MERCEDES C-CLASS (1993 - 2000)
CLASS WITHOUT COMPROMISE (2003-07-29)
MODELS COVERED: C180 saloon and estate, C200 saloon and estate, C220 saloon and estate, C230 Kompressor saloon and estate, C240 saloon and estate, C280 saloon and estate, AMG C36 saloon, AMG C43 saloon, C220/220CDi diesel saloon and estate, C250 diesel/turbo diesel saloon and estate
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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Every once in a while, a car is announced that is clearly a benchmark design. Looking back over the years, several models come to mind. The
Mercedes-Benz SL roadster, the
Porsche 911 even the UK-made
Nissan Micra; all were cars against which other makers measured themselves. The last decade has seen another name added to this illustrious list; the Mercedes Benz C-class.
The experts were agreed from the outset. This was a car that brought new standards of quality and build integrity to the compact executive sector of the luxury market. It was assembled just like an SL or an S-class and felt just as good to drive which is why many clever buyers are now snapping these cars up on the used market. You wont find a bargain-basement C-class but no matter which model you buy, it will last and last.
Equipment levels are probably higher than you might expect for an affordable Mercedes-Benz. Power steering, central locking, retractable rear head restraints, anti-lock brakes, a drivers airbag and front electric windows are standard on most models. The revised cars that appeared for the 1998 model year featured Mercedes Brake Assist automatic braking system, as well as the new plastic computerised ignition key. Air conditioning, cruise control and rear electric windows became standard on most models, too.
Concentrating on the original C-class and starting with saloons, the least you can expect to pay is about £4,000 which will buy you a late 1993 C180 saloon. A 1995 M-plater will be roughly £5,000 and a 96N-reg about £5,800. The 2.0-litre C200 starts at roughly £5,300, while younger M-plate cars are around £6,000 and P-reg examples approximately £7,600.
A C220 will cost between £5,700 and £7,200, with a mid-range 95M-plate Elegance automatic saloon a good buy at about £6,300. The Kompressor saloons range from 96P to 99V and start at about £7,700. The similarly performing straight-six C280 ranges from £6,000 with a 94M plate to about £11,000 as a 1997R Elegance auto estate. If you can afford it, go for one of the later V6-engined cars which offer much improved performance and economy.
The C240 (automatic only) starts at about £9,000 on 97R plates while a C280 is around £9,200. As for diesels, go for the 2.5 or the C220CDI launched on 99S plates: (dont bother with the painfully slow C220D). Pay from about £5,700 for 94M-reg 2.5s and from roughly £7,400 for 1996 N-plate turbocharged versions. The 220CDI models start at about £11,500.
Finally, the C36 is a very rare four-door supercar built by AMG. Prices start around £8,300 for 95M-platers and go as high as £12,000 for the last 97R cars. V8 power can be yours in the mighty C43 but it doesnt come cheap from £14,300 or so for the earliest 98R examples. For an automatic C-class, add between £300 and £1,600.
As for estates, the premium various on the specification and engine you want: it can be anything from £600 to £1,300 over the price of an equivalent saloon.
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. As a rule, avoid Classic and Esprit models in dull non-metallic colours with manual transmission. A complete service history is absolutely essential.
Check that all the accessories work particularly air conditioning, which is expensive to put right. Cosmetic damage can be expensive to correct too. Watch out for signs of wheel kerbing and accident damage. Ask too whether the exhaust system is Mercedes own; non-Mercedes systems are noisier.
Leather upholstery blemishes are pricey to repair.
(approx. Based on C220 diesel estate model) Allow around £45 for front brake pads and £20 for the rear, and about £340 for a full Mercedes exhaust system (or around £1,200 in the case of the AMG system used in the C36). 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) and a front headlamp is around £165.
On the road, theres a feeling of inherent rightness about the way the car conducts itself which is matched by no other competitor. Stability and damping are almost flawless, though the tauter response offered by the lower suspension thats standard in Esprit specification is generally preferred by enthusiast drivers. Fortunately, that doesnt appreciably detract from the C-classs strongest suit; its ride quality. This is the best car of any in the sector to ride in;
BMW,
Saab and
Audi, take note.
Passengers will quickly forget that they`re travelling in a compact car, so easily are bumpy or uneven surfaces dispatched without interior disturbance.
Choose the right specification and youll have a safe, solid investment and a car that will serve you well for years to come.
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