Mercedes-Benz · Sedan · 1993–2000
Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W202 Limousine
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 8 engine variants Most Fun Engine
272–517 PS
4.3-5.4L V8 Benzin
First Sleeper AMG — Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Literally
Legendary!Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W202 Limousine is available with 12 engine variants — from 75 to 517 hp.
C 200 CDI
1997 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
C 200 D
1993 1997
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
C 220 CDI Engine Change
1997 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1997 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
C 220 D
1993 1997
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
C 250 D
1993 1996
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
C 250 Turbodiesel
1995 2000
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
AMG C 43
1997 2000
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
C 180 Engine Change
1993 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1993 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
C 200
1993 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
C 200 Kompressor
1995 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
C 230 Kompressor Engine Change
1995 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1995 2000
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
C 280 Engine Change
1993 2000
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1993 2000
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1997 2000
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1997 2000
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust on Sills and Wheel Arches W202 strongly prone to through-rusting at sills, wheel arches and door lower edges. Absence of factory sealant up to 1997 accelerates corrosion. Strut top rust is safety-critical. Symptoms: Blistering under sills, visible rust on wheel arches, porous underbody, through-rusting at door lower edges from 150,000 km | High | |
| Rust on door edges and sills Rust on door edges, sills, wheel arches and under door seals. A faulty primer-bath process encouraged early rust formation. First build years particularly affected. Symptoms: Rust bubbles on door edges, brown discolouration under rubber seals, visible rust-through on sills from 120,000 km | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W202 Limousine have? +
The Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W202 as Limousine has 64 known weaknesses, 7 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: M111 (2.0-2.3L), M112 (3.2L V6), M113 (4.3-5.4L V8), M104 (2.8L R6), OM601 (2.0L Vorkammer-Diesel), OM604 (2.2L R4 Diesel), OM605 (2.5L R5 Diesel), OM611 (2.2L CDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W202 Limousine worth buying used? +
The Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W202 Limousine requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee