Are W204 weaknesses addressed in W205?
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
Are W204 weaknesses addressed in W205?
Hello W205 experts. Does anyone know yet if the following W204 problem areas have been addressed in the W205?
1. Inside door handles - W204 requires expensive door panel replacements when the door handles break. Or a creative DIY solution for the mechanically inclinded. Do we know if MB redesigned the INSIDE of the door panels to fix the issue? (I know the design of the door pull itself is new)
2. EIS/ESL - is the W205 including redesigned ESL/EIS components as compared to the troublesome W204/X204 parts?
3. I know the W205 uses the 7G Tronic PLUS like the W204/X204. Has the transfer case bearing been addressed in 4MATIC models, ensuring that the W204/X204 transmission replacements will no longer be necessary.
Those are the three main W204 issues that can ruin an ownership experience due to cost and inconvenience.
Any experts know if W205 should be in the clear? Thanks.
1. Inside door handles - W204 requires expensive door panel replacements when the door handles break. Or a creative DIY solution for the mechanically inclinded. Do we know if MB redesigned the INSIDE of the door panels to fix the issue? (I know the design of the door pull itself is new)
2. EIS/ESL - is the W205 including redesigned ESL/EIS components as compared to the troublesome W204/X204 parts?
3. I know the W205 uses the 7G Tronic PLUS like the W204/X204. Has the transfer case bearing been addressed in 4MATIC models, ensuring that the W204/X204 transmission replacements will no longer be necessary.
Those are the three main W204 issues that can ruin an ownership experience due to cost and inconvenience.
Any experts know if W205 should be in the clear? Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 377
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2013 C250 sport
good questions, especially number 3...I cringe every time I read the 2014 (w204) 4matic thread where people are having issues with their c300. that's still a brand new car with major transmission issues, IMO.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Having been through 2014 Benz trans nightmares ... I read carefully when car mags described the clunky 7g tronic plus trans in the w205.... Time will tell ... Seems like the trans issue has been mitigated by software patches that provide a suboptimal fix
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
Interesting. I don't have a problem with the 7G Plus itself, mine has always performed fine. Its just that I'd never buy a 4MATIC version of it due to the failure of the 4MATIC components that are built into the 7G, requiring replacement of the entire transmission just to resolve a little 4MATIC issue.
Does the W205 have push-button start, with a real button, not the removable Keyless Go like the 204? If so, that might resolve the ESL/EIS issue by simply not needing those parts anymore?
Does the W205 have push-button start, with a real button, not the removable Keyless Go like the 204? If so, that might resolve the ESL/EIS issue by simply not needing those parts anymore?
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
Interesting. I don't have a problem with the 7G Plus itself, mine has always performed fine. Its just that I'd never buy a 4MATIC version of it due to the failure of the 4MATIC components that are built into the 7G, requiring replacement of the entire transmission just to resolve a little 4MATIC issue.
Does the W205 have push-button start, with a real button, not the removable Keyless Go like the 204? If so, that might resolve the ESL/EIS issue by simply not needing those parts anymore?
Does the W205 have push-button start, with a real button, not the removable Keyless Go like the 204? If so, that might resolve the ESL/EIS issue by simply not needing those parts anymore?
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B200T
What ESL/EIS issue?
If you remove the cover, and put your key in, does the car notify you that you're forgetting it?
I often forget taking out the key, only to be reminded by the dinging. And before you say that I don't need to take out the keys from my pocket, well without actually holding the key when I leave the car, I'll never remember to lock it. I really wish it would lock itself when the key is a certain distance away...
If you remove the cover, and put your key in, does the car notify you that you're forgetting it?
I often forget taking out the key, only to be reminded by the dinging. And before you say that I don't need to take out the keys from my pocket, well without actually holding the key when I leave the car, I'll never remember to lock it. I really wish it would lock itself when the key is a certain distance away...
