Overview & Reviews

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.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 36.00

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  So-So - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By PZ - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought a certified pre-owened 1996 C280 with 15K on it in 1998. In some respects I LOVE this car. The ride is phenominal, the interior is solid, and I feel like Im driving a tank.. (which I like). However, I have had a series of annoying problems since I owned the car. The Check Engine and ABS lights goes on and off for no appparent reason, the fuel tank had problems, the windows squeak...and these are the problems I can remember! The car has 70K miles on it, so we are looking to replace it before the extended warranty is up.

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  Constant headache - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Calin - June 27 - 12:46 am

  I would never buy this car again. Every year you are dumping another thousand at least into this car. My best year so far is about 3 thousand. Sensors go bad, accelerator portion is bad, center console wiring harness. And finally a cylinder crack. I have all the maintenance papers since Ive owned it and the previous owner had all the paperwork too.

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  Not too shabby - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By LaciMB - June 12 - 7:10 pm

  I bought this car when it was 11 years old and I can say I got a pretty good car for how old it was. It dirves like a dream, and has had no major engine trouble. It did fail to start one really cold day, but other than that has been really reliable. One problem I did encounter was the electrical sensor for the emergency break would not acknowledge that it was disengaged, and the dash alert would beep constantly. Anything with a motor worked very well--windows, seats, mirrors, etc. I had to do no major upkeep to it other than belts and oil changes. I loved the power too! For an 11 year old car, it could still smoke some tough guys at the green lights

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  An excellent economic german luxury car - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Doug S. - September 19 - 2:20 am

  I bought my 1996 C220 in April of 2005 with 121,000 miles, for $4,600 as my first car. Within in the first year I spent a few thousand in repairs for things like air conditioning, suspension, emissions electronics, but it never has left me stranded or not started right up. The car now has 152,000 miles and drives like a dream. I love the car great gas mileage, 30 mpg highway and mid 20s around town even considering i floor it nearly every time i drive it. The 4 cylinder is a little slow off the line, but is surprisingly peppy at highway speeds. Even though the car is now more than 12 years old, in black with tinted windows it still looks amazing, and gets second looks all the time.

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  Economical car, but weak horsepower - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Michael L - April 26 - 1:00 am

  This car has been very reliable and never had it towed to the shop as of yet now that it has 168,000 miles. This glossy black car looks very classy and luxurious at all levels. It drives well when the speedometer is over 60 MPH+ on the freeway, but from the get go it is slow because of the car is heavy and the engine is a sohc inline-4 with 148 horsepower. My cost of repairs on this car has been reasonable because the C220 had less features. Now the car is 14 years old and there are some wear and tear items that need to be addressed, but as long as it drivable and safe it should be no problems.

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  Decent Value - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Carguy - May 2 - 10:53 pm

  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.

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  Its a Benz - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By aavoice - November 24 - 8:10 am

  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.

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  Still rides like a Benz. - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By oc2001 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Good car! C280 sport - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By JOHN MOORE - July 3 - 3:20 pm

  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.

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  Rock solid - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By oakster - May 30 - 9:53 am

  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.