How many problems with your C? What kind? Reliability? Which Years?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 340
From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
How many problems with your C? What kind? Reliability? Which Years?
In the recent past, there have been numerous threads here discussing purchasing of a new C (230/240/320). Some of the replies are so negative as to chase potential buyers away from MB completely.
It is not my intention to be a cheerleader for MB, but I would like to see a fair, unbiased accounting of the C owners here, the car the own, problems they've experienced, and if they were corrected by the dealer.
It is my feeling that if a potential buyer buys a brand X car, because he read negative info at this web site, and his brand X car turns out to have problems, then has no good has been done by (or for) anybody. However, if a potential buyer can see how many problems (and what kind) there were over the total number of reports, then they can start to make an informed decision.
Please keep replies short, and without emotional commentary. (Just the facts, ma'am)
Car: C230 Sport Sedan
Problems: None to date
Resolved?: Not Applicable
It is not my intention to be a cheerleader for MB, but I would like to see a fair, unbiased accounting of the C owners here, the car the own, problems they've experienced, and if they were corrected by the dealer.
It is my feeling that if a potential buyer buys a brand X car, because he read negative info at this web site, and his brand X car turns out to have problems, then has no good has been done by (or for) anybody. However, if a potential buyer can see how many problems (and what kind) there were over the total number of reports, then they can start to make an informed decision.
Please keep replies short, and without emotional commentary. (Just the facts, ma'am)
Car: C230 Sport Sedan
Problems: None to date
Resolved?: Not Applicable
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
'03 c320wz
Car: 03' C320 Sport Sedan
Problems: left driver side window seal improperly installed, glove compartment improperly installed, compartment rattles a lot, squeaky breaks, fuel sensor issue??? or than that i love my car.
Resolved?: no, no, no, service advisor almost got his neck wrung by me. he thought it was his car or some ****, so he chose to abuse it...
Problems: left driver side window seal improperly installed, glove compartment improperly installed, compartment rattles a lot, squeaky breaks, fuel sensor issue??? or than that i love my car.
Resolved?: no, no, no, service advisor almost got his neck wrung by me. he thought it was his car or some ****, so he chose to abuse it...
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
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 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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 1
From: stix of florida
Honda Grom
car stalled 2 times on the steep driveway in front of my house...... but has never done it since. I was speeding excessively so I think that might have had something to do with it.
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
After 2 months (over 6000 miles), I've had the cigarette lighter unit broke, wheel alignment, and steering column (tilt & telescope) module broken. Otherwise, I'm totally happy with the car.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Car: 2002 C240 6-spd (17,500 miles)
Problems: Steering wheel lock motor failed (that noise you hear when you insert or remove the key). Couldn't turn ignition key -- towed and repaired. Driver seat bottom heater failed -- seat cover (w/ heater) replaced
Resolved: Yes
Problems: Steering wheel lock motor failed (that noise you hear when you insert or remove the key). Couldn't turn ignition key -- towed and repaired. Driver seat bottom heater failed -- seat cover (w/ heater) replaced
Resolved: Yes
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
C230 Sedan - 6 spd.
Car: 'C230 Sport Sedan - 2003
Problems: Driver's side window express up stopped working for no reason.
Resolved?: Yes. Re-synch all windows.
Car currently has less than 1000 miles, so there may be more to come.
-Thach
Problems: Driver's side window express up stopped working for no reason.
Resolved?: Yes. Re-synch all windows.
Car currently has less than 1000 miles, so there may be more to come.
-Thach
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: New Castle, IN
C230Kompressor
'02 Coupe/19,000 miles
Door gasket Falling off-replaced
Faulty Fuel Sensors-both replaced
Leaking Diff-seals replaced
Leaking Trnasmission-gasket replaced
Ticking from engine-couldn't find
Pano roof inoperable-control panel replaced
No fuel guage-reset mapps sensors
Pano roof inoperable-resynched
Pano squeaking-in shop now/parts on order
Seats squaking-in shop now/trying lube
Valve Cover Leaking-in shop now/replaced gasket/still leaked/replacing valve cover (on order)
Hesitation under acceleration-in shop now/can't duplicate/suggested different brand of gas
Ticking from engine-in shop now/possibly detonation/ normal (?)
Squeaking from cargo cover-in shop now/parts on order
Hood insulation falling off-in shop now/reglued
Faulty Fuel Sensors-both replaced
Leaking Diff-seals replaced
Leaking Trnasmission-gasket replaced
Ticking from engine-couldn't find
Pano roof inoperable-control panel replaced
No fuel guage-reset mapps sensors
Pano roof inoperable-resynched
Pano squeaking-in shop now/parts on order
Seats squaking-in shop now/trying lube
Valve Cover Leaking-in shop now/replaced gasket/still leaked/replacing valve cover (on order)
Hesitation under acceleration-in shop now/can't duplicate/suggested different brand of gas
Ticking from engine-in shop now/possibly detonation/ normal (?)
Squeaking from cargo cover-in shop now/parts on order
Hood insulation falling off-in shop now/reglued
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
Re: How many problems with your C? What kind?
1500 miles on it, only problem is that the valves that control air blowing on my feet tend to get stuck in the open position. Dealer said he will fix, I just have been too busy to get it there.
Otherwise it has been flawless.
Otherwise it has been flawless.
Banned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
C240 02
i have 21 problems so far, most fixed, 2 on hold, dont feel like talking about, ill get a big headache just thinking about them 
seriously though i will create a thread soon will all my issues and resolutions for each of them
seriously though i will create a thread soon will all my issues and resolutions for each of them
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 196
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Steering wheel off center, fixed
Passenger seat belt jammed retracted, fixed
Ticking noise from engine, fixed
Remote key lock/unlock broke (X3), fixed
Remote 'tunnel mode' inop passenger side, fixed
Remote 'tunnel mode' inop driver side, fixed
Transmission oil leak, fixed
Front turn signals inop, fixed
Noisy/clunking rear brakes, fixed
"Stop light out" warning faulty, fixed
Glove box light out, fixed
Shifter boot mounting ring pops out, fixed
Car drifts to left, fixed
Passenger seat belt jammed retracted, fixed
Ticking noise from engine, fixed
Remote key lock/unlock broke (X3), fixed
Remote 'tunnel mode' inop passenger side, fixed
Remote 'tunnel mode' inop driver side, fixed
Transmission oil leak, fixed
Front turn signals inop, fixed
Noisy/clunking rear brakes, fixed
"Stop light out" warning faulty, fixed
Glove box light out, fixed
Shifter boot mounting ring pops out, fixed
Car drifts to left, fixed
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
C Class Reliability
Our car is a 2002 (January build date) C230K. It currently has slightly over 10,000 miles on it.
We have had the following problems, all of which were resolved by the dealer. These problems all occurred between May and November of 2002. Since November 2002 the car has operated perfectly without incident.
1. The memory seat system stopped recognizing our different keys. Fix was to get us new keys, plus computer reprogram of some sort.
2. The car's thermostat was stuck open, triggering a "check engine" light (it ran too cool), but the car operated normally otherwise.
3. The passenger side window regular was slightly too noisy in our judgment, so we had it replaced. The new one is quieter.
4. The "ESP/BAS" warning light came on. Some sort of new module was installed.
5. The car made a slight creak, sometimes, when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock as you would in a tight parking situation. To resolve, the upper strut bearings were changed. It is now quiet.
None of these issues effected the car's driveability, but I believe #2 effected fuel economy and I imagine #4 probably meant that the BAS/ESP system was not working. Nos. 2 and 5, to be fair, were minor issues that maybe less picky people might have passed on. To the dealer's credit, they just fixed it, no questions asked.
We have had the following problems, all of which were resolved by the dealer. These problems all occurred between May and November of 2002. Since November 2002 the car has operated perfectly without incident.
1. The memory seat system stopped recognizing our different keys. Fix was to get us new keys, plus computer reprogram of some sort.
2. The car's thermostat was stuck open, triggering a "check engine" light (it ran too cool), but the car operated normally otherwise.
3. The passenger side window regular was slightly too noisy in our judgment, so we had it replaced. The new one is quieter.
4. The "ESP/BAS" warning light came on. Some sort of new module was installed.
5. The car made a slight creak, sometimes, when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock as you would in a tight parking situation. To resolve, the upper strut bearings were changed. It is now quiet.
None of these issues effected the car's driveability, but I believe #2 effected fuel economy and I imagine #4 probably meant that the BAS/ESP system was not working. Nos. 2 and 5, to be fair, were minor issues that maybe less picky people might have passed on. To the dealer's credit, they just fixed it, no questions asked.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Stamford, CT
2003 C230
Nothing serious
Burning oil smell coming through the vents after high-speed driving. It has diminished over time but I can still smell it.
putt-putt noises coming from the rear (exhaust maybe?) when stopped at exit ramp after some (10 miles) highway driving. Happens EVERY day.
Likes to follow the road imperfections. I don't buy the "it's the tires fault" line since none of my other cars with wider/lower profile tires do it. It must be the front suspension geometry.
There's 1 rattle over bumps, I think it's the passenger's headrest.
CZ
putt-putt noises coming from the rear (exhaust maybe?) when stopped at exit ramp after some (10 miles) highway driving. Happens EVERY day.
Likes to follow the road imperfections. I don't buy the "it's the tires fault" line since none of my other cars with wider/lower profile tires do it. It must be the front suspension geometry.
There's 1 rattle over bumps, I think it's the passenger's headrest.
CZ
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
problems
- driver's side door seal fell off; replaced
- no-start condition (breakdown) in December; 2 coils replaced
- passenger side window switch fell into door; switch replaced
- BAS/ESP error; new wiring harness for sensor(s)
- express function on driver's side window failed repeatedly; switch replaced
- squeak in panorama sunroof; disassembled, lubed and reassembled (2 day job)
- driver's headrest adjuster does not work; not repaired
There are a few other things too but it's not worth listing them all. Car has 21,500 km and has been owned for 53 weeks. It's been in the shop often enough to get free washes about thalf the time we've owned it. The basics all seem pretty OK (except for the breakdown). Glad we have the 7 year 160K km warranty...
- no-start condition (breakdown) in December; 2 coils replaced
- passenger side window switch fell into door; switch replaced
- BAS/ESP error; new wiring harness for sensor(s)
- express function on driver's side window failed repeatedly; switch replaced
- squeak in panorama sunroof; disassembled, lubed and reassembled (2 day job)
- driver's headrest adjuster does not work; not repaired
There are a few other things too but it's not worth listing them all. Car has 21,500 km and has been owned for 53 weeks. It's been in the shop often enough to get free washes about thalf the time we've owned it. The basics all seem pretty OK (except for the breakdown). Glad we have the 7 year 160K km warranty...
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Awaiting a new arrival...
Car: C230K
Problems: Horrible 6 Speed Transmission
Resolved?: Nope...
I stopped driving the car almost 8 months ago and it has been sitting ever since. I move it back and forth occasionally within the garage and that is it.
Mileage in 14 months...3011. I love the car...I hate the fact that I am told the inability for the car to go into any gear is "in my mind" and "normal operation". Ummm, ok.
Word of advice to potential buyers - realize going in the 6 speed is weak and decide whether the extra sportiness it can provide is worth the extra frustration. I hate automatics, but given the decision, I'd still buy the car again, just without the 6 speed. I ordered the car the way I wanted it...the 6 speed was just a big mistake.
I have an otherwise mint 2002 C230K that has no miles and is worth next to nothing due to the massive price reductions at the dealer...what a great position to be in.
Problems: Horrible 6 Speed Transmission
Resolved?: Nope...
I stopped driving the car almost 8 months ago and it has been sitting ever since. I move it back and forth occasionally within the garage and that is it.
Mileage in 14 months...3011. I love the car...I hate the fact that I am told the inability for the car to go into any gear is "in my mind" and "normal operation". Ummm, ok.
Word of advice to potential buyers - realize going in the 6 speed is weak and decide whether the extra sportiness it can provide is worth the extra frustration. I hate automatics, but given the decision, I'd still buy the car again, just without the 6 speed. I ordered the car the way I wanted it...the 6 speed was just a big mistake.
I have an otherwise mint 2002 C230K that has no miles and is worth next to nothing due to the massive price reductions at the dealer...what a great position to be in.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, MI
I have a 2002 c230 coupe (30,000 miles)
200 miles in the stereo stopped working
loose connection somewhere, dealer fixed
Then the BAS/ESP light came on once immediately after a stall-out while in motion.Dealer replaced something and it never happened again.
Other then that i'vebeen very happy with the car. The sunroof does kinda rattle over bumps though. I like the six speed.
200 miles in the stereo stopped working
loose connection somewhere, dealer fixed
Then the BAS/ESP light came on once immediately after a stall-out while in motion.Dealer replaced something and it never happened again.
Other then that i'vebeen very happy with the car. The sunroof does kinda rattle over bumps though. I like the six speed.
