Smooth-driving Mercedes-Benz C200 reaches incredible million-kilometre milestone

In an era where vehicles rarely run past a few hundred thousand kilometres, a Mercedes-Benz C200 W202 has achieved the daunting one-million-kilometre milestone.

The vehicle was first introduced in the late 1990s, and its owner, Marc Pauwels, enlisted the expertise of Sportline Auto in Johannesburg to keep his baby in tiptop shape.

Three decades of diligent and meticulous maintenance and careful ownership have resulted in the vehicle running smoothly today.

Sportline Auto owner Mohammed Aadil Mia says he was first introduced to the car in 2006 when Pauwels said to him, “If you look after me, I will look after you”.

He adds that the car still has its original engine, transmission, and differentials.

“We fixed his vehicle as if we were fixing our own," says Mia. "He is the champion because he has driven the car well, all these years. The first time we serviced the car was back in 2006. It only had 150,000 on the clock, and every time he regularly brought the car in."

Mia’s passion for Mercedes-Benz started in his youth, inspired by his father’s advice: “A man who dirties his hands will never lose his shirt”.

After several apprenticeships at Mercedes-Benz, he established Sportline Auto.

To listen to Mia in conversation with 702’s John Perlman, use the audio player below: