Used Mercedes-Benz C250

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz C250

From 1 forum thread and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The 2001–2012 C-Class is well built and uses good-quality materials, despite being engineered to a lower price than larger Mercedes models.[2]one source
• Rear space is tight in sedans and wagons, but the sedan has a roomy, accessible boot; the coupé's rear seats and luggage area are tighter still.[2]one source
• The C-Class 250 Avantgarde's 1.8 petrol and 2.2 twin-turbodiesel both produce 150kW; the diesel has 500Nm and uses 5.1L/100km versus 310Nm and 7.2L/100km for the petrol.[2]one source
• Parts, servicing and repairs are expensive for a car of this size, so buyers of an older premium model need a budget that can support its higher running costs.[2]one source

Typical faults

• The most-reported fault for the 2012 C250 is an engine rattling noise on startup; this model year also has the most complaints overall.[3]one source

  2012–2012

• A faulty camshaft-adjuster solenoid is reported for the 2013 C250 and is ranked by the source among the model's three worst problems.[3]one source

  2013–2013

Which engine and version to take

• If economy and torque matter, consider the C-Class 250 Avantgarde 2.2 twin-turbodiesel: it is rated at 500Nm and 5.1L/100km versus the petrol version's 310Nm and 7.2L/100km.[2]one source

What to avoid

• A forum expert calls the W204 C250's 1.8-litre M271 highly unsuccessful and advises avoiding it; even a low-mileage example should, in his view, be sold by 80,000–100,000km.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Arrange a full pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist; both the forum and used-car review recommend leaving the final assessment to someone trained on the marque.[1][2]
• Check the VIN and accident history; the forum specifically recommends this to establish how severely the car may previously have been damaged.[1]one source
• Make sure the steering has no unnecessary free play around the straight-ahead position and verify that recall work for the early BAS system was completed.[2]one source
• Listen during a cold start and note how quickly the engine fires: noise or slow starting may precede an expensive repair, and startup rattle is reported for the 2012 C250.[2][3]
• Demand a complete service history and verify that the service book is genuine; the review recommends choosing a car properly maintained throughout its life.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]forum.benzua.com — Mercedes C250 w204 - на что смотреть при покупке? · forum
2. [2]carsguide.com.au — Mercedes-Benz C250 Problems & Reliability Issues · press
3. [3]carcomplaints.com — Mercedes-Benz C250 - CarComplaints.com · press

Spotted an error? Tell us