Any opinions on a 2007 C280?

Porchdog · 04-14-2016, 07:29 AM

My sons friend has an urgent need to get a screaming deal on one of these with 160K.

He's currently a couple hours away (so I can't easily go see the car myself...), but he tells me that the car needs a Cam Position Sensor.

These really aren't my cup of tea and I've never worked on a Mercedes (I'm sure that I will if he buys this one). I have the impression that used Mercedes from this era are money pits, but that's just a casual impression from internet forums. I was never very interested, so I haven't paid much attention.

What do I need to know? What are the big red flags to watch out for?

Thanks Guys!

berettafan · 04-14-2016, 08:32 AM

sounds like the kinda bad decision making I did in my younger years.

MRM · 04-14-2016, 09:29 AM

My wife has an 08 E Class that has been flawless. I don't think reliability is an issue with this era of Mercedes. The problem with the C Class is that they are a cheap car. It's an entry level car, even if it is a Mercedes. A ten year old C class with nothing wrong with it and more modest miles would be cheap to buy. Why would he want to buy one with so many miles and mechanical issues?

Porchdog · 04-14-2016, 10:21 AM

He's 20. He can't afford much.

He's been looking at rusty Subarus and Hondas.

He's looking at this as a really nice car at a price he can afford. I'm raining on his dreams.

I'm actually really happy that he asked instead of just buying it.

VincentVega · 04-14-2016, 10:24 AM

Good luck

MRM · 04-14-2016, 10:44 AM

The C Class is simply not a very nice car. He shouldn't want one, cheap (up front) it not.

Porchdog · 04-14-2016, 11:30 AM

Actually, most cars are "nice" compared to his 92 Wrangler. I consider that a disaster as well as dangerous.

The original plan was to get something more reliable so he could fix that up.

petrolhead611 · 04-15-2016, 03:50 AM

Whats wrong with a Ford Focus?

Porchdog · 04-15-2016, 04:46 AM

I have nothing in particular against a Ford Focus.

The young man in question has recently started working at a used car dealer. Historically, members of his family have bought cars that they got "good deals" on. Then they bring them over to my place to resolve some minor issue and I notice things like severe rust and no oil pressure.

He had figured that he could pick up something at the dealer auction and he had asked me to come along some time and help him look over cars. I agreed.

Then a couple days ago his boss went to the auction and came back with this C280. I'm assuming that he got it cheap. The young man is now thinking that this would be a fine ride for him.

Apparently it's currently at the shop they use for reconditioning. If I here a verdict, I'll report back.

Some Internet research indicates that these can be expensive to keep. I'm trying to discourage the young man on this one.

Thanks guys!

VincentVega · 04-15-2016, 04:56 AM

Nothing more expensive than a cheap bmw/porsche/benz...

He's gotta learn somehow. Maybe he has a good eye for a deal. Maybe he'll realize a service or 2 to a benz can buy a cheap car. Not many of us knew half what we thought we did at his age, I know I lost my ass a few times before I learned.

rfuerst911sc · 04-15-2016, 05:19 AM

Have the young man do some internet searches on the cost of some of the " standard " repairs of a MB . I find it hard to believe he can't find a fairly clean Honda or Toyota for a decent price. At his age he should be looking for a automotive appliance vs. european money pit. Just my opinion.

Porchdog · 04-15-2016, 05:20 AM

I like to think that he's learned from his Wrangler - We have done a bunch to that and there is plenty more to do.

He looks at my cars and he thinks that GM's and Porsche's are trouble free. He doesn't see the regular maintenance and early attention to problems that keeps them as nice as they are.

I have been telling him (and his family) for years that they are better off not buying problems and then doing regular maintenance. So far, he seems to "get it" the best of the bunch of them.

Porchdog · 04-15-2016, 05:26 AM

I sent him some parts prices for what appear to be common repairs on that car.

For instance, those CPS codes Look like they could range from a couple hundred to $5000. or so, depending on the balance shaft sprocket, cam adjusters (four of them), cam chain and chain tensioners.

That may have cooled his jets.

Like I say - the dealers shop has it now. I'm eagerly awaiting feedback. He may be talked out of it - if he has decided that I'm just killing his dream I won't hear anything until he owns it.

jyl · jyl's Garage

So a kid who can't afford a Mercedes wants to buy one and you're going to work on it for him?

Porchdog · 04-15-2016, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyl

So a kid who can't afford a Mercedes wants to buy one and you're going to work on it for him?

Pretty much that.

Actually, at the moment he really can't afford the Wrangler he already has. I've been helping him keep that on the road for years.

If I can convince him that he can't afford the Merc., I'm hoping he won't buy it.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by dw1

A VERY bad choice. This model Mercedes (W203 model) has many well-known & VERY expensive reliability problems. It pretty much sank Mercedes reputation for reliability and good engineering with their lower-priced cars.

W203 and the ML are just not worth it Worst they made in a long time, especially the ML.