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 06-06-2003 | 11:36 PM
  #26  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,007
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
From: Diamond Bar, CA
white and whiter
02 C32 amg
18k miles almost 19k.

BAS/ESP error: fixed with parts replacement
driver side window clicks going up: not fixed yet. will get it taken care of at service B
trunk would not open all the way up when it open: cause me to hit my head twice. will get it taken care of at serv B too.

and swirlmarks....oh wait...that's cause by my own laziness
Old 06-07-2003 | 12:52 AM
  #27  
Outland's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Car is one year old.

I had a cracked button on the steering wheel this winter. Fixed.

Great car!
Old 06-07-2003 | 02:06 AM
  #28  
yeloaw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
c240
2002 c240

Little over 10000 miles. No probs whatsoever. Love the car.
Old 06-07-2003 | 07:41 PM
  #29  
J.R.'s Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Chicago, IL
C240
Thumbs up

Car: 2002 C240 Auto 18k miles
Problems: BAS/ESP fault
Resolved?: Yup. Common problem fixed as soon as the parts were no longer back ordered.
Old 06-08-2003 | 12:58 AM
  #30  
Jens C320
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
2003 C320 Touring 4-Matic / 8700 miles

Fixed:
*Vacumm Leak - Took ~1month to get part
*Plugged Front Tire when car was deliverd, developed a bulge and dealer first balked at replacing it for free
*Blinker speed varied, sometimes constant, then "hyper" blink
*Power memory settings not saved for Key #1

Not fixed yet (Next Service):
*Various rattles, including rear hatch
*Just noticed, Key #3 does not unlock rear hatch
*Driver seat feels like it has a part sliding inside it
*Driver side mirror is whistling due to warped plastic part
*Lots of rear door wind noise
*Rough Shifting Automatic


Other than that, more reliable than the BMW I had before it (too many electrical problems ).
Old 06-08-2003 | 04:02 PM
  #31  
Yin's Avatar
Yin
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Vancouver, BC
C230K
2002 C230 Sports Coupe- ~18000km
BAS/ESP error-after a month (july) I got the car/got it fixed in Nov after I spinned out once on a slipper road.
Old 06-09-2003 | 01:56 AM
  #32  
otong's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Bellevue
only one problem = don't have enough money to do all the good mods. since there are too many good stuff for w203.
Old 06-09-2003 | 04:42 AM
  #33  
SUNILP's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 0
Received 98 Likes on 52 Posts
From: Houston, TX
2015 E250D
not much

I have had the smart key not working on my car adn it was promptly replaced by the dealer. Aparntly the steering column and driver sear would not work also so it was all tied in together. Everything was fixed after that and never had one since. Car has 4000 miles so far.
Old 06-09-2003 | 02:43 PM
  #34  
Kar don's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 9 Posts
From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
Lets see...

2003 C320 4matic
Problems: Horrible dealer (Chambers motorcars of boston) that lost my WINDOW STICKER
Resolved: NO, not sure if it is worth making a hassle over the window sticker. Although I can't believe they threw it away. grrr.

Now the car has 5 coats of zaino Z5 and man is it sweet.
Old 06-09-2003 | 02:59 PM
  #35  
britishboy1's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1) Engine oil level sensor replaced – 1615 miles
2) BAS/ESP sensors replaced – 5533 miles
3) O2 sensor replaced – 19773 miles
4) Steering wheel switches replaced – 19773 miles
5) High oil consumption – replacement of pistons and piston rings at 20000 miles
6) Intermittent loss of power whilst driving – traced to a faulty gas pedal wire.

21 days spent in the shop so far. Not too happy with the car, but the dealer has fixed all the problems.
Old 06-09-2003 | 07:04 PM
  #36  
troubble27's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: New Jersey
2002 C230K Sport Coupe
02 C230K
15,400 miles.
Purchased 4-1-02

Problems:
1) Rear shock loose / rattling - repaired
2) Sunroof stopped working - resynched sunroof
3&4) BAS switch failed (twice) - replaced brake switch
5) Sunroof squeaks - unresolved
5) Drivers heated seat failed - replaced heating element
6) Exhaust leak at Cat converter - readjusted exhaust
7) Shifter sticks going into park (wont let you remove the key) - adjusted shifter
8) Fog light condensation / blown bulbs - replaced fog lights and bulbs
9) Right front tire side wall failed for no apparent reason - fixed myself. Dealer claims no roadside hazard warranty
10) Drivers door weather stripping fell off - replaced
11) Right front tire making rattling noise - havent brought to dealer yet

Personal opinions:
I really like the car despite the problems Ive had. Its fun to drive, sporty, handles good. Honestly, I expected a few problems since it was the first year of the new C class, but I didnt expect this many. IM sure glad I bought the extended warranty since I plan on driving this one for a while. Im scared to see whats gonna crap out next. You can see where Chrysler had their hands in the new Benzo. But as long as they keep fixing it, I'll buy another benz again. Out of all of my cars, this one has been my favorite so far.
Attached Thumbnails How many problems with your C? What kind? Reliability? Which Years?-mercedes-c230k-1.jpg  
Old 06-15-2003 | 04:30 AM
  #37  
gtownmbc320's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Washington DC
2003 C320 Capri Blue
Only problem is that my temp. sensor is always incorrect. It thinks it is about 20 degrees hotter than it really is. My dealer (American Service Center) is fixing it for free. That's about it
Old 06-15-2003 | 10:20 AM
  #38  
pcbchow's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Hong Kong
C200K
understeer!!! if you consider it as a problem
left hand side folding mirror, some time it works and some time it doesnt
Old 06-15-2003 | 11:41 PM
  #39  
HeirKranz's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: NPR florida
C230k coupe 500sec convertible
let me tell you some things, Ive had some problems,

abs/bas went out, muffler replaced after rattling, replaced REAR DIFFERENTIAL twice, supercharger turned off on its own had to be reset, melted tail light housing, panoramic roof broken, paint chipping off (very soft) car pulls to right, trunk never closes right, armrest broken upon arrival 3x to get it right, air conditioner when in off position just turns itself on. door speaker blown, and a few other things.

but other than that every thing has been fine.
Old 08-13-2003 | 01:24 PM
  #40  
kbohrer's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Delaware
2002 C230
2002 C230K Coupe

10 Visits to service in 23 months

1) Replaced headlight housing (shorting out - 2 visits to correct)
2) Replaced brakelight
3) Replaced turn signal stalk (stiff)
4) Rattle in rear compartment (3 visits to correct)
5) Squeaking from sunroof
6) Severe Noise from front suspension (several parts replaced)
7) Oil Consumption (currently being reviewed by MBUSA for possible re-purchase of vehicle - 6 visits)
8) Cigarettle lighter stopped functioning
9) Driver seat loose (replaced entire seat)
10) Drivers window sometimes reverses when using auto-up feature
11) Rattle in B-Pillar
12) Shade over sunroof bunches when opening/closing
13) Center vent fogs windshield

Most of these were corrected after 1 or 2 visits to service. This is just the list off the top of my head in no particular order. MBUSA is currently planning to replace the engine and give me a free extended warranty due to oil consumption issue. Not sure if I am going to accept this deal.
Old 08-13-2003 | 01:38 PM
  #41  
tuscanraider's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: NJ
Bantha
here's mine

'03 230k sedan bought 6/03
2700 miles


1. steering wheel off center/alignment
fixed: yes, temporarily now its off again; got to go back!

2. soft paint/chipping
fixed: yes by me with the $11.00 MB touch up paint vial.
Old 08-13-2003 | 01:40 PM
  #42  
mleskovar's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,788
Received 149 Likes on 133 Posts
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Take the engine!

It will be like having a new car with an extended warranty and all the bugs worked out.
Old 08-13-2003 | 05:30 PM
  #43  
willis5050's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Santa Clara CA
02 c230K
02 c230K....just hit 20,000 miles last week.

No problems to report, except two door dings

Great car.
Old 08-13-2003 | 06:53 PM
  #44  
gapriderz's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: San Jose
ML350 and C230K sedan
Car: 2003 C230 Kompressor sedan
Bought: June 2003
Mileage: 1900 miles
Problems: No problems to report. My only gripe is the brake dust on the wheels. You pretty much have to clean it every other day. Otherwise the car so far has been fun to drive.
Recommend: Yes
Old 08-13-2003 | 06:58 PM
  #45  
dragynstar's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: San Jose
2005 CLK320
Power Windows

2003 - 230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. Have had it for a month and 1200 miles. First problem found yesterday with the express up on the driver side window. Seems like a pretty common problem. Just scheduled an appointment today. Otherwise, very happy with car.
Old 08-13-2003 | 09:50 PM
  #46  
spankdoggie's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: San Francisco, CA
03' C230 coupe with xenons, wheel package, H&R cup kit, AMG sway bars, leather, 6 disc cd changer...

Problems: None. Absolutely none.
Mileage: 5400 miles.

This car handles better than my dropped 1969 Datsun 510, and that is saying something...
Old 09-05-2003 | 07:47 PM
  #47  
ssallms's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2002 C-320
18,000 miles
in for break/fix service 4 times now and counting

1) Seat/Steering wheel/mirror controllers replaced
Mirrors would point to the ground and seat would not return
to saved positions.
2) Dash up-facing middle vent replaced
Left a film on the window
3) Trunk cargo net broke with nothing in it or in the trunk
4) Windshield washer fluid level sensor broke the first time it
went off. Replaced
5) Fuel level sensor replaced (3/8th tank in reality would be
empty and 3 miles in distance left). Make sure your car takes
11.5-12.5 gallons of fuel to fill up when the light comes on.
6) Speed sensitive stereo volume disabled (complete nusance
and whacky)
7) Transmission shifts very roughly between gears especially in
stop/go or city traffic. Service coordinator's first response was
this is how the car drives and we will not fix it. Service Manger
says it is a known problem and Mercedes doesn't have a fix.
Service Director and a MB Tech are driving my car as I type
this. They say it is the torque converter. Transmission also
doesn't always engage reverse especially when the car is
facing downhill.
8) Wheel buttons cracked in Seattle summer heat. Waiting on
part. Gets fixed during service repair #5 next Friday.
9) Engine ticking fixed


In short, I wouldn't purchase this car (or any Mercedes) having gone thru this many issues. I purchased it thinking it would last 10 years. I wouldn't dare own this car past the original warranty period (and I did buy the extended). This car now exceeds the break/fix service trips for all new cars that I have ever purchased combined (4 cars).
Old 09-05-2003 | 09:00 PM
  #48  
Halifax's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: C coupe
Problems: plenty.
Resolved?: paid around 2500 bucks fixing problems. and still problems probably worth same amount of money to be fixed. but this time I said **** it. it will run with the problems till one day i turn the ignition and it explodes. then, if anything left of me, I'll be getting another car.
Old 09-05-2003 | 09:10 PM
  #49  
MarcGetty's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Philadelphia, PA
'02 C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe in Citron Green
Originally posted by yellowf3
My C230K Coupe has a squeaky sound from the Panaromic roof going over bumps. I don't want to take it to the dealer yet. I do not want anyone to tear appart the interior of my new car.

I will wait and see if it disappears by itself. The car had this noise since day 1. I now have about 2700 miles on the car.
I had the squeaking sun roof problem after 6 months on my '02 C230K. During a service the dealer lubed the sunroof up real good and I have not heard a single squeak in the 8 months since.
Old 09-05-2003 | 10:04 PM
  #50  
20FHK02's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: SF South Bay
2002 C230 Coupe
Originally posted by willis5050
02 c230K....just hit 20,000 miles last week.

No problems to report, except two door dings

Great car.
What color is your car??


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

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



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:33 PM.