Faults:

It is common for injectors to leak diesel. If not fixed quickly, the fuel carbonizes and forms a paste that makes it impossible to remove from the injector.

The oil cooler is prone to leaks, requiring periodic inspection to prevent the oil from mixing with the coolant.

Faults in the starter motor or ignition module that prevent the key from being recognized (after 100,000 km).

Erratic malfunctions of lights, turn signals, or dashboard sensors.

General Comments:

With its muscular silhouette, the Sportcoupé is eye-catching from every angle. Viewed from the front, the slanted grille and wedge-shaped body reveal refined aerodynamic engineering.

The rear view offers something out of the ordinary: the tailgate features a transparent acrylic section designed to enhance visibility. And while the results aren't entirely positive, stylistically it is an aggressive-looking car that cuts a striking figure and commands attention.

There is nothing better than a 6-speed manual transmission to make the most of the capabilities and performance of an outstanding turbodiesel engine. It is worth noting that this engine not only delivers generous torque—32.1 kg-m—but also produces it within the 1,800 to 2,600 rpm range. It offers excellent acceleration and flexibility. It can reach a top speed of 220 km/h (bearing in mind that it runs on diesel) and achieve an average range of 700 kilometers.

Aside from the lack of power adjustments for the driver's seat, there are no downsides to this Mercedes' comfort. The driving position is ideal for long journeys, ensuring maximum comfort; the seat cushion provides excellent thigh support, and the backrest performs equally well. It is complemented by a three-spoke sports steering wheel that offers a pleasant grip and is adjustable for both height and reach.

As with any coupé, accessing the rear seats isn't entirely convenient—the front seats must be folded down to get in, but the rear seating area is quite comfortable for two people, despite the sloping roofline.

Comfort equipment is comprehensive, yet given its extremely high price, the absence of electric seat adjustment, a CD player, and leather upholstery is striking.

The steering offers ideal assistance, light in traffic yet firm at high speeds. Its turning circle is excellent (10.7 meters), allowing for confident maneuvering in tight spaces. As for the suspension, its performance is flawless.

It strikes a unique balance, offering a comfortable ride in the city while also delivering a fun, sporty experience when desired. This equilibrium allows the car to tackle high-speed corners with absolute confidence, complementing the rear-wheel-drive setup and the chassis's well-executed weight distribution.

There are no shortcomings when it comes to safety and braking. This is demonstrated by its electronic traction and stability control system (ESP), ABS, BAS (emergency brake assist), and six airbags (two front, two side, and two for head protection). Braking performance is more than adequate for its weight of one and a half tons. Both low and high beams offer excellent illumination, and the windshield wipers perform their job very well.

Faults:

This was a dealer demonstration car, and was one of the first of the new W203 series with the peanut headlights.

When it was delivered, the alarm had been disconnected (on purpose), there was a problem with the radio/phone interface that required new software, and the passenger door fitted badly.

Since then, 2 or 3 rear brake or tail lights have blown. If a tail light fails, the car will turn the brake light on at low intensity to replace it.

A front tyre was punctured by a large nail and blew out on the motorway. It took me a while to realise what had happened, since there was no steering pull, and the cruise control compensated for the drag.

Unfortunately the car had the tirefit system, and the bottle of sealant had gone hard, so we had to call for a tow truck.

General Comments:

This has been a very reliable, economic and comfortable car. Plenty of power and a very smooth automatic gearbox.

This model has slightly firmer suspension for better corning without sacrificing too much comfort.

It has just had its 3rd Service at 72000Km, about 45000 miles. The first two cost about 250 EUR each, but the last one cost 900 EUR because of the extra parts. Even so, the total servicing costs have been less than for the other new cars I have owned.

It holds it value very well, and I don't have the itch to trade it in. The Mazdas and Opels I used to own always looked old after a couple of years and I used to spend a fortune keeping them up to date.

Faults:

Bulb behind speedo.

Cloth seats don't clean well after kid's have spilled loads of food etc...

(maybe no surprise there though)

Air-con fault via hose not being connected properly by passenger seat, leading to pools of water around the floor of the back-seat!

General Comments:

The car is excellent for general use for my family (3 kids) being an estate it has good space for long journeys and although a classic model, comes with air-con.

As the model is a non-turbo diesel, performance is really poor except when upto speed on the motorway. The must have auto. box would be disadvantage with this engine, as at least the engine is not sapped, especially at junctions etc..

Faults:

My head gasket blew at 115.000km.

No other problems. It was a perfect car, just once it let me down in 12 years!