Mercedes-Benz C-Class Care and Maintenance

alpogi

I'm contemplating on buying 03 C230 K with 41700 miles worth $17988. Is this a worthy buy? It also has a one year extension warranty. With all the things I heard and read here on this post, I'm kind'a hesitant now to buy it and get either Lexus or Acura. Any thoughts, suggestions? Thanks.

canyonman

2003 C230 Kompressor with 65,000 miles . has a bearing noise coming from the from of engine. Growling sound at ideal gets better when engine is warm, at higher RPM can not hear it.

is it the supercharged compressor going bad?

car is fast and get 22 mpg around town, I'm burning regular gas.

canyonman

The Mercedes is all about class! I'm sure you will have some problems, but you will look good driving in it.

amad1

I'm contemplating on buying 03 C230 K with 41700 miles worth $17988. Is this a worthy buy? It also has a one year extension warranty. With all the things I heard and read here on this post, I'm kind'a hesitant now to buy it and get either Lexus or Acura. Any thoughts, suggestions? Thanks.

That's kind of high. I understand those cars are not really reliable. Cost of owning is too much from I I've heard. Acura and Lexus rated higher by JD Powers and Consumer Reports.

thetroublewith

Well,

you have to ask yourself, "why am I looking at MBZs in the first place?" Obviously, it is something about a MBZ that appeals to you or you would not have been contemplating purchasing one. Is it how prestigious people look in them? Is it how classy they look? It is after all one of the finest cars in the world. Not a car trying to compete with one of the finest cars. Look at someone driving an Acura, or a Lexus, then look at someone driving a MBZ. You see a marked difference, don't you? The car makes even a geek look like someone of substance. So, again, if you are a very practicle person, then go get you an Acura, or a Lexus even. They are nice cars. They have now both been in the high end of the luxury car arena for about; 22 years for Acura, (Legend) '86, and 18 years for Lexus, (LS400) '90.
MBZ has been around since, the beginning of the automobile. That title they hold distnctly to themelves. No other car in the world has that coveted title, but MBZ.
I drive a MBZ, had a BMW first, 7 series, you could not tell me anything either, I brought my MBZ for my X, she gave it back upon departure. I have never felt the same way in my BMW the way I feel in my MBZ, people even look at me differently.
Not that they matter, but they just do. Maybe that is why people who drive them seem to, or appear to have it going on. Just my opinion.

EAGreen

uclabruin007

I have a 2003 C230 sedan. I tried the instuctions with all of my doors closed but it did not work.

when i am at the FSS screen where it says "Service B, Due now", i hold down the reset button for about 8 seconds. the screen returns to the milage section automatically.

did anyone else have this problem?

uclabruin007

I have a 2003 C230 sedan. I followed the instructions below with all of my doors closed. But i never saw the message in step 4 after i held on to the reset button. When i was at the FSS screen, i held down the reset button for 8 seconds, the screen goes back to the mileage screen. has anyone seen this problem before?

1 Turn electronic key in the steering lock to position 1

2 Operate the system selection button (on steering air bag, left side bottom button) until the complete overview (total mileage and trip odometer) is displayed in the instrument cluster.

3 Operate the arrow button above the selection button until the service symbol and the actual remaining mileage, time, or service exceeded indication is displayed

4 Press the (R) button on the instrument cluster for about 3 seconds until the message "DO YOU WANT TO RESET THE SERVICE INTERVAL?" CONFIRM BY PRESSING THE BUTTON appears

5 Press the button (R) again within 5 seconds

6 The message "Remaining mileage" of 10,000 Miles or 15,000 Km will appear

2008rdx

anybody out there know where to get instruction on how to reset FSS counter milage after changing oil. A & B Maintenace

bythec

My service advisor just called to inform me that a "complete assembly" of hoses:emissions, catch hose, etc. need to be replaced due to a crack in the filler neck that goes to the gas tank. ( I took the car in because the "Check Engine" light was on). Dealer est: $1000!! Is this reasonable? Also, an indep MB service shop told me this should be covered under the 7yr/70,000 fuel system warranty. Can anyone offer additional advice?
HELP!!

jorandiguz

I have a 2006 C280 with now almost 40.000 miles. I bought it second hand at 25.000 miles. This is my first MB. When I bought it I serviced the car at a MB dealer in Fort Myers, FL, since the A service was due. Cost me more than $400!!!!!!!!!. Only for oil change and some check list done. I'm not rich, but love cars. How can MB charge so much for basic maintenance? I have had Toyotas and Hondas in the past, servicing them with my mechanic at a very reasonable price and using them for years without big problems. I expect even more performance and durability from MB than my Toyotas and Hondas. That's why I decided to keep doing the MB maintenance with my mechanic which cost me a lot much less. My car runs good and I plan to keep it for years. Not coming back to service the car at the Dealer. You can do it if you are rich or want to give your money to them. Is just common sense. MB creates you the urgency to donate them your money in order to maintain your car, but isn't that you pay a lot for that car and deserve more durabilty and less expensive maintenance?. Love the MB performance, love the car. But don't like the system they have created making the brand only accesible for rich people, which I guess that's what they want and that's why they charge you so much for maintenance.

jrct9454

Independents will always be cheaper than the dealer. There are lots of non-dealer alternatives available in most urban areas, and I assume that includes Ft Myers.

Our dealer in Portland OR has been very sensitive to independent competition, and prices his service accordingly. If you think the price is too high, the logical thing to do is look elsewhere, unless you're trying to get a warranty problem taken care of.

This would also be the right place to insert a plug for the Mercedes-Benz Club of America [MBCA.org]; you can get good service referrals from club members by posting on the MBCA website, as well as ask technical questions of fellow club members. Cost is $45 a year, but well worth it if you're serious about Mercedes.

bythec

Thanks for sharing the MBCA.org website with us.

kpalmer3

I'm a new MB owner. Bought a 2005 C-230 K Sport with very low miles in March '08. I've already put 10,000 miles on it so far and haven't had any trouble. I did find an independent service provider who has changed my oil, conducted the standard service overview and gave it all a green light. Now 3 weeks later, my Service B indicator has started showing up and I'm not quite sure what that means/entails. I've never been one to pay much attention to so-called required service schedules with previous vehicles, and never had a problem. These schedules have always just seemed like money-making propositions for dealers. But is it different with MB? What is supposed to be done as part of this Service B, and how do I turn the indicator off if I don't deem the service call necessary? I've looked through the service manual but it just says to visit your local MB dealer. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

jrct9454

The services entailed with the B-service are described in one of the booklets you should have gotten with the car. Besides oil and filter, it involves the usual series of checks, and depending on time and mileage, may involve changing air filters, coolant, brake fluid, etc.

The fact that the light came on indicates that your independent either doesn't know how to reset the service system, or simply forgot. If it's the former, I'd be worried, since this is somebody who doesn't know enough about Mercedes to be trusted with this car; if the latter, no harm, no foul - take it back to him and tell him to reset the service indicator.

I used to know how to reset it on the W203, but it's been a couple of years now, and I can't remember the sequence of steps. Do an internet search on "resetting Mercedes service indicator" or "FSS" and see what comes up.

I must caution you - taking shortcuts on service with these cars is just asking for it - if you plan to keep the car any length of time, you need to do the services called for - again, the service descriptions should have come with the car. If not, get to a dealer parts dept and order the correct service description book for your model and year. And again, the thought keeps coming to me that your independent, if he's worth anything at all, should be able to lay hands on the complete list of servicing requirements for this car - it's long and complex, but readily available to anyone who wants to buy the CD from MBUSA. Nobody should be in the Mercedes service business who doesn't subscribe to the service descriptions and updates available from MBUSA.

In other words - take your questions back to the guy who serviced the car, and put them to him, including how to reset the service light.

lalabenz

My C230 A/C only works for around 1-2 mins, then only warm air comes out from the vents. Had checked Compressor, the 134a level looks fine. One technician thought a temp sensor or humidity sensor is bad. But they have no meter to check that. Do not want to spend a lot $$$ on this, but summer is too hot!!

What do you think the problem might be? Do you recommend me to go to MB dealers for a $$$ expensive check?

Mr_Shiftright

No you can go to any AC specialist or any shop with basic AC equipment. It's strange to me that any shop working on Mercedes (or claiming to) wouldn't have this basic equipment at hand. Not a good sign.

First thing to check is refrigerant levels and pressure.

lalabenz

Thanks, Refrigerant levels and pressure are OK, the guy checked my refrigerant pressure first with some pump. Then he went to his office and looked over his computer and told me that it was common in Benz C230, some temp sensor went wrong and the AC will work for a few mins then shut off automatically after each engine start. Not sure if I should trust him or not.

Mr_Shiftright

Not a matter of trust but he obviously doesn't want to tackle the job, so you'll have to shop around anyway. I wonder if he is referring to the ambient cabin temperature sensor, the one that tells your temperature control module that you've reached the temperature you dialed in?

lalabenz

I think he talked about the one reading temperature. But he does not have the meter to confirm the sensor is bad or not. The sensor is beside the driver gas pedal, you can find it after removing the plastic vent.

But I doubt it, even I set the temp to LOW, which means the compressor should work no matter how cold the inside temp is, right?

Do you have any CD or experience about the problem, AC works for 1~2 mins after each engine starts. Thanks a lot.

Mr_Shiftright

It's all just guessing. I'd have the codes read to see if there's any hints there, otherwise an AC specialist has to figure out what is shutting the AC compressor on and off and making it cycle. Could be ambient temperature, could be pressure switch, could be compressor losing pressure, dunno.

There is a Technical Service Bulletin on this problem although I don't know exactly what they are talking about:

Notes

Date: December 18, 2002

Order No.: P-B-83.55/65

Supersedes:

Group: 83
SUBJECT:
Model 203, 211, 215, 220, 230

A/C Compressor Switches On Frequently

"If you encounter instances in the above models where the air conditioning compressor as well as the mirror heaters switch on with an increased frequency, replace the multifunction sensor for activated charcoal filter. The increased frequency of operation is a result of an incorrectly calibrated multifunction sensor sending erroneous values over the CAN bus."

lalabenz

Thanks.
My compressor seems only switch on when start, then shut off until next start. I just released all refrigerant and put 2 can of 134a in. the problem is still there.

A few months ago, it has been working for two days, but after that, the AC system just work one minute for each trip. During the trip, it never switched on and off, just off.

wendy2222

Just bought a 2006 C230. Car didn't come with a manual and I am trying to program the cars garage door opener located on the rear view mirror. Could someone please just give me the steps that are needed to do this. Thanks.

dietmaru

I had similar problem. As it turned out, the heating/cooling system had never been calibrated.

timothy47

Recenlty had the 32000 maintenance (oil change, etc). Car is a C300 2008. The dealer recommended brake and coolant flush. Is this necessary so soon. Thanks.

ninocalifa

To be honest, the guy is right about that.
My C230 AC just turns off after 5 minutes of every engine start.

if anyone discover what it is, please let me know

lalabenz

Do you mean it will work well after calibration?
the next question will be How to calibrate it?
This car has stayed in my garage for 2 years, I am not sure if I should keep it or not. Without AC, it is a big problem in south.

subcop42

I had to replace the drivers window regulator,and had to remove the side airbag,now window works fine,but the SRS light is on.is there a way to reset it from the car,or anyway,other then the dealer. its a 2006 C230 Mercedez benz.

wgarber

Dealer recommends on my car 60,000 miles
Coolant & flush antifreeze: brake fluid flush: fuel filter: Spark plugs: drive belt: Steering shock: engine air filter: replace shift bushing: car is driven April-December, stored over winter, recommendations please

dthorn1

What do you guys think of the pre-paid maintenance? Is it worth the money?

vinnyny

It really depends on how much they want for the maintenance contract and whether or not you're willing to live with their maintenance schedule. For instance, the maintenance contract on my 07 C350 called for oil changes every 10,000 miles. Synthetic oil or not, I'm not waiting 10,000 miles between oil changes. So, I passed on the contract and I get my oil changes done by independent shops (at slightly more than half the price the dealership charges). I take my car to the dealer for all warranty work and to the independent for all routine maintenance.

mark_wny

Thinking about 'stepping up' from Accord to C-class. One thing I like about my Accord is the bullet-proof paint & lack of rust - and that's in Buffalo, NY; there is no way to avoid salt and slush here.
Just wondering if current Benz product can remain rust-free - assuming I buy one that's 2 or 3 years old and keep it for 8 years.

vinnyny

I spent five months in Germany last year and the only rusty cars I saw wore nameplates from Italy, UK, and Asia (unless you count cars that pre-dated the fall of The Wall). Mercedes C is built to withstand German weather--much wetter than the US, but I don't remember seeing any salt trucks. My 07 C350's paint was completely rust-free when I traded it after 4.5 years.

That said, the paint on my 04 BMW 330CiC was far superior to the 07 MB. After four years of driving, it had zero chips and very few scratches or swirls. Even when careless morons hit it with shopping carts or car doors, it sustained dings but gave up no paint.

Final thought: my MB was jet black--the absolute worst color when it comes to paint longevity...I got palladium silver this time.

mark_wny

Thanks Vinny for the info.

kels28

My red battery/alternator light has been coming on for about 3 months now. It'll come on, I'll shut the car completely off and restart it, and the light goes off. Yesterday, however, I had just started it and had my visor open with the mirror and the light went out, the whole car shook and made a noise, the lights came back on and so did the battery/alternator light. I turned it off and on and it went away, but I still don't know what's wrong with it. We had the car serviced at the dealership in January and they didn't mention it. I'm having the engine mounts replaced at the dealership tomorrow (for $1,145) and I'm wondering if I should tell them...I don't want them to do a bunch of diagnostics and have it cost me an arm and a leg. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

belleair2

Is it easy to remove the multi-function light switch in C-300? Occasionally, the passanger side parking light somehow gets turn on when I move the knob form 'A' position to '0'. I think the switch is faulty. I want to take the switch out and disconnect the wire for the passenger side parking lights - the lights that you would turn on if you parked on the left side of the road and didn't want all parking lights on. I will never use them. Once those 2 lights stayed long enough to prevent me from starting. It is hard to see them during the day when you lock the car and walk away. Other time I saw the lights on (in the evening) as i was coming to the car but I was able to start. I now keep the knob on 'A' or put in A position when I leave the car during the day. Any suggestion would be appreciated.
Thanks.

capaccione

Hi
Just went from a toyota to a c class - I will go back to toyota next time. I want a care I do not need to worry about and the MB is too needy for the New Jersey roads

vinnyny

You definitely wouldn't need to worry about a Toyota. It will be as reliable as your microwave oven (and just as exciting too).

auwillowtumn

We currently own a mercedes C250 (2012 model) and have had it for about 8 months. On July 15, 2012 around noon PST, our car was idling at an intersection when it suddenly shut off as if it did not have any power or fuel. We had half a tank of fuel at the time so it was not an issue involving lack of fuel. Has anyone else experienced or heard of this kind of problem? Perhaps it has something to do with the turbo engine, direct fuel injection, or fuel pump? maybe it is just a Mercedes C250 specific issue? Also, I understand there was some solar flare activity that took place on July 15, 2012...perhaps this has something to do with it?

Mr_Shiftright

So did it start back up after the stall?

auwillowtumn

After pushing the start button, it started back up like nothing had happened.

Mr_Shiftright

You might have the car's computer scanned for a trouble code---a sudden stall like that could be a lot of things---so just guessing at this point---maybe a faulty camshaft positioning sensor or crankshaft positioning sensor...or just some dirty fuel (water) that got sucked in and burned eventually. Codes would be good to have.