Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007-2013) review | An affordable, comfortable executive car

What is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Square, solid and just a little bit staid: that is the reputation of this third-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, also known as the W204. Next to the lithe E90 BMW 3 Series and crisp, cool B8-generation Audi A4, its contemporary rivals, that might make you think it’s a dull choice.

However, you’d be wrong, because as a used buy, this Mercedes has a lot going for it, whether you opt for a C-Class saloon, C-Class Coupe or C-Class estate.

How practical is it?

The slightly upright profile of the W204-generation C-Class means it offers plenty of interior space, allowing it to carry four adults in comfort without worrying about headroom or legroom. Furthermore, while it varies slightly between specific models and across different model years, the third-generation C-Class saloon offered around 475 litres of luggage space. Sure, you need to be mindful that its traditional saloon-style boot means what you can carry is limited by the width of the aperture, but there is still a decent-sized space.

For those who require more space, there is an estate version of the third-generation C-Class that matches the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 for load-lugging ability. With the 60:40 split rear seats in place there is a respectable 485 litres to play with, but fold those chairs down and you’ll have up to 1,500 litres. That being said, be aware that a similarly aged Skoda Octavia Estate offers more space for less money, so if ultimate load-lugging capability is what you’re after, you’d be wise to look at alternatives with a more mainstream badge.

Inevitably, Coupe models offer much less luggage space, with 310 litres in total or 1,100 litres with the rear seats folded down. But if you’re buying a coupe, your priority is style rather than practicality, so this will be less of a concern.

When buying a third-generation C-Class new, customers had the option to purchase a number of official accessories. These included two sizes of roof box (330 and 450 litres), a roof-mounted ski and snowboard rack, a bicycle rack, child seat, and – to quote Mercedes-Benz – an ‘innovative rear seat iPad integration system’. Essentially, it’s an iPad holder that attaches to the back of the front seats, but it might make your C-Class feel ever so slightly closer to an S-Class. If any of these were bought with the car when it was new, there’s a chance they may come with the used example you’re looking at. If there’s something specific your example is missing, though, search around online and you are bound to find pre-loved Mercedes accessories at reasonable prices.

What's it like to drive?

The C-Class was engineered primarily for comfort, rather than dynamic ability, and it deals better with lumps and bumps in the road than either of its chief rivals from BMW or Audi. Entry-level SE and mid-spec Elegance models are the most softly sprung. The Sport (later called AMG Sport) got firmer damping, although even with this setup, the C-Class remains smooth and stable, both around town and on the motorway.

The C-Class’s biggest sticking point is the 2.1-litre diesel engine fitted to almost all diesel models. It’s gruff and grumbly even when you drive normally, and gets even noisier when you accelerate hard. Frustratingly, this was by far the most popular engine in the C-Class, so it’s the most ubiquitous, although there are several other engines to choose from.

Of these, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel in the C320 CDI (and later C350 CDI) offers a great blend of power and performance, while the four-cylinder petrol engines in the C180 and C200 BlueEfficiency are smooth and frugal when it comes to economy.

Beloved of enthusiasts, meanwhile, are the high-performance C63 AMG models, available in all three body styles, which match abundant power to exuberant handling. The third-generation C-Class in C63 AMG guise was the last to use the 6.2-litre, naturally-aspirated ‘M156’ V8 engine, as the next generation switched to a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 unit known as the M177. It is one of the best sounding engines ever fitted to a car of this type, and it’ll keep you entertained whether you’re driving around town or powering through a few corners on your favourite country road. It’s also quick, with a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds for the saloon and 4.6 seconds in the estate. The engine produced 451bhp all the way through the car’s life, including after the 2011 facelift, but in the final year of production (2013) you could opt for the AMG Performance Package, which boosted output to 480bhp.

Gearboxes varied over the car’s lifetime, with five-speed and seven-speed autos available, as well as a six-speed manual. When viewing a used example, be sure to check the spec sheet so you know exactly what it is you’re buying (although hopefully the gear lever for the six-speed manual will be obvious). The C63 AMG also used a seven-speed auto, and while the specific type of transmission changed in 2012, it never had a double-clutch system.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

Standard equipment was not exactly generous. The most basic C-Class got climate control air-con, electric windows, a dash-top colour display, a six-disc CD player, MP3 compatibility with 6GB of storage, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and 16-inch wheels, but not much more than that. Upgrading to Elegance brought wood trim, smarter alloy wheels and more chrome, while the Sport and AMG Sport added a beefier bodykit, 17-inch wheels, sports suspension, speed-sensitive steering, a sports steering wheel and a black headlining.

Meanwhile, a wide array of options and packages allowed you to upgrade your C-Class further. What that means for used car buyers today is a wide variety of different specifications, depending on what the original owner chose. It’s like a game of Battleships, where you’re on one side trying to find the location of the car you actually want, and on the other are thousands of used examples which may or may not have all the equipment you’re after. However, checking contemporary brochures, as well as looking at the spec sheet of the specific car you’re interested in (if buying it from a dealer) will eventually find the right car for you.

The size of the infotainment screen will vary, depending on the model year and trim. Pre-facelift models had a 5.0- or a 7.0-inch central screen, then regular instrument dials or a dinky 4.5-inch display nestled within the dials. Later cars had the same setup with the exception of the standard dash-mounted display, which grew to 5.8 inches.

One technology you won’t find anywhere on a third-generation UK C-Class is all-wheel drive. Known as 4Matic, while you could have it in Europe and in the fourth-generation W205 C-Class that followed, all-wheel drive wasn’t an option on the W204.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class running costs

The most efficient C-Class of all is the diesel-powered C180 CDI, which features a detuned version of the 2.1-litre diesel in the C220. You should see about 55mpg in the real world from this engine. However, given the C220 CDI should get within a few MPG of this, you need to ask yourself whether the sluggish performance of the less powerful car is worth it.

Petrol models grew steadily more efficient throughout the life of the W204 C-Class, with the result that an early C180 Kompressor should achieve around 38mpg on average, while a later C180 CGI BlueEfficiency can approach 45mpg. Of course, higher-powered variants will be less efficient, none less so than the C63. This will likely manage around 20mpg if you’re being careful, and a lot less if you’re not.

Servicing at Mercedes-Benz main dealers can be particularly expensive, and given that every C-Class of this generation is out of warranty we’d strongly suggest using an independent Mercedes specialist instead. The only exception would be if you were buying a low-mileage Black Series which had only ever visited Mercedes main dealers, in which case it would make sense to keep that streak going.

One bill you don’t need to worry about is the cost of a timing belt change, as no third-generation C-Class uses one. Instead they have timing chains, which are supposed to last the life of the car. Yet they may not, as you’ll discover in our section on reliability…

Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability

There’s growing evidence that the four-cylinder petrol engine in the third-gen C-Class could be susceptible to timing chain problems. If not caught early enough, this can result in significant engine damage and a hefty bill. If you hear the rattles that signify an imminent failure, replacing the timing chain won’t leave you much change from £1,000.

Diesel engines have been known to suffer from issues, too – particularly the 2.1-litre engines built from 2009 until early 2012. Their injectors can crack, causing the engine to run poorly. Happily, we understand this particular problem has been acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz and a recall was issued, so if the car you’re looking at is affected and hasn’t had new injectors fitted, it should be eligible to have them done at a Mercedes dealer free of charge. Do phone a dealer to double-check that that is still the case before you buy the car, though.

‘Artico’ faux-leather seats have been known to crack as well, so if the car you’re looking at is fitted with these, you’ll want to check them all thoroughly for signs of splits.

In addition, some owners have reported that their steering locks fail, leaving them unable to start the car as the lock won’t disengage. This is an expensive job to repair, and coding the steering lock to the key can only be done at a Mercedes dealer or an independent garage with the right technology to do so.

As is always the case, while there’s no hard and fast rule, if you’re able to hunt around for a good example and perhaps willing to pay a bit more, you’re less likely to run into big problems. With any used car, check all the paperwork thoroughly, ensuring it has been serviced regularly and repaired by reputable garages. Also, be willing to say ‘no’ if the car isn’t quite right.