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1998 Mercedes-Benz C230

There was a lot of reader interest in the W202 C280 Sport we featured a few weeks back, so I figured it would be worth posting another W202, this time, with a slightly different take on the model. What we have here is a three owner, 1998 C230, that includes the non-Kompressor M111 2.3 liter four cylinder and five speed automatic.

While normally this wouldn’t be the most exciting of cars on GCFSB, there’s something special about this particular car. I was the second owner. The current owner is a long time friend who has cared for it as lovingly as I had. With a growing family, he is parting with this car with a heavy heart, as it was as trusty a trusty, reliable motoring companion for both of us.

I purchased this vehicle from American Service Center in Arlington, Virginia in November 2001. At the time, this car had 32,000 miles and was a Starmark Certified Mercedes, undergoing a 130 point plus inspection. Similar to the E320 cabriolet I posted a few weeks ago, this C230 is painted in the rare, special order Moonstone Gray Metallic (paint code #721). The gray MB Tex (leatherette) interior has worn like iron with no blemishes to speak of and the burl wood trim is in good shape with no cracking.

With it’s 5 speed automatic, this C230 can return in the low 30 MPG range on 91 octane. Features include power moonroof, power windows, power heated mirrors, power door locks and eight way power drivers seat. Car also has keyless entry with window and sunroof auto close feature from the outside. Stereo includes 6 disc CD changer in the trunk. The OEM carpet floor mats are still in the plastic wrapping and have never been used. Instead, I had bought Mercedes-Benz accessory all season floor mats. These are much easier to keep clean, as you can simply wash and scrub them to keep them looking like new.

In June 2006, I drove this car to Montvale, New Jersey to Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters for the Mercedes-Benz Club of America June Jamboree. My car took home first place through a popular vote in modern sedan class. At the time, the car had about 72,000 miles and the president of the Mercedes-Benz Club at the time, Jim O’Sullivan, chatted with me in the parking lot about my car and asked me to let him know if I ever sold it.

My friend purchased this car from me when I took delivery of my 2007 C230 sedan in July 2007. At the time he purchased it, the car had 82,000 miles on it. One month prior, I had the entire AC system recharged, along with a small return hose in the system being replaced due to a leak. The AC to this day blows ice cold. Recent work includes an oxygen sensor being replaced in the summer of 2010.

Currently this vehicle has 159,000 miles, most of which are highway miles. Routine maintenance such as oil, coolant and brake fluids have been religiously kept on top of and the car comes with a full service history. It has been serviced at the following dealers/mechanics:

-American Service Center (Arlington, VA)
-Keenan Motors (Doylestown, PA)
-Tysons Corner Mercedes-Benz (Tysons Corner, VA)
-German Automotive Group (Springfield, VA)

The car has a few blemishes and dents consistent with its age and mileage, but the paint still has a glossy, deep shine. There is a small scuffing on the front left rub strip on the bumper, which, with a bit of rubbing compound would buff out. The plastic cap on the wiper arm is also missing, as it came loose in a heavy rain storm. The wheels are in very good shape for it’s age, as many similar Mercedes-Benzes alloys have been ruined due to the caustic nature of the brake dust. There are a few chips that could stand some touch up paint here and there, but not many. There are no chips and scratches on the windshield.

The owner is asking $4,900. Those who have questions regarding the car or are interested can contact me at paulshenriques@hotmail.com. I can answer a lot of questions regarding the history of the car and I can link up serious parties with my friend, the seller. Even at 159,000 miles, you’d be hard pressed to find a W202 these days as well preserved as this one.

-Paul