Buying a used Mercedes C-class W203 - 2000-2007, Common Issues, Buying advice / guide 

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I owned a W203 C180 Kompressor (M271 KE18ML) from 2007, the facelift Avantgarde model. It was honestly, thus far, the best car I've ever owned. It was solid as a rock and never gave me a days trouble. It was maintained as per the manufacturers schedule by Mercedes-Benz. I never encountered any rust or body panel issues. The only electronic problems I had was with a safety belt sensor on the drivers side seat belt buckle. This disabled the airbags and gave an "SRS Malfunction" warning on the dash. This happened at about 120000km, a relatively cheap and easy fix. The usual bulb replacements and a small glitch with the climatic climate control that a sensor fixed. I was very sad when selling it but I know the new owner got a very well looked after and well engineered car!

I bought a 2003 in 2003 and I had no idea it would hold up as well as it did. It's been an excellent car with very few problems. I spend about $1,000 per year in service with a certified former Mercedes mechanic. The car is still a lot of fun to drive, still looks great, always starts, and I just replaced it's 13 year old battery because winter is coming on and I don't want to get stranded. Now that it's got 245,000 miles on the odometer there are some annoying problems that are surfacing, mostly worn out sensors, vacuum lines, the trunk opener, and most recently cleaning stuck solenoids in the A/C temperature regulator. A handy guy, much of the repairs I do myself. Alas, nothing lasts forever but I do consider the w203 4cyl w/5sp auto to be a reliable machine.

C230 Kompressor 192HP + extra 24HP from 2005 with fully AMG pkg still rides perfect-Love it big time!

I bought a C180 kompressor coupe, my first car at the age of 21, it had 175k on it when I bought it, what a rock solid car never gave me any major problems expect from few electrical problems involving the sensors but the engine is solid and purrs like a cat. IAM very happy she is my first car.

I don't have the idea for this video because I have had C320 2001 from five years ago. My car is fantastic, fun to drive, smooth and reliable. Never put me wrong NO rust no timing chain problem even till now the case is 160,000km. Of course, any car needs maintenance and need some services no exception. I'm so happy.

I have a 2004 C-230 Kompressor with a 6-speed manual transmission that I bought new. I have kept up with all maintenance and repairs. The car has never broken down, and repairs have been standard type wear and tear. I have 108,000 miles. This has been a really great car! It looks and drives like new. It is very fun to drive with lots of acceleration and great handling. It is very smooth at high speeds (100+ mph). On a trip I get 31.4 mpg. My mechanic says that I should be able to hit 300,000 miles if I take care of it. I love this car!

I loved my C 200k W203. It drove really well, the Kompressor gave it instant oomph without any turbo lag, and the interior was just perfect, both design and build quality. Possibly the last "true" Mercedes interior in a C class. The early production versions used cheap Chinese steel. And it was crap. So yes, you will find loads of rust on those. Mine was 2004, rattle free, totally fault free over three+ years of ownership, and built in South Africa. Lovely motor. I changed it in 2007 for a W204 220d, which was also a nice car, but didn't quite have the relaxed aura of the W203. As I said, the last true Mercedes interior.

Your videos about used cars are very useful. Thanks PS.Can't wait for w212 :)

I just bought a C-Klasse from 2005 and I'm already in love with this car!😍😅

I've had 2 W203 Mercedes both 2007s and with the 2.1CDI Diesel engine's my first one I brought at 3 years old with 89,000 miles and sold it with 186,000miles after 6 years of driving it was so reliable then got an other 2007 3 years ago with 81,000miles now has 96,000miles as long as they are properly maintained they last a life time I love them.

My favorite car reviewer..gives attention to all issue that may arise..thank u brother..most cars I look at buying this channel has a video on...the most informative car reviewer on RU-vid

Another great vid! Can't wait for w212

I know that your channel is going to grow!! Keep it up!!

thank you brother for a great clip. I have owned my 2004 w203 for 6 months and love it with only 60,000 on the clock I couldn't be happier I bough a lot of car I think for $12,500 in Australia

seriously this channel is a God-send!

I own the c240 wagon 4matic. Love every part of it!

2002 w203 owner here, You should 100% check inside the trunk lid for rust as it gets very rusty in there, mine is straight up destroyed and i need a new trunk lid

The 2002 C240 had a problem with the front turn signal light bulb sockets which caused the turn signals to malfunction due to poor electrical contacts in the sockets. Mercedes corrected the problem by redesigning their new light bulb sockets by adding exterior wiring which bypassed the internal wiring inside the headlight assembly.

Thank you for sharing this very useful tips. Please make more videos like this - maybe get into some specific details or get more specific with issues with a certain model that you had experience with. Again, thank you.

I bought used 2006 mercedes benz C180 w203 C-Class and drove it for couple of years without any problem. I sold it in 2020 and bought BMW X5.... But since then, I still miss it. this car is always in my mind and running in my blood, I can't cope without it. "The best or Nothing" this slogan was not mistaken.....

I have a 2003 w203 model no rust no problems with the car drives smooth as regularly change oil and cooling in it after 7000 kms its done now 154000 kms stoll a dream to drive

Good job on the video, thank you!

You have amazing videos man thank you so much I had one from 2000 with 285000 km. It was such an amazing car my first car drove it for about 60 000 km. Now I'm looking for one 2005 or newer.

Thanks for all videos about mercedes-benz

Great video. Thank you.

I have a 2002 C220 CDI (Diesel) with over 215,000 miles on and I thoroughly recommend that the first thing you do is replace the diesel fuel lines on the engine. They're plastic and go very brittle over time, especially when they're 15+ years old. The seals on the ends also harden and allow air into the system, causing poor starting/refusal to start. Buy genuine Mercedes parts (which really aren't expensive) and change the fuel filter and thermostat while you've got the system apart - the thermostats are rarely changed due to mechanics not wanting to disturb the fuel lines which go right over it.

I found that the thermostat on the W203 diesel and petrol models needed changing every 100 000-150 000km as it doesn't close properly and then the symptom is a low operating engine temperature. The W204 also has this issue

Nice vid. I've 'inherited' a pre-facelift car, 6,000km so far with no probs but it has had a lot spent prior to me....a C180 that is.

05 CLK....same thing for the most part. Squeaks up front, bushings I hope. And I now will change oil in gearbox. Thanks

appreciate this video

Very helpful and insightful

Its been 2 years since I Bought my 2006 ,c200 kompressor SE 163 bhp ...surprisingly it has been reliable..

Great video. Thank you so much for sharing this information.

Very useful info, thanks!

The c180. Benz 111. Are without any doubt the best petrol merc ever build. My old baby got 580.000 km on the clock and still going strong. I had made up my own wire engin harness and took out the old one that was totally damage and crumbled to pieces and fitted the new harness. Now she's running like she just came out of the box. A car that words can't describe.

I like this guys videos. Straightforward and practical. No nonsense. So many of these videos by young guys trying to use charisma to shield a blatant lack of knowledge about the subject matter. I used to sell and drive these cars in a M-B dealership.

Thanks Bro for the very kind advice you have excellent grip on w203 i am Inshallah buying w203 2003 model shortly but you open my eyes and i will definitely follow your advice before buying the w203.

I reckon you know what you are saying.... Thanks for the tips

I have 2005 180 kompressor 140,000 miles Solid in every department . From the paintwork to the interior !

I bought a c220 cdi coupe in 2009 (model 2006) never had any problems, the most reliable car I've ever had and was due to change 2 years ago but just dont want to part with it. Had it serviced today and been told that the car is perfect, its got 72000 miles on the clock but drives like new. Sometimes I can hear a slight vibration from gear stick when i ease off to change gear but mercedes said nothing to worry about, its hardly noticeable.

I bought a 2001 C320 with 120,000 miles. So far i've put 60,000 miles and it hasen't given me any major issues! The only issue it had was minor oil leak and fuel pump failure. Other than that its been a great car with plenty of power. I recently took it on a 800 mile road trip without any issues. Great cars if you take care of them.

This is great quality! If you could make it for all Mercedes from say 2000 to 2008 ... It would get a looot of views as those cars have a very definite public that buys them and often there are too many ghosts about them. Congrats sir!

Waoooo such great video. I'm happy I found this channel

Thank you for the info

I recently bought a clc 180 2006, with a few faults here and there. Having never had a Mercedes before, I am happy with the quality and it's grown on me. It is old and on 125k miles but feels solid and responsive, so can't complain for a 15 year old car.

I own a c220 cdi avant-garde FL from 2006 for 4 years now i never had $hit with this car, i love the way it drives and handels

Currently daily drive a c230 2007 v6 with 205,000 miles and running strong very reliable car parts aren't as expensive. [example oil change threw dealership cost $150 EVERY 10 thousand miles] only problems I'm dealing with now are vacuum leaks..

thanks for a great clip. I bought a 2006 c180k with only 9000km on the clock about 6 months ago. yes not a mistake only 9000km for half the price of a entry level Polo. could not be happier. I feel the build quality is even superior then the w204. very solid.

Awesome videos! I always liked the way these models look, but the engine sounds problematic.

I just bought a 2001 W203 C180 here in Taiwan. I had a problem with the climate control but it was fixed and the car is fantastic. It looks and rides like new. The body is in pristine shape. No rattling shaking or anything. Feels rock solid and I drove Mercedes for 20 years. Mostly W126es. I like this C-class. Its extremely quiet and at the time of production far ahead of its time.

Another common problem is the "intake manifold runner control". Theyr made of plastic and break, causing check engine light to come on. Of course Mercedes doesnt make a replacement part and you have to buy a whole new intake manifold. There is a mechanic that makes the parts that break in metal. I'll link him later in case somenody needs the parts.

nice,i like your review.keep op the good work.gr from holland

I just bought a 2007 model yesterday 25th September, 2023 and I'm loving it

I had 2006 C220(w203) Sportline, today I have 2012 C220(w204) Avantgarde...but still I miss my w203...

I have C320 s203 (2001) with M112 engine in it and the engine is just top notch, barely had any problems with it. How ever the biggest problem in my car is the fuel tank. A weird problem where the tank is half empty, I run out of fuel because the tank uses only the drivers side of it. I found a tutorial how to fix it but indeed an unfortunate problem when combining 10-14 liters/100km consuption, I have to go refill it every week. So my range was about 250 kilometers when I run out of fuel. And yes, I like how the car moves with that gorgeous V6 :)

I used mine every year to get to and from high school and didnt have a single problem. I had it washed and waxed every week and it paid off, car looks brand new inside and out. The only problem comes in the rear wheel bearings. Id turn off the traction controll and go drifting on the back roads with my friends, and it wore out the rear wheel bearings by sophomore year. 300 bucks later its brand new. Also shampooing and conditioning the leather every few months gos along way. I met a friend at a car meet who has a 05 c240 and he has worn seats and paint chips on front and rear bumpers. Lesson to be learned dont power wash it, get it hand washed and detailed. Also problem he had was his car was white like mine but his paint was yellowing, he said its just road dirt that absorbed in the clear coat. so dont go cheap on upkeep. its an old mercedes but if you take care of it it will last. love my 07

2003 CL55 AMG .. It is very nice although I did have to change super charger pulley at just over 105k miles. I bought it with 100k miles.

Regarding the rust issues on pre-facelift models, one must not generalize. If the car was kept garaged and in low air salinity areas (i.e. far from the seaside), the rust is much less of an issue. I'm in the market for a W203, I have seen a couple of pretty good 2002 ones. If it lasts me some 8-10 years (with the usual maintenance), I will have no complaints! I would buy a facelift one, but they are becoming either increasingly rare in my country, or way overpriced considering their age.

I have a c180k w203 2007 from new , now with 130k kms is really fantastic, I love it.

I own the rusting pre-facelift from 2001. Doors and sidepanels love to rust. I have yet to experience any electrical issues. diesel engine leaks oil from somewhere, although not very fast. Engine seems reliable though. Next I am going to buy the facelift.

Have a 06 plate c180 Kompressor.....stunning car.

Thanks man

(09/26/2019) W203 2007 C280 4Matic owner here. Engine is very healthy with 105k miles. Battery is shot and needed replacement, and had to buy a replacement set of CV axles for the front of the car, but the fixes were relatively inexpensive and the car is really nice to drive. Had it checked for rust and health, and have only had reports of surface rust, and the rest of the car has passed inspection. healthy reports all around. Will keep updated on the car.

Great thanks to you.

Ich habe voriges Jahr einen W203 CDI 270 mit ca.70.000 Km gekauft. Tadelloser Zustand, praktisch neuwertig, sehr gepflegt. Wagen ist sehr sparsam, luxuriös und wunderschön. Läuft reparaturlos. Kann ihn nur empfehlen ! Bin begeistert von ihm !

good buyers guide ! think you forgot the C 30 AMG diesel very rare car

I had a 2003 coupe c230 and it was a fun car but it had its little problems but fun car! Oil and water got in my spark plugs and then oil in the coolant

I had C220 2006 Elegance. It was best car I ever had!

Indicator stalk should be checked. Also check if wipers come on

I love my W203 C240.

I bought a 206 c180k with 305k km. Replaced entire timing set and the oil pump chain.

2007 model w203 wagon is like a jet on the tarmac....super sleek!!!!

Nice. We have an C320 4Matic Petrol. I love the sound

great video i have w203 2001 model m111 turbocharged c200, i have identified more or less same problems like some electronic issues mostly the throttle bodies, higher blow, rust in some panels, but rest is good, i must say these are still much better cars than many Japanese assembled

Nice video. In April 2011, I bought a 2007 Mercedes C230 Sport Edition with a 2.5 liter V6 engine, 7 speed automatic transmission. Before buying this car, I did a lot of research since I never owned a Mercedes. This model, for years 2005 to 2007 was highly regarded by Consumer Reports. This is understandable since at this point the W203 series had attained its mechanical maturity. Still have the car today and I consider it the best car I have ever driven, being a past Volvo owner for 35 years. And guess what, the car still has its original battery. The only missing item is an aux/USB connection that could be installed but would necessitate a lot of work. There is no dipstick to check the automatic transmission oil, hence Mercedes does not recommend you change it. As long as you have not encountered any problems with the engine coolant, it should only be replaced every 15 years. Apart for normal maintenance, repairs over the years were limited and concern changing 3 of the 4 brake calipers and replacing 3 or 4 suspension/direction parts (partly because of very poor road conditions here). The only major repair was replacing the SAM (signal acquisition module) located in the truck (left side under paneling) because of water infiltration thru a loose rivet in trunk water gutter. Hopefully I expect to keep this car for a least another 5 years. It is very enjoyable on long trips.

I have 05 c55 AMG. Amazing car😁😁

Wow. this video was very helpful, But please is the ECU of the manual transmission always problematic?

I didnt drive my car for a few days, when i went to drive it, it said "Automatic light sensor Malfunction, drive to workshop" I turned it off, turned it on, and it was fine lmao

Bought an 03 c230k w/93k mi. in 2019 for 4,000. usd, put 4500. into upgrading engine parts, having a specialty shop look it over, but also keep a Mexican mechanic on the side when I dont tinker with very minor upgrades. New Alpine touchscreen head unit, amp for the 12" sub, listen to all my favorite hits on Spotify and Tidal. Backup camera, Viper alarm, new Versus II machined rims, new Toyo Extensa IIs, rotors, pads, same calipers cuz its So Cal, not the Alps. I actually Doordashed with my Benzo Coupe in 2021 as we have lots of squirrely roads and hills, so I get my fun. Oh! And the sunroof finally broke 😄 My bad, I shoulda greased it up but I prefer it closed so it dont interfere with my music playing. Replaced: Purge valve, rear gas tank filler neck leak (525.) fuel pump, tensioner pulley, S-belt, S-belt, coil pak, plugs, lower radiator hose, fuel pump electronic failure, breather hose kit, trans mount, vac pump, brake fluid flush, cam magn. seals, oil filler neck gasket, valve cover gasket. My total cost is about 10 grand over 2 years, a lot less than buying a C250 Coupe, or 4dr for 15 grand minus all the unknowns of those models. Totally worth it, I bought it as my Sunday driver from San Diego to L.A. as I own a Tacoma truck 😉 My Benz has such a nice interior, like new, all black, not like my Toyota which is all plastics and sad, really.

2006 model V6 272 engine had electronic problem leading to replacing gear box, and VGS eventually. It was a sad experience though

I have a 2005 C230 Kompressor the car stop while i was driving it. I towed it to My Mechanic he plugged is computer in it read ECU default code P2311 change the coils and plugs, sensors the engine still don’t crank but the lights on the dashboard board lights up and the cooling fan kicked on high.

Have this car, 2006y, loud as hell, tons of problems with fuel system, pretty small

To me a good W203 looks smarter than the W204. It's ageing very well. My old banger 01 C180 is being treated to a full detail. It's a priceless car as it's been so reliable as the previous owner forked out the big bills. Any 17yo old merc will have had its major issues sorted by now surely...

I own a W203 C200 Kompressor from 2000 for 4 years now, only problem is rust, i take care of it regularly when something needs to be changed, most of the parts are cheap, reliable car for me, comfy for long roads, its true that space inside is an issue (its C class afterall) , i dont have any complain, good car.

Facelifted W203 with the M112 engines have a radiator problem that mixes transmission fluid and coolant. Expensive repair because you have to rebuild or replace transmission.

OM646 2.2L is the best engine so far. And the most common one in this car.

W203 its a beast....old but so strong comparate with new ones

Have had 2 new MBs, both maintained by MB. Never again! Too many problems.

My grandfather sold me his 2007 c280 4matic it was Spotless had absolutely nothing to do on it had zero rust it had only128,000 km on it ... this is a very good first car if you can afford the repairs if you can find one like mine in perfect condition it can be very reliable as well

Thanks for the video, i want to buy this car but i dont know the difference between different Cs (180 to 230) and what are their fuel consumptions? Which is the best C? Should i buy manual or automatic gear? Thanks

I'm 19 years old and my first car is W203 Diesel engine 2.2cc from 2002. I got this car with 160.000km on it , now it has 180.000 . I'm changing oil and filters every 10.000 and still not any errors or mechanical problems . I love this car and I'm keeping it till i get old :)

Wired advices i must say. The intervals are from what it should be.

Hello...always helpful...What about The c32 amg engine...Can you tell What The common issues?

Its realy very nice car 200CDI W203 problem free.Long Drive.I`m very setsfaid.

I have a 2004 W203 C240 wagon, 2.6 liter V6 4-matic. Known issues: the drive belt pulley/tensioner can fail. Control module for drivers power seat can fail. Transmission can make a whining sound, that is a failing transmission pump. Cool packs can fail. This engine uses 2 spark plugs per cylinder, not easy accessing the rear cylinders, but fortunately only needs to be done at 100k miles. Throttle position sensor can fail sending car into limp mode. Suspension wear over 150k miles will cause excess negative camber and uneven tire wear. If you do the fluids as per maintenance schedule the drivetrain will last 300,000 miles. Brakes very robust.

i bought a mar04 update w203 c180k 4 door sports pack in 2008 for au$30,000. it now has 60,000km (i do not go very far) as of nov2020. i love the car (which drives my wife mad) and it will be my last car i will ever own, unless i get cleaned up by a large truck and then it probably will be anyway!

what a great video. I'm looking at a 2004 C240 with v6 engine. your video was very informative. Do you happen to know anything else SPECIFICALLY about the 2004 C240 that may help me?

My car a Kompressor c180 gives me that whinnig noise in the suspension, There is also an engine light on the dashboard that does not go away.

Coool car...I have one. Plus other kind of mercedes.. It is the best...... Size, beautiful shape, amazing speed, economy...just lovely.