C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

How many problems with your C? What kind? Reliability? Which Years?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rating: Thread Rating: 13 votes, 4.92 average.
 
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 12:42 PM
  #326  
mkaresh's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
A few more people signed up last time--there are now 197 C-Class owners for all years together--so I was able to add the 2003 and 2006 to the survey.

I'd like to provide the same information to potential C-Class owners that I currently provide for those considering competitors.

At this point, it looks like there will only be a result for the 2008 in May. Results are possible for the 2003, 2005, and 2006 with the next update, in August, but only if owners join up and participate. The 2005 might even squeak into the May results if this happens. It takes very little time.

To help us provide better informtion on your model year:

Vehicle reliability research
Reply
Old May 8, 2008 | 11:49 AM
  #327  
mkaresh's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
215 owners now across all model years. But we still only have enough responses to provide a full result for the 2008--the W204. A few more participants for each model year could make the difference between having a result and not having a result in August.

To help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2008 | 07:17 AM
  #328  
mkaresh's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
226 now across all years. Which makes results for the C203 more likely in August, but not certain. Additional participants would be very helpful.

Vehicle reliability research
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2008 | 02:47 PM
  #329  
C230 Sport Coup's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Originally Posted by Shaker999
i made a terrible mistake in buying this car, C320 2002.
all problems you can imagine , every electric part is bad.
the only thing about MB is engine and transmission.

all electrical parts in the car fail.
If you buy an Italian car you should expect these things....
didn't anyone mention?
Mercedes make the best Italian cars in all of Europe!

Good thing I cut my teeth on FIAT's and Alfa's.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2008 | 11:25 AM
  #330  
mkaresh's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
Too few owners have been signing up, and too few of those signed up have been responding, to have results for the C203 in August. There has been a much stronger response from C204 owners (it's doing well so far).

I'm doing everything I can to provide results for this car. But I can't personally provide the data--that's up to owners.

An August result could still happen--just need owners to sign up and participate.

Vehicle reliability research
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2008 | 02:22 PM
  #331  
mkaresh's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
The 2005 C-Class could still squeeze into the results, if a few more of those who are signed up respond.

Otherwise, the next update after August will be in November.

Help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2008 | 01:40 PM
  #332  
mkaresh's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
Well, the 2005 did squeak into this month's results. The repair rate appears to be worse than the average, but with a small sample size this result is not precise, and the result is asterisked.

I'd like to provide precise results for all fairly recent model years. Just need more people...

The lastest results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2008 | 01:26 PM
  #333  
mkaresh's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
Next set of results in November, with a preview for participants next month. A few additional model years might make it into this set, but this will depend on how many owners participate. I'm hopeful.

Vehicle reliability research
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 05:54 PM
  #334  
wheaton's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
none
Need Help, C240 V6 or C230

Just wondering what is more relable or over all a better car. Im going to try to get a MB soon!

2005-2006 c230 v6 Or 2004-2005c230 kompressor v4 BOTH are Manual

Or 2003-2005 CLK 320 Or 2006 CLK 350 or 2003 CLK500 Auto but still considering

Any takes on any of this?

Thanks for any feed back.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 06:23 PM
  #335  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by wheaton
Just wondering what is more relable or over all a better car. Im going to try to get a MB soon!

2005-2006 c230 v6 Or 2004-2005c230 kompressor v4 BOTH are Manual

Or 2003-2005 CLK 320 Or 2006 CLK 350 or 2003 CLK500 Auto but still considering

Any takes on any of this?

Thanks for any feed back.
In your heading you talk about a C240 - in the message you are talking 230 V6 versus inline (notV4) 4 cyl Kompressor.

You have to decide whether you like the traditional MB smoothness of the 6 or prefer the punch of the blown 4 - go drive both.

I'm a V6 fan and in South Africa the V6s have proven more robust than the 4 Cyl models - many would probably disagree with this on the forum.

In my global job I have seen sixes with far higher mileage on them than 4 cyl models. 6cyl probably more expensive to maintain. It's a trade off and depends on how long you want to keep the car.

CLKs are nice - I also prefer MBs in automatic
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 06:46 PM
  #336  
Ryanr317's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,147
Likes: 2
From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
Get the V4.

I'd go with the c230 (either the I4 or V6) over the C240.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 06:47 PM
  #337  
PA_Pete's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 6
From: SE PA
2001 C320
Yup, it's an inline 4. I also like the 6 cylinders, Inline or V configuration. Smoother running engine, but more expensive for maintenance. But, it's your call.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 07:00 PM
  #338  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by Ryanr317
Get the V4.

I'd go with the c230 (either the I4 or V6) over the C240.
I'd go the 230 V6 because it's newer but when you look at the range of vehicles that Wheaton is looking at it appears that bucks are not a problem. He may as well get a W204 if he wants a C

And while people look down on the C240 it's not a bad car at all. Seen one still running well at 700,000Kms in Malaysia in Taxi Service. We have an E240 that has just run 550,000 Kms at the office & it's still like a new car to travel in. One can't deny that they are tough - depends if you are a boy racer.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 07:09 PM
  #339  
Kompressive's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
2006 CLK350 Cabriolet Previous: W203,W202,W201, 2 Porsche 914s, 1965 Jaguar XKE Roadster
Wheaton,
I've got the inline 4...it's a screamer for sure. I'm with Glyn on the longevity issue though. That 4 seems like it's living fast...hopefully it doesn't die young.

Glyn...you have a 65 s type? Do you have the twin SU 6's on that. I still remember topping off those things off...you've really got to love a cat to keep that thing purring.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 07:43 PM
  #340  
yeuchau's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,020
Likes: 0
From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
i'll take 06 Clk350 for you list
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 07:51 PM
  #341  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by Kompressive
Wheaton,
I've got the inline 4...it's a screamer for sure. I'm with Glyn on the longevity issue though. That 4 seems like it's living fast...hopefully it doesn't die young.

Glyn...you have a 65 s type? Do you have the twin SU 6's on that. I still remember topping off those things off...you've really got to love a cat to keep that thing purring.
Yep! a 65 wire wheel S Type, manual, overdrive under full restoration. Sand blasted the body & started from ground up. Nearly finished. - & yes twin bloody SUs !!!!

a peep
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...1&d=1223124826

Sorry it's dirty & I'm not ready to release

Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Oct 9, 2008 at 07:53 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 07:58 PM
  #342  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
Yep! a 65 wire wheel S Type, manual, overdrive under full restoration. Sand blasted the body & started from ground up. Nearly finished. - & yes twin bloody SUs !!!!

a peep
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...1&d=1223124826

Sorry it's dirty & I'm not ready to release
BR green ey...

I have a 59 MK II 1/18 scale model car which I just accidentally broke the Jag on the hood. as typing this...

Last edited by FrankW; Oct 9, 2008 at 08:01 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 08:14 PM
  #343  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by FrankW
BR green ey...

I have a 59 MK II 1/18 scale model car which I just accidentally broke the Jag on the hood. as typing this...
Oh no! better glue it back on

Yep! BRG - whatever that is - 1976 XJ6 version of BRG - Spies Hecker paint 22 coats over black primer to get right. Biscuit Connolly hide, Wilton carpets, lambswool headlining - new genuine Dunlop wires - Oh god a labour of love. I'm not doing it all myself. Every number on the car as original.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 11:24 AM
  #344  
wheaton's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
none
Thanks

Hello...

Thanks for your imput if anyone has more to ad pleas do so. and thanks in advance. Right now in in the process of pushing for a sale on my Fairlady Z 350z.

Manual or Auto??? I luv MT sounds like a lot of people are saying go with auto that MB have good auto trans.

I like the CLk, the syle is nice, 2door... vs 4 door, But i want the MT. so makes it hard.

seems like the v6 is smother ride going by what you guys said but cost more to keep up on the maint then the I4(notv4,my bad) sounds like its a little less.

Over the CLK 320 350 and 500. sounds like the 500 has better handeling. but the 03 clk 500 has a few little problem but not major.

I really want a mb, i was going to go back to BMW (i luv bmw) but i have never had a MB so want to give them a tray ad to my collection of all the cars i have had lol
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 05:18 PM
  #345  
c230yvr's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by wheaton
Just wondering what is more relable or over all a better car. Im going to try to get a MB soon!

2005-2006 c230 v6 Or 2004-2005c230 kompressor v4 BOTH are Manual

Or 2003-2005 CLK 320 Or 2006 CLK 350 or 2003 CLK500 Auto but still considering

Any takes on any of this?

Thanks for any feed back.
Just to clarify your post for future newbies reading this....

2001-2005 C230's are 4 Cylinders, Supercharged
2006-2007 C230's are 6 Cylinders, Normally Aspirated

Your post makes it appear as if you are looking at a 2006 C230 that has a 4 Cylinder.

By the way, get the 2005 C230. You get the faster engine, better mileage, and it beats the 2001-2004's because you have the updated interior. Manuals FTW!
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 06:00 PM
  #346  
Shake's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,882
Likes: 0
From: Mid-west
IS300
05 C230.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 06:03 PM
  #347  
ArsnlKen's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Dallas TX,USA
02 w203,85 w123
Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
In your heading you talk about a C240 - in the message you are talking 230 V6 versus inline (notV4) 4 cyl Kompressor.

You have to decide whether you like the traditional MB smoothness of the 6 or prefer the punch of the blown 4 - go drive both.

I'm a V6 fan and in South Africa the V6s have proven more robust than the 4 Cyl models - many would probably disagree with this on the forum.

In my global job I have seen sixes with far higher mileage on them than 4 cyl models. 6cyl probably more expensive to maintain. It's a trade off and depends on how long you want to keep the car.

CLKs are nice - I also prefer MBs in automatic
RIght there w/Glyn! Just depends on what u want...230 a little more zip,the 240 SMOOTHER ride...Wish mine was manual!
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 06:20 PM
  #348  
sleewell's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Haslett, Mi
2011 E350 4matic
i am completely satisfied with my 06 230 V6 6spd manual, so far. lots of people have said that the V6's cost more to maintain but when i was doing my research i read about supercharger issues on higher mileage kompressors. also, something to note regarding the performance difference; i felt it was minimal. some people are making it seem like a huge difference but the all ones i drove it was really not that severe. it was noticeable don't get me wrong, but it was not night and day. and the V6 is surprisingly good on gas too, i am getting great mileage. and for the record i had much more fun driving the manuals i drove than the autos, it actually feels like driving to me for some reason. all the cars i have ever owned have been manuals, maybe when i am 40 i will get an auto and have a manual sports car for fun. i don't know about MB's manual reliability history but if you know how to drive a stick you aren't going to burn up a modern clutch and any manufacturers defects would be covered by warranty anyways.

if i were the OP i would have each car inspected by a mechanic and get the one that checks out the best with the lowest mileage in the color combination he likes the most. just my opinion.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 07:02 PM
  #349  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by sleewell
i am completely satisfied with my 06 230 V6 6spd manual, so far. lots of people have said that the V6's cost more to maintain but when i was doing my research i read about supercharger issues on higher mileage kompressors. also, something to note regarding the performance difference; i felt it was minimal. some people are making it seem like a huge difference but the all ones i drove it was really not that severe. it was noticeable don't get me wrong, but it was not night and day. and the V6 is surprisingly good on gas too, i am getting great mileage. and for the record i had much more fun driving the manuals i drove than the autos, it actually feels like driving to me for some reason. all the cars i have ever owned have been manuals, maybe when i am 40 i will get an auto and have a manual sports car for fun. i don't know about MB's manual reliability history but if you know how to drive a stick you aren't going to burn up a modern clutch and any manufacturers defects would be covered by warranty anyways.

if i were the OP i would have each car inspected by a mechanic and get the one that checks out the best with the lowest mileage in the color combination he likes the most. just my opinion.
You make a lot of sense. Let me assure you the V6 engines will run rings around the 4 bangers on reliability especially when the mileage gets up and all of a sudden the 4 costs more to maintain than the 6. There are no ways a Kompressor will do even half the mileage of a V6. Suffer head failure long before that.

The performance difference is negligible and hopelessly overplayed. A Kompressor might get a few yards ahead from the lights but once the revs are up on the V6, it holds it's own just fine. No standard 4 has ever been able to run away from me - in fairness my car only has 45,000 Kms on the clock & seems to run better every day. The 4 runs out of wind at high RPM whereas the 6 just keeps pulling to the red line.
See power curve
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...4&d=1216674080
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2008 | 12:04 AM
  #350  
daiso''s Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
2005 c230 sport, k7 gsxr
get the 05 c230k ss 6speed.... just hearing that blower at 5000rpms makes u forget about the v6's.... no offence to all the v6 owners.... and everyone seems to say in the long run the 4 bangers dont last but it seems like your a car flipper like me... i dont keep cars for more than 2 years so just get one with low km's..... but make sure u get the sport sedan w/ the bix or you'll kick your self after wards....
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 13 votes, 4.92 average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:21 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE