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

Buying a used Mercedes-Benz C class W203 - produced from 2000 to 2007

What is the best engine, which gearbox should you choose, what are the common problems with these cars? How powerful are the best engines? Watch the video and you will get answers to all these questions!

What to look for when buying a used Mercedes C-class W 203 advice / guide

used Mercedes C class W203 review

But if you have more questions, you can write them into comments!

Mercedes C180 Kompressor, C200, C230, C280, C350, C200 CDI, C220 CDI, C320 CDI

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different car review

[KyleJHB]

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!

[tomnorton]

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.

[erikgundersen]

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

[wilburrodriguez]

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.

[opensea]

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.

[RadioManLeics]

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.

[enderzand]

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

[dwaynecogdill]

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!

[japhtamagibitji]

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

[Terrorguppe]

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

[MegaWayneD]

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.

[karelgericke]

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.

[davidh]

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.

[elkillerx]

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.

[supermanvtheworld]

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

[TJG]

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.

[michaelbryant]

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

[wq]

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 !

[petedunning]

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.

[zyrtec]

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