Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse 203 C 220 CDI T-Modell, 143 PS, 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2000–2004)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Mercedes C-Class W203 (2000-2007): known problems and buying guide

  A middling buy. Check the timing chain, gearbox cooler and body first, and expect rust on cars built before the 2004 facelift.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Drive in drive and reverse. Shifts must be smooth. A sweet antifreeze smell or cloudy fluid is bad. A scanner reads gearbox codes.
2. On a lift, check the wheel arches, sills, lower door edges, boot lid and tailgate. Bad result: bubbling paint, holes or fresh filler.
3. Check the injector wiring under the valve cover for chafing, then start the diesel cold. Bad result: chafed wiring or a fault code. A scanner reads injector codes.
4. Check the boot for damp under the trim, and the sunroof drains. Test the rear and brake lights. Bad result: damp under the trim or a rear light that does not work.
5. Turn the key through all positions and start the engine. Ask whether the ignition unit was replaced and coded, and how many keys work. Bad result: a stuck key or a starter that does not respond.
6. On a lift, check ball joints, control arm bushes and tie rods for play. Bad result: knocks over bumps or uneven tyre wear.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions