Mercedes Benz is one of the most prestigious car manufacturers in the world, known for their range of luxury vehicles which have been considered desirable automobiles for decades. Yet there are still affordable Mercedes on the market, including the C-class series. The C280 provides a reasonably-priced taste of Mercedes Benz, but you should be aware of potential problems before you commit to buying.
Check the head gasket in your engine bay. A leaking problem with older Mercedes C280's is a known problem and you should be conscious of this issue and regularly check for leaking fluid or smoke emanating from under the hood.
Consider the age of your model and look for signs of wear and tear with the wiring harness. Earlier models (early 1990's) had wiring harnesses made of weak material and were prone to wearing thin or coming loose.
Diagnose a problem with the alternator based on whether the vehicle starts or not. You will often find that if your C280 will not start at a low temperature then it is a sign that the alternator is not properly charging the battery.
Discuss the car history with the dealer or previous owner. Problems with the wheel bearings, electronic or engine could be down to previous repairs or an existing issue. It will be hard to resolve it without having all the facts.
