Sensible Secondhand Classics: 2006 Mercedes-Benz C180 (W203) Kompressor Avantgarde SE

[@matthewjburt6482]

I'm not a big German car fan but that car is a beautiful example and looks really well looked after. Thank you sir for presenting it to us.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, the condition is absolutely astonishing. I can see why Pardeep is so proud of it. Probably not my favourite car of this type (I would prefer a Volvo S60, I think), but a really lovely modern classic nevertheless.

[@MrArchitect3]

Have the 2005 model avantgarde sport w203 auto (tiptronic) with 440,000 km milage no major problems so far.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting!

[@paulunsworth9706]

I've. Bought one.c180 kompressor elegance. 20 years old show room condition one owner 48.200 miles absolute mint comfy driving.best car I have ever bought

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting!

[@CM-qo5ed]

Hi great video I was wondering if you could help me I currently have a 1.4 Alfa mito but thinking of selling it and using my grandads car which is this one in the video as he doesn’t drive anymore. However I think it’s the pre facelift version you said aren’t the best as it’s 2001 c200 kompresser. Could you highlight the main difference of that one and the facelift newer one (2004+) for me. Also his car is in mint condition and has under 60000 miles do you think I should take it or is it that poor that I should just stick to my Alfa mito would greatly appreciate any help thanks.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It's very difficult to say what is the best to keep. The earlier W203 C-Class will have the M111 engine, this 2006 model has the later M271 engine. The M111 engines aren't necessarily the most reliable as they get older (I drove a 1996 C200 with that engine and a blown head gasket many years ago), the M271s tend to be better. The Mitos have issues of their own, but do tend to be cheaper to run in terms of fuel economy, servicing, insurance etc, but it is worth checking about that sort of thing.

[@reverze2031]

Hello, maybe its a bit too late but I just wanted to share my knowledge with you. Its true, the facelift (2004-2007) is much better than the pre facelift when it comes to rust and electronic. The Facelift looks better in my opion too. Nevertheless, the prefacelift is also a great and reliable car, I would take it!

[@andreborges2106]

Why wouldn't you talk about diesels when reviewing a Mercedes?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Rules are rules...

[@timfordfalconxf7714]

I got W203 c180 Kompressor ( classic 2004 ) Love it. also saved from the scapper my W211

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I suppose the nicest examples of both of those are only going to go up in value...

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Another excellent review Sir, a very well kept example of a Mercedes, as you say it is in showroom condition or better than showroom condition.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, one of the best condition cars I have ever filmed, considering its age and mileage. Probably not very exciting, but a very useable modern classic nevertheless.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Early pre face-lift cars were very bad indeed, the interior design, trim fit and finish, was very poor. Not to mention, major rust problems, and the rows of blank switches on the dash, which never looked good. It felt like a very big down grade in built quality, following the W202, much in the same light as the W220, which replaced the incredible W140. This face-lift example is in lovely good condition, and the improvement were a big step forward.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, massive improvement on the early ones, this one is in absolutely stunning condition, and it looks well put together too.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting I was working for a luxury independent car dealer in the year 2000, when it was a brand new, I'm not joking Mr. Lloyd, I was actually shocked and horrified when I was sitting inside one, and I closely examined the interior, the feel and quality of the materials and switchgear used was appalling. That morning I just finished working on a 1998 C250 🚫 in Metallic green, Elegance spec, with a beige leather interior actually, and that felt absolutely rock solid, and very well put together, even the sound of the doors closing was more substantial.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@paulie-Gualtieri. , sir, as you know, we have tested a W201 and two W202s on the channel. I would say the quality of the W201s is even better than the W202s. One of the W202s was terrible, one was great. This W203 was totally fantastic, the quality was excellent, but I couldn't agree more that the quality of the early W203s was very bad indeed.

[@EK1Gaming]

I have a 2006 C180 Kompressor SE, its like new. Only 32k on the clock. Recently purchased it and very happy with it.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

There do seem to be some nice low mileage examples out there!

[@stephenfletcher3913]

The 1.8 Kompressor is the most underrated engine in mercedes lineup my w204 is currently on 193,000 miles and shows no sign of giving up anytime soon so much more reliable than any of the diesels, fun fact the engine was initially of Mistubishi origin

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The M271 engines must be better than the old M111 engines.... I can't find any reference to these being designed by Mitsubishi, but it would be from the right era for a collaboration, as the Smart Forfour was based on the 2004 Mitsubishi Colt, for example. Thank you for watching!

[@stephenfletcher3913]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting I believe it originated from the gema range of engines when Daimler Chrysler at the time partnered with Mitsubishi & Hyundai or so I've heard could be totally wrong though.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, I know the GEMA engine. I don't think that it is quite the same, however.

[@coolcat23]

The supercharged version of the M271 is very torquey at low revs already, giving the impression of a much bigger engine. It never lets one feel the car is underpowered and invites relaxed driving at the same time. I like this engine, combined with the rear wheel drive a lot.

[@KiceDz]

Everyone that's reading this. Please, please be careful with the timing chain on the M271. If it slips it will bend the valves and you're in for a hefty repair. Make sure to listen for any clunky noise at start, meaning the timing chain is stretched and the repair will cost $200 (the cheapest Bilstein Timing chain kit in parts - they go up to $700 if the tensioner needs to be changed and the other timing chain guides). On the other note: Change the Front struts if its a high mileage car. The originals are made by Sachs, but the Bilstein B4's are way better. I changed mine for $500, the handling feels like brand new). Check the spark plugs, injectors too. 5W-40 or 5W-30 Liqui Moly 5L + 300ML Liqui Moly Ceratec Additive to protect the gaskets and the surfaces. For the valves, clean them with the addition of Liqui Moly Valve Clean ( gas tank to 75% - add one Valve clean into the gas tank - repeat 5 times). After 1000km the valves will be brand new.

[@pards004]

Thank you for reviewing my car Joseph 👍🏽

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

No sir, thank you!

[@expressnotice6724]

What do the yearly maintenance costs come to appox?

[@eugeneviljoen8513]

I am considering buying a 2004 C180 Kompressor. Had an E46 BMW 320d before, it was a dream when it worked properly, however I had too many problems with it, it has put me off of diesel cars. I do suspect though that the car was a lemon to begin with as a number of other 320d owners have little to no problems. However since seeing the Mercedes I am thinking of perhaps changing my preferred brand.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

My mother had a whole string of BMWs, including a 5-Series and two 3-Series Tourings. I wouldn't be recommending cars with engines we cannot discuss on the channel any more. She then switched to a W205 C200, and she had it all the way until she gave up driving earlier this year. Modern BMWs do not tend to be particularly reliable, sadly.

[@stananders474]

Nothing said about air bags and side airbags. Should have shown the rear headrest pop up. I've the 2003 1.8 model >> manual, petrol.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Well, if you can do a better video, then you are welcome to do it. You must know more about these than I do if you own one.

[@tz6414]

Funny keep coming across cars I have had. Owned one from new in 2007, last of that shape a sport run out model.. Faultless car and yes I handed it back looking like new, but the lease company tried to charge us for a new windscreen( small chip) and paint damage, a 2 inch scratch that was so light light someone had brushed past it. As a mile muncher it cried out for more power. Replaced it was 2010 220d and it flew in comparison. Guess the 180 is ok for cruising about if you not hacking across the country. An extremely solid , well made car.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, not the most exciting car, but I don't think that matters for the average person who would be in the market for one of these at the moment. The condition of this one is amazing. I have driven one of those W204s, and I preferred this W203, to be honest.

[@gemelo825]

I have the same c180k with 34000km and its same a new car. But my c180k is not a leather seats. Im from spain Its drive so good

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you for watching and commenting all the way from Spain! Your car sounds lovely.

[@linwoodlane7006]

Mines the same year and model but has sport suspension and 17 inch alloys , although its not a sport , mine also has flappy paddle manual as an option , BTW interior lights only come on when its dark . KM are on the digital bit of the dash as is average MPG , time etc etc

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you very much indeed! I wondered about those details. Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@clinteagles9357]

I own a white c200k 2005 model. Also have a GL 320 Cdi 2008 model. C Class is the more quality build due to the GL being built in the US. A thirsty beast for a 1.8, uses about 11 lt per 100 km in traffic which nearly matches my GS Lexus. Bought it for my daughter for university but she Ubers. Great car, won't sell it cause I'll get nothing .

[@clinteagles9357]

Apologies, has around 74k miles, cup holder and center arm rest broken. Rest is like new

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, if you find a nice W203, then they can be excellent. This one was amazing. I have also had a Lexus GS300 on the channel, which I drove back in March. They aren't worth lots of money, but they are quite nice.

[@kristianspencer1978]

Nice car, but an E90 330 i msport saloon would be my choice.👍

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

My mother had two E91s, so I know them very well. I think a lot of which one out of an Audi, Mercedes or BMW comes down to personal preference, really.

[@seancooke7332]

She's a Beauty Sir. My Brother bought a one owner 2003 C Class two years ago with the same gearbox which had been loved and looked after. It is a great looking car for 19 years old. Unfortunately we cannot discuss it any further. What I will add is that my Mother in Law bought a new Audi A4 in 2003 which she still drives regularly. I would actually venture that the A4 interior of the time is easily the equal of this C Class Avantgarde SE. I do not say this because I prefer Audi over Mercedes Benz because I have a very great love and respect for the Mercedes Benz Mark. What I have learnt is that the 5 speed automatic gearbox is one of the finest and strongest ever made.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Sir, we cannot discuss said W203, unfortunately. Can we discuss the Audi that your mother-in-law has instead, or is that forbidden as well? Yes, the 5-G Tronic is a very strong gearbox.

[@seancooke7332]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting we will not mention said Audi again Sir. Very Well Spotted. We do know the direction that the train is heading and we know we will eventually become a Stop along the Line.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@seancooke7332, sir, I am afraid that you cannot catch me out that easily, my forbidden fuel radar is always very active...

[@НематжонБобожонов-у8р]

Точно такой и у меня но американский вариант есть тема мож обсудим

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Благодарю!

[@e30325ikiller]

the plastic above the camshaftadjustermagnets is missing thats why u see those two Os

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting!

[@e30325ikiller]

^^ sold it? any trouble about the motor?@@lloydvehicleconsulting

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

This car has never belonged to me.

[@reverze2031]

the facelift does not have the plastic above the camshaft.

[@e30325ikiller]

@@reverze2031 m271 is same from 2003-2006 then there comes modifiec plastic optic. sure it has. u can also clearly see ona has been replaced etc

[@mihlegqodwana847]

What is the market value today ?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Not sure, I don't believe that the owner wants to sell it, I am afraid.

[@alhassanzayyanu5712]

I will love to have this car

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I am afraid that it's not for sale.

[@НематжонБобожонов-у8р]

Точно такой и у меня есть тема мож пообщаемся

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Спасибо!

[@nickyboy.]

1st

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

How does that feel, sir?

[@nickyboy.]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting It feels great to have made it on to the top step. Usually competition is intense on your channel on a weekend.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@nickyboy. , next video coming up very soon, sir!

[@anitaraj13]

Nice 😊

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The condition of this car is absolutely astonishing.