Test drive Mercedes Benz C-class w203 2004-2007 sedan
He became completely different
This company has never previously promoted driver values. Regardless of the class and the number of horsepower, under the hood of Mercedes, were primarily comfortable and safe on the go. But interesting for the driver alas ... However, starting to spend a lot of money on Formula 1, in Stuttgart they decided to fundamentally change and the image of the brand to make it more sports. And the current C-class was the first of the new wave. If the car of the previous generation itself moved you from point A to point B, not particularly allowing you to intervene in the process, then the W203 series must be controlled. And it will not be able to eliminate this for real. No wonder for the 203rd, the sportswort of the avant-garde and the womb, the growling compressor engine, which had recently been considered a Moveton for a car with a three-beam star, became popular.
Are you ready to perceive such a Mercedes? Then you can start to look closely.
Classic, eleganes and avant -garde Each of the two bodies of the sedan and the station wagon is produced in three performance. They differ mainly by decor elements. The classic is considered budget, eleganes aristocratic, and the avant -garde is sports. The avant -garde with blue tinting glasses, bumers and wheeled disks of the original design looks especially beautiful.
For cars sold in Russia new, the option and the wealth of equipment are tied to the engine. The modest C180 will surely be in the classics and configuration close to the standard. Prestigious C320 certainly eleganes or avant -garde with complete minced meat.
From Europe, however, they can bring both C200-compressor in the vanguard, and naked C240 \u200b\u200bin the classics, stuffed to form. Therefore, if you order a car, the execution option and fundamental options can be stipulated with the distiller in advance. Fortunately, the demand for the SECond-Hand in Europe is no longer so aged and there is something to choose from the market. However, for a used car, the main thing is not a set, but mileage and technical condition.
The wealth of C-class configuration practically does not affect reliability. All characteristic malfunctions of electricians and internal body equipment are already manifested at the basic or close level to it. And all kinds of sibarite things do not add trouble.
Hygiene sometimes harms health
It would seem that a good intention to carry out a dry cleaning of the salon. But when the streams of the detergent reach the electronic control blocks of glass and mirrors located in the front doors, they begin to buggy. Well, if malfunctions in the work of servo drives appear immediately. Then you can still try to reanimate electronics. Otherwise, replacement. By the way, an automatic electronic selector is also often changed immediately after dry cleaning ...
In the ventilation system, the thrust of the fingering of the legs sometimes breaks. The craving itself is cheap, but to replace it, almost the entire front panel must be disassembled. In the headlights, over time, cartridges of turning indicators are burned out, which is why the reflectors dull. It remains either to change the headlights assembled, or only the cartridges of the turn signals and put up with the worsening of illumination.
Do not refuel the air conditioner anywhere. Even a small overdose of Freon leads to the fact that the air conditioner does not turn on in the heat. A refueling with a violation of the technology can be completed by the replacement of the compressor. Without due skills, do not turn off the battery without extreme necessity. This can lead to the failure of the energy distributors of the so -called SAM blocks.
How much does a replacement cost, $
The windows control unit and mirrors 98+53 traction of the heating damper 16+175 Cartridge of the turning indicator 9+19 SAM 410+135 unit
Volume and prestige The prestige of the Mercedes inside one model is determined by the numbers on the trunk lid, in which the engine volume is encrypted. True, the indices in the nameplate indicate the volume not always accurately.
For example, C180 and C200-compressor are equipped with a 2-liter engine. Only on C180 he gives out 129 liters. with. And on the C200-compressor, a mechanical supercharger is installed, which raises power to 163 forces.
One hundred eighties is a minimum C-class both in terms of prestige and engine capabilities. There is enough for a calm driver, but nothing more. But the compressor, despite the modest four cylinders, is not so simple at all. In terms of dynamics, it is not inferior to C240, but it costs much cheaper and has become popular. At the same time, the mechanical compressor, unlike the turbine, is assertively lucky with almost idle revolutions without any turboprops and pickups. His only feature is grossly groaning during work that not all fans of the Mercedes-Benz like.
In operation, 4-cylinder engines are the cheapest and most unpretentious. True, serious problems may arise with compressor if the owner does not bother to replace the air filter. First, the supercharger begins to drive the oil, then it is taken to rumble. This is a signal for its repair or replacement. Well, if the filter is completely clogged, the motor can swallow it and deform. And this is one hundred percent overhaul of the engine. It is clear that all the problems of such a motor are the consequences of the barbaric handling with it. With normal operation, the trouble with it is no more than with atmospheric. Nevertheless, in the secondary market, the compressor is wary of compressor.
The most prestigious are C240 \u200b\u200b(2.6 liters of 170 l.) And C320 (3.2 l 218 l.). Their noble V6 engines make C-class the corresponding status of a real Mercedes Benz. But such cars themselves are roads, and duties for the volume of more than 2.3 liters become too high for C-class. Therefore, both models are rare in the secondary market. There is also a super-powerful C32AMG with a 354-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 and a mechanical compressor. This is a piece exclusive even compared to the expensive C320. When the new C-class costs more than $ 100,000, he is used to less than anyone.
V6 engines are quite reliable for fundamental shortcomings for them. True, they differ in oil appetite (up to 1 l/1000 km in high -speed modes normal phenomenon) and high cost of service. Replacing only platinum candles, but two pieces per cylinder cost $ 230. However, the owner of the Mercedes Benz should not shock such amounts.
Engines in operation
Gasoline
Candles with platinum spraying of electrodes on our gasoline are 15,00030,000 km. The drive of the chain. But if on 4-cylinder engines the chain requires a replacement by about 150,000 km, then it is more durable on V6. On each it is necessary to check and, if necessary, clean the throttle, otherwise cold start and dynamics worsen over time, and fuel consumption also increases. But in some cases, cleaning does not help, and the throttle block has to be changed. Sometimes the crankshaft sensor fails, the engine does not start, twitchs or stalls and starts again only after a while. The sensor must be replaced.
4 cylinders. Approximately 60,00080,000 km require a replacement a tensioner and a drive belt video, and after 120,000 km of a water pump. It happens that the gasket of the valve cover begins to flow and the candle wells are filled with oil. The gasket is changing. If the compressor supercharger was ruined by the untimely replacement of the air filter, it can be tried to repair ($ 500700). It rarely comes to replacement.
V6. On each, check the crankshaft pulley. Its elastic damper relaxes over time, and a broken pulley can arrange a real Stalingrad under the hood. Do not wash the injection nozzle without extreme need. On V6, they can be unpredictable to work regularly 100,000 km, and can flow after 40,000. If the diagnosis reveals a malfunction of injectors, they can be tried to clean only with ultrasound (not liquid) and only in a closed state. Otherwise, even a working nozzle will begin to spare.
Diesel engines
The first and most importantly: refuel at the proven gas stations, do not jam the engine immediately after stopping, timely change all the filters (fuel is preferably more often, after 5000 km), use the fuel surplus additive in winter, and rinse the tank annually.
Injecting injections and pre -launchers of incandescent, it is advisable to prevent and installed on a special lubricant on each. Otherwise, they get so much that the case may end in replacing the head of the block. Typically, nozzles go more than 100,000 km, and the candles of incandescent change selectively, as they are burned out. The timing on the CDI engines is given by a chain that once will have to be changed. What runs are unknown, since all diesel cars fall into Russia with a rich history. The owner of a used machine must be prepared for the replacement of a turbine, the resource of which is always less than the engine resource. In addition, the fuel pump falls into the risk group. But on CDI engines, it is quite reliable.
How much does a replacement cost, $
Through the throttle block 969+24 Sensor of the crankshaft position 119+27 4 cil. Spark plugs 52+32 GRM chain 141+232 drive belt rollers 148+54 water pump 279+65 laying clip. covers 40+42 v6 spark plugs 154+78 Kilestvol pulley 88+46 injection nozzle (1 pc.) 133+25*
* With diagnosis and cleaning
We will not agitate for diesel The company from Stuttgart is the oldest and most authoritative manufacturer of passenger diesel engines. Naturally, the C-class was not deprived of such motors. A new generation with a diesel engines with the Common Rail power system is installed on the car. They are very economical and have almost gasoline dynamics.
Modifications C200CDI (2.1 l, 116 hp) and C220CDI (2.1 l, 143 hp) are equipped with the same four with different settings. They are the most popular, because they cost acceptable money, and they go very not badly especially C220CDI. The five -cylinder C270CDI (2.7 l, 170 hp) in dynamics is very good comparable to gasoline C240. But for a diesel is too expensive.
At first, the newfangled diesel diesel engines of the Common Rail was alarming for the servicemen: somehow they will behave in Russia. As it turned out, very well better than many ordinary diesel engines. In the absence of water in the fuel, electronic nozzles and a superhumine pressure pump serve for a long time. Therefore, if you observe the general rules for the operation of turbodiesel, install an additional filter-spectacular or more often change the standard fuel filter, there should be no serious problems.
That's just a used diesel car from Europe can be with a huge mileage, in which not only the engine, but also many other units have developed almost all of their resource. Therefore, despite the enviable economy, we will not campaign for a diesel C-class. Decide for yourself.
How much does a replacement cost, $
Nozzles (4 pcs.) 2176+73 Eating candle (1 pc.) 27+24 chain timing 124+144 turbine 2120+79
Be careful with Coca-Cola!
Buyers C320 and C32AMG are deprived of the choice of transmission on them only automatic transmission. With all other engines, both mechanics and automatic are combined.
The manual box is trouble -free. It is advisable to change the oil in it after 100,000 km, and the clutch serves an average of 150,000180,000 km.
The automatic box of the new, 6th series is considered underdeveloped, and yet it is better to update oil after 60,000 km. She has no serious constructive shortcomings, as in the early boxes of the 5th series. And according to the natural wear, the machines of the 6th series in the mass order have not yet begun to sort out, apparently, the mileage of the chain is still small.
However, the machine has a pair of small characteristic sores. Often an electric control connector leaks. NEVER put to no avail. Practice has shown that it is better to use a sealant. True, this must be done carefully so that the sealant does not get into the oil box, then large problems are very likely. It is noteworthy that the leakage of the connector outside is almost not visible. However, the oil by wires rises to the electronic control unit, which begins to fail and puts the box into emergency mode. The case, as a rule, does not reach the replacement of the block. Usually enough of it is two-, three-time flushing.
A machine gun is afraid of any aggressive liquid. Even a chemical cola spilled in the cabin can lead to a replacement of a selector worth $ 600 ...
The rest of the transmission does not cause serious complaints. It happens that the rear gear seals flow, over time you have to change the intermediate bearing of the cardan shaft. But these are trifles.
How much does a replacement cost, $
Clutch replacement 831+214 Replacement of the AKP 600+196 seal of the gearbox (1 pc.) 8+74 Cardan shaft bearing 21+79
Chassis: endurance average The current C-class has become much more sports, largely due to the fact that instead of traditional for the Mercedes-Ben, the worm steering, it received a rack, and instead of a two-leaf anterior suspension, ordinary McExeson.
How does a new suspension behave? In general, it’s not bad, although there are weaknesses in it. For example, the powerful silent blocks of the lower longitudinal levers on our roads serve on average 30,00050,000 km. But their replacement is not burdensome. The levers that have to be changed due to wear of ball supports could also be more durable. However, their walking can already be recognized as acceptable.
A traditional background suspension, traditional for a Mercedes, is quite hardy and approximately equivalent. The external silent blocks of the lower transverse levers (but their replacement, again, is inexpensive) are somewhat rather weak in it. All other levers serve more than 100,000 km. However, keep in mind that when the play appears in one of the hinged joints with the replacement of this silent block or lever, it is better not to delay. Otherwise, he will quickly break the rest, already tired hinges.
The steering does not cause complaints. Traction, tips and rake are quite durable. But if the steering rack will still flow, know that at the C-class it is almost a non-combination. The money spent on an attempt to restore it, as a rule, is thrown away.
Everything is in order with the brakes. The discs honestly, without warping, withstand 23 sets of pads. Unless the rear pads can be interrupted in calipers. Therefore, on each, the calipers must be checked and cleaned of dirt.
Buy?
The first acquaintance with the Mercedes Ben for many begins with the faith that the cars of this brand are impeccable. However, the C-class example proves once again that prestige does not oblige to exemplary reliability. Despite youth, the car has already managed to form characteristic sores, the number of which will only grow over the years. Although by Mercedes standards, the S-Class model is far from the most capricious.
But if the level of reliability of cars of prestigious European brands is not a revelation for you, you can consider a used C-class. The main thing is that it is beneficial compared to the new. Prices for copies of 20012002 look like this:
С180 $ 24 00027 000 C200-Compressor $ 25,00028 000 $ 27 00031 000 C320 $ 30,00034,000
That is, in three years, the C-class loses 3550%in price. At the current course of euros and customs duties for the car brought from there, this is profitable. Moreover, the more prestigious the modification, the more interesting such a car is compared to similar new ones. If C180 after three years has dryed on average by 3540%, then C320 is already 4550%. Therefore, the question must be raised like this. Do you need a Mercedes-Benz? Like a C-class, but there is not enough money for a new one? Buy used. You will not get a good copy.
New, with a guarantee, for the same money
If you buy a Mercedes-Benz for the sake of the emblem, but do not want to contact a used one, at the price of prestigious versions of C-class you can buy ... a new A-class. The brand is not fundamental, the main thing is to be prestigious? Then you can consider Audi-A3 or Volvo-S40. If you are ready to sacrifice the prestige of the brand, you have a huge selection of democratic European and Japanese middle -class models. You can even cling to the business class Nissan-Maxim or Toyota-Kamri.
Alexander Konov
A source: Magazine buy a car [12/05]
