Mercedes-Benz C280 Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your Mercedes-Benz C280

Started with front passenger window not going down and rearview mirror would not adjust on passenger side at the same time. Then driver side window would not go down and the driver rearview mirror...

2 answers

intermittent turn signals

lesolo80, 1994 Mercedes-Benz C280, Manassas, VA

turn signals are intermittent. they will work when the car is first started most of the time but after driving for awhile they stop.

1 answer

CHECK ENG LIGHT CODE (P0400

roy t, 1995 Mercedes-Benz C280, Riverside, CA

(EGR) CODE P0400 CHECK ENG LIGHT. WHAT CAN I DO TO FIX CHEEP!

1 answer

Ac blowing problem

joewilson, 1995 Mercedes-Benz C280, Bellingham, MA

the air conditioning blowing does not work well, the mechanic mentioned that there is a vaccume manifold that regulates the flow of air to the cabin. now the air blows only through the sides, some...

2 answers

california smog readiness flags

clcpilot, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280, Ramona, CA

I have a 1996 c280, 165000 miles due for a biannual smog test. If failed the first test due to not all readiness flags not being set. I have taken it to several friends shops( I am a tech myself) a...

1 answer

transmission

roy t, 1995 Mercedes-Benz C280, Riverside, CA

is there an ajustment for the transmission. forward drives ok but when i put it in reverse its half in.i here a gear sound

1 answer

What is the approximate cost of replacing my water pump?

psbelanga , 1997 Mercedes-Benz C280, Alexandria, VA

Total cost in my area to replace water pump on my 1997 280C Mercedes Benz?

1 answer

how do you change oil pan on c280 mercedes

danhump69, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C280, Lutz, FL

how do you change oil pan on c280 mercedes

2 answers

ac problem

uniquejd, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280, Bridgeport, CT

I have a 98 c280 benz and the a/c is not workin. The a/c is fully charged, but still no a/c when i jump the compressor it works? i dont get power to the compressor can someone helpme
thanks

1 answer

instrument cluster

anelbosnjakovic, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C280, Bowling Green, KY

everytime it gets hot outside all the lights in the instrument cluster come on, what could be the cause of this?

1 answer

cooling fan does not spin?

reparc280, 1999 Mercedes-Benz C280, Menifee, CA

the cooling fan stopped spinning, what could be the cause. appreciate your answer

1 answer

AC blowing only from defrost vent

nawkrep, 1995 Mercedes-Benz C280, Pasadena, CA

A/C blows cold air, but the air kept switching by itself from the windshield vent to the center vents, and mostly blowing from windshield vent

1 answer

Transmission problems

Jeffrey G, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280, Oakland, CA

On occasion my transmission will fail in two major ways. One way is when I am putting the car in reverse to park, it will not engage the gear, then putting back into drive will still not engage. ...

1 answer

asr light stays on

baker1, 1995 Mercedes-Benz C280, Rowland, NC

traction control

1 answer

Single wiper stuck on

Tony98, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280, North Chelmsford, MA

The wiper won't shut off even though the wand has the setting to zero. Same wand has Highbeam and directionals.
One repair estimate was $1000.

Answer this

wiper stuck on

Tony98, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280, North Chelmsford, MA

just bought a 1996 C280 and the wiper is stuck on. interval setting is to zero and nothing seems to shut this off

2 answers

oil filter

lekayiah09, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C280, Denver, CO

where is the oil filter located

» Back to top
Mercedes-Benz C280 Car Reviews (1)

1999 Mercedes-Benz C280, Dneka90020, Los Angeles, CA, November 22, 2009 18:27
I absolutely love this car ~ i have had it for about 5 years and can say that its a very reliable car. Very expensive to fix things but all in all its definitely worth it.

» Back to top
Mercedes-Benz C280 Problems

Brakes	Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain). Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.
Engine	Oil leaks develop from the head gasket and timing cover gasket; these leaks should be repaired before the engine oil and coolant intermix. Radiators break due to degradation of the plastic tanks and fittings. Older vehicles should have the cooling system serviced even if the mileage is low. The hoses can look good on the outside, but the rubber can degrade and erode on the inside. If not carefully checked, the hoses can burst at any time. The water pump can develop leaks. When replacing the water pump, the drive belt tensioner should be inspected and most likely replaced as well.
Exhaust & Emissions	Bad spark plug wires and ignition coils can cause intermittent misfires (rough running); the Check Engine Light may illuminate. The mass air flow sensor tends to fail, causing poor fuel economy and Check Engine Light illumination. Emissions air injection pumps can seize up, causing a loud squealing noise possibly followed by smoke. The air pump pulley stops turning, but the drive belt does not and this friction causes the noise and smoke. If the engine is not turned off, the belt will snap, turning on the alternator/battery warning light. A tube for the EGR system tends to clog with carbon buildup.
Suspension & Steering	Irregular and premature tire wear can be caused by the lower control arm bushings cracking and causing excessive movement at the control arm pivot point. Ball joints can also wear out prematurely, causing similar tire wear symptoms. The tie rod ends, drag link, and idler arm in the linkage of the steering system can wear out. There is a steering dampening shock that will leak fluid when it goes bad.
Drive Train	A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential. High mileage vehicles can leak from the transmission oil seals. High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
Electrical & Lights	The insulation degrades on the engine wiring harnesses because the insulating material falls off of the wires and leaves the conductors exposed. This can cause many problems depending on which wires are exposed and what they touch. Throttle valves can suffer electrical failure. Rear tail light housings can fail; the brake lights may not operate. Brake light switch failure can cause the ESP and BAS warnings to illuminate.
Heating & Air Conditioning	The evaporator temperature sensor can fail, causing the AC compressor not to cycle. If the AC compressor does not cycle on, the AC system will not blow cold air. If the AC compressor is stuck on, the air will be very cold at first, before warming up. Leaks at the AC compressor, hose manifold for the compressor, or the evaporator core can cause poor AC performance. Vacuum manifolds for the climate control actuator can leak and cause poor performance or failure of the control flaps.

» Back to top
Mercedes-Benz C280 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz C280 Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: AIR BAGS

Campaign Number: 05V560000

Dates Manufactured: 05/2004 to 11/2005

Number of Vehicles Affected: 61,000

Model Years Affected: 2006

Date Owner Notified: 03/2006

Defect Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPORT MODEL STEERING WHEELS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN CERTAIN LOW RISK AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TESTS CONDUCTED BY NHTSA, USING AN OUT-OF-POSITION UNBELTED 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE CRASH TEST DUMMY, IRREGULARITIES WERE DEMONSTRATED INDICATING THAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED IN A CRASH.

Consequence Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2006020005.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign Number: 08V303000

Dates Manufactured: 11/2002 to 05/2008

Number of Vehicles Affected: 404

Model Years Affected: 2006

Defect Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.

Consequence Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008 070001.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY

Campaign Number: 01V366000

Dates Manufactured: 04/1997 to 06/1999

Number of Vehicles Affected: 65,731

Model Years Affected: 1998, 1999

Date Owner Notified: 02/2002

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HOPPECKE BATTERIES. THE BATTERY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE COULD BE LESS THAN NEEDED TO MAINTAIN PROPER ELECTROLYTE LEVELS.

Consequence Summary: THE LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVELS RESULT IN ACCELERATED BATTERY GRID GROWTH, INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR INTER-CELL RUPTURE AND SPARKING, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A BATTERY EXPLOSION.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERIES, INCLUDING FLUID LEVELS. SOME BATTERIES MAY BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY, ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. IN ADDITION TO THE BATTERY INSPECTION, THE ADDITION OF LABELS IN THE VEHICLE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT WILL BE INCLUDED TO CONSPICUOUSLY REMIND OWNERS AS WELL AS DEALER AND SERVICE PERSONNEL OF THE NEED TO PERFORM BATTERY MAINTENANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign Number: 96V058000

Number of Vehicles Affected: 149

Model Years Affected: 1996

Date Owner Notified: 04/1996

Defect Summary: THE DRIVE BELT PULLEY ON THE ENGINE CAN DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE METAL AND BREAK. IF THE DRIVE PULLEY BREAKS, THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE ENGINE COOLING, BATTERY CHARGING, AND/OR POWER STEERING.

Consequence Summary: LOSS OF THESE SYSTEMS CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO OVER HEAT, LOSE POWER FROM THE BATTERY, AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT DAMPER-PULLEY ON THESE VEHICLES.

Recall Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE; PULLEY; CRANKSHAFT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

» Back to top

Mercedes-Benz C280 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

	Find the right shop for your C280 The best shops near you - with ratings and reviews Find a Shop (City and State or Zip)
	Get inside info about your C280 Common problems and Q&A Recalls, ratings & reviews
	Track your C280's service Keep everything online in one place. Get service reminders