hmc

I am considering to buy a C300/C350 for long term use. I would like to hear from you about how reliable this generation C-class is. What are the common problems, if any? Is auto transmission reliable?

Thanks in advance!

micropower99

A few people on the board here are having problems but alot of people are also having no problems at all. Just like any car, they cant all be perfect. In my experience I haven't had any problems at all except a couple small ones. (Squeeky mirrors)

Search the forums though, their are so many threads about this.

Best Regards,

Daniel

chilledbenz

I've had a few problems with mine, only one that I would consider major, but it was fixed without too much fanfare. Like the other poster said there are a few people that have had anything from major engine and trans issues to electrical problems (check the board for more information), but thats common for all cars these days and they seem to be isolated issues. There are a few problems that seem to be reoccurring quite often such as the squeaky mirrors, interior rattles, and broken fog lights on Sport models. From the sounds of things they have addressed some of these issues with the 2009 model, such as removing the folding mirror option all together, but the fog light issue still remains. The good news is MB's have a great warranty (no free oil changes though) but they will fix just about everything else free of charge and without much complaining. Just be aware that after 4 years or 50k miles the original warranty expires and service work on MB's gets expensive fast.

mac911

I don't know if the folding mirrors should be considered a big issue since they are gone for 2009. Aren't they still available in other countries? I think they were simply removed to make room for what they added, some other more lust after by many, features.

chilledbenz

Saying they removed them from the options list because they squeaked was a bit of humor, guess I should have put a ha ha after that one. To me it was a strange option anyway as I've never used mine a single time and would have preferred memory seats instead, but I can see the usefulness of them when parking on a busy street. By the way I didn't say they were a big issue..just a common issue.

micropower99

I love the folding mirrors. I mean even though the squeaking noise can be a pain sometimes (not alot lately though) its so cool when they fold and unfold as I lock and unlock the car.

jrct9454

First W204 delivered in the Pacific NW, Aug 9, 2007. [Built in Bremen, June '07.]

C300 Lux, now with 8500 miles, and no issues.

Best Mercedes we've ever had, and arguably one of my top three ever [I've had 55 cars since 1962].

hmc

What about the reliability of this 7-speed transmission?

mac911

Cool. I had no issue with you. I guess I like mine ok, so I try to enjoy them, but you're right, they aren't incredibly useful.

That memory function would be more useful for 99 percent of people indeed!, probably higher percentage even. ha-ha.

RickP330

I have 10K on mine now and it has been awsome (Knocking on wood). IMO the 7 speed makes the car, it is the most awsome transmission I have ever seen. It downshifts like no other transmission I've ever driven and at 115mph it is still digging hard. You can't even feel it shifting, I just love it LOL.
Rick

jrct9454

The current state of the 7 spd appears to be excellent. Very early in its life, well before it appeared in the W204, there were electronic issues that were addressed, and now, as noted above, I consider it a strength of the car. It's one of the reasons we achieve 10% better fuel economy than on our '02 C240, despite a 35% increase in horsepower.