W203 is the first model to actually get after the malaise era that MB had in the mid 90s through the early 00s. Parts by now have become relatively cheap for a MB, electronics are not wonky at least in my experience. All around a MB that will not break the bank, even if it can be pushing 20 years for the early ones.
"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
04/29/2017 at 10:41, STARS: 0
I see them with clearly visible rust quite frequently. Much more so than cars from other brands of similar vintage. So, be cautious.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
04/29/2017 at 10:45, STARS: 1
Unreliable unreliable unreliable.
The peak of Mercedes poor build quality of the early 2000's.
"jkm7680" (jkm7680)
04/29/2017 at 11:01, STARS: 1
Most of the ones I’ve seen are rusty, poorly maintained, beat up and owned by people that think they’re rich because they drive a $2,000 Mercedes.
"AMGtech - now with more recalls!" (amgtech)
04/29/2017 at 11:12, STARS: 1
Older NA AMG’s are quite reasonable, E55, C55, C43. Quite reliable in fact.
"FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem" (fuelstratifiedinjection)
04/29/2017 at 11:13, STARS: 0
The pre facelift W203s rust badly. I’m not exaggerating. Heck, most 95-04 Benzes have shoddy rust protection. I’d even go as far and suggest you an E46 which is just much better in every aspect. Even the terrible B6 A4 would be a tad bit better.
"AMGtech - now with more recalls!" (amgtech)
04/29/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 1
If you’re going to get a 203 get a C55. Avoid pre-facelift models (C230k, C240, C320, C32) as they are the most problematic overall. The newer ones are actually pretty good aside from the balance shaft issue. But if you get the VIN you can have me or any dealer check to see if the balance shaft has been done. Definitely avoid kompressor models, the M271 engine was not a high point for Mercedes.
The C55 on the other hand is fan-fucking-tastic. Excellent engine, excellent transmission, not a ton of electronics, it’s facelifted and avoids early issues. Biggest problems to expect during ownership are maybe some bushings, leaking valve cover gaskets and maybe a rear main, however they rarely leak enough to require topping off between services or enough to drip on the ground. Remember these competed against the E46 M3, so it will cost more than any other 203, but they’re great.
But if you do seriously consider one (any Mercedes for that matter), put the effort into finding one with decent service history, and I can help with that if you get me the VIN. Lack of maintenance and shitty previous owners are a Mercedes’ biggest downfall. When maintained properly they last forever. As proof of this, I’ve even seen C230k coupes (least reliable C-class ever???) hit 300k and keep going, and that owner kept hoping it would die so he could justify a new car!
"E90M3" (e90m3)
04/29/2017 at 13:53, STARS: 1
My M3 has been very reliable, cheap to maintain though it is not. Things like brakes and tires and other consumables are expensive.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
04/29/2017 at 13:56, STARS: 0
:(