The Mercedes W204 C-Class was in production between 2007 and 2015, and in that time Mercedes has managed to offer a sedan, a coupe, an estate, and a convertible version of the W204. The W204 also got a mid-cycle refresh which was most apparent in the interior as it basically introduced the C-Class to the modern era.
The W204 C-Class is available in a ton of different engine configurations starting from small 4-cylinder engines and moving all the way up to 500hp+ large displacement V8 engines. The W204 was available with either a manual gearbox or a 7-speed automatic gearbox.
The design of the W204 has aged decently which means that it still looks attractive, especially in AMG trim. The interior is showing its age a lot more than the exterior, especially when you take a look at the interior of the pre-facelift W204.
The W204 is a decently reliable car, yet it does suffer from various issues, some of them are engine-related, others are associated with the steering, the electricals, or with all sorts of leaks. Practicality and value-wise, the W204 offers great value for money nowadays as it is almost as spacious as the current C-Class.
Mercedes W204 – The powerplant
The W204 is available with a huge array of engines starting with the C180 which offers a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 156hp. The C200 uses the very same engine, but the power is increased to 184hp. The C230 uses a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 204hp while the C250 also manages to offer 205hp from the very same engine.
The 6-cylinder range kicks off with the C280 and its 3.0L 6-cylinder engine with 231hp which is also being shared with the C300, the only difference is that the C280 was an earlier model. The next in line is the 3.5L naturally aspired 6-cylinder engine in the C350 which offers 272hp, except for the C350CGI which offers 292hp.
The top-of-the-line C63 AMG models offer a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine with upwards of 457hp. Entry-level models come with a 6-speed manual while the more powerful engines come with a 7-speed automatic. The W204 is also available with the Mercedes proprietary 4MATIC AWD system.
Mercedes W204 – Design and chassis
The Mercedes W204 looks and feels sophisticated, classy, and subdued. The pre-facelift models are now showing their age a bit more while the post-facelift models are a lot better looking. The exterior design is also heavily dependent on the AMG package as AMG-equipped models look way more aggressive and eye-catching.
The interior of the W204 didn’t age all that well, especially the pre-facelift W204 with its questionable-looking steering wheel and infotainment screen mechanism. The post-facelift model looks a lot better on the inside as well, especially if you go for the three-spoke AMG steering wheel.
The chassis and suspension of the W204 are designed to be comfortable and subtle which means that the W204 is made to be a luxury car. If you want a more dynamic experience, you should go for the range-topping AMG models as these do offer a way more focused driving experience.
Mercedes W204 – Reliability and common issues
The W204 is a decently reliable car, but it does need constant maintenance as is the case with every other Mercedes luxury car. The most common issues the W204 tends to experience are associated with the steering system. Issues like the steering wheel locking while the key is in the ignition or grinding noises while turning are common.
Other issues also include all sorts of leaks, especially oil and fuel leaks. Issues with electronics are also common, and so are issues with corrosion, primarily on older models.
Mercedes W204 – Value and practicality
You can get a decent W204 for as low as $10,000 while low mileage examples tend to go for a lot higher than that. The range-topping C63 AMG costs a lot more, but depreciation has taken its toll on the W204 which means that almost all W204 models can be had for less than a used Chevy Cruze.
Practicality-wise, the W204 is a bit worse when compared to the modern-day C-Class which means that it does offer enough seating for up to four adults. Five is a bit of a squeeze, especially because of the large rear transmission tunnel. Cargo space is more or less average for its class of car.
FAQ Section
Is the Mercedes W204 worth it?
The Mercedes W204 is indeed worth it if you want a fairly priced used luxury sedan that is able to offer most of what all the current luxury sedans can. The post-facelift W204 is still a fairly competitive car as it offers a nice driving experience with lots of space without costing all that much money.
You are able to pick from a variety of different engine choices and body styles which means that you should be able to find a W204 that fits your needs perfectly. All in all, the W204 is worth it if you are after that type of car.
Is the Mercedes W204 C63 AMG worth it?
Yes, it is. This generation of the C63 AMG has all the makings of becoming a true future classic as it offers the arguably most iconic AMG engine of all time, the 6.2L n/a V8 which sounds crazy. The W204 C63 is the last true hooligan Mercedes muscle car which means that it is going to go down in history as such.
The prices of these have dropped in recent years, yet it is expected for these to start climbing soon, especially because the new C63 offers a measly 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine.
Is the Mercedes W204 a safe car?
The W204 Mercedes is a safe car because it is a relatively modern car. Thanks to many modern advancements, the W204 was actually one of the first Mercedes cars to feature lots of features we’d come to expect on cars from the current era.
This means that you can get the W204 with parking sensors, rear-view cameras, blind-spot assist, and many other useful assistance and safety technologies.
