Just curious about reliability
09-03-2007, 08:26 PM
#1
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Just curious about reliability
I wanted to survey to see for those who owns a C class 4 doors in the past 5years and was bought NEW, who kind of problems and issues have you run into. 
09-04-2007, 12:42 PM
#2
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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.
09-04-2007, 12:44 PM
#3
Let's see...
1. Power steering replaced at 400 Miles
2. Idler pulley at 5600 miles
3. Squeak coming from hood area at 6000
4. sunroof reprogrammed at 6000
that's it for now...
purchased new in July 2006
1. Power steering replaced at 400 Miles
2. Idler pulley at 5600 miles
3. Squeak coming from hood area at 6000
4. sunroof reprogrammed at 6000
that's it for now...
purchased new in July 2006
09-04-2007, 01:35 PM
#5
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2002 C320 Sport Wagon
Here's some relatively good news. I have a 2002 C320 which has had no major problems, at least until some stuff recently.
1. Replaced cargo area cover (warranty)
2. Replaced/repaired upper arm bushing (warrenty)
Both of those in the first year.
Recently, I have had spurious failure indications for front left directional lamp and front left marker lamp, both of which cured themselves overnight. Also, one lone incident locking itself while standing still.
Finally, the ratchet on depressing the emergency brake pedal is gone but the brake operates just fine. Will be pursuing this.
Kal
1. Replaced cargo area cover (warranty)
2. Replaced/repaired upper arm bushing (warrenty)
Both of those in the first year.
Recently, I have had spurious failure indications for front left directional lamp and front left marker lamp, both of which cured themselves overnight. Also, one lone incident locking itself while standing still.
Finally, the ratchet on depressing the emergency brake pedal is gone but the brake operates just fine. Will be pursuing this.
Kal
09-04-2007, 01:40 PM
#6
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09-04-2007, 02:24 PM
#8
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2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
2007 C230, purchased 5 months ago, 12K miles to date:
1)Trunk springs adjusted, as the trunk wouldn't open (Need to be adjusted again, as they are not working again)
2)Quite a few rattles fixed (Seat belt tensioners twice, but still rattle, instrument cluster and radio rattles fixed)
3)Hood open sensor faulty (Still needs to be replaced)
4)Automatic headlight sensor faulty (Lights turn on in the daytime, still need to be fixed)
5)Transmission leak (This appears like the leak has stopped w/o any repair. No more seepage the last 5K miles)
6)Engine knocking at startup when sitting 2-4 hours (Still yet to be fixed.)
All these issue, to me, are considered minor, as they haven't left me stranded. I am pretty happy so far considering the minor issues I have had. The issues that really surprised me, was all the rattles. I figured in a MB, those would rare.
1)Trunk springs adjusted, as the trunk wouldn't open (Need to be adjusted again, as they are not working again)
2)Quite a few rattles fixed (Seat belt tensioners twice, but still rattle, instrument cluster and radio rattles fixed)
3)Hood open sensor faulty (Still needs to be replaced)
4)Automatic headlight sensor faulty (Lights turn on in the daytime, still need to be fixed)
5)Transmission leak (This appears like the leak has stopped w/o any repair. No more seepage the last 5K miles)
6)Engine knocking at startup when sitting 2-4 hours (Still yet to be fixed.)
All these issue, to me, are considered minor, as they haven't left me stranded. I am pretty happy so far considering the minor issues I have had. The issues that really surprised me, was all the rattles. I figured in a MB, those would rare.
09-04-2007, 02:45 PM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
2002 was not the best of times.
My list is too long to list, but almost all was under warrany.
Got the bugs out I think....
My list is too long to list, but almost all was under warrany.
Got the bugs out I think....
09-21-2007, 06:43 PM
#11
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2007 c230
2007 C230, purchased 5 months ago, 12K miles to date:
1)Trunk springs adjusted, as the trunk wouldn't open (Need to be adjusted again, as they are not working again)
2)Quite a few rattles fixed (Seat belt tensioners twice, but still rattle, instrument cluster and radio rattles fixed)
3)Hood open sensor faulty (Still needs to be replaced)
4)Automatic headlight sensor faulty (Lights turn on in the daytime, still need to be fixed)
5)Transmission leak (This appears like the leak has stopped w/o any repair. No more seepage the last 5K miles)
6)Engine knocking at startup when sitting 2-4 hours (Still yet to be fixed.)
All these issue, to me, are considered minor, as they haven't left me stranded. I am pretty happy so far considering the minor issues I have had. The issues that really surprised me, was all the rattles. I figured in a MB, those would rare.
1)Trunk springs adjusted, as the trunk wouldn't open (Need to be adjusted again, as they are not working again)
2)Quite a few rattles fixed (Seat belt tensioners twice, but still rattle, instrument cluster and radio rattles fixed)
3)Hood open sensor faulty (Still needs to be replaced)
4)Automatic headlight sensor faulty (Lights turn on in the daytime, still need to be fixed)
5)Transmission leak (This appears like the leak has stopped w/o any repair. No more seepage the last 5K miles)
6)Engine knocking at startup when sitting 2-4 hours (Still yet to be fixed.)
All these issue, to me, are considered minor, as they haven't left me stranded. I am pretty happy so far considering the minor issues I have had. The issues that really surprised me, was all the rattles. I figured in a MB, those would rare.
I just leased my 07 c230 on the first of July. I'm at 2000miles and so far I only have 2 problems;
1)Driver powerseat buttons would not work (I knew about this before leasing it and took it in to get fixed the next day. Turned out the seat wasn't plugged in. Aren't these cars supposed to go through a test before leaving manufacturing?)
2)Since getting the seat fixed, a squeak has developed which seems to be coming from the instrument cluster. This has yet to be fixed but I will probably take it in next week since it is really REALLY annoying. It squeaks non-stop until I park the car.
3)I've noticed the sunroof doesn't seem to close fully sometimes. When I push the switch for it to close it'll do its thing, almost come to a complete close, pull back 4 inches and just stop. So then I have to hold the switch down for it to fully close. So much for 1 touch open and close.
At 2000 miles and with 3 problems so far. Thats not good.
09-23-2007, 06:06 PM
#12
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2003 C230
2003 C230 Kompressor Sedan - minor issues
Left HID went out and replaced, everything needed replacement.
Rattle in the rear right - unfixable after 5+ visits to the dealer.
"thud" noise from trunk - unfixable after 2-3 visits to the dealer.
e-brake, not disengaging, lube fixed it.
Sunroof weirdness with not fully closing, turning car off/on fixed it. Happened 3-4 times in 4 years.
That's about it in 44500 miles.
Rattle in the rear right - unfixable after 5+ visits to the dealer.
"thud" noise from trunk - unfixable after 2-3 visits to the dealer.
e-brake, not disengaging, lube fixed it.
Sunroof weirdness with not fully closing, turning car off/on fixed it. Happened 3-4 times in 4 years.
That's about it in 44500 miles.
09-23-2007, 10:32 PM
#13
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C230K Coupe
Yeah, 02 seems to have been the worse year but the good news is it cost me nothing and the older my car gets the less problems I have encountered. I hope this translates to new models not having these problems to begin with:
1. All of the Panorama roof replaced -- motor + parts
2. Malfunction in SRS and MAF -- replaced 3 computer "modules" + sensors
3. Stepper motor vent flaps
4. Turn signal wiring harnesses (twice)
5. Sway bar bushings
6. Rear hatch lock assembly
7. LCD screen dimmed
1. All of the Panorama roof replaced -- motor + parts
2. Malfunction in SRS and MAF -- replaced 3 computer "modules" + sensors
3. Stepper motor vent flaps
4. Turn signal wiring harnesses (twice)
5. Sway bar bushings
6. Rear hatch lock assembly
7. LCD screen dimmed
09-23-2007, 10:49 PM
#14
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'10 GLK350 4matic/ '05 BMW e46/'20 F-150 3.5L Ecoboost
'06 C230ss 12K miles bought in July '06. So far no problems. I had the check engine light come on twice but found out it was because I filled the gas while the car was running. The light went away after a couple of days.
09-24-2007, 10:04 AM
#15
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2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
I have a 2005 C240 Luxury with 24,000 miles on it. The only problem I had with the car was a burnt smell coming from the vents while the car was starting up from day one. After taking it back to the shop three times they finally figured out that a drop of oil always leaked onto a hot part of the engine and burned up. They resealed the oil hose and since then it has stopped. Other then this I haven't had a problem with the car...so far 
10-28-2007, 07:14 AM
#16
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CL203 & sprinter
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.
I still dont understand how my door handle broke, of all things!!
10-28-2007, 09:07 AM
#17
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2003 C230K Sedan
I didn't buy mine new but when I see the "broken door handle" on a couple of people it hits a nerve, because mine broke also. This and the rear sunshade sticking are the only 2 things that have po'd me about my car (and both happened like 2 weeks after my warranty ended). The sunshade decided to start working again recently though. These were both very common problems and it bothers me that they were never addressed by Mercedes. Anyway, while I'm writing, these were the only problems- nothing major.
10-30-2007, 10:56 AM
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2002 C240
FWIW, my '02 C240 (purchased new) has only required one repair outside of routine maintenance. At ~2500 miles, there was a fault in the ABS wiring harness. It took the MB dealer about 90 minutes to replace the failed harness. The car now has 12,657 miles on it (as of this morning), and there have been zero faults since then. Not even a single squeak/rattle in the whole car (well, except for the driver seatbelt buckle squeaking against the center console, but that's more the fault of my fat 280# *** than of the car itself 
).
Of course, at about 2500 miles per year, it's not like it's had a lot of use to develop too many faults either...
).Of course, at about 2500 miles per year, it's not like it's had a lot of use to develop too many faults either...
Last edited by Firemane; 10-30-2007 at 11:01 AM.
11-11-2007, 06:55 AM
#21
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CL203 & sprinter
Quote:
Originally Posted by QQQ View Post
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.
all that above (minus number 6) plus camshaft actuator had a party and leaked oil all over the place. also, to add to the electrics... control unit for the mobile phone went kaka..instrument cluster LCD fade-ed-dead, and not to mention the sweeks from just about every inside panel & seats.
I still dont understand how my door handle broke, of all things!!
__________________
Originally Posted by QQQ View Post
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.
all that above (minus number 6) plus camshaft actuator had a party and leaked oil all over the place. also, to add to the electrics... control unit for the mobile phone went kaka..instrument cluster LCD fade-ed-dead, and not to mention the sweeks from just about every inside panel & seats.
I still dont understand how my door handle broke, of all things!!
__________________
okay.. you can add pano roof to the list now aswell..
11-12-2007, 02:32 PM
#22
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03' C320
Broken door handle
What did you guys do to fix your door handles? Mine is currently broken, the door grabber from the inside that is, which is what I assume broke on your cars also.
I called around and found out the part is $42, but how much will a dealer charge to do the install?
Will an epoxy hold it back together?
I called around and found out the part is $42, but how much will a dealer charge to do the install?
Will an epoxy hold it back together?
11-12-2007, 02:46 PM
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2004 C230K Sport Sedan
I paid about $200 to have the driver's side doorhandle replaced. Now the passenger side one is broken (and I rarely have a passenger in the car), but I refuse to replace it just on principle.
The car eats tires and lightbulbs.
I've replaced one set of brakes twice and the other set once (can't remember front vs. rear).
Replaced the heat/ac fan and some sort of control module for the heat/ac.
Almost forgot...as soon as the weather starts to get cool, I start getting the battery/alternator light. Had the battery replaced, didn't help. If I run the car for about 5 minutes then turn it off and back on I don't get the light again...only when it's cool out.
Can't remember what else...I'm trying to block it from my memory. If I didn't owe more than the car was worth I'd be driving something else. I've spent more on repairs in the 3.5 years I've had this car than in the 11 years that I owned my Saturn.
The car eats tires and lightbulbs.
I've replaced one set of brakes twice and the other set once (can't remember front vs. rear).
Replaced the heat/ac fan and some sort of control module for the heat/ac.
Almost forgot...as soon as the weather starts to get cool, I start getting the battery/alternator light. Had the battery replaced, didn't help. If I run the car for about 5 minutes then turn it off and back on I don't get the light again...only when it's cool out.
Can't remember what else...I'm trying to block it from my memory. If I didn't owe more than the car was worth I'd be driving something else. I've spent more on repairs in the 3.5 years I've had this car than in the 11 years that I owned my Saturn.
