1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
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Used C-Class for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fast and luxurious.
Cons
- Initial hesitation when taking off from a standstill.
What’s new
The SLK's 2.3-liter supercharged engine gets dropped into the C-Class, replacing the normally aspirated engine of the last C230. Performance has been turned up a notch. In addition, leather seating surfaces are now standard across the C-Class line.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$198/mo for C-Class C230
C-Class C230
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Baby Benz grew up four years ago when the C-Class replaced the 190E. The new car was substantially improved over the 190, offering better performance and more interior room. This year Mercedes' best-selling models should appeal to Americans even more because of more powerful engines.
The C230 gets supercharged power this year, good for an increase of 37 horsepower and 38 foot-pounds of torque, up to 185 and 200, respectively. The V6 that powers the C280 may not sound significant, but it produces better low-end torque than the engine it replaced while getting better fuel economy. And the V8 sitting under the hood of the C43 empowers the driver to leave just about everybody in its dust.
The C43 supersedan boasts a 4.3-liter engine that produces 302 horsepower at 5,850 rpm and 302 foot-pounds of torque between 3,250 and 5,000 rpm. Replacing the C36 sedan that turned heads from 1995 to 1997, the C43 is the latest combined effort of Mercedes-Benz and AMG, the German tuner that has modified and raced Mercedes cars for the past two decades. With this kind of power, an adaptive transmission and distinctive styling, the C43 fits well into the Mercedes tradition-yet still stands out on its own.
Other technologies that have found their way into the C-Class include side-impact airbags, the BabySmart airbag system that disables the passenger side front airbag when a Mercedes child seat is located in the front passenger seat, and Brake Assist which provides maximum braking if Mercedes has determined that you have stabbed the brake pedal in a panic situation.
The three models available this year are the C230 Kompressor, C280 and C43. Manually rowing the automatic shifter, a C230 Kompressor can now get to 60 mph in just over eight seconds, a two second improvement from last year's model. The six-cylinder C280 is quicker than the C230 Kompressor getting to speed, and getting there quickly doesn't mean changing your own gears. Handling is sure-footed with either car, and braking ability is quite good, although the C230, at 100 fewer pounds than the C280, feels somewhat more agile.
Base prices start just over $31,000 for the C230 Kompressor. The stronger C280 can be had for another four grand and includes the 2.8-liter V6, dual power front seats and an eight-speaker Bose stereo system. And then there's the steroid junkie C43, entering the market at $53 Grand. You may want to consider BMW's 328i, the Lexus ES300 or the Mazda Millenia before buying the Benz, but we can't help but think the C-Class is a relative bargain in this class, especially when considering the small car's ample luxury, spunky performance, and solid construction.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
5 star(75%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
84 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Good Car
Bill, 06/08/2010
1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
Not looking for MB, but wife convinced me to test one. I was hooked! Drove and handled nicely, quiet, and plenty of power with decent mileage (24-25 mpg). Would have liked better acceleration and responsiveness when I push the peddle down, but still good for a V-6 and relatively heavy car. I have about 150,000 miles on it and it still runs and handles great. I have not put much money … into repairs other than basic stuff. Harmonic balancer went bad, but MB fixed it under a recall (no cost to me). Complaints are wiper motor going bad, interior wearing out, LCD display/dash lights going out, and the body is beginning to rust around the wheel wells and sun roof. I would by a MB again!
5 out of 5 stars
Great car
Winnie, 08/05/2010
1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
This is a great car. The drive is just as tight at 310,000 miles as it was the day I drove it off the showroom. It is such fun to drive.The handling is very predictable and secure. Whenever I drive a new rental car even with newer "bells and whistles"it pales in comparison. My only regret is that after 11 years I'm going to have to get another car.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Car I've ever owned!
Eileen Broader, 12/16/2015
1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
You should check the service records on CarMax for sure. If it's been well loved, this car will last you forever. It's comfortable and you can be really confident driving it for view ability, NO blind spots, great instrumentation including cruise and wipers. Ours has 104,000 miles since '99 which is unbelievable. We had it repainted the same as the orig color (silver), had a new … headliner put in, and had a leaky valve fixed. Our ignition system did fail at 103,000 mi after we replaced our key! Be sure not to buy a new key without them testing the ignition switch first :) Lesson learned by all of us. I would recommend this car to all families, older drivers and all in between. BOSE sound system is amazing!! Love this thing!
4.75 out of 5 stars
My First Benz
MKTurismo, 11/12/2009
1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
I've owned nothing but domestics up until this point and I more than likely will never go back. This is my first Mercedes, bought it for $5k cash and it was a steal because it has had one owner (middle age woman), and is immaculate. Their's 172k miles on the odo and I've had not a single problem from her. Still rides smooth and quiet and no rattles or squeaks in the interior. Parts are … cheaper than most people expect. I just changed front inner and outer bearings and seals on both sides in the front and only spent $60. Doors still slam solid no loose door panels and squeaking hinges like I've experienced from domestics. Has enough power for the daily commute, amazing stability at top speed!
1999 C-Class Highlights
C230
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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