2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Very nice, impressive

Faults:

So far nothing gone wrong.

General Comments:

Very smooth to drive, very comfortable. It’s an Elegance model.

Fuel consumption is very high in the London area. So far the best I have got is 23mpg, which is not impressive for 1800 cc car.

Please make sure the car's wheel alignment is correct before purchase, since Merc charge 299 pound to align it, and keep the car for all day. Tried a local Kwikfit; they don't do Merc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2010

17th Jul 2023, 14:29

C180 was not very good, go for a C200. You should still have averaged 30 mpg though if driven correctly.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Elegance 220 CDI

Summary:

Not as attractive as pre 2000 models

Faults:

Constant software problems. i.e. false defect warnings on brakes, lights, etc.

Air conditioning failed on three occasions, twice under warranty.

Factory fitted Nokia phone kit failed twice, once under warranty.

General Comments:

The car offered reasonable comfort and excellent performance. Unfortunately it lacks many features found on the earlier 250 TD estates, such as self levelling suspension and headlight wash and wipe.

The post 2000 C class is certainly not designed for the DIY mechanic; for instance there is no such thing as a dip stick, and the engine oil is required to be extracted rather than drained.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th May, 2007

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180 Kompressor Classic 1.8 supercharged petrol

Summary:

Soothing,

Faults:

Reliable as clockwork.

General Comments:

If you want a car to cope with 40,000 annual motorway miles, you simply cannot do better than this without spending daft amounts of cash.

The supercharger means the 1.8 litre engine copes a lot better than you think it might. It's not quick, but plenty lively enough for most situations, and has lots of torque to pull the car along. On the motorway at 80-85 mph it is whisper quiet, has plenty of power in reserve, and does 35 mpg. If you live on motorways, you don't need a bigger engine than this, as it will still show 140 on the clock (approx 130 genuine I suspect) if you allow it its head. In fact, compared to my previous Peugeot 406 SRi Turbo, there's not much in it.

Much is made of Mercedes build quality not being up to scratch on newer cars, but mine is totally faultless. It still looks and feels new after 42,000 miles. It's a relaxing car to drive, and I can't seriously fault it. More power would be nice, but not enough to justify the higher purchase, running and insurance costs of one of the larger engines. In 99% of road situations, the 180 Kompressor lump is perfectly adequate.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a beautifully engineered, comfortable and soothing motorway express. Just dig deep come service time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2004

7th May 2009, 08:48

Ahmed from South Africa - I totally agree with all comments made on this vehicle, my C180k has 147000 km's on the clock and she goes like a dream. There are times when she just bursts with power and the sound that comes of the engine is very refined at low torque levels, but very roarish at high levels. Although the maintenance costs a bit more, it's a very reliable vehicle. I would recommend this car to anyone any day.