Mercedes-Benz C-Class Maintenance and Repair

vinnyny · January 2009

What should a "Service B" include and how much should it cost? After paying $122 for a simple oil change at my dealer, I'm thinking I may go to an independent mechanic.

trellsworth · January 2009

Usually around $500.00
I reside currently in the Illinois area but previously lived in kansas city Mo. and both MB dealerships charged approx. $500.00
I stopped taking my 2000 C230K to an MB Dealership in 2005 and take it to a Bosch authorized independent repair shop.
When I was in Kansas city, Mo 2005-2008 I went to star motors.
Now,2009 I go to Edwardsville Auto Inc. near my current residence in Illinois. Much more reasonable and same person services my car so he knows what is going on with my car and I like dealing with the same mechanic.
you can find a bosch independent mechanic at www.boschservice.com
hope this helps.

losal3 · January 2009

My engine coolant light is on and my coolant is full and clean. The fan in the engine area began running high when that sensor came on. Does anyone know or have an idea as to what we should check to correct this fan from running high constantly. The fan runs high all the time the vehicle is on.

losal3 · February 2009

Coolant service indicator states to visit shop. The Radiator fan is rotating twice as fast and loud. Coolant level is normal and clean. I have also cleaned all the wire connections and fan will not stop. Does anyone know how to reset the coolant sensor indicator, so that the fan will turn on only when needed?

NOTE: The temperature on the car engine is normal at all times.

vinnyny · February 2009

Thanks for the advice. I'll start looking around for an independent.

rpi67 · February 2009

Anyone find a non dealer supplier for C300 wiper blades

The rain X laditute and Anco sb24 blades do not fit and the bosch site does not list any.

ATSUGIDAD · February 2009

A friend has the same basic problem with the Coolant Indicator - visit shop indication. Not sure about the fan I Will have to check with him.
Any info on what the fix would be?

Thanks

Phil

fsmmcsi · March 2009

Does anyone know if the radiator and heater hoses on the 2002 C230K are regular rubber, or the long-life silicone rubber? Our C230K was manufactured in April of 2002, so will soon be seven years old. I am trying to decide if the hoses need to be changed.

I know that I also need to clean and repack the front wheel bearings with fresh grease, so will probably need to go to the dealer to buy the grease seals.

fsmmcsi · March 2009

Is this thread dead? Twenty days with no reply seems odd.

jrct9454 · March 2009

I'm here. but simply don't know the answer to your question.

If it were my car, I'd think that we're certainly getting close to the time when new hoses would be a good idea. Frankly, I don't think the materials matter much - it's how the car is used, and the miles [you don't say how many miles are on the car]. Heat is the enemy - if you live in a warm climate, or do a lot of hot weather driving, then replacing the hoses would be a good thing, period.

trellsworth · March 2009

2000 C230K MB metallic silver exterior/blk leather interior. 4 door sedan. I have a rust problem starting. Driver's door rust starting at middle of door along the trim about six months ago. Passenger door on same side has a nickle size rust spot in middle of door just below trim, Upper area of rocker panel. I had one auto body person tell me best to get a new door rather than do body work on that spot and paint. He said he has seen these type cars with rust problems and I'd just be chasing rust breakouts. Do these cars have alot of problems with rust? What is the best way to deal with rust on MB? Is replacing door best way to go if planning on keeping the car. I've had this car since 2003 and love it!! Bought it with 85,000 mi on it in 2003. Extremely reliable engine wise. Very few repairs I've had to have done even though it has 136,000 miles on it, these repairs were suspension related due to wear of mileage. Best car I've owned. So I want to keep it as long as possible. thanks for any suggestions.

kufu · March 2009

I had the same rusty spots on my C-230 1998 as you described. I went to the body shop where both spots was fixed. That was back in 2004. Even today nobody can say where the rusty spots were. Who ever told you to get a new door(s) is wrong, because it is cheeper to do a body work. The best way to deal with rust is early detection, which means you won't spend much to fix it. Every good body shop can do a good job on it. My suggestion is to start looking for body shops and compare the prices. Keep in mind that you can still make lot of miles on your car. Enjoy the ride.

trellsworth · March 2009

thanks for quick reply on rust issue. That is great news. I will take your advice and check with other body shops. I plan to keep the car a long time. Best car I've owned.

notme1 · April 2009

hey guys, am new here, just got a used 2007 c280, my first mb,

still getting used to moving from compact hondas to german builds so getting accustomed to noises,

its a great car because sometimes i have to check if she is even running,

but sometimes she is temperamental, moans like an old lady,

i have never known much about cars and having new ones does not help either,

a first used car experience is sure educational

trellsworth · April 2009

thanks, I did just as you described and it fixed the connection now the tail light works perfectly.
I am glad for this website sure helps alot.

notme1 · April 2009

the garage guy told me in sports drive it starts on 1st gear and on comfort 2nd gear. since driving in the city is slow, the first gear and sports drive may be a better option. any thoughts ?

joo8450 · April 2009

The ignition switch will not turn after fixing squeaky noise on driver side seat.
I should disconnecting battery cable prior to unplugging electrical wires.
I think that it has open circuit in feedback system had to reset.
Anybody had a similar experience on this matter?

rnugent · April 2009

The driver's power seat stopped working, again, on my 2004 C240. This happened last fall and turned out that a fuse needed to be replaced. I suspect same is true now. I am wondering what might cause this to happen every 6 months or so? Anyone else having this issue? Advice?

Thanks, Raymond

mlongar · May 2009

Have 1997 C230 which loses power for a few seconds at all speeds on an intermittent basis. Power returns by itself. Not a transmission problem, but seems like loss of fuel to engine? :sick:

txhungrybear · May 2009

Hey Raymond,

I too have a 04 C240 and have had the same problem with the drivers seat fuse going out. I was told that the weight of the person in the seat was causing the seat motor to pull more current and that was causing the fuse to blow. I have an issue too, my A/C from time to time has a whinning noise that seems only to be noticable inslde of the car, to me its like a cat whinning noise. Ever experienced this with your C240?

kufu · May 2009

Possible cause:
1. Fuel filter choked,
2. Fuel pump faulty, or delivery pressure low,
3. Timing chain incorrectly fitted,
4. Uneven or low cylinder compressions,
5. Worn, faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs,
6. Vacuum leak at the throttle body, inlet manifold,
7. Blocked injector/fuel injection system fault.

bgneumann · May 2009

Replaced the xenon bulbs over a year ago (C320 2001) & was fine until a few weeks ago. Now seem to be aimed too low (both sides) & does not illuminate the road as well as before.

Anybody had similar problem ? Are the headlamps self adjusting ?? Is there an adjustment screw(s) ??

Any help appreciated ? Thanks.

bgneumann · June 2009

One dealer said that each lamp has a sensing module that may be defective .... ie. both lights at same time ?? Another dealer said that there is only one sending module for both lights. Probably the module is defective .... costs $230 !! Read somehwere that maybe the modules may have been somehow have disconnected or came loose, but doubt that ?? Probably, after 7 years, may have to dish out $230. Any car deteriorates .... even an MB.

Dealers no real help yet. Will have to go & see them & have them advise.

ouchie · June 2009

The "headlining" surrounding the bonnet release under the dashboard in my C200K Coupe (2004) keeps dropping into the footwell. It is a shaped piece of trim backed with thick felt. Any ideas on how it can be fitted back in place I cannot see any obvious clips etc.
PS Members might like to know that Haynes have just published an updated guide on the Mercedes C Class (up to 07) No.4780.
ouchie

rnugent · July 2009

Tx, just noticed your message (!) and cannot say that I have heard the whining "cat" noise from the a/c. Since you only hear it inside the car and not outside, probably not a belt slipping. Could be something w/the fan. Good luck.

R

kumasi · August 2009

Hi folks!
Wow, I just bought my 1st Benz and would like to know how often it should be "tuned"? It's a 1998 and the previous owner took pretty good care of it and I would like to do the same. It currently has 145+k miles.
Peace
Ouogahdo

mbain · August 2009

Did you ever figure out where the fuse box was located? I have the same problem only mine occurs now on a regular basis and I have to take it to the shop to have them fix it. I have read the manual and I can't seem to find the location. I would really appreciate any info you may have. Thanks, Misty

carhunter15 · August 2009

I was told the dealer invoice is $34,635.00. I was wondering how much lower can I expect to negotiate with the dealer? Thank you.

txhungrybear · September 2009

Ok guys, this sounds like a real problem, but wanted to check out with you all first. Earlier this week my "HOOD OPEN" started coming on and will go away when the car is at about 25mph, I checked the hood and it is latched and not open. Now on friday morning I'm going to work and it started to rain, got to the stop light and the wipers stopped working, when I took my foot off break and got to about 10mph the wipers came back on and will only come on when going 10mph or faster and the hood light goes off at the same time the wipers start to work. Anyone else experience this? HELPPPP

rowlandj · September 2009

How old is your car? I have heard that MB's will exhibit odd behavior like this with a weak battery. If your battery is at the 5-year or more stage it may be worth replacing it as it will let you down eventually anyway. I always change mine a bit ahead of schedule so I don't end up stuck somewhere looking for a jump or tow.

txhungrybear · September 2009

Thank you for the info. this is odd, I just noticed last week that the battery is starting to get weak. Its a 2004 C-240. I'll make plans to have a new battery installed this week.

j_rohas · September 2009

I bought my old C-230 Yr. 97 on 2006, and don't know how old my (original MBenz) battery is. But i'm having some problems like that.
The turn signals and the washer+wipers control doesn't work (at a time) as well as the hazard ligths. I was thinking that could be the control switch or some control module somewhere in the car. Now the question is: are you shure is something wrong with the battery or that can be just part of the problem.

rowlandj · September 2009

All I can say is that the electronics in these cars are sensitive to proper voltage and weak batteries can affect that. If you still have an original battery in a car of your vintage it would be wise to change it anyway.

trellsworth · September 2009

I have a 2000 C230 MB with 141,000 miles.
Two days ago the check engine light came on and stays on. I checked the gas cap and made sure it is on tight. The light is still on. It runs fine, engine is quiet and runs/idles smooth. What is the next thing I can check that I may be able to do myself before taking it in for diagnostics check? Can I still drive it while the check engine light is on?

rowlandj · September 2009

If you go to Advance Auto, the AutoZone or the like they will give you the codes and a likely fix for free. I suspect a bad oxygen sensor, but the codes will verify it.

Given the car is running well and not misfiring you should be OK to drive it for a short time to find out what's wrong. If the check engine light flashes don't drive it as you could ruin your catalytic converter.

Mr_Shiftright · September 2009

Even one good burp (misfire) from less than wonderful gasoline can set the CEL. I'd try a tankful of premium, brand-name gas, and also a can of Techron fuel injection cleaner and see how it goes. You might have to reset the CEL with a scan tool before you do the gasoline switch and the Techron.

trellsworth · September 2009

thanks for your quick reply.
I went to autozone an the code that their scanner stated:
PO410 - secondary air injection system malfunction.
So I then also took the other response posted today and bought techron feul inj. cleaner and poured that into the tank with a full tank of gas.
I figure could not hurt. Feul injector cleaner had not been done in a good while.
I will go back and have the scan redone. To see if it will reset the computer on my car. Otherwise if it does not what do you think ?

Mr_Shiftright · September 2009

You might take a look at THIS DESCRIPTION OF P0410

trellsworth · September 2009

this article talks about the possiblities of air flow problems for this code.
air pump
one way valve
hose
air fuse

where is the air pump fuse (I looked in the compartment under the hood and did not see a listing)
could a faulty air mass flow sensor cause this code or would a specific code for that sensor come up?
I called the MB dealership and they said that code is non specific and they'd just have to start changing parts to see what the problem is. $85 hr
So I guess I could do the same thing myself.
Where is a good website that shows locations of these parts on the MB ?
I should be able to replace the air pump, air pump fuse, air hose,one way valve.
this is a great website, everyone has always been very helpful.
(side note: this is the first time I've had any engine type problem, anything else was always very minor so am very impressed with MB. I've owned my car for 6 -almost 7 yrs and it is 9 almost 10 yrs old)

tlangley · September 2009

Could some one tell me where the Air Conditioner Evaporator Sensor is located?
Also is it complicated to install myself?

startech1 · October 2009

If it is an oxygen sensor if I replace it myself do I have to reflash?

rowlandj · October 2009

If it is a sensor a few start/drive/stop cycles should clear the light as the condition will no longer be present and it will reset. I could take 3-4 trips for it to clear.

trellsworth · October 2009

I used the techron feul additive and after driving and using up a full take of gas the light went out on its own. It has not come back on yet. Thanks for your help

trellsworth · October 2009

check engine light went out on its own after using techron feul cleaner.
thanks for your info, I'll keep it on hand if the check engine light comes back on.
(It's been two weeks now it is off so maybe the techron was the fix needed)

Mr_Shiftright · October 2009

TA-DA! That tip comes from my mechanic Jim Askim of Askim's Auto Works (a Subaru guru in San Rafael California), who often passes on advice through me to the Edmunds community. Hope that lights remains asleep for you.

Very often, one slight misfire, caused by some water in the fuel (especially right after a fill-up), will throw a code. Sometimes you have to reset the light, sometimes it will go out---depends.

vinnyny · October 2009

I'm wondering whether I can replace my staggered tire setup for a set of four tires that can be rotated. Has anyone had experience with this? My 07 C350 Sport currently has 225/45/17s front and 245/40/17s on the rear. The rims are 9 and 9.5 inches, respectively. Can I get away with putting 245s all the way around? Doing the math, the height would be OK, but I'm not sure if the width will be a problem (with the rim or rubbing).

maugers1 · October 2009

Please help.... I have an 01' C320 with major electrical issues I have been thru 3 batteries an alternator however still have to jump my car every morning. My battery completely drains whenever left for too long, my wipers stopped working as well as my fuel gauger it has been to the shop where it spent 3 months and the mechanic had no clue. I would love to keep my car can you please give me any info... This problem all started when I left my lights on all day by accident

jrct9454 · October 2009

Yes, you can go to 245s all around, but to be able to rotate, you'll have to invest in at least two new wheels. You have two choices:

-Buy two replacement OEM FRONT wheels - there are plenty of sources on the internet, though it would not surprise me to find that this might cost almost as much as...

-Buy four wheels from a source like Tire Rack - they have dozens of choices, and four of them might not add up to much more than two look-alike front wheels.

You can also call TireRack and ask one of their specialists to recommend some wheels. The exact rim width doesn't matter so much as having ALL of them the same spec if you intend to rotate them.

In your shoes, I'd first try to see if I could economically find two OEM front wheels to match the ones you currently have. If that proves fruitless, or too expensiive, consider going the way of 4 replacement wheels.

The staggered setup on the Sport model is strictly for show, is a pain in the butt in a number of respects, and is one of the reasons I chose a Lux over a Sport when we bought our W204 two years ago.

vinnyny · October 2009

Thanks for the advice. I'm tired of the staggered setup. I normally rotate and balance my tires religiously at 5k miles--no such option on the staggered set.

nace818 · October 2009

Does anyone have advice on which mode to be in freeway driving as opposed to driving in town? I currently use comfort in town so that it does not go into high gear. I understand it starts in second gear in "C". Does this give better fuel economy? Does it really matter at all? I do notice a little difference between the two modes.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Maintenance and Repair

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