How many problems with your C? What kind? Reliability? Which Years?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
C320
C320 2002 all kind of problems
everything electric is bad, you need a lot of cash in hand ,
seat motor will drain battery , thats about 1060 USD at a standard shop not the dealer. the AC linkage its 15 usd a peice labor is 1000 USD to remove the dashboard and they might change the motors, 11 motors for AC linkage.
its a big mistake , i will never ever buy MB again !!!
old MB non electronic below 2000 , yes go for it.
seat motor will drain battery , thats about 1060 USD at a standard shop not the dealer. the AC linkage its 15 usd a peice labor is 1000 USD to remove the dashboard and they might change the motors, 11 motors for AC linkage.
its a big mistake , i will never ever buy MB again !!!
old MB non electronic below 2000 , yes go for it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
I sold my '02 with 103k miles for $8500. Leather, C7, power seats, pano, etc. I had nothing major go wrong and the buyer got a great car.
103k with original clutch and original rear brake pads/rotors! Go M111, GO!
103k with original clutch and original rear brake pads/rotors! Go M111, GO!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
In the latest results, the 2005 C-Class had a repair rate of 84 successful repair trips per 100 cars per year, which is about average.
Not enough data on other years; maybe in February, if a few more owners sign up and participate.
For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:
TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results
Not enough data on other years; maybe in February, if a few more owners sign up and participate.
For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:
TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C320
01' C320, the dealer had to replace the Tie rod ends and sway bar end links due to squeeking and motor mounts due to vibration and the MAF sensor due to Check engine light and poor mileage.
Also had the PS pump line from the resovior to the pump replaced because it rubbed against the tranmission coolant line and wore a hole in it.
All under warraty except for the PS line.
Car presently has 83k on it. All the parts were replaced at 80k miles
Also had the PS pump line from the resovior to the pump replaced because it rubbed against the tranmission coolant line and wore a hole in it.
All under warraty except for the PS line.
Car presently has 83k on it. All the parts were replaced at 80k miles
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C350
Has anyone else experience problems with the Command Control Knob? My control knob stop scrolling. I can push up, down, left, right and in but the scrolling feature has stop working. Example, when I'm looking at the map, i can not zoom in or out and when screen is in radio function i can not scroll through stations. Has anyone had this problem other than taking car in for repair, which I will do next week. Just wanted an heads up of what could be the problem. C350-2009
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
2003 C240
everything electric is bad, you need a lot of cash in hand ,
seat motor will drain battery , thats about 1060 USD at a standard shop not the dealer. the AC linkage its 15 usd a peice labor is 1000 USD to remove the dashboard and they might change the motors, 11 motors for AC linkage.
its a big mistake , i will never ever buy MB again !!!
old MB non electronic below 2000 , yes go for it.
seat motor will drain battery , thats about 1060 USD at a standard shop not the dealer. the AC linkage its 15 usd a peice labor is 1000 USD to remove the dashboard and they might change the motors, 11 motors for AC linkage.
its a big mistake , i will never ever buy MB again !!!
old MB non electronic below 2000 , yes go for it.
These are my previous problems in Nov 2008 when I replied to this thread:
Crank sensor replaced
H20 leak plastic seal replaced
Door actuator problem
Hood not aligned
To date....Mileage 77,722
Broken door pull
Shift knob bezel popped up
Fob key sometimes it does not work( even w/ new battery)
A/C runs warm on idle
Rear passenger wheel bearings changed
Still have H20 leak when it rains I could not find the source.
Recently car did not move when I stepped on gas pedal(possible TPS)
OBD connector most likely broken
HVAC possibly needs replacement(undervoltage error)
Steering wheel knock w/c was always there since i bought the car.
Still living w/ slight vibration(all stock next car. No more mods for me)
Chirping sound in dash(they say its the fan)
Hood pull broke off
Barely used "robotic" cup holder broken
Always get nervous when i drive since i got stranded in rush hour traffic when my car stalled CPS problem in '06.
Benz' has good resale value though.....
Last edited by danev6972; Jul 15, 2010 at 04:42 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
2006 C230 SS, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1993 Ford F150 Lightning
2006 C230: No problems except the idler pulley started squealing after about two years. The MB dealer fixed it for free through a service campaign. I bought the car new in December 2006 and it now has 33,333 miles.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
W203-4M W163
98 C230--completely reliable to 90K miles, loved the car, but needed 4Matic.
06 C280 4M--issue with stereo (CPO fixed it), minor issue with transmission fluid at 55K (replaced after CPO for under $200). I consider that to be "very reliable" if not more.
I don't buy anything within the first 2 years of manufacture. Bugs in design should be worked out by year 3, and most others should have been fixed if you buy older than that.
06 C280 4M--issue with stereo (CPO fixed it), minor issue with transmission fluid at 55K (replaced after CPO for under $200). I consider that to be "very reliable" if not more.
I don't buy anything within the first 2 years of manufacture. Bugs in design should be worked out by year 3, and most others should have been fixed if you buy older than that.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C350 AMG
extended warranty
Wow you guys really do a lot of driving... I thought I did. I have 47k mi (76k km) on mine. Unfortunately, I've had a lot more problems with mine in its short life, and recently, the clutch has been acting up, though I have the extended warranty so I'm hoping that will cover most issues.
I'm debating whether i should just pocket the cash and spend the money on the wear and tear items that will be costing a pretty penny here in a few months. what do you think?
B.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
5k if your car has been running fine and no issues i would put 5k in a 1 year cd or something so that you can't touch it but it is ready for a rainy day. Since buying me car and putting on like 65k i have put less than like 3 or 4k into my car total and that includes bix, tires, new suspension and all oil changes and stuff and my car is supposed to be one of the worst c classes to buy an 01 model year.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
01s are definitely the red-headed step children of the Benz brand.
I bought my 05 C230 in July 2008 with 25k miles. Today it has almost 89k miles and performs just as it did back then. I guarantee you I have spent almost as much on automatic car washes as I have on the maintenance requirements. It's truly been an amazing little car.
I bought my 05 C230 in July 2008 with 25k miles. Today it has almost 89k miles and performs just as it did back then. I guarantee you I have spent almost as much on automatic car washes as I have on the maintenance requirements. It's truly been an amazing little car.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
01s are definitely the red-headed step children of the Benz brand.
I bought my 05 C230 in July 2008 with 25k miles. Today it has almost 89k miles and performs just as it did back then. I guarantee you I have spent almost as much on automatic car washes as I have on the maintenance requirements. It's truly been an amazing little car.
I bought my 05 C230 in July 2008 with 25k miles. Today it has almost 89k miles and performs just as it did back then. I guarantee you I have spent almost as much on automatic car washes as I have on the maintenance requirements. It's truly been an amazing little car.
i should go add up all my bills for my car and see how much i have spent on it exactly.
Super Moderator
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
Trey - where was your car built - Germany or Brazil? I'm convinced that the German ones were better if not perfect.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 340
From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
It's now more than 7 years that this thread has been running.
Total problems with the car since new (now almost 8 yrs old, 127k miles):
- Parking brake came out of adjustment - repaired under warranty
- Rattle in center dash vent - repaired under warranty
- CD player skipping - replaced under warranty
- Sunroof not 'one-touch' closing - corrected under warranty
- Weatherstripping around passenger window - replaced under warranty
- Front control arm bushings - paid to replace
- Faulty thermostat - paid to replace
- Engine wiring harness & cam position sensors - paid labor to replace, MB picked up parts
- Alternator/battery failure (simultaneous) - paid to replace
In all, not stellar, but not terrible. The only failures that had to be fixed RIGHT THEN were alternator/battery and wiring harness. All other problems were resolved during normal scheduled maintenance.
So after all this time I've paid probably 2k in repairs.
The upside is that the car has held up extremely well. In terms of interior appearance, exterior appearance (except for stone chips), ride, handling, acceleration, braking, etc.; you would be hard-pressed to find a difference between this car now and when it was new.
(This one's German-built, by the way)
Edit: (All services done at FSS-specified intervals, and done according to factory recommendations)
Total problems with the car since new (now almost 8 yrs old, 127k miles):
- Parking brake came out of adjustment - repaired under warranty
- Rattle in center dash vent - repaired under warranty
- CD player skipping - replaced under warranty
- Sunroof not 'one-touch' closing - corrected under warranty
- Weatherstripping around passenger window - replaced under warranty
- Front control arm bushings - paid to replace
- Faulty thermostat - paid to replace
- Engine wiring harness & cam position sensors - paid labor to replace, MB picked up parts
- Alternator/battery failure (simultaneous) - paid to replace
In all, not stellar, but not terrible. The only failures that had to be fixed RIGHT THEN were alternator/battery and wiring harness. All other problems were resolved during normal scheduled maintenance.
So after all this time I've paid probably 2k in repairs.
The upside is that the car has held up extremely well. In terms of interior appearance, exterior appearance (except for stone chips), ride, handling, acceleration, braking, etc.; you would be hard-pressed to find a difference between this car now and when it was new.
(This one's German-built, by the way)
Edit: (All services done at FSS-specified intervals, and done according to factory recommendations)
Last edited by dmatre; Sep 2, 2010 at 11:57 AM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Fl
My gas sipping C-Class
203,000 miles.
still on factory clutch.
factory battery
replaced spark plugs once at 100k miles
replaced alternator before 100k, new one has been working fine.
replaced cam sensors as advised, but the stock ones showed no leaks.
counting the factory serpentine belt, the 3rd one is in the car now with one new idler pulley.
My ECS light (well, warning on the info center) has been on since around 90k miles, but everything works fine, ABS still works, skid control still kicks in, etc..so I have been reluctant to spend $600.00 on a new (used) controller.
All the electronics still work and have never stopped working. The car has NEVER not started and has NEVER been towed.
I have the fake leather seats and because of this, the seats look like they have maybe 25k miles on them instead of 203k.
Paint is in excellent condition less the front end that has rock chips & bug damage. I don't think I have a single ding on the car. I got one on my new Genesis a few weeks ago when someone opened their car door into the rear passenger side of mine.
You know, it's funny to me that I have never had to change my clutch or water-pump. I replaced my water pump in my GTI at around 55k mile because the plastic impeller had disintegrated
MY C230 IS THE MOST RELIABLE CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!
still on factory clutch.
factory battery
replaced spark plugs once at 100k miles
replaced alternator before 100k, new one has been working fine.
replaced cam sensors as advised, but the stock ones showed no leaks.
counting the factory serpentine belt, the 3rd one is in the car now with one new idler pulley.
My ECS light (well, warning on the info center) has been on since around 90k miles, but everything works fine, ABS still works, skid control still kicks in, etc..so I have been reluctant to spend $600.00 on a new (used) controller.
All the electronics still work and have never stopped working. The car has NEVER not started and has NEVER been towed.
I have the fake leather seats and because of this, the seats look like they have maybe 25k miles on them instead of 203k.
Paint is in excellent condition less the front end that has rock chips & bug damage. I don't think I have a single ding on the car. I got one on my new Genesis a few weeks ago when someone opened their car door into the rear passenger side of mine.
You know, it's funny to me that I have never had to change my clutch or water-pump. I replaced my water pump in my GTI at around 55k mile because the plastic impeller had disintegrated
MY C230 IS THE MOST RELIABLE CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!
Super Moderator
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
D & Scot - You should both be pretty happy at those mileages. Very little to complain about that hurt your pockets. There are no ways you would run a BMW that distance for so little.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 2
From: Queens, Ny
Nike Turbo Shox
2007 c280
-My car has absolutely no problems except on a few occassions the audio20 hu is a bit glitchy just display. I'm assuming my car is built in germany too the vin begins with w and the carfax shows it entering the port. Runs solid interior is like new.
-My car has absolutely no problems except on a few occassions the audio20 hu is a bit glitchy just display. I'm assuming my car is built in germany too the vin begins with w and the carfax shows it entering the port. Runs solid interior is like new.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 196
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Wow, driver's license requirements are lax in Va., is that West Va.? 
Mine was built in Germany 01/01. For the first 120K miles the problems are too numerous to list but since then it's been great and is a great car to drive. If I didn't have most of the problems fixed under warranty/extended warranty (glad I bought it, usually don't!) I once estimated the repairs would have been over $10,000. '01 and '02 C class are notorious for problems but like anything else, if well cared for are solid cars.
Mine was built in Germany 01/01. For the first 120K miles the problems are too numerous to list but since then it's been great and is a great car to drive. If I didn't have most of the problems fixed under warranty/extended warranty (glad I bought it, usually don't!) I once estimated the repairs would have been over $10,000. '01 and '02 C class are notorious for problems but like anything else, if well cared for are solid cars.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Wow, driver's license requirements are lax in Va., is that West Va.? Mine was built in Germany 01/01. For the first 120K miles the problems are too numerous to list but since then it's been great and is a great car to drive. If I didn't have most of the problems fixed under warranty/extended warranty (glad I bought it, usually don't!) I once estimated the repairs would have been over $10,000. '01 and '02 C class are notorious for problems but like anything else, if well cared for are solid cars.
Mine was built in Germany 01/01. For the first 120K miles the problems are too numerous to list but since then it's been great and is a great car to drive. If I didn't have most of the problems fixed under warranty/extended warranty (glad I bought it, usually don't!) I once estimated the repairs would have been over $10,000. '01 and '02 C class are notorious for problems but like anything else, if well cared for are solid cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 595
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
I have a 2005 C240 4Matic. It is my 60 mile a day daily driver(DD). Use it 4 times a week at 60 miles a day. I now have 66,000 miles on it. Its fully loaded.
-Replaced alternator 2 months after getting it.
-A rattle or 2 on the the inside of the car. It is a C Class so it will get that once in a while.
Other then that no problems. I hope to get about 120k out of it before I trade it in.
-Replaced alternator 2 months after getting it.
-A rattle or 2 on the the inside of the car. It is a C Class so it will get that once in a while.
Other then that no problems. I hope to get about 120k out of it before I trade it in.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: 562
2006-C230
I am cool with the service guys at the dealership so they take great care of my ride. I bought my 2006 C203 used about two years ago…it has about 58,000 miles on it…
No major problems…I get the service A/B when instructed although it is a ripe off but I do not trust another shop to handle my car...I am still under the extended warranty…
PROBLEM: Slow air leak on front passenger tire…dealer said I need a new wheel…the cost $900 or $500 online…I just keep the tire filled with air until I can get it fixed…
I love my hot cherry red C230…would not trade it for the world…one day I will buy an E class…I’m still young so the C is still an upgrade!!!
No major problems…I get the service A/B when instructed although it is a ripe off but I do not trust another shop to handle my car...I am still under the extended warranty…
PROBLEM: Slow air leak on front passenger tire…dealer said I need a new wheel…the cost $900 or $500 online…I just keep the tire filled with air until I can get it fixed…
I love my hot cherry red C230…would not trade it for the world…one day I will buy an E class…I’m still young so the C is still an upgrade!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Independent shops are perfectly capable of handling the services on the W203 as long as you make sure they use the correct oils. The Service A/B usually is a lot of fluff.
