1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews

Good car! C280 sport

Written by: JOHN MOORE on 03/09/2006

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C280 Sedan

Review

Having owned this vehicle for a couple of years I am still impressed by the build quality and the smoothness of the drive. I am constantly told that the W202 series is of a superior build quality then the newer mercedes - my friend owns a newer Mercerdes and has been back to the dealer 5 times in 6 months so there might be some truth in this! I was worried about horror stories regarding the wiring loom cracking or the wiper motor failing (£800 for a wiper motor is extortionate!) but the only problem I have had was a wrongly diagnosed air flow sensor which transpired to be a loose wire on the spark plug coil! It drives like new dspite 125,000 miles. Only negative is rear legroom is limited.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

None this car is superb!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Decent Value

Written by: Carguy on 12/30/2005

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C280 Sedan

Review

112,000kms when I bought it. I've put 15,000kms on it and have replaced the air mass sensor, wiper regulator, brakes, rad flush. Every few months the engine light comes on for some reason. On the other hand this car is 10 yrs old and does give you great value for the vehicle. The inline 6 has to be one of the best engines ever made. Very roomy and all creature comforts. Many of these cars are 1 owner cars so you can find many that have been well looked after. Forget about a Camry or Accord you and have a Benz with more options, lower miles, and more class for about some price.

Favorite Features

Comes with everything you already want in a car. All creature comforts, Bose 8 speaker 6 stacker CD. Power and Class all in one

Suggested Improvements

Wiring harness, all lights burnout. Cup holder stinks. Remote locks, immoblizer stinks.

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Went for looks

Written by: itchy on 03/27/2005

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C220 Sedan

Review

As in most of the other reviews, just about every light has burned out. Some have been replaced many times. It's kind of exciting if the car can go between oil changes without some other issue needing to be addressed. The fear of an expensive repair always looms. We bought this car because of the classic look. We still like the look, but drive our Hondas when we truly have to be someplace.

Favorite Features

The classic look.

Suggested Improvements

Better plastic (it seems that Mercedes has not hesitated to use plastic throughout the interior, especially. An attempt at quality control. Since the newer models have even worse reliability scores, it will take a massive collapse by Mercedes before they replace their arrogance with quality.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Rock solid

Written by: oakster on 02/14/2005

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C280 Sedan

Review

Bought this car with 64K miles, now have 101K miles. Zero problems. The inline six is the only truly balanced engine made, and makes for smooth running at any speed. I prefer to buy American, but this 280 engine is great. Don't waste your time with the 220! And for a nine year old car, EVERYTHING works from power windows, seats, etc. Very impressed. My next car if not American would be the E320CDI (inline six, diesel-sweet!) Just wouldn't want to buy new, ouch.

Favorite Features

Engine.

Suggested Improvements

Hey, my car is 9 years old. My suggested improvements have already been incorporated. But if you are into MB steer clear of new purchases, these cars can't be appreciated until they get some age on them, that is what sets Mercedes apart from any other car, it still runs like new.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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problems at 80k

Written by: BarbaraC280 on 08/03/2004

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C280 Sedan

Review

puchased car in 2000 with 54k . now 2004 with 82k and the problems have begun.. a/c has never worked, seems to have continual emmission problems.. check-engine light on evry month or so.. in the past 2 months 1300.00 in repair.. this is not a car that you will get 200k out of.. very expensive to repair.. would not purchase another mercedes.. parts expensive and don't last..

Favorite Features

comfortable to drive..

Suggested Improvements

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great Car for the Price!

Written by: SAH on 03/24/2004

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C280 Sedan

Review

Bought my mercedes 2 years ago when my new job required more travel and taking customers out. I had a merceded deisel before and once own a mercedes there is never going back! This car has been very reliable on all my trips and looks great! All the years from 94-00 look the same so no one knows what year it is. Great car would defenitely reccomend it!

Favorite Features

Supple leather, power moonroof, wood trim, ski sack, folding seats, very solid build, nice styling, smooth ride

Suggested Improvements

Disc changer should be up front not in the rear.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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One of the Family

Written by: swd4647 on 03/05/2004

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C280 Sedan

Review

Our first near-luxury vehicle. Still gets looks after eight years. Great on the highway. Could not have made a better choice. Recommend highly.

Favorite Features

Highway acceleration. Seat adjustments to suit anyone. Appearance.

Suggested Improvements

Only major problem was replacement wiring harness at 50,000 miles. It took a long time to diagnose because it messed with dealer diagnostics due to electical.

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Tight and fun to drive

Written by: Jack Franklin on 01/21/2004

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C280 Sedan

Review

Love to drive this car. Easy to handle and easy on the gas. Good mileage.

Favorite Features

Able to corner well and tight Great visability

Suggested Improvements

Rear seat room not large enough CD changer in the rear. should be up front.

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Mercedes C 220 Quirks

Written by: Bill giez on 12/22/2003

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C220 Sedan

Review

Enjoyed the MB C-220 but the fuel guage problems, engine lights on,(Requires a new web harness),failing light bulbs, and expensive service are irritating. I do drive cars hard and at 160,000 it has held up well but the MB experience on the electrical side can be frustrating. Four cyclinder engine is good except for mountain driving.

Favorite Features

Car drives well, looks good and is a safe automobile.

Suggested Improvements

MB needs to review its electrical systems from a reliability standpoint.

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Only The best

Written by: lee96 on 11/16/2003

Vehicle

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 Dr C220 Sedan

Review

I have put 127,549 miles on the car since I’ve had it. Have not had a problem yet. It has been flawless, reliability is wonderful. The overall experience is a 10. Mercedes has a winner with the C-Class

Favorite Features

Climit control, seats

Suggested Improvements

A little more power

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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