Just curious about reliability
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, Australia
CL203 & sprinter
but warranty took care of it.. but i got the modification done to it.. it cost $185 australian.
they said it wont occour again.
please..... the god of cars, have mercy!its burning my pocket!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
MY2001 C320
The list of problems:
1. Electrical is a mess. Seat module sucks power when car is off and this led to premature bulb failure, batt drain, wonky seat / mirror memory (side mirror changes position when driving, cannot store last saved seat position), and doors suddenly unlock when driving.
2. Faulty fuel sensor design led to fuel gauge showing 1/8 tank below actual for first 15 min after start. A design issue.
3. MAF sensor prone to failure and choked the engine.
4. Axle bushing worn out three times causing squeaking noise over bumps.
5. HVAC stepper motor flaps broke and only outside air at central vents.
6. Perforation at lower door trim.
7. Door handle broke once.
I hope no one has a longer list.
1. Electrical is a mess. Seat module sucks power when car is off and this led to premature bulb failure, batt drain, wonky seat / mirror memory (side mirror changes position when driving, cannot store last saved seat position), and doors suddenly unlock when driving.
2. Faulty fuel sensor design led to fuel gauge showing 1/8 tank below actual for first 15 min after start. A design issue.
3. MAF sensor prone to failure and choked the engine.
4. Axle bushing worn out three times causing squeaking noise over bumps.
5. HVAC stepper motor flaps broke and only outside air at central vents.
6. Perforation at lower door trim.
7. Door handle broke once.
I hope no one has a longer list.
8. Broken rear spring and rear sway bar bushings.
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
2007 C230 Sport manual
I have had 2004 C230 SS and now have 2007 C230 SS. No problems with either car. The 2007 has had some ECU upgrades done via a soft recall, but I have not noticed anything unusual either before or after.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
2005 G500
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/215679-please-add-info-if-your-car-has-head-valve-failure-loss-compression-misfiring-m271.html
m271 motor has had numerous complaints about valve seat or gasket failure leading to a loss of compression which requires the head/valves to be replaced. MBZ USA told me this is considered normal(My car has 80k) which it obviously isn't since they are already willing to pony up over half the costs of the repair.
m271 motor has had numerous complaints about valve seat or gasket failure leading to a loss of compression which requires the head/valves to be replaced. MBZ USA told me this is considered normal(My car has 80k) which it obviously isn't since they are already willing to pony up over half the costs of the repair.
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
2006 SLK280
2003 coupe with 80,000 miles. The only warranty work was the air vent stepper motor went ( made a clicking sound trying to open the vent). Other than that it's been excellent. Brakes were just done for the first time this past April at 69,000 miles. I have had to replace 2 bulbs, both license plate lights. I may be just lucky (hopefully my luck won't change now that I've said this) but this has been a great car for the last 5 years.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
MY2001 C320
The list of problems:
1. Electrical is a mess. Seat module sucks power when car is off and this led to premature bulb failure, batt drain, wonky seat / mirror memory (side mirror changes position when driving, cannot store last saved seat position), and doors suddenly unlock when driving.
2. Faulty fuel sensor design led to fuel gauge showing 1/8 tank below actual for first 15 min after start. A design issue.
3. MAF sensor prone to failure and choked the engine.
4. Axle bushing worn out three times causing squeaking noise over bumps.
5. HVAC stepper motor flaps broke and only outside air at central vents.
6. Perforation at lower door trim. Goodwilled by MB Canada.
7. Door handle broke once.
8. Broken rear spring and rear sway bar bushings.
I hope no one has a longer list.
1. Electrical is a mess. Seat module sucks power when car is off and this led to premature bulb failure, batt drain, wonky seat / mirror memory (side mirror changes position when driving, cannot store last saved seat position), and doors suddenly unlock when driving.
2. Faulty fuel sensor design led to fuel gauge showing 1/8 tank below actual for first 15 min after start. A design issue.
3. MAF sensor prone to failure and choked the engine.
4. Axle bushing worn out three times causing squeaking noise over bumps.
5. HVAC stepper motor flaps broke and only outside air at central vents.
6. Perforation at lower door trim. Goodwilled by MB Canada.
7. Door handle broke once.
8. Broken rear spring and rear sway bar bushings.
I hope no one has a longer list.
10. Hood star broken.
I was told other than the hood and roof the whole car body is redone and like new. Well I think I can claim the car is new considering...
Fuel gauge, axle bushings replaced 3 times
Seat modules, front and rear bushings twice
Door module, battery, alternator, stepper motor, door handle, rear spring and sway bar bushings, MAF once
The whole body except roof and hood is replaced / repainted
Even the MB hood star is new...
So can I call this a MY2008 W203?
Last edited by QQQ; Mar 19, 2008 at 06:13 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: California Girl
that red one
I didn't buy my 2005 c320 new - just bought it about a month ago with 19k and I actually had to take it to the dealership 2 weeks ago for a whistling sound coming from the air-conditioner. They found that it had some kind of a leak. Thank goodness for warranty's! 
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2004 c230 sedan
2004 c230 ss
36000 miles that plastic hose went out & sunroof so t auto close
41000 miles new cylinder head due to the valves crapping out
49000 miles new auto trans( dealer found metal shavings in fluid) and all front bushings replaced
51000 miles bi xenons dont self adjust anymore (still not fixed)
Other than that the car has been great I do love it but if it wasn't for the warranty I would no be able to keep it LOL also my dealer and service advisor are awsome never had any problems or hassles any time I brought it in
36000 miles that plastic hose went out & sunroof so t auto close
41000 miles new cylinder head due to the valves crapping out
49000 miles new auto trans( dealer found metal shavings in fluid) and all front bushings replaced
51000 miles bi xenons dont self adjust anymore (still not fixed)
Other than that the car has been great I do love it but if it wasn't for the warranty I would no be able to keep it LOL also my dealer and service advisor are awsome never had any problems or hassles any time I brought it in
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
2001 C240
I have a 2001 C240. My mother bought the car new in June,2001 . It now has28,000 miles. Driven mostly in New York City traffic(hard stop and go). In 2005 the front bushings and driver side power window control or guide was replaced under warranty. Last year I paid the dealer, Helms Brothers about $1600 for the A service, new spark plugs, fuel filter, dust filter , erase DTC, and replaced a broken windshield washer fluid tank.
I also own a 1990 Toyota Celica ST and a 1990 Honda Civic EX. About 89,000 both cars. There are many problems with the W203's that these 2 cars still have not experienced despite their age. I do not think I would ever buy a Mercedes new and especially not used with my own money. However since my mother already paid for it's initial cost, I don't really mind paying the outrageous dealer service. I really like the feel of the car and the way it drives but IMHO the cost and trouble are not worth it. I will probably keep my 2001 C240 even if I have to replace the transmission since it is probably the only Mercedes I will ever get a chance to own.
I also own a 1990 Toyota Celica ST and a 1990 Honda Civic EX. About 89,000 both cars. There are many problems with the W203's that these 2 cars still have not experienced despite their age. I do not think I would ever buy a Mercedes new and especially not used with my own money. However since my mother already paid for it's initial cost, I don't really mind paying the outrageous dealer service. I really like the feel of the car and the way it drives but IMHO the cost and trouble are not worth it. I will probably keep my 2001 C240 even if I have to replace the transmission since it is probably the only Mercedes I will ever get a chance to own.
