W205 C Class - what do I need to know?

[Tommie38]

I’ve started looking at the W205 C Class as the next family car. We’ve had a W204 in the past so a fairly straightforward step.

I seem to be in the 2015-ish range.

At this stage I have narrowed down to:
- ULEZ compliant 2.2 diesel (no hybrid)
- AMG Line trim
- Auto
- Saloon
- 50-80k miles

I’ve got a couple of questions for those of you that know these cars:
- Are there any known issues to be aware of? Particularly engine and gearbox.
- I’d like COMAND but see it is rare. Is Garmin really that bad?
- Are there any options for CarPlay / Android auto for either Garmin or COMAND cars? Current family car has an Android head unit and I think pretty much anything else is going to be a step down. Most used apps are Spotify and Google Maps.
- Can keyless entry be disabled and how easy to steal are they? COMAND appears to come with keyless when the Premium Plus pack is ticked. I had a neighbour have a W205 stolen recently and they just walked up to it and drove off.
- Were there any significant changes to the specifications over the 2015 to 2020 ish period? Anything that would make a strong case for a later car?

Thanks in advance.

[connoisseur21]

keyless entry on the 205 is easily disabled with two presses on the key so straightforward to secure. CarPlay/Android can be retrofitted by an MB Dealer or others to most Comand, except weirdly for a build period late 2017 to 2018. Worth a read of Comand.co.uk to understand the detail. Cant advise on the engine except to say so many sensors/AdBlue, emissions controls, which will cost when/if need repairing.

Gearbox 7g or 9g no major issues I’ve seen reported as long as oil change schedules stuck to. Same with the diff. Many interior spec changes between 2014 and 2020, plus the 9g gearbox iirc. Would be worth having a root around specialist forums for more info. Many cars delivered with run flats, which if still on will make the ride harsh, 18” wheels give the best ride, though 19s the best looking IMO.

[Ian-27xza]

At around 2016/17 the gearbox changed from 7 speed to 9 speed. At the same time the 2.1 litre diesel engine was replaced by a completely new 2.0 litre diesel, which is Euro 6.

So, a C220d of 2015 vintage is really rather different from a C220d of 2017 vintage but these differences might not be important to you.

[LeeM135i]

Have a W205 C63S Coupe from 2018 so just before the facelift.

The facelift (2019) cars have the digital dash, bigger nav screen, more ambient light options, 9 speed gearbox and a GPF quieter exhaust.

From my research mechanically they are solid other than the odd electrical gremlin.

I have command in the C63 and its great, my wife has the Gamin system in her B class. The command is much better but the Garmin is fine. You need a 2019 facelift car if you want Apple car play or Android auto. There are aftermarket systems you can retrofit to give you the Apple car play or Android auto.

On my car you can disable keyless entry in the cars menu system, I also keep my keys in a faraday pouch at home. In reality I would rather someone take the car than break into my house and threaten my family, if they want the car they can take it.

[Tommie38]

Thanks for the responses, really helpful.

I think the thing that stands out is the 2.0/2.1 Diesel engines point (I guess all the 2.0 cars are ULEZ compliant).

These cars aren’t often specified too highly (I guess most are leased) and I’m not too bothered about 7g vs 9g or facelifts, but the engines will be a factor given I live close to ULEZ land in London.

[Ian-27xza]

I have no affiliation at all with the dealer below, but they always seem to have a good stock of cars that I'd say are priced at true market selling price rather than 'dealer dreamer' prices. They're on the A40/Westway so probably not far for the OP to take a look.

https://www.gcscarsalesltd.co.uk/

Might want to consider an E Class too. All of the 'current' shape E Class's from 2016 onwards will have the later Euro 6 engine and 9g gearboxes if you're considering the 200 / 220d variants.