Mercedes C Class Review (2000 to 2007)

Quick Summary

Opt for a used second generation Mercedes C-Class and aside from the initial whack in the wallet, you really can't lose. They are reliable, fun to drive, relatively spacious and are undoubtedly the classiest option in the junior executive market sector.

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Models Covered:C180 saloon & estate, C200 saloon & estate, C220 saloon & estate, C240 saloon & estate, C320 saloon & estate, C32 AMG saloon, C220/220CDi diesel saloon & estate, C270CDi diesel saloon & estate

WHAT YOU ‘C’ IS WHAT YOU GET

There's an established pecking order in the executive car arena that Mercedes did a great deal to disrupt when they launched the C-Class in September 2000. Up until this point, you bought a BMW 3 Series if you wanted any entertainment behind the wheel, whilst the C-Class had traditionally performed a more staid supporting role, wooing the customer who preferred the low-key image.With its sleek styling and sparkling chassis the second-generation C-Class upset that particular apfel-kart with some verve. As well as a fundamental change in approach, a new approach to interior styling was ushered in, the conservative blandness of the old car replaced by some adventurous design touches. One thing didn't change. As a used prospect, the C-Class is still an almost unimpeachable investment. Here's what to look for.
Used Mercedes C Class for sale

History of the C Class

It's hard to believe the previous generation C-Class had been around since 1993, itself replacing the fondly remembered 190 series. In truth, the first generation C-Class models never really captured the public's imagination the way the 190 did, and this was something Mercedes were keen to rectify when they designed the second-generation range. To whit the anonymous evolutionary styling of the C-Class was replaced by lines which resembled a scaled down S-Class – itself a car that masks its bulk superbly. The BMW 3 Series instantly looked rather staid. Sticking the corporate neck out has paid dividends for Mercedes. Although the C-Class still couldn't approach the sales figures of the 3 Series, it nevertheless opened a younger market sector up for the Stuttgart company and paved the way for the introduction of the Sport Coupe models which again knocked the three-door versions of BMW's Compact into a cocked hat in terms of styling.The range kicked off with the C180, a 129bhp four-cylinder saloon and was joined by C220, C220CDi, C240 and C320 models. Estate versions followed in 2001 with the 354bhp C32 AMG supersaloon also swelling the ranks. Summer 2001 also saw the Sport Coupes going on sale and the C270CDI saloon and estate models added to the line up. In Autumn 2002, all four cylinder engines were replaced with greener, more frugal 'Twinpulse' units and a Classic SE specification was added. A facelifted model then arrived in 2004 with clear lens headlamps and a restyled grille. The C240 model was replaced by a 192bhp C230K.The C-Class engine range was given a thorough overhaul in the summer of 2005. The C230K was replaced by a C230 with a V6 204bhp powerplant instead of the supercharged 1.8. Above that, a 231bhp C280 was introduced and the range-topping C320 became a C350 with 272bhp. On the diesel front, the 224bhp C320CDI came in at the expense of the C270CDI. An all new C-Class arrived in summer 2007.
Used Mercedes C Class for sale

Mercedes C Class Road Test

The first thing to say is that it's a huge improvement on anything we've previously seen from Stuttgart. No rival rides better, but then that was something you could say of the old C-Class. This one, however, is much more successful in providing insulation without isolation. It's arguably the most agile Mercedes model you can now buy, with crisp, sharp steering, very little bodyroll and an overall standard of composure that no car in its class can match.Whether these are the crucial ingredients for a sports saloon is of course another question. Manual models don't help the cause with a rather rubbery gearchange action not conducive to spirited driving. Still, since most Mercedes buyers will opt for the excellent 5-speed automatic that probably won't be much of an issue. This transmission has a manual mode, allowing you to flip up and down the gearbox yourself, but this auto responds so rapidly, you rarely find yourself needing to bother. Opting for the auto also means you don't need three feet to use the awkward foot-operated handbrake when accelerating from rest on an upward slope.Sophisticated electronics of this kind are everywhere around this car: ABS, Brake Assist, traction control and ESP dynamic driving control (to help you out if you enter a corner too fast) are all standard. So are no fewer than six front airbags (windowbags along with those at the side and the front). Plus all the usual executive basics and a vast options list that may bump the asking price of used examples into the ionosphere.
Used Mercedes C Class for sale

Buying a Mercedes C Class

Don't worry if your C200 Kompressor engine sounds a little rough – they all sound that way. You should be concerned if the interior of your C-Class is less than pristine as some of the plastic mouldings don't really come up to scratch. Many of the interiors were also finished in very pale greys and mushroom colours and will therefore get grimy in short order. There should be no major mechanical defects, but check alloy wheels for signs of kerbing and make sure the ABS and traction control systems work effectively as the electronics have been known to fail.Trade experts reckon these cars are most desirable when specified in an attractive metallic colour with automatic transmission, air conditioning and leather upholstery. You might bear that in mind when choosing a car as the right specification will make selling on easier.
Used Mercedes C Class for sale

Mercedes C Class Typical Pricing

Opening value for the first 2000 X-plate C180 Classic models with the manual gearbox is around £13,800 with the late C200 Kompressor still hovering around the £15,600 mark such is demand. The 2.6-litre C240 Classic starts at £16,700 and the C320 Elegance will cost around £19,400. Diesels arrived on 2000 X-plates and range from £16,300 for a C220 CDI Classic to £26,400 for a C270 CDI estate with the auto box in ultra-plush Avantgarde SE trim.The C-Class Sports Coupes showed up on 2001 Y plates and prices today range from £15,000 for the C180 up to 21,500 for the C230 Kompressor auto on a 52-plate.
Used Mercedes C Class for sale

Mercedes C Class Parts

(approx. Based on C220 diesel estate model) Allow around £50 for front brake pads and £25 for the rear, and about £370 for a full Mercedes exhaust system. A full clutch system would cost around £220, a radiator is about £140 whilst a starter motor can be up to £470. An alternator should be in the region of £415 (exchange).
Used Mercedes C Class for sale