I have a 2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. It has approximately 53,500 miles and is out of the 4 year/50,000 mile warranty. I purchased the car in September 2004.

The other day I was reading a Mercedes message board and discovered a recall campaign for some engine hoses (PVC hose and a lower hose). I took the car into the dealer this morning. My service advisor just called to update me, and said their multi-point inspection found a leaking transmission. He quoted me $224 for the transmission leak repair and I said okay.

Approximately 2 weeks ago, the CEL came on when I was driving to my parents' house. I set aside some time a few days later and took the car to the dealer. It turned out to be a broken thermostat, and they replaced it. The thermostat replacement cost me approximately $300.

This car has been nothing but problems from the beginning. I keep all my service records neatly in a manila folder and below is a summary of the things that have gone wrong since day 1. I was fortunately covered by warranty for most of the repairs, but I am really worrying about the prospect of a money pit now that it has ended.

@7,116 miles:
1) I reported engine hesitated/ran rough on cold start and died. Technician found no codes. Basically did not fix the problem.
2) fixed oil leak at transmission
3) fixed transmission leak from transmission electrical plug
4) replaced adjustment knob on driver seat that had fallen off by itself

@20,337 miles
1) driver airbag recall
2) reset trunk hinge spring tension (the trunk lid would not lift up when I pressed the release button on remote)
3) 4 wheel alignment, AND replacement of castor bolts (I paid for this out of pocket b/c not covered under warranty - $363)
4) replaced fuel gauge mechanism (I was on a trip to LA, and after filling up the gauge read empty for an entire week)

@22,648 miles
1) Again, I reported the engine hesitation/roughness on cold start. Replaced the starter
2) I reported creaking noise apparently coming from suspension when entering/exiting my car. It sounded like an old squeaky mattress from a cheap motel when I would get in and out of the car. They lubed the door seals and applied hide food to leather and said the noise was gone. They checked the suspension and found no noise.

@23,155
1) Again, I reported the hesitation/rough engine running on cold start. Unable to duplicate complaint.

@24,320
1) I reported the fuel gauge malfunction for the second time. They determined it was faulty fuel level sensors and replaced them.

@33,650
1) I reported ongoing issue with suspension noise getting in/out of the car. They found cracked and leaking torque strut bushings. Replaced bushings.
2) I reported the passenger dash vents were intermittently blowing cold air when dial set to warmest temperature. Could not duplicate complaint.
3) I reported that once sunroof was open and I attempted to close it, the sunroof would move halfway closed then open again. They inspected it and found the sunroof was binding on the seals. Readjusted the sunroof, cleaned and lubed guide blocks and frame, replaced the seals.
4) I reported that pulling the parking brake release would not completely disengage it. Could not duplicate the problem.

@35,236
1) Again, I reported the noise coming from the suspension when entering/exiting the car. They pinpointed the noise to the parking brake assembly. The service record states they removed the rear wheels, rear pads, rear brake calipers, parking brake shoe assemblies, and lubed the contact pads on parking brake plate assembly.

@44,034
1) My shift knob had always been slightly loose from day 1 of ownership. While I was reversing out of a parking spot, the top of the shift knob just broke off. Replaced.

@44,512
1) Again, I reported the cold air coming from vents when dial was set to warmest temperature. Could not duplicate the problem.
2) I reported the chrome trim around the vents and cupholder was peeling. Replaced.

@45,533
1) Again, I reported the parking brake issue, this time at a different dealership. Some adjustment was made and problem claimed to be resolved.

@46,641
1) Again, I reported the air conditioning issue. It was determined to be a faulty electronic blower motor regulator.
2) Battery replaced
3) Again, I reported the parking brake was not disengaging properly. Could not duplicate the problem.

@49,437
1) I reported musty odor from AC system. Disinfected
2) Again, I reported the parking brake issue. Could not duplicate complaint.

@52,512
1) Again, I reported the parking brake issue. Could not duplicate complaint.
2) CEL issue as mentioned in the beginning of my post

If you owned my car, would you consider all these problems that have arisen to be unacceptable? Or am I just "fanatical" about the condition of my car as my girlfriend jokingly claims?

At this point, what would you do? Sell the car ASAP? Live with it and hope it doesn't turn into an even deeper money pit? Help!

 

trade it in for something nice...don't want the new buyer to feel "scammed" after you sell him this car with issues. the dealer will go over the car and take care of whatever when it's in their hands.

 

Thats a lot of problems man. Since I've owned my car, the power steering rack had to be replaced (warranty), thats pretty much it. A few other very, very minor things. Unlucky I guess?

 

I also have a 2005 C230. I have almost had the same problems: chrome platistic around cup holder pealing, leak at transmission switch, leaking torque struts, loose hood ornament, fuel hose leak, and some small items in addition to the recall for the pcv hose and airbag.

I have about 50 miles left under warranty and I am looking all over my car for anything at all. I will cross my fingers that nothing major goes wrong.

 

It is up to you but I would get rid of the car. I have the same car and have had the AC smell, faulty blower regulator, and the sunroof problem also. I have not had any of the other ones. I would get rid of it because at times I have felt like getting rid of my car and I have had half the problems you had.

Next time look into a CPO, since you will get up to 100K mileage warranty and an extra year on the time warranty. I needed that because I knew I would go through the original 50K warranty in no time at all. The 100k warranty is like getting an extra 3 years, since most will go through original mileage warranty in like 2 -3 years. I have about 60K on the car now (have used the warranty recently also) and have about 2 years left till time warranty is up. :

Good luck with what ever choice you make.

 

I've had a few of those problems as well, man, but not as many as you: annual CEL issue, flaking chrome around cupholder, amp issue, rattling speakers, parking break.

I really hate the creaking noise from the parking break, it's unacceptable. I do notice if I go through a car wash and pay extra for the underside wash, it goes away for a few weeks. Has this been resolved for you or not? Personally, I think it's just a bad design.

I've had no problems this past year and my car is a few months from being paid off -- the warranty expires in August though. It's been a bit of a project, but I'm holding on to my car because I hate car payments and I only have 30K miles on the odometer. $500 in repairs isn't much, so I would hold on to it and wait until something major hits.

 

On top of that background of issues, in 6000 miles I need a Service A and new front brake pads and rotors. I've also been told that I need to buy new tires very soon. The rear tires are pretty much on the wear bars already.

Should I just absorb the cost and keep going with it, or sell the car now?

 

It's a good idea to figure that out before investing in new tires....personally, if it's paid off, I would try to get a few years more out of it. A few repairs are still cheaper than years of monthly payments. But, you've had more than a few repairs (mostly covered though). These cars should last well beyond 100K miles.

Like I wrote earlier, I can relate to your frustration, but I am a bit oc about my car and it sounds like you are as well. If I were having to go the dealership that frequently, it would be a tough choice.

At 23K miles, I paid about $900 for Michelin Pilot Sport AS which are supposed to last at least 35K.

Car repairs are part of life, but you've had a lifetime of them with yours. Good luck with your decision.

 

I appreciate your comments. One thing I love about this car is the great gas mileage. I've averaged approximately 27 mpg since the beginning, and I can get up to 35 mpg on the highway.