Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180 Kompressor W203 (2002-2007)

Unreliable and inefficient – Too many issues with the car especially the electrical system. Being a 1.8L engine with a supercharger, you would think it would be fuel efficient when driving gently. This wasn’t the case. Often above 12L/ 100km around town. Really was hoping for 9L/100km being a small 1.8L engine. I would recommend forgetting about the Mercedes badge, just buy a… Read more

Toyota Corolla - unless you are happy to constantly replace parts and spend thousands of $ a year in servicing.

Suddenly accelerate while driving after take off foot from pedal – When I am driving about 40 or 50 or 60 speed and to slow down I take off my foot from accelerate pedal but suddenly accelerate go up and what could be the problem

High maintenance – Lots of problems with sensors. Ignition switch replaced at 50kms and paddle accelerator at 25 kms. Comfortable and excellent driving with good road holding. However, constant stress over reliability issues Show details

Worst car I've ever owned. And I've had a lot over the years – I came to own this car 6 months ago and I have never been so disappointed in a vehicle. It went well for about three months and since then I have had nothing but issues with it. To make things worse the Mercedes dealership charges a fortune for half pie jobs that achieve very little. In its last episode I took it in for a service (Cost… Read more

about $1000) On the way home it broke down. That's unfortunate I thought, so I had it towed back to the workshop. I decided to have all recommended repairs done to hopefully sort it out for once and for all. I gave clear indication that I didn't want it back unless it was 100% mechanically as I live 40km out of town in a rural area. Therefore I need a vehicle that is completely up to scratch. $2000 later I picked up the car, having had the front suspension repaired, some pulleys and belts replaced and the reason it broke down in the first place diagnosed as wet spark plugs and rectified.

The first thing I noticed immediately after driving away was a horrible rattling in the front suspension. I was not impressed. Being late in the day I decided to continue on home and go back the next day. Bad idea apparently. I got about 25 out if 40km on the way home and it broke down again. Same fault as the first time it broke down - running on three cylinders, then on four but in limp mode and only capable of about 90kph with the engine warning light on. To make matters worse, I performed an oil check and the car needed a litre of oil. This was a mere 150 km after a full service and it only needing a top up once in the previous 15,000km. Needless to say I highly doubt even the oil was correctly refilled during it's service. A litre of oil sorted it and 1200 km on its still fine apparently.

Disgusted at the absolutely second rate and overly expensive work performed by a Mercedes main dealership, I decided to take matters into my own hands and roll up the DIY sleeves to sort the issues myself before I go bankrupt. A set of coil packs later ($39 each off eBay compared to $1500 for four genuine ones) saw it miraculously run on all cylinders and the engine light go off. Then the handbrake jammed on. Again interesting for a car that I have just had serviced and had given instructions to find and fix all faults. A can of CRC and some tinkering freed it up.

Further inspection found a perished vacuum hose. I replaced it for 78cents and fuel economy improved immediately. Given it is under the engine cover right by the spark plugs I am surprised it was not noticed and fixed.

Next on the list is that rattling suspension. Parts have been ordered and another $400 spent.

Overall I am highly unimpressed with what is supposed to be a prestige brand known for reliability and longevity. The vehicle had a relatively low 160,000 km and a complete service history from the same main dealer that I again entrusted it to when I bought it. I am now in the position where I have a car that is basically worthless if it's not running right, and I've invested too much money took just walk away from it.

2002 Mercedes-Benz C180 Kompressor – It's a great car for 2002! Plenty of power (being that it is a Kompressor) had some problems but it's great! Very solid & strong but the MB is very smooth on the road, I don't know if that's just because it's a "Kompressor" but it is very very smooth. Scored 5 stars (ANCAP) which is great for 2002 and still up to today's standards! Safe, luxurious, reliable Bad fuel economy Show details

For all of you buying a Merc C-Class AVOID PRE 2004.5 MODELS! – I love my merc. It has been a faultless car and much better than any other car of that era that I've driven. I have the amg pack on mine (amg alloys, suspension, drilled rotors, etc.) because I prefer the sportiness. Avoid pre 2004.5 models because I've heard on mbworld forums that people seem to have an abundance of problems (eg. rust, soft… Read more

paint, electrical etc.) Mine is the facelift model - hence, I've had no problems. Sportiness, power, supercharger, the ability to overtake cars with ease! Nothing except the interior door grab handle (which was replaced at no cost to me!), good service at gold coast dealership.

OK – After owning a 1969 Mercerdes Benz 280S for over 20 years we decided on retirement to purchase a 2004 Mercedes Benz Elegance 180C Kompressor. The car was just the right size for the two of us and standing on any kerbside looked fantastic. Looks, performance, economy, finish were all well above most other cars available in the price range. The… Read more

Mercedes 180C Kompressor lacked nothing in performance and was a joy to drive. The economy was unbelievable considering the weight of the car and the fact that the airconditioning was always on. It easily achieved around 6.0 litres /100Km on a trip (which was 90% of our usage) and around town would be approx 8.5litres/100km. The handling on the road was as expected from a MB, just sensational. The boot space is excellent as is all the internal and external fittings and accessories. Now the things we did not like about the Mercedes Benz and Mercedes Benz dealers were adamant that my concerns were not aired by other customers. First, the drivers and passengers space in the front seats is equivalent to being in economy class on an airliner, very limited all round. The rear seat passenger space was literally an embarrassment and excuses were in order when inviting adults to travel with us in the rear seats. The leg room is just not there and no we are if anything less than average in height. Second, entry into and out of the car is difficult due to the sloping roof design above the front doors. For older owners this becomes more a hassle the older one becomes. Third, the ride on the road is way to harsh and the suspension appears to be set up for performance cornering at high speed, neither of which I was interested in, I expected a smooth luxury ride but instead got a ride one would expect in a horse and cart. Fourth, the instrumentation especially the radio almost required a pilots license to operate. To check the oil level electronically was a challenge the first time and every time after! Five, the seats were HARD and on a trip of more than 100kM one needed to stop and get out to stretch and get blood back into ones backside before continuing on. Six, there is no fold down rear seats or even a section that opens to allow long items to be carried on occasions. Seven,the car does sway ever so gently from side to side when travelling at lower speeds and around town, other MB owners admit ashamedly that their car also rocks a little from side to side, Not Good. Eight, MB dealers need to be checked as they do not do all the work required during scheduled servicing eg. tyres not rotated. The pricing for a service is reasonable considering the equipment required but there is no justification for charging around $125 for the oil used regardless of how good the oil is! Bleeding the brakes cost over $150 extra and the brake fluid cost worked out at over $65 for a bottle of brake fluid! Last but not least, it is about time someone told MB that the stupid foot operated handbrake is a disaster, it is difficult to find and operate, requires undue pressure, it is everything but smooth and to release it is equally antiquated and completely out of character with the rest of the car. Mercedes Benz needs to listen to their customers and where justified address the shortfalls asap but in true fashion stick their nose in the air and hope the problems disappear which they never do. I would very seriously advise a prospective purchaser to check out all of the above points before signing on the dotted line.

Good – I think I paid too much for the vehicle but had few other options at the time. New C-Class should be much better with improved paint and hopefully less electronic glitches. For the money though, I would buy a Lexus IS250 and enjoy Lexus style service. I would not buy this vehicle again, though having bought one I am going to keep it as it drives… Read more

well and the interior still looks quite good. C 180 K: Bought in Feb 2003. The car is comfortable and handles well. Looks good. Feels solid at speed and has 8 airbags. Air cond works well. Fuel consumption is reasonable. Still drives well after 4.5 years of driving. Interior still looks quite decent. Has had electronic problems with tail light. Front disk rotors had to be replaced after 2.5 years which cost a lot. Passenger door lock mechanism broke after 2 years. Repaired under warranty but cost of repair was $1,200. Paint is pre nano paint, so has swirl marks on the black paint. Replacement of continental tyres is very expensive. The engine is not powerful enough. Mercedes service department of Mercedes Benz in Osborne Park, Western Australia, Westpoint Star, is not good. People are rude.