1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.18/5 Average
36 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

An infrared remote security system, dual cupholders in the console, a delayed headlamp dousing system and reconfigured option packages mark the changes to the baby Benz.

Pros:
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 36.00
  • It Saved My Life - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    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 didnt 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

  • Decent Value - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    112,000kms when I bought it. Ive 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.

  • not the best built mercedes - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    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.

  • Its a Benz - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    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, its a Benz.

  • Went for looks - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    As in most of the other reviews, just about every light has burned out. Some have been replaced many times. Its 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.

  • Still rides like a Benz. - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    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 - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    Ive 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 Ive 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.

  • Good car! C280 sport - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    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.

  • One of the Family - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    Our first near-luxury vehicle. Still gets looks after eight years. Great on the highway. Could not have made a better choice. Recommend highly.

  • Rock solid - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    By -

    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. Dont 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 wouldnt want to buy new, ouch.

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