PepperERev

Hey guys,

Been looking into a new vehicle. RWD, $20k, sports sedan

After looking at E90's and Lexus 2IS's I've noticed W204's also fit into my budget.

My question for you guys is how reliable are these things? What are the common problem/TSB/recalls?
Thanks a lot, John

Acapulco Bill

Here are Identifix survey results for the W204, BMW 3-series and the Lexus IS, assuming that for around $20k can purchase a 2008 C350/335i or a 2009 C300/328i.

Suggest further research with Michael Karesh's www.truedelta.com, which goes in-depth of specific problems per year and model, and of course hoping all MBWorld members participate in the surveys.

stratman1954

I don't think they are any better or worse than most cars. No recalls on the 2012 model, which I have. Consider if you can raising the budget and going for a certified vehicle. I bought my C 300 sport six months ago with 12,000 miles for 30 grand. Had it back twice for minor issues. Excellent long term warrantee.

speedraider

I wouldn't own any newer car without a warranty.

Acapulco Bill

A large part of the future reliability of any vehicle will depend in the quantity and quality of maintenance by the previous owner. An owner that has bothered to keep all service records and, on the W204 with the 7G, performed important items such as a full transmission/torque convertor fluid change every 39k miles will probably be a much more reliable transport.

In the case of the W204, vehicles for MY2009 produced from January 2009 are more reliable than MY2008, and when MY2010 production began around June of 2009, about 1 million C-Class had been produced and are extremely reliable.

BMW seems to be less reliable, and the build quality lower, producing more rattles, loose trim, and upholstery wear (E90/2 & F30, NOT the E46 which was clearly superior to the W203). Some, like the first years of the 335i, have permanent issues. No opinion on Lexus reliability, although IMO to drive it, feels leaden and clunky. Isolated. A weird kind of quiet.

My 2010 C300 Sport has been the model of reliability, with two minor recall issues, however my FORD has the superior reliability (and build quality, comfort, quiet, etc) of the 15 vehicles I have had in my garage in the last 4 years.

TexFinn

Since I do have both BMW and MBs, I do visit both brand messageboards and from what I can tell, the E90s tend to be a bit problematic (high pressure fuel pump problems etc.). At least the early years.

W204s on the other hand, don't really have any common issues. Very reliable little things.