mbtech208

Here's some of the topics of bulletins that MB has issued on the C-Class since it's introduction.

-Headlight sockets melting
-Clicking noises from A/C flap stepper motors
-Hydraulic motor mounts
-203 Coupe A/C inop, check version coding in EIS or A/C pressure sensor
-Fuel pump/sending unit O-ring
-Brake squeal, updated pads
-Accelerator pedal squeaks when pressed
-COMAND does not respond to voice controls
-Check engine light. Codes P2036 and/or P203A and/or engine performance complaints, bad connection at Z7/27 splice.
-Clicking noise from charcoal canister shut-off valve
-Door check strap noise, caused by loose bolts. Updated bolts.
-Engine runs rough after coming to a stop or hesitates accelerating, updated ME control unit. Does not apply to C230 or AMG models.
-Estimated time of arrival calculation is 12 hours longer than actual ETA.
-Front seat head restraint rattles. Remove head rests and bend rods apart so they apply pressure to guide sleeves.
-Pushbutton for releasing rear panels in C320 wagon comes loose
-Instrument cluster info not centered, info services selection gray and not selectable; TEL mode, SMS, or notebook gray and not selectable. Need to version code COMAND.
-Hard starting after fuel filter replacement
-Noises from instrument panel/right A-pillar area. Lube hood hinge at bracket, hood rubs bracket when closed.
-Noises from shaft for front seat tilt adjustment.
-Oil consumption complaints
-Panorama roof panel does not open or move. Break-in by opening/closing 6", 50 times.
-Poor radio reception up to VIN F157265. Check for antenna amplifier loose on rear glass.
-Popping or thumping in speakers, install updated BOSE amp.
-Purge valve clicking noise at idle
-Remote key intermittently inop. Replace remote keys with newer version. Check seven digit number on lower side edge of key. First three digits should be 221.
-Tailgate spoiler loose on 203 wagon.
-TeleAid remote unlocking via satellite inop.
-Trunk lid does not open with remote key, trunk release button, or handle. Replace trunk lock assembly
-Upper crossmember bolt breaking (goes across top of radiator).
-Various CD malfunctions including "No CD Changer" message, skipping, no recognition of magazine or discs. Check spring tension settings for vertical or horizontal.
-Windshield fogging above center vent

mbtech208

Kinda makes that '03 SL list I posted earlier pale in comparison, doesn't it?

vadim

MBTech, Thanks!!!

Seeing this list makes my coupe ALMOST completely trouble-free... Had the fuel sender unit replaced, that's it.

Now I'm not sure, but it looks like the driver's side mirror heating circuit is broken (mist/fog doesn't disappear from it compared to the passenger's side one and the rear glass).

Plus, the engine sounds under load as if there is a leak in the exhaust manifold (or supercharger ducting?)

None of these are mentioned in this list, which makes me sort of curious )

Mike T.

Considering the complexity of the vehicle and the fact that it's a new model and only been on the market here for 17 months, that's a pretty small list of 31 more or less minor problems.

As a point of comparison, the Peugeot 405 had, in the same 17 months after its introduction to North America, a total of 65 service bulletins issued (source: Peugeot Motors of America).

My 1989 405 had lots of warranty work done and since the end of the warranty period the car has been virtually flawless for the last 7 years and 111,000+ miles (161,000+ total).

I would be interested in the oil consumption bulletin. What does Mercedes-Benz consider to be "normal" oil consumption over 1000 km? (or whatever)... Is there a difference in this figure between the V 6 models and the 2295 cc four?

Davidta

I am having an oil consumption issue and have made an appointment for friday to have it checked out, I am surprised to find it on the list and it makes me feal much better. I am wondering though what is the suggested fix for this and how long does it take?

mbtech208

The list I posted is a list of the bulletins issued for the 203. Going into further detail requires me to look up the particular bulletin at work, which I will do if I get the time. Hey, even I haven't read all those bulletins so it'll be something new for me to learn too.

mbtech208

By the way, I also have a pretty decent-sized list of bulletins for the rest of the MB models, if anybody is interested.

DtS

...spooled to printer... Thanks MBTech. I belive this can be very useful info when I bring my car in.

Lynn

So far, the only thing on the list that my cars suffers from, is windshield fogging.

Flashman

-Windshield fogging above center vent

I didn't even realize my car had a problem! Ok, what does the service bulletin recommend about this (other than raise the temperature, which usually works for me).

MB-BOB

MBTech... Can you post the bulletin on the Smart Keys... This topic gets alot of attention on this forum and everyone might benefit...

Mach430

When you get the time, please post the CLK problems in the CLK forum.

viper

Yeah whats the deal with the window fogging in the middle. Is there a recommendation for solving this ?

phattbam

would the dealership update our pads for free? would they replace them under warranty?

hphan

My keys start with 217, not 221. Does that mean I should
take my keys in for replacement before I get stranded
somewhere? Has this problem ever left anyone stranded? Or
is it an intermittent issue?

David N.

mbtech, thank you for posting the TSB's.

mbtech208

"The oil consumption for engines M111/112 may be as much as 1 liter of oil over 1000 km. Repair measures must only be carried out if the oil consumption is higher than this."

mbtech208

"Replace center grille with part number 203 830 11 18." Presumably, this updated vent has less chemicals in it which cause fogging on the windshield.

mbtech208

Getting free brake pads out of a dealer is like pulling teeth, unless the car is practically brand-new (fewer than 1000 miles). I wouldn't hold my breath for free brake pads, even if yours are noisy.

greg230

mine is problem free thankfully

Mike T.

So what is the M111/112 - the 4 cylinder engine? What about the V-6s?

Interesting...that's what Peugeot said (1L/1000 km) for the 404 models in the 1960s, yet every 404 I had (all 3) were well below 0.1 L/1000 km, when they were already high mileage, old cars!

Peugeot says the 405 should consume under 0.5 L/1000 km, and mine has been between 0.2 and 0.35 L/1000 since day 1. That's three decades' progress, I guess

A number of early (1988-89) 405s were recalled in the USA and Canada because their oil consumption was over 0.5 L/1000 km - they all got new cylinder heads and piston rings courtesy of Peugeot Motors of America. Mine was one of them (this was before I owned it). I suppose their higher tolerance for blue exhaust and possible clogged cats means that Mercedes is cheaper than Peugeot when it comes to warranty repairs

mbtech208

The M111 is the 2.2/2.3 liter 4-cylinder
The M112 is the V6

phattbam

Hi, one question regarding warranty, do you know if replacing factory sports suspension with aftermarket suspension will affect my warranty? i did it after my first service so my dealership hasnt seen it since..

viper

Thanks for the information MBTech208. I have 3 questions
about changing the grille because of the window fogging.

1. Does the grille look the same ?
2. Is this a big deal to replace ? The thought of someone having
to remove the dash and cause possible squeek problems is
something I would rather avoid.
3. How long shoud the job take ?

mbtech208

If anything fails on your car, and it can be directly proved to be caused by your modifications, then warranty will not cover it.