Used Mercedes C-Class Buying Guide 2026: W204 or W205 — Which to Choose?

Quick answer

A used Mercedes C-Class W204 starts from €9,000 and W205 from €16,000 in Lithuania. According to WHEELSTREET data, the W205 C220d with the OM651 engine is a solid choice but check for injector wear (replacement costs €1,500-2,500) — the best value is a 2017+ W205 facelift with the improved OM654 engine and updated 9G-Tronic gearbox.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the benchmark for premium compact comfort, prestige and the Mercedes three-pointed star. The C-Class offers the most comfortable interior in the segment — but this comes with higher maintenance costs and more complex electronics. In the used market it's one of the most desirable models, but requires careful selection.

Generations Overview

W203 (2000–2007)

Older model requiring significant maintenance investment.

Price: 3,000–8,000 €

Recommended? Only for a very tight budget with fully documented service history. Maintenance will typically cost more than the car's value.

W204 (2007–2014) ⭐ Best Buy for Budget Buyers

More modern platform, more reliable engines, better comfort.

Price: 10,000–24,000 €

Strengths:

• Elegant styling, premium interior quality
• Good diesel engines (OM651 2.2 CDI)
• 7G-Tronic gearbox — reliable and smooth
• Accessible pricing in the used market
• Genuine premium materials throughout

Problems: Early W204 (2007–2011) had ESP/ABS control unit failures. OM651 engine had injector problems pre-2011. 7G-Tronic over 200,000 km may need fluid change or recalibration.

Recommended? Yes — W204 facelift (from 2011) with C220 CDI (OM651).

W205 (2014–2021) ⭐⭐ Most Modern

The latest C-Class generation — best comfort, modern technology, wide variety of variants.

Used price: 20,000–42,000 €

Strengths:

• Best cabin space in the C-Class lineage
• Modern MBUX or COMAND Online multimedia
• Improved 4MATIC AWD system
• Hybrid versions (C 350e PHEV)
• 5-star Euro NCAP safety

Problems: Some W205 (2014–2017) had control unit failures; more stable from 2018. 9G-Tronic gearbox on early cars (2014–2015) had software bugs.

Best Engines

Diesel (Recommended)

C 220d (OM651/OM654, 2.0 194 hp) — the best choice. OM651 (W204) and OM654 (W205 from 2016) are both reliable and economical (4.5–5.5 l/100km).

C 200d (OM651 136 hp, W204) — less powerful, but very economical for city use.

AVOID:

• Early W204 C 220 CDI with OM646 engine injectors (issues pre-2011)

Petrol (Recommended)

C 200 (M274, 1.5 turbo, W205, 2018+) — modern, efficient, reliable engine.

C 200 (M271, 1.8 turbo, W204) — good engine, but M271 had balance shaft chain problems on earlier versions (pre-2011).

C 250 (M274, 211 hp, W205) — good performance choice.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid the M271 engine with the balance shaft chain issue (pre-2011 series) — the chain can snap. Always check service history.

What to Check Before Buying a W204/W205

Essential Checks:

• ✅ VIN history check — Mercedes is often imported from Germany and Western Europe
• ✅ OM651 injector diagnostics — expensive repair if needed (~3,000–6,000 € for all 4)
• ✅ 7G/9G-Tronic diagnostics — OBD fault code reading essential
• ✅ Corrosion check — W204 sills and lower body panels
• ✅ Electrical system check — W204/W205 have extensive electronics
• ✅ 4MATIC check — verify it engages correctly

Specific Problem Areas:

OM651 balance shaft chain (W204): Some W204 OM651 engines (2007–2011) had balance shaft chain issues. Revised from 2011 onwards. Check if the fix has been applied via service history.

Catalytic converter failure (W205): Some W205 models had catalyst failures within the warranty period. Check for related fault codes.

9G-Tronic software (W205): Early 2014–2015 W205 with 9G-Tronic had software bugs; most resolved via warranty updates from 2016 onwards.

Prices in Lithuania (2026)

Mercedes C-Class vs Rivals

vs BMW 3 Series:

• BMW 3 Series: sportier dynamics, more driver-focused
• Mercedes C-Class: more spacious interior, better NVH, more comfortable
• C-Class for those who prioritise comfort and prestige

vs Audi A4:

• Audi A4: more modern infotainment (Virtual Cockpit in B9)
• Mercedes C-Class: stronger status symbol perception
• Audi quattro AWD comparable in winter traction

vs Volvo S60:

• Volvo S60: best-in-class passive safety rating in the segment
• Mercedes: stronger residual values, better perceived status
• Volvo: fewer long-term electronics issues

Our Recommendation

Best buy in 2026: Mercedes C 220d with OM654 engine, W205 generation, 2016–2019, mileage 80,000–130,000 km, price 22,000–30,000 €.

Budget alternative: W204 C 220 CDI from 2011 with latest OM651 engine revision, 12,000–18,000 €.

Definitely avoid:

• W204 pre-2011 with unverified OM651 injector history
• W205 9G-Tronic from 2014–2015 without servicing documentation
• Any example without full service history (Mercedes demands regular professional servicing)

FAQ

Is the Mercedes C-Class reliable?

The W205 with OM654 engine (from 2016) is genuinely reliable. W204 facelift (2011+) with updated OM651 is solid. Avoid early W204 and early W205 (2014–2015) which had teething problems. Full service history is essential — Mercedes deteriorates quickly if not maintained properly.

C-Class or E-Class?

E-Class is significantly more spacious and more prestige, but also more expensive. If budget allows — E-Class. If optimising for value — C-Class.

Is 4MATIC worth it on the C-Class?

In Lithuanian/Baltic winters, the 4MATIC system (standard or optional) provides meaningful traction benefits. Worth paying ~2,000–3,000 € extra on a used car if you drive year-round.

Looking for a verified used Mercedes C-Class in Lithuania? WHEELSTREET specialists source and inspect C-Class models from across Europe. Contact us for a free consultation.

You might also find useful:

• 🚗 Mercedes listings at WHEELSTREET — verified C-Class models with warranty
• 🔍 Car sourcing service — we find the best Mercedes for your budget
• 🏆 BMW vs Mercedes: which is better? — full premium comparison
• 💰 Leasing calculator — calculate your monthly Mercedes C-Class payment

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