1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 180 Sport review from UK and Ireland

The gearbox and clutch were replaced at 127,000 miles, although at £960 incl. VAT this wasn't as bad as I first thought it would be.

At 106,000 miles the ABS sensor in the rear differential had to be drilled out and replaced, as it had become 'welded' in.

The ABS sensor on the front right hand wheel has also just given up, but this is a very simple and cheap repair.

It goes through numerous rear left brake light bulbs and generally is a bit quirky with the electrics, e.g. the sunroof switch sometimes doesn't work correctly, the lights behind the right heater position select dial only come on when the dial is turned.

For the amount of use this car has had I am very impressed with it, all the above points are not really grumbles, more like running costs.

I also have a garage local to me in South-London that is an independent Mercedes specialist. It is run by ex-Mercedes mechanics and uses only genuine Mercedes parts, but charges only a third of the normal labor charge. This as you can imagine, means that you get quality servicing and repairs at knock down prices. They also stamp your book with "Keys, Mercedes Specialist"