Models · Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 buying guide
The fourth C-Class, sold from 2014 to 2021 as a saloon, estate, coupé and cabriolet, with a facelift in 2018. Four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines make up most of the range, and the diesels are the most popular choice.
The versions
- Petrol: C200 2.0 (184hp at launch) and C300 (241bhp), both four-cylinder M274 engines until the 2018 facelift
- Diesel: C220 d (170hp) and C250 d (204hp) 2.1 at first, replaced by a more refined 2.0 diesel at the 2018 facelift
- Saloon from 2014, estate from June 2014, coupé from October 2015, cabriolet with a fabric roof from February 2016
- Manual offered only on the C200; the rest use the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic
- Hybrid versions are not covered here; the C43 and C63 AMG have their own pages
What to check on a W205 C-Class
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
A rattle at start-up on M274 petrols
What to look for: On a C200 or C300 petrol built before the 2018 facelift, ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive. Stand by the open bonnet as it starts and listen for a rattle from the engine in the first few seconds.
Why it matters: The M274 four-cylinder petrol used in the C200 and C300 until 2018 can suffer from a stretched timing chain, and a rattle at start-up is the usual sign. It's the same engine in every body style. Ask whether the chain has been replaced; a quiet cold start is what you want to hear.
Jerky shifts from the 9G-Tronic
What to look for: On the drive, let the automatic change up gently through the gears and then slow to a stop. Shifts should be smooth and barely noticeable. Note any jerky or thumping changes.
Why it matters: Jerky shifts on the nine-speed automatic used across the range can mean the gearbox fluid needs changing. Ask whether the fluid has been changed, as a car with a record of it is a sign it's been looked after.
Knocking from the front suspension
What to look for: On the drive, find a rougher road or drive slowly over speed bumps and potholes, with the radio off. Listen for a knock or clunk from under the front of the car.
Why it matters: Knocking over potholes can point to worn control arm bushes or ball joints in the front suspension. It's a known wear item on the coupé and cabriolet, which share their platform with the saloon and estate, and a routine repair.
Also in the full guide
- The cabriolet roof
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the W205 C-Class
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mercedes-Benz.