Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Economical car, but weak horsepower
Michael L, 05/04/2010
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
This car has been very reliable and never had it towed to the shop as of yet now that it has 168,000 miles. This glossy black car looks very classy and luxurious at all levels. It drives well when the speedometer is over 60 MPH+ on the freeway, but from the get go it is slow because of the car is heavy and the engine is a sohc inline-4 with 148 horsepower. My cost of repairs on this car has been reasonable because the C220 had less features. Now the car is 14 years old and there are some wear and tear items that need to be addressed, but as long as it drivable and safe it should be no problems.
One of the Family
swd4647, 03/05/2004
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Our first near-luxury vehicle. Still gets looks after eight years. Great on the highway. Could not have made a better choice. Recommend highly.
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale near you
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- C280 SedanMSRP: $6,998339 mi away
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A very Dependable Automobile for myself.
C. Benjamin Hahn, Los Angeles, 12/30/2018
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've owned since new C220 in April 1996. Now 2018 December. The cars has 175K and still just keeps going. Routine maintenance is a must. I see no reason to purchase new at this point.
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not the best built mercedes
C200 esprit auto, 03/21/2010
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
18 of 21 people found this review helpful
Would i buy another c class merc the answer would be no i would not, for the simple reason that this car just seems to go on and on with never ending faults.As for the body work thats no better than a rusting ford escort from the 1980s. Its a shame because i still enjoy the look of this car and still for some mad reason still like driving it,even when things do keep costing me more money each month and each year. The problem with most of these merc c class models seems to be all the same,with very bad electrical problems like wiper arm gives up working hazard warning switch gives up headrest button stops working, blower fan stops working,along with warning lights flashing at high speeds.
problems at 80k
BarbaraC280, 08/03/2004
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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..
Went for looks
itchy, 03/27/2005
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
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.
It Saved My Life
Chelsea P., 01/10/2010
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I got in a bad accident just a few days ago while in my 96 Mercedes c220. I was at a gas station waiting to turn left. While I was waiting to pull out a semi came by that had tractor rims. One came loose, because of an insecured load and also the driver didn't notice the suv in front of him get ready to turn right into the gas station. 7rims bolted together that weighed 1,000 lbs each struck the driverside of my car and caved it in. The rim weighed at least 7,000 lbs (not including the momentum added) that not only crushed my side of the car but also pushed it and lifted it a good 20 ft. I have no idea how I made it out of there but I thank god that I did. It saved me
Time To Retire Her 214,000 Later
C220 FAN, 09/20/2015
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car 10 years ago from my sister who purchased it new. Thought our journey this car has been nothing but reliable and comfortable to drive. That is, until this last year. Here's the list of issues: 1. A/C has a small crack and therefore no A/C during a SUPER warm summer 2. Front driver and passenger windows won't go up or down (had all wiring redone and still nothing) 3. Interior lights stay on and won't go off (had to pull all the bulbs) 4. Key Fobs stopped working 5. Car dies after starting it when I put it in reverse but restarts fine and still drives fine. There's a handful more issues but I LOVE this car. Yes, it's expensive to repair but I think it's been worth it!
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Decent Value
Carguy, 12/30/2005
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Will not wear out
Darby, 01/14/2010
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car will not wear out, took 95,000 miles to wear out battery, over 100,000 on second set of brake pads. Original trans, exhaust system. Org leather seats. Still looks good, just buzzes along , about 28 mpg on the road.
Not bad
rfarnum, 10/13/2002
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Took a few months for me to figure out that everyone isn't looking at you because you're driving a Benz. This is my daily driver, it's a great, solid car. Gas mileage is good to very good (26-27 average). Any time I drive a rental or a friend's car, I get back in my Benz and smile. It's a very well built car. The heavy, solid feel of the door shutting is ample justification for the price of a Mercedes. This car is pretty wimpy for it's weight. I have to do manual shift-drops for passing--the throttle tip-in is too slow. We have put a great deal of money into maintenance and repairs, but that's a price of driving a German car, no matter the make.
It's A benz!!!!!!
benzin, 01/12/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This Car is Extremely wonderful I have put 112,000 miles on it since I got it and that seas a lot. Have had no problems at all. Its a Mercedes what can I say but just wonderful.
Good car! C280 sport
JOHN MOORE, 03/09/2006
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Car for the Price!
SAH, 03/24/2004
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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!
Made it to 270k
Amotta , 11/29/2019
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My fathers first Mercedes. Bought car when it had 69k and drove it for years with out any major repairs (brakes bearings wear and tear parts) it was smooth and had plenty of power. Wonderful car for long trips made many Boston to NYC journeys with ease. After owning both Mercedes and Audi’s since this still stands out as the best built. Only reason we got rid of it at 277k miles is because it started to rust (a common problem in the northeast and Midwest Mercedes of this era). If looking to buy something sportier my best friend owned the coveted C43 and it was a rocket. Florida and Texas examples tend to be in the best condition. Totally would recommend this car to anyone wanting a 90s-2000s German luxury car.
C280 Sport
CSport, 04/22/2002
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Sporty version of CClass was highly rated by car mags at the time I bought this car. I really wanted C-36 for the horsepower but couldn't afford it, so I settled for the Sport version. I've never had a more comfortable long trip vehicle, never feeling tired or sore from 8 hours in the seat. I bought the car for the high engineering quality and was impressed with the tightness of the entire body structure. No creaks, rattles or squeaks. Sport package gave a lot of options for very little money and was worthwhile.
2000 Mercedes C280 Sport
ealtieri, 02/28/2013
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Purchased the 2000 model because the Exterior design is exceptional plus always wanted a Mercedes. I purchased a one owner vehicle from Florida with over 100,000 miles, crazy right?! However the car looks no more than four years old and I have no concern that it is going to break down. If you do the standard A/B service and take care of the car you should have no trouble.
1996 c-220
j stringger, 08/09/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
very nice styling bought it for 12300 so far so good ...car is very quiet and runs like a top (87000 miles on it)
Rock solid
oakster, 02/15/2005
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Only The best
lee96, 11/16/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have put 127,549 miles on the car since Ive 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
Mercedes C 220 Quirks
Bill giez, 12/22/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Tight and fun to drive
Jack Franklin, 01/21/2004
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love to drive this car. Easy to handle and easy on the gas. Good mileage.
Benz' Rules!
Gene-O, 05/03/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I caught this bright red beauty a year ago at a local Ford dealer for an awesome price and have never regretted the choice. Even though it's "only" a 2.2 liter four, the performance is amazing. Fuel economy is 25 around town and I've hit as high as 35 on the highway and average 30 overall. The only mechanical gripe is the Check Engine light which has been on and off since I bought it. The local MB dealer charged a single $37.50 diagnostic fee and has had it on the computer several times (at no additional charge!) but still can't figure out what's causing it. He drove it and pronounced it healthy so I'll live with it until he figures it out.
Perfectly Good Cheap Car
Valo Grant, 04/06/2015
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 96 c class I am currently driving has been sold on to me from my folks and so, thanks to their good treatment of the car, I have had almost no problems what so ever. Granted, the few times it goes, it does a number. Nothing more than a few hundred dollars, easy maintenance and in the right hands, will keep running after 20 odd years of australian road trips. I am still quite fond of the looks as it is understated yet elegant. Even though it isn't the quickest off the line, it still gives a modest punch of power for its age and still loves the highways. With a good set of tyres, it can hold it's own in the corners too. So for a cheap car, its a lot of fun and good value if you pick right.
Perfect and Very Fun car!
David C Klasse, 07/25/2002
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My 1995 C280 is the perfect balance of luxury and sporty. I've driven the car 55,000 miles in the past 2 years since I bought it, and I've had nothing but joy in ownership! I have minor repairs every now and then, but it's never stranded me. Great overall car!
It never die! Just put diezel on it lol
andri, 04/18/2021
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My dad bought it in 2013 i guess, and in 2020 he give it to me.It has 444590 km and still its going good!I have an c250 turbodiesel, it accelerate like crazyyy srsly, i rev it to 4000 rpm and turbo kick in ,amazing .. it handle grat, breake great even now! But yeah like an 25 years old car it has started to have problems.. no big problems but like , the handbraker leve somtimes doesn't work so i use my leg to put it up, the lock system works corretly but the car somtimes does;t recognice the key chip .. onother problem would be the consume.. like an old car a good part of the gas is burning for nothing so i guess the consume has go to 13/l per 100 km i guess.. besides them i love the car and it is truly a TANK!
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okstatus
bradsbenz, 04/12/2002
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
weak performance cheap interior materials expensive repairs terrible remote lots of looks
Constant headache
Calin, 09/09/2008
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would never buy this car again. Every year you are dumping another thousand at least into this car. My best year so far is about 3 thousand. Sensors go bad, accelerator portion is bad, center console wiring harness. And finally a cylinder crack. I have all the maintenance papers since I've owned it and the previous owner had all the paperwork too.
Mercedes-Benz c280 Sport
Travis Leffew, 11/14/2009
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had little to no problems with this car. It has 136,000 miles on it and everything works as it should. The only thing is where the inside lights and the moonroof button is, there appears to be a speaker (perhaps for the phone) and it has a light "buzz" sound. Other than that this is an awesome car. I have a 97' Mustang and after driving the Mustang, after I had been driving the Benz .. Let's say I'll stick with the Benz. Only negative feedback is I've tried to get an aftermarkets sound system and rims, and it just seems more difficult and costly with this car. I prolly will never have another Benz (Mustang lover at heart) but def a great deal! And I get asked if it;s a 2000+ yr all the time!
It's a Benz
aavoice, 11/27/2009
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car with 75000 on it and have had to spend some money on it over the last two years. I had it repainted but it was due to a poor repair job the previous owner had done for a minor bump to the rear. Major expenses have been to rebuild the transmission, replace the wiper assembly and replaced the headliner. My mechanic recommended a transmission shop that did a good job for $1400, the wiper assembly was replaced with a used unit and after a year is starting to act up and the headliner was expensive with quotes of up to $500. The struts are getting weak so expect to have to part with some more cash soon. I look at it this say; I could spend it on car payments or..Hey, it's a Benz.
Great Car
j_nickens, 03/14/2013
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first car. Picked it up at a used car auction. I'm 19 and I was getting looks driving a Benz even though it was a 96. Handled well. Leg room was a issue in the back. Small trunk. Also my electronics went psycho when it was cold. My windshield wiper wouldnt work sometimes. Very scary.
Still rides like a Benz.
oc2001, 08/28/2002
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Benz may not be the ultimate luxury car, what with a small engine and stiff seats. But it still is a great every day get to work car with style. The only trouble I have encountered is the expensive maintanence at the dealership.
Nice Ride at a Price
Volcalisa, 01/10/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been driving MBs for the past 12 years. The C280 is an excellent ride and the MB warranty is very appropriate for a car that seems to have its share of problems. In the past 2 years I've had 2 problems that had it not been for the warranty would have totally bankrupt me. One is the headgasket (which from what I hear is a common problem in the car) and the other was the gas tank gone bad. MB dealers are great. Awesome service and awesome car. I just wish it was more reliable.
So-So
PZ, 02/17/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a certified pre-owened 1996 C280 with 15K on it in 1998. In some respects I LOVE this car. The ride is phenominal, the interior is solid, and I feel like I'm driving a tank.. (which I like). However, I have had a series of annoying problems since I owned the car. The Check Engine and ABS lights goes on and off for no appparent reason, the fuel tank had problems, the windows squeak...and these are the problems I can remember! The car has 70K miles on it, so we are looking to replace it before the extended warranty is up.
I Like This Mercedes
mensa, 03/14/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the car, love the reliability and love the look. Unfortunately, I'm 6'1 and 275 lbs and its tight inside. I blame me rather than the car for that.
drive
Jacqueline parks, 09/29/2006
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I felt I had to spend too much money on the C 220. I had always wanted a Mercedes and I decided to try this one. I kept it this long because I kept thinking it would last a few more years.I guess I expected more out of the car than what it really was worth. I had bought Toyotas in the past.I still like the body style and design but wished it would have been more durable.It drove good on the highway. The seats were not as comfortable as I would have like them. Maybe I should have tried the 320 but I can't afford the 320. Oh well I enjoyed it while it last now I am going to buy a car that hopefully is more durable.
1996 C Class
NEW320, 06/27/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wiring harness gone at 125,000 miles. Very disappointing for MB.
Not too shabby
LaciMB, 05/15/2008
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when it was 11 years old and I can say I got a pretty good car for how old it was. It dirves like a dream, and has had no major engine trouble. It did fail to start one really cold day, but other than that has been really reliable. One problem I did encounter was the electrical sensor for the emergency break would not acknowledge that it was disengaged, and the dash alert would beep constantly. Anything with a motor worked very well--windows, seats, mirrors, etc. I had to do no major upkeep to it other than belts and oil changes. I loved the power too! For an 11 year old car, it could still smoke some tough guys at the green lights
An excellent economic german luxury car
Doug S., 05/22/2008
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 C220 in April of 2005 with 121,000 miles, for $4,600 as my first car. Within in the first year I spent a few thousand in repairs for things like air conditioning, suspension, emissions electronics, but it never has left me stranded or not started right up. The car now has 152,000 miles and drives like a dream. I love the car great gas mileage, 30 mpg highway and mid 20's around town even considering i floor it nearly every time i drive it. The 4 cylinder is a little slow off the line, but is surprisingly peppy at highway speeds. Even though the car is now more than 12 years old, in black with tinted windows it still looks amazing, and gets second looks all the time.
Sweet ride
Richard L'Amore, 05/12/2019
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mine has a 233,000 miles plan to put another 150,000 on it
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Disappointment
Disapointment, 04/17/2008
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my c220 12/01 with 42,000 miles. the trouble started at around 80,000 miles. busted head gasket, transmission slipping, cruise control failed, fuel gauge failed, power antenna failed, constant brake light lamp replacement, interior dome light assembly replaced, windshield wipers work when car is near high voltage power lines & when using the turn signals, I cannot turn them off, have had to remove the fuse to stop this embarrising act.