What's Good
Galvanised body originally had 30-year conditional warranty, but owners have difficulty enforcing that beyond 8 years.
14' 8" long by 5' 8" wide and from 1,350kg.
Extensive range of engines offer something for everyone. Start with 122 bhp C180, 136 bhp C200, 150 bhp C220 four, 148 bhp C230 four, 193 bhp C230 Kompressor, 170 bhp twin-spark C240 V6, 193 bhp C280 straight six, 280 bhp C36AMG; 94 bhp C220D, 113 bhp C250D and 150 bhp C250TD. C250TD is a very good diesel, replaced by new 125 bhp/221 lb ft C220 CDI common rail indirect injected diesel.
Estates are smart and offer more status than saloons.
5-speed autos standard from 1997.
Top model, 4.3 litre 40 valve 310 bhp V8 C43 lists at £47,640 and originally sold for over list, as did 218 bhp 320 CLK coupe and convertible.
Progressive spec upgrades over the years.
S and T reg cars came 11th in 2001 Top Gear / JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.
MB was rated by Motor Warranty Direct as Britain's 2nd most claim-free used marque. Mercedes had fifth lowest average cost in warranty claims for cars up to 10 years old in 2002 Warranty Direct index. MB generally 9th lowest average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 70.79 v/s lowest 31.93) Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk 95-97 petrol models average for breakdowns, problems and faults; 98-2000 petrol fewest breakdowns, average for problems and faults; 98-2000 diesels fewest problems, average for breakdowns and faults in 2003 Which survey.
Very Low 2 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in this model.
Club: www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk
Usergroup linked to 'Mercedes Owner' magazine www.mercedesclub.org.uk
Useful online forum: www.mbclub.co.uk
Discounted and discontinued parts www.partsdock.com
Specialist: www.mtsv.co.uk
