C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Reliability and running costs very bad C350

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Old Jan 11, 2018 | 04:47 AM
  #1  
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Mercedes C350 Avantegarde 2008
Angry Reliability and running costs very bad C350

I have a 2008 C350 that has currently done 100 000 miles/160 000km and in that period so many expensive things have gone wrong. I have converted to dollars to make is easier. I have it serviced at the Mercedes dealership on time every time where I bought the car, second hand from so it wasnt like from a dodgy dealer somewhere.

Here is a list of whats gone wrong
  • Airconditioner faulty, needs to be replaced - $1000 to $2000
  • Blower radiator - $1000
  • Electrical issues with seatbelt and rear lights (replaced under recall)
  • Intake manifold needs replacement - $2000 inc labour
  • Cam chain stretched - $2000 inc labour
  • Headrest driver side - $600
If you add that all up comes to a fortune of about $7600, I thought these cars were reliable but I guess not from my experience. I spoke to the dealership and they said they could take it up with the factory but I have heard nothing. The other issue is I am still paying it off so on top of paying for it and the repairs its costing me $$$$.

Anyone else have these sorts of issues or care to comment?
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Old Jan 11, 2018 | 05:17 AM
  #2  
Demvang's Avatar
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2011 C300 4Matic Sport
I repaired the driver side's headrest myself as this instruction. It wouldn't be like OEM but that is okay and I didn't consider it as an issue.
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Old Jan 11, 2018 | 01:03 PM
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From: Vancouver, BC
08 C300
Other than general maintenance, my 08 C300 has been pretty reliable @120,000km.
- replaced brake booster -> covered under warranty
- replaced pass headlight assembly -> covered under warranty
- replaced upper idler pulley -> covered under warranty
- replaced lower idler pulley and belt -> diy
- replaced thermostat -> diy
- replaced HVAC blower motor -> diy
- replaced oil separator -> diy
- replaced power steering pump with reservoir -> diy
- replaced front seat bottom cushion -> diy

All of items are minor...
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Old Jan 11, 2018 | 03:35 PM
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C300 sport 2008
Originally Posted by tomtomco
I have a 2008 C350 that has currently done 100 000 miles/160 000km and in that period so many expensive things have gone wrong. I have converted to dollars to make is easier. I have it serviced at the Mercedes dealership on time every time where I bought the car, second hand from so it wasnt like from a dodgy dealer somewhere.

Here is a list of whats gone wrong
  • Airconditioner faulty, needs to be replaced - $1000 to $2000
  • Blower radiator - $1000
  • Electrical issues with seatbelt and rear lights (replaced under recall)
  • Intake manifold needs replacement - $2000 inc labour
  • Cam chain stretched - $2000 inc labour
  • Headrest driver side - $600
If you add that all up comes to a fortune of about $7600, I thought these cars were reliable but I guess not from my experience. I spoke to the dealership and they said they could take it up with the factory but I have heard nothing. The other issue is I am still paying it off so on top of paying for it and the repairs its costing me $$$$.

Anyone else have these sorts of issues or care to comment?
what happened to your intake manifold! I have my intake manifold with a cylinder 1 malfunction which is making my car sluggish on take off
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Old Jan 12, 2018 | 07:05 PM
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2016 S550

2011 C300. I have 150,000 miles on my car and spent $4,600 in services/repairs. Maintained by the book.
This includes brakes and a windshield replacement, two transmission services as the most expensive repairs.
The only real repairs I’ve really done that isn’t a maintenance item is below:
Thermostat $120
Transmission Mount $50
Front and Rear flex discs $150
Two minor leaks at back of engine, plastic cap and cover (forgot the name) $80
Front left and right end stabilizer end links $60
Left bank Cylinder head (replaced under warranty $0).
AC center vent (replaced under warranty $0)
Cup holder with arm rest (replaced under warranty $0)

Car drives like new, I am on my 4th set of tires.
Bone dry, not a single leak. Everything works.

Last edited by 95Sinned420; Jan 12, 2018 at 07:08 PM.
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