Poll: C-Class Quality
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Stamford, CT
2003 C230
Poll: C-Class Quality
Possible answers:
1. No issues.
2. Minor issues. ( Rattles, etc )
3. Medium issues. ( Trim/buttons breaking, etc )
4. Major issues. Mechanical breakdowns....
Just to get an idea..
CZ
p.s. Mention whether u were happy with the way the problems were solved.
1. No issues.
2. Minor issues. ( Rattles, etc )
3. Medium issues. ( Trim/buttons breaking, etc )
4. Major issues. Mechanical breakdowns....
Just to get an idea..
CZ
p.s. Mention whether u were happy with the way the problems were solved.
Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Findlay, OH
2002 C230
I would rate my problems in the medium category.
When it was new I had problems with the engine cutting out, turned out to be the brake sensor that I ended up fixing myself. It was to the dealer three times and they couldn't figure it out, and I was sick of driving it there.
Since, I have had interior pieces crack, and there is a loud rattle somewhere in the front that I cannot find.
Other than that I guess that I am pleased with it. I think that maybe sometimes I expect a little too much.
:p
When it was new I had problems with the engine cutting out, turned out to be the brake sensor that I ended up fixing myself. It was to the dealer three times and they couldn't figure it out, and I was sick of driving it there.
Since, I have had interior pieces crack, and there is a loud rattle somewhere in the front that I cannot find.
Other than that I guess that I am pleased with it. I think that maybe sometimes I expect a little too much.
:p
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Stamford, CT
2003 C230
Rattles drive me up the wall
Especially on otherwise quiet cars (like BMWs and MBZ). I will take it back to the dealer until they fix it or until they get sick of me and buy the car off me. I hear rattles that no one else does and I am VERY good at describing to the techs where they are and they almost always find them. Amazing that you figured out the brake sensor was at fault. How did you figure that one out?
CZ
CZ
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 233
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From: Houston, TX
2002 C240 6 spd manual
My issues have been minor in nature - a rattle here, a rattle there, BAS/ESP module update, wheel well liner came apart on my first road trip. Very happy with the service I receive from the dealer.
Overall, very good car with minimal problems.
Overall, very good car with minimal problems.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
i had one item. over all id say low. since it was just one item and was fixed. it was the service dept. that gave me headaches. all in all i have no issuses with the car, just the service at MB-SD. id rather drive 30 miles to another dealer than back to MB-SD.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,607
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From: On a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay
c230k, black, auto, c2 (let the sunshine in), Bose, leather, and CD
I had tons of problems ranging from little ones (my cup holder had broken 3 times) to big ones. My car has been in the shop over 30 days in 6 months.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,230
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
16K miles on my C240 -- 2 unplanned service visits: 1 medium - steering wheel lock motor failed resulting in a tow, and 1 low - driver seat bottom heater failed -- replaced.
IMO, there seem to be many more rattle complaints for the coupes -- the only rattle I had was the passenger seat headrest, and that was very minor. They fixed it at my "A" service visit.
IMO, there seem to be many more rattle complaints for the coupes -- the only rattle I had was the passenger seat headrest, and that was very minor. They fixed it at my "A" service visit.
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Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Findlay, OH
2002 C230
czachari - Rattles drive me up the wall, too. I am just like you, I hear EVERYTHING! I found the problem with the brake sensor with the help of members on this forum.
GalaxyGrrl - What kind of problems have you had with your car? Have you almost gotten to the point that you just want to get rid of it ot get a new one?
GalaxyGrrl - What kind of problems have you had with your car? Have you almost gotten to the point that you just want to get rid of it ot get a new one?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
After thirteen months and 10.5K miles, I'd classify my problems as minor.
1. CEL light - cleared, probably my fault (didn't tell them that, and no it wasn't for the gascap)
2. fuel sender - had an intermittent problem with the gas gauge (about once every two weeks it would read about 1/8 to 1/2 a tank below where it should have been, usually went to the correct reading within a half-hour), had service replace the fuel sender when they cleared the CEL
Regarding rattles, my coupe seems to be built pretty well, there are really no rattles of which to speak. However, when it's a hot day, the HVAC does make some "popping" noises until the system reaches a constant (cool) temperature. My guess is that there are some components of the HVAC with different thermal expansion propeties. It doesn't really bother me much so I haven't complained about it to service. I'd rather they didn't tear the dashboard apart to stick some felt (or whatever) in there.
- BT
1. CEL light - cleared, probably my fault (didn't tell them that, and no it wasn't for the gascap)
2. fuel sender - had an intermittent problem with the gas gauge (about once every two weeks it would read about 1/8 to 1/2 a tank below where it should have been, usually went to the correct reading within a half-hour), had service replace the fuel sender when they cleared the CEL
Regarding rattles, my coupe seems to be built pretty well, there are really no rattles of which to speak. However, when it's a hot day, the HVAC does make some "popping" noises until the system reaches a constant (cool) temperature. My guess is that there are some components of the HVAC with different thermal expansion propeties. It doesn't really bother me much so I haven't complained about it to service. I'd rather they didn't tear the dashboard apart to stick some felt (or whatever) in there.
- BT
Banned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 182
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From: San Diego, CA
W203
medium...
i have 40K miles on my C 240 Sport 2002 (1/20/2002) and i only have to complain about sqeaks going up driveways, window regulators and that might be it. I have to get new tires soon too! I'm pretty happy with the car although i guess that people have a lot of expectations driving and buying a benz, its rather easy to get let down by small things. I was, but its a car and its made to sell fast! who knew that they wouldn't be without problems?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 196
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
44K miles on 2001 C320...
No major issues affecting reliability. Several minor issues requiring multiple service visits to fix...rattle in rear brakes when backing up, seat belt that wouldn't pull out, several keys, couple front turn and stop/rear light problems, noisy purge valve. I believe MB is learning how to deal with volume in the quality and service areas brought on by the new C class.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
Schlechtes Qualität?
It's a nice car to drive, but the following are the problems we've experienced to date:
- passenger side window switch fell into door (repaired)
- driver's side window express up function failed multiple times, despite repeated re-synching
- driver's headrest adjuster does not work when attempting to lower it manually - it works with seatback release only (not repaired, twice)
- BAS/ESP error (to be corrected Thursday)
- rattle in panorama roof - very irritating (we will see what they can do about that)
- driver's door weather stripping fell off bottom of door (replaced)
- car failed to start one morning, eventually ran on 2 cylinders (2 coils replaced, so far so good)
In summary, its niggling problems have reminded me of a French car (or is that now a "Freedom" car?
), though the breakdown was unexpected and extremely disappointing. My 405 has over 290,000 km on it and it starts first time, every time. This is even true of my trusty 1966 Freedom car 
- passenger side window switch fell into door (repaired)
- driver's side window express up function failed multiple times, despite repeated re-synching
- driver's headrest adjuster does not work when attempting to lower it manually - it works with seatback release only (not repaired, twice)
- BAS/ESP error (to be corrected Thursday)
- rattle in panorama roof - very irritating (we will see what they can do about that)
- driver's door weather stripping fell off bottom of door (replaced)
- car failed to start one morning, eventually ran on 2 cylinders (2 coils replaced, so far so good)
In summary, its niggling problems have reminded me of a French car (or is that now a "Freedom" car?
), though the breakdown was unexpected and extremely disappointing. My 405 has over 290,000 km on it and it starts first time, every time. This is even true of my trusty 1966 Freedom car
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, MD
Ok-
Up until recently, all where minor, the normal ESP/BAS fault, cracked MF button. I had some rattles but I was able to fix them.
Here is the most recent issue (started about two weeks ago)-
Only from a complete stop, the trans crunches as I shift to second gear. I smell oil after long drives, and oil level low fault has appeared on longer trips >800 miles. One was 850, another was 1350 in 24 hours. I am nervous. Thank god for the 4 year 40k. Cars feels like it is losing power.
Up until recently, all where minor, the normal ESP/BAS fault, cracked MF button. I had some rattles but I was able to fix them.
Here is the most recent issue (started about two weeks ago)-
Only from a complete stop, the trans crunches as I shift to second gear. I smell oil after long drives, and oil level low fault has appeared on longer trips >800 miles. One was 850, another was 1350 in 24 hours. I am nervous. Thank god for the 4 year 40k. Cars feels like it is losing power.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Oro Valley, AZ
2001 C240 6spd
I've got just under 44000 on my 2001 C240 - most have been minor problems....mostly electrical gremlin type stuff. Different things showing up on the malfunction display and not really any faults. I also got the extended warranty, so, things should be covered.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
From: On a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay
c230k, black, auto, c2 (let the sunshine in), Bose, leather, and CD
Originally posted by RacerGirl4j
GalaxyGrrl - What kind of problems have you had with your car? Have you almost gotten to the point that you just want to get rid of it ot get a new one?
GalaxyGrrl - What kind of problems have you had with your car? Have you almost gotten to the point that you just want to get rid of it ot get a new one?
I have a lemon law suit pending. Should be finshed pretty soon -- hopefully.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 170
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
My car spent 9 days in the shop getting aligned in the first 2K miles. I threated with the lemon law etc.
They ended up getting me 4 new tires, and in the end I just had to accept that the car is very sensitive to crowns in the road, or at least with the c7 wheels, and they did get it better finally.
I have a set of stock 16's and if I ever get around to putting them on I'll know if it's true, but the loaner I drove was much easier to drive. Now with better springs and sways, it's more stable than stock, doesn't jump around anymore on bumps. Shoulda made them pay for the springs!
Since then, everything is fine. No other problems.
14 months, and 18K miles.
I love my car. a truely fine automobile.
They ended up getting me 4 new tires, and in the end I just had to accept that the car is very sensitive to crowns in the road, or at least with the c7 wheels, and they did get it better finally.
I have a set of stock 16's and if I ever get around to putting them on I'll know if it's true, but the loaner I drove was much easier to drive. Now with better springs and sways, it's more stable than stock, doesn't jump around anymore on bumps. Shoulda made them pay for the springs!
Since then, everything is fine. No other problems.
14 months, and 18K miles.
I love my car. a truely fine automobile.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: USA, CA
02 C320, Brilliant Silver
about 13K miles
I have some medium issues, mostly already solved by dealership. But it seems like my car knows how to repair itself, because for about one week my auto shut window for passenger side doesnt work and after that week everything is fine again.
I have some medium issues, mostly already solved by dealership. But it seems like my car knows how to repair itself, because for about one week my auto shut window for passenger side doesnt work and after that week everything is fine again.
Guest
Posts: n/a
5k and no complaints now. i probs i did have was auto window down. i didn't know how to program them and i hate reading car manuals. but i gave in and found out how.
the other prob is the sun-visor-mirror light. i thought it didn't work till i found out i didn't put the visor back in place correctly.
so i guess the complaints are more of laziness....
i still hate the acceleration. i will put a kleeman when the warranty is out.
the other prob is the sun-visor-mirror light. i thought it didn't work till i found out i didn't put the visor back in place correctly.
so i guess the complaints are more of laziness....
i still hate the acceleration. i will put a kleeman when the warranty is out.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
MB C230K
Let's see - at 3000 miles and 3 months:
- Sunroof still squeaks after two visits to the dealer
- Rear seat front fabric was somehow coming loose - they tucked it back in.
- Hinges on decklid came off - whole decklid replaced
- Some sort of oil sensor wiring issue showed LOW OIL when it wasn't low
- Steering wheel off-center at delivery
New problem this month (dealer appt next week).
- Front left tire vibrates when steering to right.
So far, I average 1 visit to the dealer/ month. Since they always wash the car, I so far haven't had to wash my car at all
I'd say these issues are MINOR but kind of an annoyance for a new car. Believe it or not though, the car is so much fun to drive, I don't regret my purchase one bit! Rack up the problems as "personality".
I think based on all the feedback on this forum, I wouldn't buy the "C" class if my dealer was like 100 miles away. Lucky for me, they're right on the way to work for me and they give MB loaners with about 7-10 days advance notice. And they have nice coffee there. No cookies though.
--Steffen
- Sunroof still squeaks after two visits to the dealer
- Rear seat front fabric was somehow coming loose - they tucked it back in.
- Hinges on decklid came off - whole decklid replaced
- Some sort of oil sensor wiring issue showed LOW OIL when it wasn't low
- Steering wheel off-center at delivery
New problem this month (dealer appt next week).
- Front left tire vibrates when steering to right.
So far, I average 1 visit to the dealer/ month. Since they always wash the car, I so far haven't had to wash my car at all
I'd say these issues are MINOR but kind of an annoyance for a new car. Believe it or not though, the car is so much fun to drive, I don't regret my purchase one bit! Rack up the problems as "personality".
I think based on all the feedback on this forum, I wouldn't buy the "C" class if my dealer was like 100 miles away. Lucky for me, they're right on the way to work for me and they give MB loaners with about 7-10 days advance notice. And they have nice coffee there. No cookies though.
--Steffen
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
4000 Miles - '02 C240
Ours was only put in service in late '02, though built in January. So far, the only two things of consequence :
-Wheel alignment; this was known pre-delivery, and handled by the dealer, though it took two visits [car wanted to fall off to the right - no, it wasn't tires...took some creative work with the front caster to solve it]. Now solved and the car tracks like a train.
-Differential leak; looks like this was a clogged vent tube, which meant the fluid was leaking at the base of the tube whenever it heated up enough to expand. Seems solved now.
Love the way our car rides, and am impressed with the quiet on long trips. This is our 14th Mercedes since 1968, and so far, feels like a good decision.
-Wheel alignment; this was known pre-delivery, and handled by the dealer, though it took two visits [car wanted to fall off to the right - no, it wasn't tires...took some creative work with the front caster to solve it]. Now solved and the car tracks like a train.
-Differential leak; looks like this was a clogged vent tube, which meant the fluid was leaking at the base of the tube whenever it heated up enough to expand. Seems solved now.
Love the way our car rides, and am impressed with the quiet on long trips. This is our 14th Mercedes since 1968, and so far, feels like a good decision.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,302
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From: Pencil-f'ing-Vania
MB C230K
Overall, very pleased with the car. 10K miles, about to put it in the shop for the second time. First time was just some rear suspension noise, fixed the first time and hasn't reoccured. They lumped in my first maintenance with that visit. Now my sunroof won't open, which is the first thing "broken" on the car. Other than that, no real problems, rock solid, quiet, performs better than when I bought it.
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster , PA
'03 C230K
One thing you have to remember is not just how good a benz is but how horrible all other cars are built. I work at a dealer and take every chance i get to check out the "competition", well it just sucks so bad from lexus to bmw and acura the is no comparison at all.
