Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to read this!
I'm looking to purchase the redesigned C-Class (W206), but I would like to hear the general opinion from W205 owners to get a sense of MB Customer Service and the vehicle itself; it would help a lot to have an idea before putting an order.

Has anyone encountered major issues? (Mainly pertaining to the transmission/gearbox, engine, brake system, electrical, etc.)
How reliable is the C-Class?
Would anyone recommend against purchasing the redesigned model during the first year of production?
Putting aside technology with the newer models coming out, would you keep the car for 10-15 years?
Is customer service and their resolution department easy to deal with?

Thank you so much!!

 

There is a W206 forum on here - https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w206-260/

Probably worth a look

 

The W206 as you said is new and it is at its first model year, there are many quirks and things to sort out. I personally don't recommend anyone getting first year of production but I understand that not everyone likes to wait, so if you do end up getting one, I do wish you good luck and that everything is smooth for you. As said above, you should look at the W206 forum and you may post this same question there.
For customer service, it varies by region and country. The known issue so far is the ESP module malfunction on some W206, I think they are getting it sorted out though.

 

The OP is asking the opinion of the W205 owners about their cars. So I think he posted in the right forum.
I own a W205 C200 AMG line. German built in Stuttgart. I have had it since 2018. Always maintained at my local dealer. I have had 1 issue. Auxiliary battery malfunction. That is it the rest is basic Service A and B. The previous owner also maintained at the dealer. I wish you luck with your W206. Please note there is a common issue wrist pin failure mainly for the US built C300. If you make a search you will know what I am talking about. I am sure they solved this issue by now on the W206 models.

 

I am not saying he posted in the wrong forum I am just suggesting him to also post his question on the W206 forum. Sorry that if I worded it incorrectly in my previous post and caused any confusion.

 

No that is ok. You are right he can also post there. So what do you think of your W205 so far.

 

Thanks for your question. Honestly I love my car although it isn't perfect. My C43 purchased new as a 2017 model year, have annoying quirks and many rattles and squeaks (car wasn't built in Germany though). I posted numerous posts regarding these issues but since you asked I will just quickly list the things I am still dealing with and those that was solved (although these issues doesn't affect the functionality of the car in anyway, it is just plain annoyances):

Whining rear differential (some of the C43's specific issue), pulsing vibration from the driveshaft (some of the C43's specific issue), headrest rattle, sunglass holder rattle, trim pieces squeaks whenever you push on them, rust and paint chipping on left side exhaust cutout (doesn't connect to actual exhaust, fixed already... only the left one had the issue, the other one is like new so it was a factory defect), steering wheel noise (fixed), wind noise on driver side (fixed), intermittent keyless go issue (fixed via software update), static noise from speaker (fixed by replacing speaker), several of the exterior door handle lights failed (fixed by replacing the lights), both side mirror puddle lights failed (fixed by replacing), musty smell when AC is on, centre console tickling noise (haven't got a solution yet), blind spot malfunction and anti-collision assist malfunction (I guess limitation of the technology, numerous updates did improve it though, sensor and radar confirmed not dirty)

That being said, none of these issue annoy me enough to get rid of the car as I still enjoy the adequate power the car has and the exhaust noise it makes and I absolutely love the exterior and interior design of it, I haven't truly found a replacement that I like it as much as this car and I have a feeling I will keep it for a while. Although I am sort of looking at a pre-facelift E450 right now with the same engine and/or even the facelift E450 with the inline 6 with the 48V mild hybrid system. Even if I was to decide on a new E450, the order will take forever thanks to the chip shortage.

Honestly, I think most if not all these build quality issues are fixed on the W206 hopefully, the platform is different, the design and everything is all different, there is almost nothing in common to the W205, the drivetrain (including engine is all different with the mild hybrid stuff). The W206 is built in the new plant and with even stricter quality controls so these issues shouldn't be present.

Thanks again for your question I hope that answers it and hopefully you too enjoy your car too and don't actually experience any of the issues I had.

 

To OP, I am curious since you stated that you came from Audi, what brings you here like a feature that you see on MB that you really like? Anything that comes to mind in particular? (Welcome btw )

 

Thanks for your feedback. I love the sound of a C43 engine. Brings music to my ears. I am glad you love your car.

 

Thank you and I hope you enjoy yours too!

 

I really, really appreciate everyone’s thoughtful insight for the C-Class!

Interested in MB after hearing tons of positive feedback from local owners. Coming from Audi, it has been an absolute nightmare, with nearly 100 days for major repairs and replacements for the drivetrain. Seems that MB has MUCH better quality control.

Thanks again!!

 

Welcome to MB : ), please keep us updated on your order and if you want please do post pictures of your new car! : )