Used Mercedes C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet (Mk4, 2015-2023) buyer's guide
A full used buyer's guide on the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet and C-Class Coupe, covering the Mk4 that was on sale in the UK between 2015 and 2023
Verdict
The Mercedes C-Class Coupé and C-Class Cabriolet may have been launched a decade ago, but you’re unlikely to feel short-changed in terms of tech if you buy one, so this could be the ideal way to make the most of our remaining few weeks of summer. Admittedly, the number of recalls issued so far is worrying, so you must check that any necessary work has been done; you can put the car’s VIN into tinyurl.com/yc562a2t to see if anything is outstanding. The C-Class’s poor showing in our Driver Power survey might also give cause for concern, but we still reckon that these stylish Mercs are desirable for many reasons – although you clearly need to check over any potential purchase very carefully.
The number of SUVs in the Mercedes product range is now bewildering, but there are still a few key model lines that are incredibly important, and one is the C-Class.
It’s one of Mercedes’ most popular cars, and while it’s offered only in saloon and estate forms now, not so long ago the Mk4 (codenamed W205 by Mercedes) was also available as a Coupé and Cabriolet. It was popular then, so a readily available used car now, but it’s a couple of years since this stylish pair went out of production.
Used - available now
2027 Toyota
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History
The fourth-generation C-Class was unveiled in December 2013 and it went on sale in the UK six months later in Saloon form; the Estate followed in September. The Coupé arrived in December 2015, in 181bhp C 200, 241bhp C 300, 469bhp C 63 AMG and 503bhp C 63 S petrol forms; diesel fans could choose between the 168bhp C 220d and 201bhp C 250 d. All of these engines were offered in the C-Class Cabriolet, which was introduced in September 2016.
There was also a 362bhp C 43 AMG option; this twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 edition was added to the Coupé range in February 2016. All C-Class Coupés and Cabriolets were facelifted from July 2018, with every car having sports suspension, a bigger (10.25-inch) infotainment screen, an upgraded nine-speaker hi-fi, digital instrumentation and a refreshed exterior design. The C 43 AMG was also upgraded to a very tempting 385bhp.
Which one should I buy?
There are no duff choices to be made, whatever the bodystyle or fuel type. The six-cylinder and V8-engined models are especially glorious, but their running costs are higher than for four-cylinder models – significantly so where AMG editions of the Cabriolet and Coupé are concerned.
You’re also not going to buy a sparsely equipped C-Class, because even the entry-level Sport has front and rear parking sensors, a rear camera, electrically folding door mirrors, an adjustable chassis with five modes, sat-nav, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Cabriolet also has neck-level heating (Airscarf) and electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function. AMG Line cars get 18-inch rims, a bodykit, speed-sensitive steering, upgraded brakes and an AMG three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.
Prices
There are more than twice as many Coupés on the market as Cabriolets, and AMG Line is by far the most popular trim. Diesels account for just under half of the Coupés available, but diesel Cabriolets far outnumber petrol versions. There are more C 43s and C 63s available than you might expect.
When new, the Cabriolet carried a premium of around £2,500 over an equivalent Coupé, and things remain much the same on the used market. You can buy a used Mercedes C-Class Coupe for just over £10,000 through our Buy a Car service, while a used Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet can be yours for around £13,000.
Check the price of a used Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet or Coupe with our free car valuation tool...
Alternatives to the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet and Coupe
Whether you’re considering a Coupé or a Cabriolet, look at the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, both of which came in open and closed form. The A5 (2017-2022) always had a soft top, but the 2014-2020 BMW had a folding hard-top; its successor switched to a cloth roof. Whichever of the Audi or BMW you fancy, you’ll have plenty of tech, some great engines and an excellent degree of usability.
Another coupé worth considering is the Lexus RC, which came in 2.5-litre hybrid form, or with a 5.0-litre V8. Also look at the Ford Mustang Coupé and Convertible, while the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio are more costly to buy and run, but still worth shortlisting.
On the road
Most C-Classes are rear-wheel drive, but the C 200, C 220 d, C 250 d and C 300 d were available with 4Matic four-wheel drive, which was standard on the C 43 AMG, but not the C 63 AMG.
For a RWD car, the C-Class isn’t as much fun to drive as it could be, with rather remote steering, but ride comfort and body control are generally good, with the Cabrio’s bodyshell stiffness impressive, as is roof-up refinement. Something to bear in mind is that the earlier 2.1-litre diesel engine is a bit gruff, but the 2.0-litre unit that came in with the 2018 facelift is much more refined and worth aiming for.
What to look for
In suspense
If there are knocking sounds from under the car as it’s driven over potholes, it’s probably because the control-arm bushes and/or ball joints are worn in the front suspension, so they need to be replaced.
Bit of a stretch
The C 200 and C 300 were both fitted with a four-cylinder petrol engine codenamed M274 by Mercedes. This engine can suffer from a stretched timing chain, leading to rattling sounds when the motor is started.
All the gear
The C 200 was available with a manual gearbox, but every other C-Class only came with Mercedes’ excellent 9G-Tronic nine-speed auto. If the changes are jerky, the transmission needs a fluid change.
Raise the roof
The tensioning cords in the cabriolet’s roof mechanism, can fray or snap, leading to the roof getting stuck part-way up or down. Long-lasting repairs tend to be expensive.
Interior
The C-Class’s cabin isn’t so different from the S-Class’s in terms of look and feel. The infotainment works well, the hi-fi is impressive and the seats are superb. But leg space and headroom are tight for those in the back, and only two people can sit there. Boot space is merely okay: 400 litres for the Coupé and just 260 litres in the Cabriolet.
Running costs
All C-Classes have Assyst Plus, a variable servicing system, which flags up when maintenance is due. An annual service is required, with a limit of 15,500 miles for most C-Classes, but AMG editions cut this to no more than 12,500 miles.
Services alternate between Minor and Major, at around £650 and £750 on average, while AMG editions cost more. The earliest C-Classes are taxed according to CO2 emissions, but even the C 63 S is pegged at no more than £200g/km (£410pa); cleanest is the
C 220 d at 106-126g/km (£20-£170pa).
From April 2017 all C-Classes are subject to road tax of £200pa, but most Coupés and all Cabrios cost more than £40,000 new, so they’re liable for the £440 expensive car supplement until their sixth birthday. Coupé insurance groups range from 32-50; cabrios are in groups 33-50.
Recalls
Recalls are split up not by bodystyle, but only model and build dates. With C-Class Coupé and Cabriolet production running between 2015 and 2024, an incredible 111 C-Class recalls were logged between these dates.
Some faults were subject to several recalls and only a few cars were affected by some campaigns. Many were software-related –there were 14 campaigns for e-call glitches, for example – while there were many manufacturing issues.
These included sub-standard front seatbelt pre-tensioners, electric power steering motors, front-seat backrests and driver’s airbags. Other potential problems included faulty seatbelt buckles, damaged parts in the steering mechanism, and chafing wiring – among many other possible issues.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The C-Class Mk4 last appeared in our Driver Power survey in 2021, in 71st place out of 75; its only other appearance was in 2019, in 74th spot out of 75. What’s concerning is how consistently poor the rankings were, with 11th for acceleration the only good score.
This was followed by 34th for smartphone connectivity, but the litany of low marks includes 73rd for refinement, reliability and interior quality, 70th for front-seat comfort and rear-seat legroom, plus 59th for overall quality.
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Used Mercedes C-Class Coupes for sale
2021 Mercedes
C-Class Saloon
46,036 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L
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2017 Mercedes
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2019 Mercedes
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2026 Mercedes
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2024 Mercedes
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2019 Mercedes
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48,262 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L
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2020 Mercedes
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65,697 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L
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2021 Mercedes
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69,904 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L
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2019 Mercedes
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