Now that’s an endurance test: driving through to half a million!
The AutoBild colleagues have completely driven a Mercedes C-class. At least, that’s what you would expect when you use a car for an endurance test over a distance of more than 500,000 kilometers. The white C180 goes to its final resting place after 15 years and 516,286 kilometers. It no longer stands on its sober steel wheels with hubcaps, it goes completely dismantled on a tow truck to its final destination. The bright white Mercedes C180 had to answer an important test at the start of the test: ‘How long does a modern Mercedes-Benz last?’
Entirely in AutoBild endurance test tradition, the C-class was taken apart after the endurance test. Not as usual at 100,000 kilometers, but at the astronomical mileage of 500,000.
This is what the colleagues noticed when taking it apart:
The camshaft drive
The camshaft drive chain shows signs of wear on the guide and tension rails.
The crankshaft
The crankshaft is still in good condition even after more than half a million kilometers. There are few signs of wear on the main and thrust bearings. The connecting rod bearings have visibly suffered more.
The interior
The interior shows clear signs of wear. However, the cladding and surface are still largely intact.
The cylinder head
The cylinder head shows few signs of wear. The camshaft bearings and tappets are still in good condition. The cylinder head gasket has become somewhat porous at the combustion chamber of the third cylinder.
The corrosion protection
The longitudinal beams are rusted through here and there and rust is also visible on some edges, weld points and other parts.
Gear box
Although the gearbox is visibly worn in places, it has always continued to function.
How long does a modern Mercedes-Benz last?
It was high time to answer the question ‘how long will a modern Mercedes-Benz last’, because around the turn of the century rust and electronics problems had seriously damaged the image of the brand with the star. The white C therefore had a lot to make up for, quite a task for a car that was so sparse in its accessories. Initially, the C180 had to endure a lot because of its simple fabric upholstery (in the color 001 Brighton black), the somewhat cheap-looking dashboard without soft paint and the sober equipment. The rudimentary Audio 50 APS navigation system was the only option selected by AutoBild’s colleagues. But he soon showed that he has the traditional Mercedes-Benz qualities. He completed every long ride without any rattling or creaking noises. He also managed to please under such circumstances with its comfortable seats and the low noise level in the car. The 1.8-liter supercharged engine with 156 hp felt more and more powerful over time.
In 2009 at a ton, the Mercedes C-class had already convinced
When the first 100,000 kilometers were completed in October 2009, the respect that the Benz had gained in the meantime almost turned into love, if it had not already happened. The question they initially asked in Germany, whether he would be able to hit the 300,000 kilometers without any problems, he answered in October 2013, and then continued. In both cases, a colleague had removed the cap of the oil filler opening, after which the entire engine compartment was provided with a black layer. And that while topping up oil, given the consumption of about half a liter per 1,000 kilometers, should be pure routine.
Often gauge the last because towards the 500,000 kilometers the C180 wanted a liter of oil every 1,000 kilometers.
Timing chain at 362,357 kilometers on it
At a mileage of 362,357, the distribution chain gave up the ghost. In February 2017, he received a beauty treatment as a thank you for reaching the 400,000-kilometer limit. He deserved it then. By now, AutoBild had become so convinced of its quality that reaching half a million in December 2020 was almost taken for granted.
Ready at 500,000 kilometers
How long will a modern Mercedes last? The honest answer: until no one puts money in it anymore. When the 500,000-kilometer limit was reached, the C-class had already more than proven itself in the eyes of most editors. Then when a V-belt tore and the engine bay finally looked as if it had been exposed to a tsunami, the editors decided it had been good. Then this hero was completely dismantled, as usual after an endurance test. An inglorious ending, which also brought a few less good things to light. After more than half a million kilometers, the endurance test of this C180 has come to an end.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl