Used Mercedes C-Class W204 Buyers guide (2007-2015) Avoid faults and common problems (CDI/CGI)

Mercedes C-Class W204 used car buyers guide and owners guide for C180, C200, C220, C230, C250, C280, C300, C320, E350. Should you buy a Mercedes C-Class W204 if you want a reliable Mercedes. Find out about the Mercedes C-Class W204 reliability and the common faults to look for and what to avoid. This guide covers both the CDI engines, the gas/petrol engines, and as is sometimes separately designated the CGI engines. No matter if you are looking for an SE, Avantgarde, Sport, or AMG Line model you'll find useful information in our guide. We do also mention the C63 6.2-litre but we will cover that vehicle in a separate guide.
If you have been thinking about whether you should buy a Mercedes C-Class W204 from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, or are curious about the facelift engine differences watch through our guide for the information you need. Avoid buying a broken Mercedes C-Class that becomes expensive to repair by finding out the common faults to look out for.
For our podcasts search 'the miles driven' wherever you get your podcasts.
Link to full podcast episodes - linktr.ee/themilesdriven
To find out more about The Miles Driven, check us out on social or leave us a comment down below on what you think is best.
www.themilesdriven.com
/ themilesdriven
/ themilesdriven
linktr.ee/themilesdriven
Creators -
Miles Goodson
Sam Gooship
Legal and disclaimer - Any content not originally created by The Miles Driven remains the property of the original owner and is editorialised for media reporting. All content is used within the confines of media reporting/editorial use and is transformative in nature to inform others with new information and content about cars and vehicles. We use no more of the original content than necessary in alignment with U.S copyright law for fair use and U.K fair dealing. We accept no liability for the purchase of vehicles using our guide and suggest thorough due diligence by individual professional inspections before making a buying decision.
The Mercedes W212 E-Class was first released in 2009, our buyer's guide helps you to buy and own a Mercedes W212.

[@themilesdriven]

📖 -- Miles Driven book - amzn.to/47NeoC2 if you want to support The Miles Driven check out the products below 😁 👕 -- Merch Shop - themilesdriven.myspreadshop.com/ 🟡 -- (UK 🇬🇧) Casio Mudmaster G-Shock watch - amzn.to/3R5h5cu 🟡 -- (USA 🇺🇸) Casio Mudmaster G-Shock watch -amzn.to/47tuCAl Podcast - linktr.ee/themilesdriven www.themilesdriven.com instagram.com/themilesdriven/ facebook.com/themilesdriven ➡ Check out fiction books by Miles 📖 -- First book - amzn.to/3W8owip 📚 -- First in Heist series - amzn.to/3w6JBiU 📘 -- Short read (Novella) - amzn.to/3ZCcVLC

[@dit.p2598]

I think the best C Class model is the C350 built from 2009 - 2011 with 272 HP, a pure naturally aspirated car. A car without difficulties and without a high-pressure pump - simply brilliant. But unfortunately there are not many left.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

To me this is probably the most attractive C-Class. The lines are just so good. At 1:23 you can see how clear and clean they are and the edgy and boxy look works perfectly for the standard and AMG models.

[@Carrjimbo]

A friend has a c220 coupé, just clocked over 500,000km and still going strong.

[@IMAKETHEMSQUIRT]

Hey guys you know what they say a car and a woman it's a game of luck . I had mine 2007 W204 c200 cdi for 5 years now no problems what so ever. I just change my oil and filter in timely manner. Mine is 136 hp it's not the fastest one no chips completely stock but for me it's enough to handle my daily tasks. The car is very comfortable very smooth engine and gearbox it gives me more pleasure to tell you the truth to cruise slowly than to drive it fast it's a relaxing and luxurious experience. It has enough power to overtake trucks and big commercial vehicles in dangerous junctions and it doesnt brake the wallet. I like the newer ones but Im afraid I wont have the same luck again I just dont wanna sell it to some lucky dude 😀 well I hope you guys find a good one like me 😉

[@mariociao9314]

Dpf?

[@IMAKETHEMSQUIRT]

@mariociao9314 Like I said no problems my car has all its power 💪

[@mariociao9314]

@@IMAKETHEMSQUIRT 220 cdi vs 200 cgi more reliable engine?

[@IMAKETHEMSQUIRT]

@mariociao9314 for me the diesel is more reliable the petrol can have problems with the head gasket

[@mariociao9314]

@@IMAKETHEMSQUIRT my friend have slk 200 cgi r172 1.8 burning head gasket.

[@Whaddle31]

There is a 2013 c350 near me for 13k at 110k miles no issues reported and routine maintenance done might grab

[@karungkentang6452]

Owned 2013 w204, C250 AMG,and i dont need other cars/brands anymore 😂😂. Love this car very much

[@dreamon220]

Same here have had mine for 4 years now.

[@Ackdaddy100]

I purchased a 2013 AMG Sports plus W204 CDI 2.1 Twin turbo intercooled model 5 years ago she had 70000 kilometres when purchased I have done 120000 kilometres or about 75000 miles in her since purchased I have also been a bit lazy with servicing and have gone over due dates and kilometres on a few occasions and I have not had a single issue or problem also trim still perfect and paint still fine due to being exceptional quality. I will never sell this car even after I upgrade to a new C class later this year I will keep this one I have fallen in love with its beauty efficiency and reliability. And in my opinion they are the best looking C class ever produced over 10 years old and still looks modern and turns heads. I will be a Mercedes Benz person for the rest of my life now because of this car.

[@ezramale3270]

The best model ever, not sure about the models after w204. But facelift w204 still turns looks

[@Ackdaddy100]

@@ezramale3270 i totally agree , Mercedes Benz absolutely nailed it with the W204 they are such a beautiful car.

[@karungkentang6452]

Indeed 😂😂😂 same here, W204, 2013 C250 AMG.there will never divorce words btween us😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Nemojvikat]

I bought mine w204, 2012, 220cdi om651 couple of years ago did more than 20000 miles in it. Including a very long road trip of 4000 miles in a week. Never let me down, the car has now 89000miles. Apart from changing all the filters and oil, I had one bad abs sensor which I replaced for 90£. I did replace the chain tensioner as a preventive measure for the new upgraded version and my rear led tail lights started to play up, the connectors were burnt and the circuit board which is holding the bulbs, replaced both for 50£ easy job. I drove a variety of cars and changed cars frequently but now I do not know how to replace this car, I just love it. The looks, comfort, reliabilty, efficiency and feeling of premium it is all on point. No unnecessery screens, touch pads, sensors. It has all a driver can wish for.

[@ImranAllick]

I love my 2011 w204

[@user-fg6mq3dg3d]

2007 W204 here same

[@sivah-sy4dh]

Mine c200 driven over 250000km , still going strong only normal wear and tear parts replacement

[@juanlozano8794]

i have a c280 - 09 and i love it

[@CM-vw6dc]

I have an 08 c280 saloon, my 1 issue is the mpg, currently on 24 mpg and my best is 25 :(

[@flintbrockman821]

I have a 2008 c280 elegance and I love it to death

[@CM-vw6dc]

I own a 2008 w204 c280 and I’ve had to have the steering lock replaced with an emulator. Upon researching the issue it’s a common fault of the car.

[@Theo-974]

I have recently bought a W204 C200 gasoline from 2012, CGI, M271, 184HP, i can even reach 5.8l/100km ! i can do 900 km and even a bit more with one full tank. Another interresting thing with this model, there are no EGR vavle and no particulate filter which is good for the engine health, completly satisfy of this car !

[@MelodyMan69]

Curious why you suggest checking the ESL is working. It is a weakness in the W204 and many owners replace it with a Simulator, or detach it to avoid a possible "lock up" when the crappy motor fails. So disabling the lock action is common. Some insurance companies will sadly reject theift claims but may not necessarily check.

[@tungstencarbide7255]

It locked me out, and I got a simulator that broke after 2 years. From there, I fitted another ESL, which the guy 'rated' for some 500k cycles. I'm at 211000km, and if all goes well, the ESL should last the remaining life of the car.

[@MathOwz]

Was that some footage of the brynamman mountain near the start?

[@scaryfear21]

Engine-wise: get yourself a pre-facelift diesel om646 (you’re twice golden getting it with 5g tronic) and you’d easily get to 300kkm even with 15kkm oil changes. This one is probably one of the last merc diesels which was built to last. om651 is good enough as well (I personally did 200kkm on one) but it’s a new gen thing, more tender and not as bulletproof as om611/646 (which are almost twins). Though om651 delivers a slightly better fuel economy. It’s up to you, my personal choice is the good old stuff ;)

[@marvinwilliams7938]

I've got a 2008 w204 C220 CDI, is it Om651? at 175kkm atm, one of the most fuel efficient cars ever

[@scaryfear21]

@@marvinwilliams7938 for a 2008 it’s more likely to have om646

[@TiagoNevesNET]

... my 2008 C320CDI Avantgarde 7G Trans uses 14.7L/100KM, always has for it's 80K KM life, no idea where these fuel economy numbers are calculated, (cough, cough *dieselgate*) maybe at 150KM/HR and 2K RPM in 7th gear, seems to be where best mileage is achieved, hard to do on surface streets... LOL. Regardless, to me still the best looking C class, musculine when placed in sports mode, reminds me of a 70s muscle car! Wouldn't trade it for any other, especially the newer ones that look like a squashed VW bug and seem to be all plastic.

[@angelnedyalkov7420]

Opinion of C200 CGI 184 HP 2011 and C220 CDI 170 HP, both BlueEFFICIENCY - and which one is better?

[@SR1Records]

Gearbox info is incorrect. My W204 has a 5 speed automatic. I don't think there's a 6 speed auto. It's either 5 speed or 7 speed for the auto box, I think.

[@malcolmmccombs3320]

I'm sure your correct as my wife has a 2008 220cdi estate with a 5speed auto box. Still love the car though. Enough power for daily running and quite frugal. Also very comfortable.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

11:30 So sometimes deleting the fault code really isn't the solution 😂😵

[@themilesdriven]

Only sometimes 😁

[@zanelancaster2007]

I don't think the W204 came with a 6 speed auto. They came with a 5 speed automatic (5G-Tronic)

[@Nayeon-lg1zq]

Don't buy a used c class

[@dit.p2598]

I think the best C Class model is the C350 built from 2009 - 2011 with 272 HP, a pure naturally aspirated car. A car without difficulties and without a high-pressure pump - simply brilliant. But unfortunately there are not many left.