Mr. S.

So I'm about to buy a 2002 C320 Wagon. There's a couple of problems that I figured out by searching on the forum...

But there's one problem I can't figure out, it's the windshield wipers.

Here's a video that pretty much explains everything
http://youtu.be/u3Bnq8gJ90g

Basically they seem to work but only backward, the fuse is OK and the lever seems to be working since I got the rear wiper working by turning on the windshield wipers and putting the car in reverse.

Could it be some kind a position sensor on or around the motor? Would changing the motor solve the problem? I couldn't find much of anything on the internet or on Mitchell1

So yeah any help would be appreciated!

hanknum

Welcome. I too have an '02 C320 wagon.

The first thing I'd do is remove the wiper arms. At the base of each wiper, I think you can remove a cover that covers the nut that holds each arm on. It should unscrew and then the wiper arm can be pulled off (they should be connected to the motor by a tapered spline). Once removed, you should be able to see the shaft rotate back and forth. It looks like right now it wants to go down into the engine compartment. Test this first before you do anything else. Don't run it too much the way it is now, or you risk burning out the motor or damaging the linkage.

Good luck.

jimwv

2004 c320, motor is whine-ing. I started noticing this. does not matter is a/c is on or nor - completely off, button pushed to cut a/c off as well as the climate control.

I never noticed it before. transmission it not pulling more rev's than normal.
all maint. is up to date; all fluids/filters changed 5 months ago; motor oil, transmission...

H.j

Hey, just got 02" c320 wagon and im having some problems can anyone help?
1.Rear wiper wont come on
2. Passenger side vanity light does not work
3. Left plate light is not working

Can someone please advise me on repair.

hanknum

First thing to check is fuses and bulbs...

flying_whale

How many miles and what work has been done on it and who did it? If you are at over 100k miles, you will have to face, eventually, a leaky rear main seal that will only get worse. That's a 1,000 dollar job. At 142K miles, mine is still holding up, but barely and soon an investment will be necessary.

Front suspension is questionable like on all W203s.

Other than that, it's an awesome car. I have a c320 sedan and I love every inch of it, including the tiny pieces of rust on the passenger door.

Boom vang

totally agree on the front suspension, nothing but a PIA for me as every part has been replaced (most under warranty) these were under-engineered and a source of clunks, knocks and prematurely wearing out. most of the part numbers have been suceeded by a part starting with A204 XX XX XXX not to mention weak springs that eventually break. Since I got it all sorted out it has been fine and quiet but took a while

H.j

Wow thanks for the info, 119,00 on the odo , everything else seems good. Only wipers wont come on, Chang fuse, trying relay next , asking $5000 after fix 2002 c320 wagon . Buying a sadan!

flying_whale

If you get it and the front suspension starts giving you troubles, make sure you get the parts Boom Vang. At that age, I would check the service history for common 100k miles maintenance items like: fuel filter, spark plugs, maybe wires, break pads, and battery.

The C320 in all iterations is a fun car, reliable, and affordable (nowadays), but be ready that you will occasionally have to spoil her with a few hundreds dollars at a time.

Last piece of advice, unless you work on the car yourself, find yourself a good indie that charges fair prices. Don't skimp on labor if the mechanic is good. Idiot and careless mechanics can do a lot of damage.