Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate 96-

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  • Economy

    Value

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Great car, but overpriced due to clever brand marketing.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Not unduly expensive to run using patern part!

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Absolutely great for such a heavy car.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    250TD engine is smooth and powerful, even after 163k miles.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Car came with FMBSH, but they missed lots of problems: wiper motor, glow plugs, induction leaks abound, timing chain damper, but car never broke down because of this.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    I love it - and it makes a great van for DIY projects!

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Motorway mile eater.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Still use a Disklock!

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    FMBSH worthless! Car came with lots of problems despite FMBSH! Now use a local garage!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Glowplugs, aux drivebelt tensioner damper, induction leaks - not found during MB servicing - poor!

    Other

    Air conditioning/heating sensor (the one with the fan!) in courtesy light gets full of crud and turns heating on FULL. Very bad corrosion around the estate door hinges - very worrying! The integrated FM radio aerial in the estate door window is very poor.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes