Faults:

Oh when will I learn??? I have owned 5 Mercedes: a 190 petrol, a W123 240 diesel, a W123 230 coupe, a 96 2.2 C-Class diesel, and now this 2001 C-Class 2.2 diesel. The only one I could call reliable was the coupe, and it was 23 years old at the time.

I bought this C-Class 8 weeks ago and it's blown bulbs, which is minor, and it's failed to start numerous times before showing an EPU fault on the computer. I booked it in at the local Mercedes specialist who couldn't look at it until 10 days later. Unfortunately on day 9 the key lost its program and couldn't communicate with the car, leaving me stranded at work. I was recovered by the AA, needing a 40 mile trip home, much to the amusement of my family, who predicted this after experiencing the other Mercedes I have owned.

The car has been off the road for 3 weeks as the key issue was more problematic than first thought. It was eventually fixed by the local garage for £150, after being quoted an excessive price by the dealers. I like driving the Mercedes; I like the image, the star on the bonnet, and the leather interior, but the reality is they are not what they used to be. Back to Toyota for me.

General Comments:

To be honest it is a very nice smooth drive when it's actually working; very refined.

The economy is good at around 48-50 MPG.

It's very nice inside with leather seats, air con, cruise control and an automatic gearbox adding to the luxury feel.

What a shame it's so unreliable.

Faults:

Purchased the car with 70000kms. The first owner was a doctor's wife; it has been always serviced at Mercedes.

Nothing has gone wrong with the car, except sometimes when I accelerate off the lights, the car just doesn't go anywhere, I have to pump the accelerator before it responds. I have had some nervous situations at some busy intersections. My brother in law has a 2003 CLK 230, and he has the same problem. I figure it's a Mercedes fault as my mechanic can't work it out.

General Comments:

My Father also has an old reconditioned '83 230E sedan (one owner) and it's a pleasure to drive. I don't think I can speak so highly for my C200 K. The car's performance is definitely nothing you would brag about, but it is what you would expect from an engine this size. The suspension is very loud over bumps, and almost feels cheap when comparing it to the smooth, quiet ride of the BMW 320I or even the Lexus IS200; I have test driven both in the past.

The steering is very light, and I will give the handling a 5 out of 10. The reason I chose the Merc over the BMW, is Mercedes interior (seats) wear a lot better than BMW's soft leather seats. But the comparison stops there; the dash is very plastic, steering wheel wears out quickly (common fault) and the climate control is very analog looking. The sound system is sufficient, BUT it doesn't pick up AM radio, lots of static, (another common fault I have read in forums). I have no idea how they could get that wrong, but anyway.

Interior marks I would give it a 4.5 out of 10; my interior is all grey. Maybe if I had bought one with a black interior, I would have been more satisfied.

Overall the C200K may be quicker off the lights than a 320I and the IS200, but both these cars in my opinion are built a lot better. If you're in the market for this class car, find a BMW with a neat interior.

Would I buy another car from this manufacturer, maybe, but only if it's a C63 and upwards.