anyone know any common flaws/issues with them? looking at an auto '99 on about 180k.

Bizarrely works out cheaper to insure than a 1.3 mk3 coupe

Rust. Early C classes love to rust. Rear suspension bushes go, but at that mileage I'd be listening for clunks from anywhere rather than just the rear. Autobox should be so smooth you'd be hard pushed to tell it was changing gear. Other than that, just common sense really. They can have a few electrical issues, normally down to bad earths (from that previously mentioned rust problem!)

cheers.

This is a goodread: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=237