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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans
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Comments
This my first posting. Happy to join in.
The exterior styling is another big yawn for me. Nothing distinctive: in fact down right generic.
The Acura is no MB, but that is both a good and bad thing.
John W.
After I left the dealer, the transmission did not appear to shift out of high gear when coming to a stop (intermittent problem). This was a new problem. The dash display lit up red, and a fatal error resulted (visit workshop - alternator). The car almost stalled twice.
I called Mercedes to schedule another appointment for this weekend. The service tech thinks it is a key problem again, manifesting itself as a transmission problem. They claim this is a common problem with the C-Class. Exactly how many problems do these keys cause!
The owner's manual states the alternator error is most likely caused by a V-belt failure, but I checked and the belt is fine. I can hardly wait to get rid of this heap. I've never experienced this much trouble with a new vehicle, let alone one that cost 47K with sales tax. What a mistake.
Any suggestions or words of encouragement?
These "smartkeys" are looking pretty pathetic. I fail to see what advantage they offer, when at the same time they are destroying M-B's reliability records, thereby driving off return customers in droves.
My advice would be to do a lemon law claim on this car and buy something Japanese. I don't like Japanese cars, but they ARE the most reliable cars made. I think BMW 3ers are more reliable than C-Class cars, if you can't accept a Toyota.
jwacura made some very good points about the TL - it does seem to be loaded all for a MUCH better price than the C Class. Now I realize it's based somewhat on the Honda Accord, but it has to be a better car than my C class. Although, at this point I'd probably be in the market for a RL instead of the TL.
djasonw: have you looked at the leather in the C class? well it's not.... leather that is. unless you get the $$$$ full leather package there's only a slight patch of leather on each seat. The acura's covered in leather. now the wood's a different story.
This car is such a pleasure to drive that I actually look forward to my 45 mile commute each way/each day in this car.
So far no problems after 3500 miles with the exception of the need to re-sync a rear window for tunnel mode right after delivery (did it myself). Knock on wood I have not had key problems, brake squeeling, or seat memory problems (exit mode enabled). I have a hunch that they fixed the valve-clicking problem - since I have not noticed any such sound. Seems like by the time my car was built in 9/01 they must have started to work out some of the early bugs.
My dealership experience has been excellent. It is close to my house and they will provide a free car wash as long as I own the car (daily if I wanted). Loaners are all E's M's and C's. On my initial survey, I warned them that they had set the bar so high that they will need to work hard to live up to the expectations created by the experience so far.
One odd thing I noted. There is no vent in the armrest storage compartment to provide climate controlled storage. Rather, there is a fan for the rear air-vents that does not show in the encyclopia (manual!). Does anyone know the story behind this change?
Two more questions
Does anyone know where service bulletins are posted?
Has anyone been able to negotiate a reasonable deal on the built in phone? I have to think at some point the price will come down -- with the cell phone companies offering free phones these days.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Hope to hear from you before Feb 22 via the Talk to the Press discussion or at jfallon@edmunds.com with your thoughts and contact information.
Thanks as always,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director, Edmunds.com
This is the lastest problem, occurring just after the dealer replaced one SmartKey, and reprogrammed another. The car didn't even make it out of the dealer's driveway before the next problem showed up! The dealer first thought it was a key problem manifestation, then they thought it could be the oxygen sensor, now they think it's the computer, but they are "not sure."
I'm keeping track on my days needed to qualify for the lemon law. For all of you "optimists" out there who still like their C's... heed this warning. Most of my troubles occurred after the 10,000 mile mark. If you only have a few thousand on the odometer, you are not out of the woods yet. I guess my only two options are the lemon law, or holding on for 2-3 more years. The first year depreciation is so high, I can't even think of turning the car in as I purchased the car outright. I hope my C's troubles eventually resolve, or they continue so I can qualify for the lemon law.
One time they left a foot long dirt stain across the inside of the driver's door. Their complimentary car wash is at a nearby automated car wash that dulls the finish (the service mgr claims that's where she washes her car), and sometimes they pass out rain checks since the car wash breaks down regularly. I have had to schedule a repair visit 30 days ahead of time because they "are the biggest service center in the U.S. and are backed up". This was immediately after my first sensor repair and my leaking reservoir was dismissed as a/c condensation. Tele-aid was useless early on in the beginning as they could not answer questions about the C240. They have improved since. During the Xmas holidays, my key started to fail. All my door locks open at times while I am driving. I have spoken with dealer mgmt and the Western regional service mgr but while they sympathize, they are not responsive. I guess I expected too much from MB, I'm going to return to Japanese (even American) cars after this experience...sigh.
Thanks
Peter: Is the guy going to Lemon Law your car and buy it back from you at full price and then offer you an E-Class? T least someone is getting somewhere!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
It drives (and stops!) great, but service (taking into account initial quality) is awful.
Yes, keys were replaced.
Yes, window motors were replaced (almost all owner that I know had problems with power windows).
Yes, seats are far from being the best.
This can be expected from new model - but their dealership is far from being polite, and time that it takes to fix problems unjustified.
Another big fault - I need to wait for 7-10 days to make an appointment. These folks in MBUSA would loose customers to Audi and BMW pretty fast (or to top Japanese models).
I think that main advantage of MB over others was reliability, but looks like that it's not an important thing for them any more, since knowing about a new model problems, they made no effort to make driver's life easy. I went through some comments and looks like that it's not only my particular dealership problem (Autohaus Pompano, Florida). Or is it any car dealership like this?
I'm not sure that next time I'll go for MB.
Sadly enough, most Japanese cars are not tall enough. I didn't find TL comfortable because of headroom. So, some European (that means - German in US) will be a next try.
Anyone tried A6?
rotor friendly,high operating temperature ,after market brake pads that they like yet? Kevlar,
ceramic, or whatever is being used now. 20K miles on C320 in 12 months and pads aren't even half worn yet. I want to be ready when they become too thin.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Overall, have had key problems (who hasn't) - bad fittings in trunk etc but not too bad. Do wish I had gotten another Lexus GS300 though - nothing ever went wrong. I never got new brake pads on my Lexus's (2 of them.) They both had about 30000 miles when the leases were up. Guess I cannot expect this on the C320. I am not a car nut and reliablity means most to me - your posts about what happens after 10,000 scare me - just about there.
Sarg
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Regarding oil grade, I would not use Mobil1 5w-30 since it is NOT MB approved - buy the Mobil1 0W-40 (I think you'll find a source by searching on yahoo - someplace called "Park"). Have fun!
http://www.mercedesshop.com/diy_oil_change2.htm
Getting the oil hot with synthetic is probably not necessary, unless you are doing it in 10 degree weather. You can get those topsiders at any marine accessories shop.
- Paul
"1. To start, the key must be removed from the ignition.
2. Insert the key and turn to position 1.
3. Immediately press and hold the trip odometer reset button until the instrument cluster beeps. There is no visual message, only an audio beep. Be patient, this takes around 40 seconds.
4. Press the lower menu button (it looks like two sheets of paper, the one with the writing in the background behind the blank one)
5. Press the up arrow button.
6. Press the "+" sign to disable the Traction System (turn "ON" test mode)
7. Start the engine, the traction system is now disabled.
To return to normal, remove the key and restart the engine. The traction control warning should no longer be in the cluster. If it is, shut the engine off and remove the key again. Then insert the key and turn to position 1. Note that the DYNO test screen is displayed immediately. Push the "-" button to enable the traction system (turn "OFF" test mode)
NOTE: When you first turn the key to position 1, ESP DYNO Test screen pops up, then after 1-2 seconds it may disappear while faults are displayed. If you weren't fast enough in pressing the "-" button before codes were displayed, just wait until all codes cycle by, then the ESP DYNO Test screen will reappear.
No, this doesn't work for any car but the W203, before you ask.
Enjoy, and I'm not buying you new tires!
On cars equipped with Command, to enter the diagnostic screen
press and hold the following keys for about 8 seconds: Mute + 1 + 3"
Now, I should warn you that by doing this, at least on my Coupe, you also disable the BAS and ABS systems, so it's not a good thing to do before you drive to work . Also, doing this procedure will also bring up an additional information screen in the MFD, with your ECU's current software version, hardware version, serial number, an actual measurement of your oil level (not just Oil Level OK), and your engine's version number. Pretty cool stuff. Enjoy!
Phenomenal automobile !! 10,300 superb miles, what a RIDE !!
FSS A completed last week. Oil change from Mobil 1 synthetic 15W50 (I had done at 3500 mi.) to Quaker State synthetic 5W40 here in Jersey.
Loaner was a C230 (certainly did not like that engine compared to the V6 in my opinion).
Highly recommend the C 240 6 speed if you want a fun and exciting ride !! Love that 3000 to 4500 rpm torque sweet zone...
Ian
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I just renewed the Tele-Aid, did use it once; picked up a nail in a tire mid morning on a Sunday, hit the SOS button, identified myself and the M-B service car came, changed the tire checked other tires and was gone in less than an hour. He had to drive about 22 miles one way to get to me. I'd call that excellent service. I look on the Tele-Aid like insurance, I spend the money and hope I never have to use it.
There have been a few relativly minor problems that have been solved promptly and satisfactorily by the dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Omaha. However, the ownership experience has been just great due to the well balanced combination of luxury, driveability, and comfort. I can only hope that your experience will be as good.
Bubba
". . . My friends all drive Porsches, I must make AMENDS . . ." J. Joplin
I thought I had some engine lag but realized after a few thousand miles that I was leaving my foot - just touching the clutch pedal through second gear. Once I made sure my foot was completely off the clutch, the acceleration from 2nd to 3rd was just as smooth as in shifting all the way up to 6th.
The engine gets smoother as you get to 10,000 miles (then it is really broken in...or so I am
told). The 6 speed is beautifully smooth and a joy to drive (I had a 5 speed Subaru Outback - with a very sticky gearbox prior to this).
(looks like Ward's Auto is now a premium web service $ to get previous reports...)
(scroll down near bottom of the mainpage) Under Ward's Special Reports:
2002 Ward's 10 Best Engines:
"Inline 6-cyl. powerplants take three slots among Wards 10 Best Engines for 2002".
with DaimlerChrysler AG 5L SOHC V-8 (Mercedes-Benz ML500) making this year's 10 Best.
The E Class / C 320 engine is in their List of Best Engines History over the past seven years:
DaimlerChrysler AG 3.2L SOHC V-6 Mercedes E320 - - - 98 99 00 01
http://www.wardsauto.com
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
If so, can it work through the regular system, or would it have its own controls?
Thanks
Ivar
you shouldnt be paying anything over dearler cost for the 320CLK. Whatever inventory they have left they need to clear out for the new model. I just purchased an 2002 E320 three weeks ago at dealer cost because that model is also going to be changed this year. I know that the E320 is their biggest seller and inventory on hand needs to be sold. Too bad you're not out here in Southern California.
Anyone who is looking for an E320 or CLK shouldnt pay over dealer invoice. I purchased the E320 at Silverstar in Thousand Oaks Auto Mall.
Changing the subject. I am also an owner on a 2001 C320...As most of us have incurred some sort of problems, I too have had the key problem and also had to take the car in to have the sun roof switch replaced. The lid fuction didnt activate properly. The sun shade screen works intermittantly. Other than that the car is great fun to drive.