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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans
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VW's record is not something to win J.D. Powers' award, and I'm a VW fan. About a year ago, I steered my sister away from considering a new Honda Civic to a new Jetta. During the process, I showed her the Town Hall Jetta sight so she could read the various messages. Big Mistake. So I had her drive both cars. She's not a car person, but immediately fell for the Jetta, even with it's less than glorious reliability discussed on the T.H. site.
I guess it all depends on what your priorities are. No car gets a 10 in all categories, regardless of the magazine reviews.
Of course, after saying all that, I'll probably be in Lemon Law litigation with my C240, 6 months after it arrives ;-)
John W.
Those that say this board is a lightning rod for such posts, need to go check the VW Passat site and numerous others that don't have as many.
Just as Zmeenows post says that others are problem free, that is indeed true, I don't doubt that...but I do wonder about a new car going dead while driving or keys not working all of the sudden...that is a *Very Serious* problem that DOES NOT usually occur on a repetitive basis with other cars....
Anyway, when playing cds, is there a way to keep the display so that you can see the timing of the current track as well as the #? I know that you can hit "up" and the track time will come on briefly. I read the manual, and it doesn't say anything about making the time a permanent part of the display.
Since I'm here, let me add my two cents in. Ceccon, I ordered my car (on 7/26, so wait wasn't too bad) because it's hard to get a manny, and I knew exactly what I wanted (C2, C7, Bose). Maybe it's easier to get what you want in So Cal, but I knew exactly what I wanted and didn't want to settle with getting most of my preferences.
Go to the vw vortex site, do a search for "window regulator" or "gear grind" and see how many hits that you get. They have had these problems for years; they must be sentimental, because they should have been fixed a long time ago. They're generally reliable, but the little things tend to go on them. I guess that everything's a tradeoff. While the Japanese cars are reliable (I know; I've got a '90 crx), my personal opinion is that they are just missing something at the top end of the scale, so I'd be willing to trade off a little reliability for something that I enjoyed to drive a little more. But, as people here have already said, owners with no problems generally don't speak up about it, so the trend on this forum would paint a worse than reality picture of the C's reliability.
John W.
You can build your car at the site also.
Slker - Completely forgot about Kelly's Blue Book. There appears to be a problem with the web site and so I was unable to get any info. on new car prices. Will try again later. Thanks.
Miki
Also, as I reminder, I had the terrible experience with the front-mounted license plate being installed by RBM -- which, to my surprise, permanently damages the front bumper with four holes. After a very difficult series of conversations with the MB regional rep, RBM's general manager and my salesperson over the course of three weeks (a process that got very heated, included my stopping payment on my check, and both sides threatening lawsuits), I got them to agree to exchange my bumper with an undamaged one at their cost. Once the gloss got off of the situation, it was clear that RBM (and other MB dealers, truth be told) held the same attitudes about customer service as the stereotypical American car dealer.
If you do deal with RBM, please proactively demand that they not add any dealer promotional propaganda (including front license brackets, unless you want that permanent addition) to your new vehicle.
I too bought my car from RBM. A 2001 C320. It has been in the shop 3 times since I bought it in Feb.
Twice for the same problem. It won't crank. It will turn over , but will not crank. They have said both times it is the key. They have replaced the key again and I got it back yesterday. This makes a total of 3 key replacements since I got the car.
I have had the oil changed twice at RBM. Once at 4000 and the second time at 9000, only because I was having the car serviced for the cranking problem.
Each time they over filled the oil. I live in Decatur and got almost home each time and the oil light came on.
If you get your oil changed there I suggest you tell your service Rep. to double check the amount they add.
Bill
The first time they said they over filled because of new equipment at the new speed service building. This time they didn't have an excuse.
Once at
Thanks for the suggestions about my car. I am preparing myself to start negotiating for a new car or a refund. I am checking on the lemon laws here is Georgia. Alot has been going on lately.
Bill
>>I am glad it did. I had to wait for about three weeks for the kit to arrive but I believe it had just been released when I found out about it. Did you also have to have to wait or was it readily available?
This is the second one I have had as the first had a "stalling" problem which the dealer could not fix after 3 visits.
Both cars had the same suspension + wheels, the first one was firm in town - UK town roads are terrible - but sat beautifully on the highway or any fast twisty roads and really felt as though it was on rails.
My current one is completely different - it feels harsher in town - I am still adjusting my seat after 4 weeks - and is bouncy / fidgety / fill in your own word on highways / twisty roads particularly above 60. I do not have confidence in it above 80, even then it feels as though you are travelling much faster than that as you are bounced about in your seat.
I have booked it in next week to be looked at, but does anyone have similar experiences or any ideas as to what it might be? (I checked tyre pressures, tyres on this are Michelins, previous car Pirellis).
From my previous experiences I hope it is simple and obvious (packing not removed for instance). It is also very hard to describe, so apologies for my attempt.
Thanks, Ronnie
W2p2 - I am concerned about the quality problems you mentioned such as the car not cranking and a cracked windshield reservoir. I hope the your third set of keys will do the trick. Forty grand is too much to pay for a lemon.
I am trying to decide whether to pursue the car of my dreams or settle for the rock solid reliability of a Lexus. If I could get a mercedes with the reliability of Lexus there would be no debate.
squealing brakes (2 Trips, fixed), noisey purge valve (better, but will go for the replacement kit), moving or shifting drivers seat cushion ,2 trips,fixed, (actual frame replaced), bad memory module for drivers seat(fixed, module replaced) keys replaced( fixed), wiring harness to enable the satellite unlocking (early builds below 59000 need this )upgrade.
I think Zeemenow is in the minority when it comes to problem free motoring since I have several friends with the C320/240 who have all been back at least 3 times for this and that.
At 10,000 plus miles I do want to balance the comments about what is right. I am averaging 27+ miles per gallon for the last 3600 miles.(avg speed 42 miles per hour). I managed 31.4 mpg for 254 miles in a mostly highway cruise. The return trip was 30.2 mpg running the AC intermittantly cruising at 65 to 75 mph. The brakes are the best I have ever used. (Rented a Lincoln LS on a recent trip and realized that after almost rear ending someone ). This car is very quiet handles well, is fast and instills great driver confidence. It is a very attractive design.
I also have an LS 430 which has been back to the dealer but once in 9 months. This car is very refined and it too was a new model build just like the Benz. In short the Benz will get replaced before the Lexus but I will admit that I feel more noticable in the Benz and much more anonomous the in the 430. If I could do this over I would have still bought the Benz but should have waited for the C 320 wagon which to my eyes comes off very well in the styling dept. By the way I dumped the factory wheels/tires and went for 255/40 18 inchers in the back and 225/40 18 s on the front. The ride and road noise are is fine and it brought the rear end down an inch which makes for a really nice looking stance (tirerack.com knows this car well as to various fitments)
Best Wishes to all
After I explained my position that I thought it was the dealer's responsibility to at least give me the option of having the front plate installed (especially since the salesman did admit that I wasn't the only customer who was very unhappy to find out about the permanent damage -- all for a front bracket that isn't required by the state!), I said, "Sir, with all due respect, as a piece of advice from the customer, I would train your salespeople to mention this to the client prior to delivery." He abruptly cut me off saying, "Don't you tell me how to run my business -- we're doing quite fine without your input, thank you very much. I don't go into your business and try and tell you what to do?" To which I replied, "Actually, if I didn't listen to you as my customer, I would be out of business."
So, unfortunately, the rose-colored glasses are off -- I thought buying a MB would be some sort of fantasy experience, but alas, I guess I fell victim to marketing hype.
Bottom line: buyer beware -- don't take the dealer's word for anything. Continue to use forums like this and be aggressive about asking questions and taking charge of the buying experience.
(With less than 200 miles on my new car, I'm probably not qualified to report my experience. But, so far, so good -- although, I did get the new albaster white color, which I had hoped would be more different than it really is from the 2001 "white" color. Would probably take a German engineer to tell the difference in a parking lot.)
I was thinking of getting new whee;s for my 240 and was looking into 18's for them. The only thing is that it seemed as though the front and the rear would need to be lowered to make it look nice. In your post you mentioned that you had only lowered the rear? So have you not lowered the front?
Do you have any pics of your car with the 18's on?
Thanks in advance
Come on . . . a "feature"???? I hardly see how being uncomfortably warm--and not being able to control it--can be considered a "feature". Let's at least be honest enough to call it what it is . . . a design "flaw."
Perhaps one way to assess this is to examine statistically significant reliability sources. I don't know if this is any kind of omen or precursor of things to come, but this year, Consumer Reports has taken the W202 C Class off its "Best Buy" list due to an average performance. The car was on the Best Buy list for several years before that, with above average reliability. What will happen next year when CR first rates the W203? I really wonder.
Notably, the BMW 3 series remains a CR "Best Buy". But if you read the anecdotal evidence on BMW message boards such as bimmer.org, these cars also seem to have a spate of reliability issues. Some are rather grave; many posters have indicated that their engine cooling fans (mostly Siemens, but some Bosch) have failed and as a result the engine has overheated. BMW did a recall on all E46 3 Series cars, only to recall the recalled part yet again, replacing the fans (made by Siemens) by Bosch units.
What is wrong with this picture? Bosch and Siemens used to be highly respected suppliers. But wait, there's more ... apparently there is an issue with premature A-arm bushing failure resulting in very sloppy handling and braking imbalances. There may be a recall in the works for this too. There is also a host of other problems described on the board. At least CR has not (yet?) found sufficient data to suggest that the 3 should not be called a Best Buy any more.
Quite frankly, the more I read in this vein, the more I like my 1966 Peugeot 404 Coupé, which in its long life has had no unusual part failures, or a single breakdown. In 35 years!! Maybe I should restore it now instead of buying a new car. In fact, I think I will.
Even my 1989 405 is still going strong at 155,000 miles, though it did have several issues under warranty (none involving inoperability, I hasten to add).
If I lay down some big bucks for a new German car, I'll expect near perfection. If the car ever became inoperable, for any reason, I'd be horrified. Speechless. I would be in the manufacturer's face like their worst nightmare. Such shabbiness is simply inexcusable. No paying customer should have to do alpha testing for a carmaker. And yet that seems to be what I'm seeing evidence of here, to one degree or another.
Some of the folks here whose keys have failed to operate, or have had electrical shutdowns while driving, would likely think twice about taking a long trip in their new car. One or two of you even mentioned this in previous postings.
Well, our family just got back from a 4000+ mile trip in my fully loaded (with luggage and people!) Peugeot 405. I knew the car would not break down. Think about it folks ... this is an old, orphaned, French car. Parts are hard to get. No roadside assistance, no local dealer, no warranty. But I knew there would not be a problem. And there wasn't even a hiccup.
I am truly glad that I'm not able to buy a new car at this moment, as it gives me time to assess the situation and react accordingly. I'll be watching JD Power, ADAC Pannenstatistik, CR and even the costs of W203 extended warranty closely over the next couple of years to see what I should do.
Meanwhile, I hope that those of you who are experiencing problems with your C Classes manage to sort them out and enjoy your cars. I really want to buy one, but I'm not sure it'd be the right decision.
Mike
it looks like maybe one of your shock absorbers is dead. try to push down on each corner of your car. the corner that bounces too much or offers least resistance could be at fault. this is just a hunch on my part; i can't believe that it went past quality control if really faulty. hope you find it.
alex
His assessment is that over the past few years MB has gone in the direction of flashy styling, lots of electronic gimmicks, and (relatively) high volume production at the expense of building an incredibly solid, well engineered and tested car (i.e. what their reputation of 10-20+ years ago was built on).
As for dealerships that forget who is the customer and how to deliver service, I think that is unfortunately another example of MB going towards quantity over quality.
I remain on the list for a C32, but will be giving this dilemma further thought before I stroke the check. I'm also on the list for an M3, and it appears to me that BMW has not "fallen" as much as Mercedes in quality control. Perhaps because they weren't quite as high as Mercedes was to begin with.
Its not the key, It's only 3 days old!
habitat1:
You forgot to mention safety. That's something MB is still very much committed to and that's one big reason why I chose one instead of another Acura...
ktan..I'm happy you are having none of the issues I outlined earlier. I certainly have no agenda other than expecting a better product that was delivered. Your February build had lots of running refinements we did't get but that is what you pay to be first. I'm hoping that my issues are fixed.
If safety is such a big deal at Mercedes then read the post by some guy with a C320 at http://www.mercedesproblems.com, Problem #: 1920011049. His car shut down in the middle of an intersection!
I don't need drive my car much right now because I'm traveling for work most of the time and I'm shopping for a car to buy in 2002. This new C is high up on my list along with a used S-Class. I love the New C. It's beautiful in black, it's smooth, it's quiet, the techno features are cool (K2a package is sweet). I drove it for a week in August in Los Angeles and it was flawless. Key failures, I will accept (don't know for how long) from a German Automaker, but it scares the heck out of me to read about someone who could've gotten killed. I realize there are tons more electronics in them today, but for goodness sake MB, work out the bugs! Unless I see a sharp drop off in problems for 2002 Cs, more and more, it seems I will probably settle for an S-Class (WITH LESS ELECTRONICS!).
You are most welcome. You have, I believe, up to a year to purchase, and the dealers usually start to send letters requesting you buy the warranty when the car is about six months old. The reason I purchased so early (my C320 is not four months yet) is because they are due to go up in price. As long as I was planning on getting the warranty, I did it early to take advantage of the good price.
It does not matter from which dealer you buy the extended warranty, and you can use it at any dealer. The extended warranty is submitted, recorded, and maintained on the Mercedes-Benz database along with your vin number and other pertinent information.
You can find information on warranties and upkeep
at the MB site:
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/home.jsp
Miki
I will partake with you any time in dealer bashing!
>So, unfortunately, the rose-colored glasses are >off
It is difficult to wear glasses of any kind when you are trading verbal punches with a dealership and its service dept.
Miki
The problem is that there is a little transponder in the key. If you put weight on it, it gets out of position with the sensor in the steering column. If you bounce over railroad tracks or rough roads w/ a bunch of keys on your car key, guess what happens? As for why they don't make the sensor more sensitive, your guess is as good as mine :-P
It will happen more with other cars too as they switch to "theft proof, electronic" keys.
On the bright side, if that person had gotten hit, there is no better car to be in than an MB or Volvo...he would *not* have gotten killed...
They've started to lay off people in my
company and esp. in my department. 10% of our department, alone, were given 3 weeks notice - some of them have been here 15+ years.
I had planned to order our black c240 c3/c6, when we came back from vaykay ...but now that I'm back in work and can "feel the vibes" ..not only in this company but in the country, we've decided to hold off on any "large purchases" for the forseeable future ...for obvious reasons.
Gerry
2. Shift boot & ring pops out of console - added felt
ring under knob, seems fixed.
3. Knocking/ticking engine noise - replaced "mounting
clip bracket" for purge valve PN 001-995-56-65.
sound reduced greatly...can hear muffled sound only
from outside car now if you listen closely
4. Front passenger seat belt somtimes will not extend
- not fixed, said normal operation when pulled too
fast. Fortunately when I picked up the car I
checked it before leaving and it stuck. The service
advisor spent several minutes tugging and releasing
it before it pulled out. Then suggested to move seat
belt height adjuster when it happened. Not! Will
make another appointment to replace tensioner at my
convenience...he agreed.
5. Door handles loose/move slightly front to rear
outside. - normal
6. Parking brake makes noise when activating &
releasing - normal "due to system using cable to
actuate"
7. Car moves several inches after parking brake set
on an incline - normal, "what is used is the
transmission lock on auto transmission which use
slight play to set properly"
I don't agree with #7 explanation. Does anyone know
whether or not rear wheel brakes are engaged with
parking brake? Maybe I'm just not pushing hard
enough when on a hill?
As of now we are getting tired of spending time with this car in the dealer, in the almost year we have owned it, it has gone in three times for pulling to the right, once for keys, and now this. Almost makes me wish for my Accord back which went in the shop once in the 9 years I owned it.
One other thing to note..the dealer told me that 2002 C comes with two keys (no flat key any more)..Is there any other 2002 owners out there to verify that? Thanks
Thanks
I was wondering if you've had any problems with the your keys. Do you know if the keys have been redesigned and the metal key eliminated? Or have they just stopped supplying the metal key.
Thanks,
John W.
I only got 2 keys without the flat/spared key as well. Asked the same question, and got the same answer.
As far as I know, the key for 2002 is exactly the same as the 2001 one.
Has anyone noticed the motor(?) for the fan for the rear air outlet in the compartment underneath center arm rest? I don't recall seeing it when I first check out the car couple months ago before I bought the car. It greatly reduces the storage space, I am not sure if I really like it since I prefer extra storage space.
The mark up on the c-240 is 6.99834%.
list price $30,550 x 93.00166 = $28,412.00 dealer cost.
use the same factors against the opts.
automatic $1300.oo x 93.00166 = $1209.00.
When deal with the sales person start at $500.00 over invoice. I got my c-240 for $643.00 over invoice.
John from New Jersey
in spite of the fact ive had no problems.. my service rep greets me BY NAME.and takes care of whatever i need quickly and politely(prestige motors,paramus ,nj)
anyone considering this car should NOT take the postings with problems as the total picture...
there ARE many HAPPY OWNERS. theyre just out enjoying their cars... in sympathy... if i had problems i too would be complaining
but to advise prospective buyers.... dont take the probelms as being the majority of c owners please!
Note to: "Any problems w/ 2002 C? by cbrown32"; I also only received two keys with the '02 C320, unlike three keys that I received with the '01 E320.