Just bought my first Mercedes, need help with some issues
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 SPT
Just bought my first Mercedes, need help with some issues
So, just bought my first Mercedes, a used 2002 C320! 
Has a couple of issues I have indentified if you guys would like to help?
First issue (and main one):
The steering wheel wobbles quite violently when braking when doing from 35-55mph. I've read online this may have to do with my ball joints/arms/bushings? Also, the car was sold with two bald tires on the right side and two okay tires on the left....
My digital speedo is a lot lower than my analogue speedo. I was cruise controlled at 79 and the digital one said I was doing about 48? I checked the settings and it says MPH is selected, so this confused me.
My A/C turns on, and I can hear it blowing air, but no air is coming through the vents? At all, so I am assuming the air filter, cabin air filter (engine), and cabin air filter (inside car) needs to be checked and changed for blockage? The vents are not closed, BTW.
Thanks so much for the help, I really appreciate.
Has a couple of issues I have indentified if you guys would like to help?
First issue (and main one):
The steering wheel wobbles quite violently when braking when doing from 35-55mph. I've read online this may have to do with my ball joints/arms/bushings? Also, the car was sold with two bald tires on the right side and two okay tires on the left....
My digital speedo is a lot lower than my analogue speedo. I was cruise controlled at 79 and the digital one said I was doing about 48? I checked the settings and it says MPH is selected, so this confused me.
My A/C turns on, and I can hear it blowing air, but no air is coming through the vents? At all, so I am assuming the air filter, cabin air filter (engine), and cabin air filter (inside car) needs to be checked and changed for blockage? The vents are not closed, BTW.
Thanks so much for the help, I really appreciate.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
steering wheel wobble on braking could be many issues. first I would get new tires. unbalanced tires can cause this issue because the wheel balance might be off causing the wobble. from there get an alignment to make sure the toe and camber is not off on the car. once that is done, check your brake system, warped rotors can cause the issue and uneven brake pad wear can also. if that doesnt resolve the issue i would then go to the suspension.
as for the speedo make sure its checked on mph for sure, sometimes it might be choosen but make sure its really on it. also make sure your speed sensor is connected and right.
for ac make sure the stepper motor is working right. change your filters, even though they shouldnt really be the issue if they have never been changed its good to do so or your car will smell musty and moldy.
as for the speedo make sure its checked on mph for sure, sometimes it might be choosen but make sure its really on it. also make sure your speed sensor is connected and right.
for ac make sure the stepper motor is working right. change your filters, even though they shouldnt really be the issue if they have never been changed its good to do so or your car will smell musty and moldy.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 SPT
steering wheel wobble on braking could be many issues. first I would get new tires. unbalanced tires can cause this issue because the wheel balance might be off causing the wobble. from there get an alignment to make sure the toe and camber is not off on the car. once that is done, check your brake system, warped rotors can cause the issue and uneven brake pad wear can also. if that doesnt resolve the issue i would then go to the suspension.
as for the speedo make sure its checked on mph for sure, sometimes it might be choosen but make sure its really on it. also make sure your speed sensor is connected and right.
for ac make sure the stepper motor is working right. change your filters, even though they shouldnt really be the issue if they have never been changed its good to do so or your car will smell musty and moldy.
as for the speedo make sure its checked on mph for sure, sometimes it might be choosen but make sure its really on it. also make sure your speed sensor is connected and right.
for ac make sure the stepper motor is working right. change your filters, even though they shouldnt really be the issue if they have never been changed its good to do so or your car will smell musty and moldy.
As for the speed/ac I'll check out what you suggested thank you.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 SPT
Thank you so much, is it dangerous or damaging to the car to drive like this? I am planning on taking it to the dealer this weekend so they can check it out and verify it for me so I can have someone fix it. All I do is drive to/from work which is 5.6 miles from my house.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Yes, it's bad - if unchecked, it could lead to other suspension problems, so you're better off getting things checked out/fixed rather than later.
If your car isn't still under extended warranty, I'd suggest taking your Benz to a local independent mechanic if you can; will save you a ton of money, even if you have to do a rental instead of a loaner.
Also check your vent direction knob and make sure that it's set to 9 o'clock to get the vents blowing on full. Sounds obvious, but thought I'd add that anyway.
If your car isn't still under extended warranty, I'd suggest taking your Benz to a local independent mechanic if you can; will save you a ton of money, even if you have to do a rental instead of a loaner.
Also check your vent direction knob and make sure that it's set to 9 o'clock to get the vents blowing on full. Sounds obvious, but thought I'd add that anyway.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 SPT
Yes, it's bad - if unchecked, it could lead to other suspension problems, so you're better off getting things checked out/fixed rather than later.
If your car isn't still under extended warranty, I'd suggest taking your Benz to a local independent mechanic if you can; will save you a ton of money, even if you have to do a rental instead of a loaner.
Also check your vent direction knob and make sure that it's set to 9 o'clock to get the vents blowing on full. Sounds obvious, but thought I'd add that anyway.
If your car isn't still under extended warranty, I'd suggest taking your Benz to a local independent mechanic if you can; will save you a ton of money, even if you have to do a rental instead of a loaner.
Also check your vent direction knob and make sure that it's set to 9 o'clock to get the vents blowing on full. Sounds obvious, but thought I'd add that anyway.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 SPT
So here's what I discovered. My digital speedo is accurate when placed in km/h. I'm talking about its not even off my a mph, but its in kph? How is that possible? I feel like if I'm missing something simple haha. When I changed back to mph, it was again off.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
