Johannesburg mechanic keeps Mercedes-Benz running for 30 years at over one million kilometers

Who says a car can't run for more than a million kilometers on the clock? In an era where vehicles rarely last more than a few hundred thousand kilometers, one Mercedes-Benz C200 W202 has achieved that extraordinary milestone. This feat, he says, is the result of careful ownership and expert maintenance spanning over three decades.

The car, first serviced in 1999, has been driven with precision and care by its owner, Marc Pauwels. In 2006, Pauwels entrusted his beloved vehicle to Sportline Auto, a Johannesburg workshop specializing in Mercedes-Benz, where it would receive dedicated care for the next 19 years.

Mohammed Aadil Mia, the owner of Sportline Auto, recalls the humble beginnings of his business. “I started in 2000 with just one lift, myself, and my partner,” he said. Despite early challenges, Mia’s commitment to integrity and quality service gradually earned the trust of his clients, including Pauwels. “From the first time he brought his car in 2006 with 160,000 kilometers on the clock, Marc was religious about servicing it,” Mia added.

According to Mia, the secret to the vehicle’s longevity lies in consistent, honest maintenance and careful driving. “Marc never cut corners. Whatever needed to be done to the car, he did it properly, with our guidance. That’s how it reached 1 million kilometers,” he said. Mia also emphasized the role of his entire team, from technicians to the wash bay staff, in maintaining the car’s performance over the years.

Mia’s passion for Mercedes-Benz began in his youth, inspired by his father’s advice: “A man who dirties his hands will never lose his shirt.” After apprenticeships at several Mercedes-Benz dealerships, Mia established Sportline Auto, which has grown into a team of 12 technicians dedicated to servicing vehicles with precision and care.

Many older models, like the W202 C-Class or the W124 E-Class, are famous for their reliability, often far exceeding that of modern vehicles when properly maintained. Owners frequently describe them as “bulletproof” cars because, with regular care, they can last hundreds of thousands of kilometers, or even reach a million, as in the case of Pauwels’ C200.

Enthusiasts also appreciate the simplicity of older models, which are easier to service and less reliant on complex electronics, encouraging hands-on maintenance and fostering a real connection between driver and car.