The C240 is a sweet 'basic' luxury car, and is my wife's ride. I bought it in September 2005 when I was driving a 1997 C200 which was under-powered (later replaced by C36). It is roomy inside and yet small enough outside, easy to park in tight spots. The ride is compliant and yet with Mercedes' firmness and drum-tightness.
The beige color interior is a nice and pleasant place to be. The vinyl, wood and MB-Tex interior is calm, nice to touch and look at. Of course I always wish for a glass sunroof and a leather trim (Elegance Package). But sometimes life is not perfect and lack of the Elegance package does not spoil the fun of the C240 ownership.
I bought this C240 for its rich old Mercedes feel and unraveling basic engineering and build quality. Newer Mercedes seem to lose this quality slowly and I don't need to remind myself every 5 minutes I am driving a Mercedes. This 1998 W202 is definitely telling you what it really is.
It feels solid and heavy despite the 1420kg weight, which is below average of the car in the same class - 1500kg. The other 1500kg like BMW 320i feels less heavy. In terms of ride it has the floating quality when you go over a hump and long undulation. Handling is sharp and predictable but not a quick and nimble one. Steering feel is present but you need to detect it. It leans and wallows and its weight shifts when I turn the steering wheel and brake. But I like it because it feels like driving and is more fun to drive than a BMW 3 series if I am not in a hurry. Acceleration is leisurely and barely adequate but I would not call it a deficiency. The engine is probably due for some replacement parts like new ignition coils and a new air-flow sensor that can read correct value to the ECU.
I have been thinking replacement like Mercedes SL or SLK, and BMW E46 3-series. I have put on sales ad on the internet for one week. But I hate to lose this car and would probably keep this sweet little Mercedes for another six months. My wife has always wanted a convertible.
And I spare no cost in terms of maintenance and keeping it at mint running condition.
