Complete A/C failure after 2 1/2 years
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Trinidad & Tobago
W204 C180k Blueefficiency
Complete A/C failure after 2 1/2 years
So took my 2009 C-180K W204 to my dealer last week after my aircon started blowing hot air and the ac button blinked a few times then turns off. Apparently that's the warning of A.C. malfunction. Dealer reported that the compressor went bad and they will have to change it along with a number of other AC related parts including a back fan?...$2,500...warranty stopped after 2 years.
Not much can be done I suppose, just wanted to vent (no pun intended).
How could this happen on a vehicle bought from the dealer, maintained by the dealer, less than 3 years old with 18,000 miles? Does this type of thing happen to these cars often? Really considering an audi.
Not much can be done I suppose, just wanted to vent (no pun intended).
How could this happen on a vehicle bought from the dealer, maintained by the dealer, less than 3 years old with 18,000 miles? Does this type of thing happen to these cars often? Really considering an audi.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 3
From: PA
2012 c, 2014 c, 2013 E, 2014 ML BT, 2016 E, 2016 GLE, 2017 S550(current), 2020 GLE450(current)
2011 c300 with 27000miles had AC hose crack....no AC....
so I was on the way to the dealership which is 9 miles away on very hot day.
I was sweating too much that tech thought I just took a shower in my car.
umm... I wouldn't trust AUDI...
Benz>BMW>Audi ??
After 2 weeks, A/C didn't work during 30min ride. but it worked again 2 days later..
....however my 2012 C300 only 1000 miles works fine.
07 Lexus LS460 120xxx miles has no problem at all (got free $500 for a recall). Seriously I only did tire/brake/oil/filter for 120k of ownership and its still strong.
so I was on the way to the dealership which is 9 miles away on very hot day.
I was sweating too much that tech thought I just took a shower in my car.
umm... I wouldn't trust AUDI...
Benz>BMW>Audi ??
After 2 weeks, A/C didn't work during 30min ride. but it worked again 2 days later..
....however my 2012 C300 only 1000 miles works fine.07 Lexus LS460 120xxx miles has no problem at all (got free $500 for a recall). Seriously I only did tire/brake/oil/filter for 120k of ownership and its still strong.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 803
Likes: 37
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera.
If reliability is #1 factor for a car purchase, it would be Japanese cars followed probably by Korean cars. I had factory recommended maintenance on my 00 RX300 and 02 QX4 within factory warranty period. After that I skipped all but just oil change, and one time transmission oil change on QX4 already passed its due mileage. Nearly zero problem. RX300 driver door control module failed and replaced that's it.
I noticed 2011 C has an average reliability rating so I gave it a try.
I noticed 2011 C has an average reliability rating so I gave it a try.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
There are many AC places that could easily replace your compressor for much less. Why the dealer? Not to save your warranty. Yes, they need to replace some other stuff also like the dryer and such, but MB does not make the compressor. You need to find out what went wrong. I have had MB's and others where the hoses broke and where the vibration craked the AC radiator. In every case, fixed the problem, evacuated the system, added oil and refrigerant and not replaced the compressor. The dealer just replaces parts, the Independent would fix the problem, probably for much less.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Trinidad & Tobago
W204 C180k Blueefficiency
Sorry, my mistake. Final quote, just under $5,000. That's about 10% of what I paid for the car. Dealership was at least gracious enough to shave off $1,800.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Trinidad & Tobago
W204 C180k Blueefficiency
There are many AC places that could easily replace your compressor for much less. Why the dealer? Not to save your warranty. Yes, they need to replace some other stuff also like the dryer and such, but MB does not make the compressor. You need to find out what went wrong. I have had MB's and others where the hoses broke and where the vibration craked the AC radiator. In every case, fixed the problem, evacuated the system, added oil and refrigerant and not replaced the compressor. The dealer just replaces parts, the Independent would fix the problem, probably for much less.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: New York & Louisiana
2010 C300 Sport
There are many AC places that could easily replace your compressor for much less. Why the dealer? Not to save your warranty. Yes, they need to replace some other stuff also like the dryer and such, but MB does not make the compressor. You need to find out what went wrong. I have had MB's and others where the hoses broke and where the vibration craked the AC radiator. In every case, fixed the problem, evacuated the system, added oil and refrigerant and not replaced the compressor. The dealer just replaces parts, the Independent would fix the problem, probably for much less.
+1
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
OP - just one thing. It sounds as though they want to replace a lot of things unnecessarily. Please make sure that they understand the Benz HVAC system. It has a pressure switch & if the gas pressure drops it shuts down the whole system automatically to protect it.
The only way you can test the system is fully pressurised with refrigerant.
The only way you can test the system is fully pressurised with refrigerant.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 424
Likes: 41
From: Sac, Ca
‘17 GT F1A E85 Monster ‘16 C63s
my '10 c300's a/c just went out and it wasnt until a smokin hot day i noticed. took it in and there was a leak from one of the lines. was under warranty, but your story (much worse $ wise) just makes me know i def dont want this car out of warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
So the cause of the malfunction has been positively identified then? Or did they quote the price they thought they could squeeze out of you with no diagnosis first?
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
C300 2010, GL450 2011
I just realized my compressor has failed too. I'll buy it from a Dealer but will have it replaced by someone else. I have an Audi A4, it's a nice car but doesn't quite have the feel of a w204.
So took my 2009 C-180K W204 to my dealer last week after my aircon started blowing hot air and the ac button blinked a few times then turns off. Apparently that's the warning of A.C. malfunction. Dealer reported that the compressor went bad and they will have to change it along with a number of other AC related parts including a back fan?...$2,500...warranty stopped after 2 years.
Not much can be done I suppose, just wanted to vent (no pun intended).
How could this happen on a vehicle bought from the dealer, maintained by the dealer, less than 3 years old with 18,000 miles? Does this type of thing happen to these cars often? Really considering an audi.
Not much can be done I suppose, just wanted to vent (no pun intended).
How could this happen on a vehicle bought from the dealer, maintained by the dealer, less than 3 years old with 18,000 miles? Does this type of thing happen to these cars often? Really considering an audi.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
2008 C300 Sport
Have same problem with A/C Compressor- 2008 C300
Hi, Im in Nassau, Bahamas and i just had the same problem with the[B] A/C [/B]Compressor in my 2008 C300; the thing just failed suddenly. the a/c system worked fine prior to car going in. The car was to the body shop for about a week for repair to two midsize dents on left rear wheel body panel. When i picked up the car, a/c was blowing only hot air. Took it to MB certified mechanic and diagnosed it, tested with refrigerant, oil, dye, and confirmed a/c compressor is the issue. he said body work guys did not do anything to cause the problem. I only drive the car on weekends since i had it. Car has only 46,425 miles, its a US model i got 1 yr and 10 mths ago, Cost is $2,085 for part and $350 for labour. Mercedes has certainly lost its way with reliability issue with its late model cars and wont even accept responsibility to recall them. Not to mention a trashy warranty. Mercedes Benz needs to be placed in the media bout this. Anybody knows how i can contact MB USA? Im thinking on going with the BMW 335i Coupe or Sedan! Local dealer wont even look at the car!
Last edited by dodgern; Oct 10, 2012 at 12:00 AM.
