C400 a good choice to buy?
12-21-2018, 11:13 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
C400 a good choice to buy?
hi all,
I want to get an idea if anyone else have these issues with there c400 or am I just unlucky with this one car.
I bought the car used with 45,000 KM recently
-so far, both the rear air shocks, rear assembly's, linkage sensors, have been changed.
-motor blower for fan has been changed
-both front axels changed (made ticking sound when turning right or left)
-gas assembly changed
-ticking noise from engine compartment (some piston pump) was changed
-pinion seal changed (oil leak)
-leakage from some turbo charge belt (they fixed this leak)
all this with only 45,000 km on the car and since I owned it (2nd owner)...is it me or does MB make **** cars now days? I am regretting my decision to have bought a Mercedes. I called around dealers asked how good the C400s are because I know this was the first year with new body and new engines and I know from past experience when I had a 2001 bmw X5 it was first year they made that suv and it was a piece of ****, it was always at the dealer getting fixed!! and when I asked MB when I was doing my research about the c400 they told me there very good reliable cars. Well so far my c400 is anything but reliable...the parts are **** quality as they break down so fast....
if anyone else can please tell me there experience with their c400
thanks,
I want to get an idea if anyone else have these issues with there c400 or am I just unlucky with this one car.
I bought the car used with 45,000 KM recently
-so far, both the rear air shocks, rear assembly's, linkage sensors, have been changed.
-motor blower for fan has been changed
-both front axels changed (made ticking sound when turning right or left)
-gas assembly changed
-ticking noise from engine compartment (some piston pump) was changed
-pinion seal changed (oil leak)
-leakage from some turbo charge belt (they fixed this leak)
all this with only 45,000 km on the car and since I owned it (2nd owner)...is it me or does MB make **** cars now days? I am regretting my decision to have bought a Mercedes. I called around dealers asked how good the C400s are because I know this was the first year with new body and new engines and I know from past experience when I had a 2001 bmw X5 it was first year they made that suv and it was a piece of ****, it was always at the dealer getting fixed!! and when I asked MB when I was doing my research about the c400 they told me there very good reliable cars. Well so far my c400 is anything but reliable...the parts are **** quality as they break down so fast....
if anyone else can please tell me there experience with their c400
thanks,
12-21-2018, 11:21 AM
#2
I dont have air suspension so im good there but i did have to get both of my front axles changed when i bought the car back in april 2017 though. The car had 22k miles when i bought it and currently has 81k miles. I do have a slight oil leak but not enough to be concerned about so i havent gotten it taken looked at. I do have a problem with the panoramic sunroof though, as the track broke. It wont close if i go over 80mph but below that, it works fine except it does make a thump noise before closing. The battery capacitor or whatever it is called went bad as well, which was taken fare of under the warranty. Those things are the only things for now and hopefully nothing else for awhile, fingers crossed.
I do abuse my car pretty hard but after almost 60k miles in less than 2 years, my car is behaving just fine just like day one.
I do abuse my car pretty hard but after almost 60k miles in less than 2 years, my car is behaving just fine just like day one.
12-21-2018, 11:31 AM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I dont have air suspension so im good there but i did have to get both of my front axles changed when i bought the car back in april 2017 though. The car had 22k miles when i bought it and currently has 81k miles. I do have a slight oil leak but not enough to be concerned about so i havent gotten it taken looked at. I do have a problem with the panoramic sunroof though, as the track broke. It wont close if i go over 80mph but below that, it works fine except it does make a thump noise before closing. The battery capacitor or whatever it is called went bad as well, which was taken fare of under the warranty. Those things are the only things for now and hopefully nothing else for awhile, fingers crossed.
I do abuse my car pretty hard but after almost 60k miles in less than 2 years, my car is behaving just fine just like day one.
I do abuse my car pretty hard but after almost 60k miles in less than 2 years, my car is behaving just fine just like day one.
12-21-2018, 02:31 PM
#5
youre right about that lucky me! Since i drive it pretty hard and put a lot of miles. Good thing about my car is that my car has unlimited mileage warranty until 2021 by mercedes so as far as the powertrain is concerned, im good 🤘 One of the cars im looking at as a replacement is an e43 amg and seems like the one i want comes with the air suspension, which im kind of afraid as well.
12-21-2018, 02:34 PM
#6
if you drive both, youll end up picking the c400. And not only that but the only major difference between them two is the motor. All the other electrical parts are the same, if they are equipped the same. So its a no brainer to pick the c400 over the c300. The c300 gets better gas mileage for sure but c400 gets decent gas mileage as well for what it is (always get 26-27mpg doing 80mph or more) and gives you more smile per mile 😁
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12-21-2018, 06:58 PM
#8
Have had my C400 for almost a year now .
--Front Axel's replaced with the new design (service bulletin)
--Transmission valve body replaced (fixed rough shifting)
--Airmatic sensors replaced due to malfunction.
-Creaks and rattles in a couple places, dealers haven't figured them out so far.
-Tapping/clicking noise from the engine occasionally, don't know cause yet .
Probably a few other things I can't think of at the moment .
--Front Axel's replaced with the new design (service bulletin)
--Transmission valve body replaced (fixed rough shifting)
--Airmatic sensors replaced due to malfunction.
-Creaks and rattles in a couple places, dealers haven't figured them out so far.
-Tapping/clicking noise from the engine occasionally, don't know cause yet .
Probably a few other things I can't think of at the moment .
12-21-2018, 08:14 PM
#9
I have a C400 which was delivered new in 11/14. Currently has 57,000 miles with no major issues. Rides and drives like the day I picked it up. Basically the best car I have ever owned.
12-24-2018, 01:09 PM
#10
I've actually driven both. I'm old enough now to not care about going "faster" its all about comfort and efficiency now... thats why I would prefer a C300. The only issue I'm having is finding one with Burmester audio here in Western Canada.
if you drive both, youll end up picking the c400. And not only that but the only major difference between them two is the motor. All the other electrical parts are the same, if they are equipped the same. So its a no brainer to pick the c400 over the c300. The c300 gets better gas mileage for sure but c400 gets decent gas mileage as well for what it is (always get 26-27mpg doing 80mph or more) and gives you more smile per mile 😁
if you drive both, youll end up picking the c400. And not only that but the only major difference between them two is the motor. All the other electrical parts are the same, if they are equipped the same. So its a no brainer to pick the c400 over the c300. The c300 gets better gas mileage for sure but c400 gets decent gas mileage as well for what it is (always get 26-27mpg doing 80mph or more) and gives you more smile per mile 😁
12-24-2018, 01:38 PM
#11
Having driven both, there is a huge difference between a C400 with Airmatic suspension and a C300 with steel springs. The C400 feels like a "real Mercedes". If you are thinking of buying a C Class, definitely drive a C400 with Airmatic before you make a decision.
12-24-2018, 01:41 PM
#12
I don't doubt that the Airmatic is great, however from my experience working at a dealership I've seen what it will cost you when 1 of them gives out. Its just a matter of time and each one costs $6k
12-27-2018, 02:53 AM
#13
Newbie
I picked up my C300 at the Langley, BC MB dealer about a month ago. The car I test drove was a white C300 with *everything* including the Burmester system. Just a heads up.
12-27-2018, 11:02 AM
#14
Member
Had my C400 for going on a year now. Bought with 16k miles and has 26k miles.
Had the front axles replaced to fix the clicking under warranty, but from what i can tell it was a noise only issue. No problems with drive-ability or increased wear that would result in failure from the axle/hub clicks.
I dont have the airmatic so no issues there. Did blow out a runflat with a pothole and have since switched to ultra summer non-RF tires.
What was the engine ticking noise you had? Ive noticed a faint tick sometimes but hasnt been enough/frequent of a nuisance for me to take it in.
Been a good car so far, just starting to mod it and i expect no less than 150k from it.
Had the front axles replaced to fix the clicking under warranty, but from what i can tell it was a noise only issue. No problems with drive-ability or increased wear that would result in failure from the axle/hub clicks.
I dont have the airmatic so no issues there. Did blow out a runflat with a pothole and have since switched to ultra summer non-RF tires.
What was the engine ticking noise you had? Ive noticed a faint tick sometimes but hasnt been enough/frequent of a nuisance for me to take it in.
Been a good car so far, just starting to mod it and i expect no less than 150k from it.
12-27-2018, 01:19 PM
#15
Member
Had my C400 for going on a year now. Bought with 16k miles and has 26k miles.
Had the front axles replaced to fix the clicking under warranty, but from what i can tell it was a noise only issue. No problems with drive-ability or increased wear that would result in failure from the axle/hub clicks.
I dont have the airmatic so no issues there. Did blow out a runflat with a pothole and have since switched to ultra summer non-RF tires.
What was the engine ticking noise you had? Ive noticed a faint tick sometimes but hasnt been enough/frequent of a nuisance for me to take it in.
Been a good car so far, just starting to mod it and i expect no less than 150k from it.
Had the front axles replaced to fix the clicking under warranty, but from what i can tell it was a noise only issue. No problems with drive-ability or increased wear that would result in failure from the axle/hub clicks.
I dont have the airmatic so no issues there. Did blow out a runflat with a pothole and have since switched to ultra summer non-RF tires.
What was the engine ticking noise you had? Ive noticed a faint tick sometimes but hasnt been enough/frequent of a nuisance for me to take it in.
Been a good car so far, just starting to mod it and i expect no less than 150k from it.
12-27-2018, 03:15 PM
#16
Bought my C400 in March and I love it. It's more a luxury car than a sporty car, but very fast and smooth. I love the interior, sound system, and the looks (after I got the Diamond grille and wrapped the chrome Black). It's also very roomy for 4 people but still fairly compact outside which I like.
I've put about 10k miles on it and it's been very good, but I had to have both front axles replaced (just noticed the slight clicking noise, no drivability issues), new battery, and passenger seat headrest replaced due to rattles, all this under warranty thankfully! Service from my local MB dealer (MB of Lynnwood, Wa. has been exceptionally good), I recommend them to anyone in the area.
Overall I think the extra 'push' and smoothness of the C400 is worth the small penalty in fuel consumption over the C300.
I've put about 10k miles on it and it's been very good, but I had to have both front axles replaced (just noticed the slight clicking noise, no drivability issues), new battery, and passenger seat headrest replaced due to rattles, all this under warranty thankfully! Service from my local MB dealer (MB of Lynnwood, Wa. has been exceptionally good), I recommend them to anyone in the area.
Overall I think the extra 'push' and smoothness of the C400 is worth the small penalty in fuel consumption over the C300.
01-02-2019, 08:46 PM
#17
I had both my front axles changed as well, seems to be a common problem with them. Also the drivers seat cover as well as the auxiliary battery. Besides that it's been amazing.
01-02-2019, 09:02 PM
#18
Member
I have a C400 if I could have bought a C450 or C43, I would have. I just went through exhaust changes that would have been standard on a C450. Also I want to do a chrome delete, you can buy yours with that option, I have to come out of pocket. If your going to MOD your C400 might as well buy something that comes with the changes you want to make from factory. They also have more power and AMG transmission.
Just my two cents,
Alex
Just my two cents,
Alex
01-02-2019, 09:15 PM
#19
Member
I have a C400 if I could have bought a C450 or C43, I would have. I just went through exhaust changes that would have been standard on a C450. Also I want to do a chrome delete, you can buy yours with that option, I have to come out of pocket. If your going to MOD your C400 might as well buy something that comes with the changes you want to make from factory. They also have more power and AMG transmission.
Just my two cents,
Alex
Just my two cents,
Alex
01-02-2019, 10:47 PM
#20
There are differences between the 400 & 450. They both have 7G transmission but the 450 has the Amg speedshift plus and amg 4matic which is more rear biased; 33% front and 67% rear . The front brakes are off the c63 non S and suspension is carryover from the non S also; amg adaptive suspension. Both are great platforms and if the pops and crackles are something you wish for, the 450/43 is the way to go, unless you have your tuner add them to your car. There are other things they also added to differentiate the engines but in the end it’s not worth mentioning.
01-02-2019, 10:48 PM
#21
Member
I somewhat agree with you. The C400’s I am looking at are about $27k with ~40k miles. That same mileage in a C450 is ~$31k. I plan on getting a JB4 and intakes ($1000) which puts me at C450 power, if not more, for $3k less. Would it be worth it to spend the $3k more? I actually like the silver wheels on the C400 more than the black/silver C450 wheels. I also believe the C400 and C450 both have the same 7G transmission, correct?
Im a C400 owner im very happy with my car. I’m also telling you go C450 and up. There is more to gain then to lose.
Good luck,
Alex
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01-03-2019, 07:47 AM
#22
Member
I did exhaust work on my car and it sounded the same. Had to invest in AMG C43 mufflers. Yes they both have 7g transmisions, but my understanding is that the c450 transmission is more aggressive, in manual mode it doesn’t automatically shift up either. Also it’s a year newer. The undercarriage of the car is stamped with AMG all over. Honestly the C450 was built for sport. The c400 was built for luxury, that’s why your hear about the turbos being different. I’m sure I’m missing a lot of differences as well.
Im a C400 owner im very happy with my car. I’m also telling you go C450 and up. There is more to gain then to lose.
Good luck,
Alex
01-03-2019, 01:22 PM
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Have had my C400 for almost a year now .
--Front Axel's replaced with the new design (service bulletin)
--Transmission valve body replaced (fixed rough shifting)
--Airmatic sensors replaced due to malfunction.
-Creaks and rattles in a couple places, dealers haven't figured them out so far.
-Tapping/clicking noise from the engine occasionally, don't know cause yet .
Probably a few other things I can't think of at the moment .
--Front Axel's replaced with the new design (service bulletin)
--Transmission valve body replaced (fixed rough shifting)
--Airmatic sensors replaced due to malfunction.
-Creaks and rattles in a couple places, dealers haven't figured them out so far.
-Tapping/clicking noise from the engine occasionally, don't know cause yet .
Probably a few other things I can't think of at the moment .
I also get rattles from the overhead area where your interior lighting is etc ill mention that to them.
-that clicking noise from engine area is some pump they told me they ordered the part for..i can post the part number once they replace mine. its like a rattling sound
im having the fronts replaced (waiting for parts, MB said these axels it came with are a bad batch...ok?? why do they make ****ty parts..) and wondering everyone has there front axels replaced that the back needs replacing too?
01-03-2019, 01:24 PM
#24
Junior Member
Thread Starter
also what happened to your drivers seat cover?
01-03-2019, 01:28 PM
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
