CClassfan1

I used to own a 2000 C230K, but I was forced to sell it many years ago. I'm now in the market for a new used MB C Class and I'm looking at 2013 and 2014 C250s or possibly a C350 (Although I'm not sure if I want a bigger engine with worse gas mileage). I'm not a speed demon all of the time, but do want a decent amount of get up and go.

Is there are issues of major concern with the 2013 vs 2014 model years that I need to be aware of?

Anything you can recommend for me to look at before making the final buying decision would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

xsever

I stayed away from the "250" M271 engines because they are not very reliable compared to the 300 M272 engine for example. They have issues with the chain/chain tensioner, turbo, and High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP). All these issues are well detailed and document on this forum if you research about them.

The 2013 and 2014 C300 and C350 have the newer-then M276 engine which was a direct-injection engine. It can suffer from the HPFP problem as well as the secondary timing chains producing a rattling sound during engine start up until the engine oil pressure builds up. The solution was to install non-return valves (check valves) and replace left and right secondary chain tensioners.

You would have to meticulously check the service records of the car to make sure these have been taken care of. Otherwise, I would stay away which is why I did. I went with a 2012 C300 Sport 4MATIC which has the reliable M272 3.0L engine which was very mature by then. The 2012 models have the same facelift interior and exterior just like the 2013 and 2014 models so with the 2012 you're getting the best of both worlds: reliability and facelift.

CClassfan1

Thanks for the heads up.. Right now, I have been looking at a few C250 Sports (2013 and 2014) and a C350 2013.

I don't need the 4matic and have read about some issues with 4matic which is why I'm staying away from them.

Right now, I'm doing as much research as I can, but I just started in my journey..

Thank you!!

xsever

In that case, you're better off with a 2013/2014 C300/C350 in my opinion. I can't stress enough on focusing on service records otherwise, if you're not a DIY person, these problems will cost you quite a lot to get them done at the dealership.

CClassfan1

Thank you! :-)

CClassfan1

If the service records indicate that the services you listed has been done, are the problems "fixed" for good or are there still going to be ongoing issues every so often?

The cars I'm currently looking at don't have more than 60,000 miles on them, so they have relatively low miles. The 2012's always have considerably more mileage which gets me a little nervous.

Thanks again.

Adi-Benz

C300/350 > 250
As mentioned.

if the problems are repaired, it would be considerable. Listen very closely during the cold start when you test drive the car.

CClassfan1

Ok. Thanks. What I'm hoping is that they are already done and that I don't have to deal with them again. I know that some issues are just inherent and if they are fixed, it's just until it needs to be fixed again. :-)

I just want to know which "fixes" actually fix the issue and it doesn't (or at least shouldn't) crop again, vs those issues that will re-ocurr every so many miles or just re-ocurr that are just repairs, but not permanent or long term fixes.

It's just been many years since I owned my last Mercedes and I've been out of the loop so to speak. There's a nice 2013 C350 with the rare interior option with the Alcantara inserts in the seats that's available. It's got less than 60,000 miles, but I haven't driven it yet. I'm hoping to check it out later this week, if it's still around, but it's been on the market for a while..

Adi-Benz

That interior package is pretty rare but it's very cool!

CClassfan1

Yeah, I never heard of it before and then I found 2 cars with it within a day of each other. One a C250 and the other a C350.

I wouldn't mind opening up to the Luxury model, but the stiffer suspension is my preferred choice. I had upgraded my 2000 C230K with the AMG sways bars, lowered it a smidge, put Koni Adjustable shocks and adjustible camber bushings and I got that thing to drive like it's on rails.. Boy, that car was fun to drive. I just wish I could have kept it longer and done some additional work to it. :-)

Adi-Benz

Man that c350 is askiiinnggg to be bought haha.

The w204's drive pretty well, especially with wider wheels.

xsever

The check valves and the chain tensioners are permanent fixes. As for the HPFP, I am not sure if the replacement part was upgraded to fix the problem/defect with the factory part. Maybe drivers of these cars who went through this can comment on this topic.

Regarding mileage, I bought my 2012 car a couple of months back with 5,920 miles on the clock. Yes 5.9k miles. I got lucky I know, but if you are patient enough and take your time, you'll find similar jewels. I waited a year until I found such a clean and pristine car.

CClassfan1

OMG. 5.9K miles for a '12? That's probably VERY rare.

I just contacted the seller on one car and he indicated, based on him looking at the service records that it's only had normal maintenance. He didn't find anything that out of the oridinary done to the car. Plus it has less than 60,000 miles on it, so maybe the things that should be done haven't cropped up on this particular model..

But it's a dealer that offers a 90 day/3,000 mile warranty, which I know probably isn't that much. I was planning on getting an extended warranty to cover major problems. :-). But he said I can take it to a dealer for inspection if I want to. I'm going to test drive it tomorrow and look at what maintenance service records for what's been done to it.

I've been looking to see what's out on the market and and at what prices for several years now still in the "dreaming" stage, but now I'm getting more narrowed down and am in the "buying" stage. It's either get a good Mercedes or my other alternative is a newer, lower mileage VW with factory warranty still with the car. I'm trying to keep my initial costs down, obviously.

CClassfan1

Excuse my ignorance. With the check valves, chain tensioners and HPFP, are those supposed to be covered by MB? If not, do you have any guesstimate on what a dealer might charge for those repairs? I'm just curious.


I did look up the VIN on the specific car I'm looking at and there's a couple of safety recalls that don't seem to have been done with the airbag The driver and the other is the passenger's. But I will ask if the seller can take it to the dealer to get whichever one should be taken care now.. :-)


Thanks again for your assistance. It's GREATLY appreciated.

xsever

For the check valves and the chain tensioners, there is a Mercedes Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on this and they should do it free of charge but don't quote me on that. I am attaching the TSB for your reference.
As for the HPFP, the dealership will sometimes offer you a goodwill "discount" on this, but I don't think I heard they ever covered the total costs fully outside of warranty.

CClassfan1

You rock!!! Thanks!!

I just got a call from the dealer. I was supposed to test drive the car tomorrow, but they sold it today…. I'm bummed. No worries, I have others to check out, they are C250's, though. Not too many C350's come up in my area, at least for now.

But thanks for your assistance. It's appreciated!!

xsever

Plenty of fish in the sea. Don't worry.

Your fear of 4MATIC is a bit too excessive honestly. If the car is well maintained and the transmission and differential fluids were changed on the time and the car was not abused, 4MATIC will prove to be very reliable and a joy to drive. This has been my experience so far.

Anyway, happy hunting.

CClassfan1

I wasn't trying to offend. I just remembered a couple of people talking bout them and a problem that was going on in one of the model years.

I have one silly question. Did Mercedes only off the 4Matic in only White? That's the only color I see the 4 Matic C Class'. It's funny. Everywhere I go, it's a C Class 4Matic……. in White…. ;-)

Everyone I see on the market is more expensive and I don't think I will personally get any benefit from having AWD.

xsever

No offense taken at all. I think white is the most popular car color including within MB so maybe that's why. My car is grey yet 4MATIC btw.

Kelvin Bellrose

You'll never regret having too much power.

Adi-Benz

Well, white is the best color. (Haha!)

The 4matics before 2012 are susceptible to problems, the 7G+ (mid 2012+) updated trans hasn't had any problems.

Although it's very unlikely to occur.

abqhudson

2014 Lux C300 is a great car. The C300 sport was a bit harsh for me, so, we sold it and bought a LUX - just right. Service records are important.

Tom in Austin

Very general/unscientific suggestions ... skip the four cylinder, this is a Mercedes after all and the velvety-smooth M276 is too sweet not to enjoy every where you go. The C350 makes 302 hp and was used in the E-class and many of MLs, GLs, etc.. In fact, some of the best current MBZ engines are the M276 derivatives offered with turbocharging in the E450 and elsewhere.

I have seen many issues in forum posts about the 4MATIC and it is inevitably more complicated, expensive and inefficient than RWD. I believe the check valve problem on the M276 engines was fixed in production at some point ... couldn't be sure in the tech bulletin, but I know it was fixed before my car was built.

The C350 is somewhat rare but carries only a small premium in the used market, so unless you have to have 4MATIC or are determined to have a four, it's worth searching out.

The new W205s are nice cars, but the product decision to only offer 4-cylinder engines eliminates them as something I'd ever own. I've had enough fours in Mazdas, Hondas, Nissans, etc. to last me for a lifetime ... LOL

Adi-Benz

W205's also have V6 engines in their lineup too....

Pre facelift: C400, C450, C43
Facelift: C43

Tom in Austin

I stand corrected! I knew they added a V6 in the newer E-class but before now didn't know you could get one in a W205 sedan ...