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Mercedes-Benz Repair and Maintenance

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Mercedes-Benz Models

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Mercedes-Benz 300CE, Mercedes-Benz 300D, Mercedes-Benz 300E, Mercedes-Benz 300SE, Mercedes-Benz 300SEL, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Mercedes-Benz 300TE, Mercedes-Benz 350SDL, Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Mercedes-Benz 500SL, Mercedes-Benz 560SEC, Mercedes-Benz 560SEL, Mercedes-Benz 350SD, Mercedes-Benz 300SD, Mercedes-Benz 400E, Mercedes-Benz 400SE, Mercedes-Benz 500E, Mercedes-Benz 500SEL, Mercedes-Benz 600SEL, Mercedes-Benz 400SEL, Mercedes-Benz 500SEC, Mercedes-Benz 600SEC, Mercedes-Benz 600SL, Mercedes-Benz C220, Mercedes-Benz C280, Mercedes-Benz E320, Mercedes-Benz E420, Mercedes-Benz E500, Mercedes-Benz S320, Mercedes-Benz S350, Mercedes-Benz S420, Mercedes-Benz S500, Mercedes-Benz S600, Mercedes-Benz SL320, Mercedes-Benz SL500, Mercedes-Benz SL600, Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, Mercedes-Benz E300, Mercedes-Benz C230, Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CL500, Mercedes-Benz CL600, Mercedes-Benz CLK320, Mercedes-Benz E430, Mercedes-Benz ML320, Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Mercedes-Benz CLK430, Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz ML430, Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz S430, Mercedes-Benz C240, Mercedes-Benz C320, Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz SLK320, Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, Mercedes-Benz G500, Mercedes-Benz ML500, Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CLK500, Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz ML350, Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz SLK350, Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CLS500, Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz E350, Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz C350, Mercedes-Benz CLK350, Mercedes-Benz R350, Mercedes-Benz R500, Mercedes-Benz SLK280, Mercedes-Benz S550, Mercedes-Benz SL550, Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CLK550, Mercedes-Benz CLS550, Mercedes-Benz GL450, Mercedes-Benz E550, Mercedes-Benz C300

Mercedes-Benz Questions and Answers

hovhannes shahbazyan, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, Waltham, MA

my left front strut is working but it is lower then the rest about 2in wen the car is off the left front drops to the ground do i need a new srut or a flash or could it be a sencor

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

hnavedo, 1994 Mercedes-Benz E420, Oklahoma City, OK

My blower doesn't kick on when I have the A/C on. The compressor is working fine, but the blower doesnt engage. Is the blower the primary culprit or are there other things I need to look at? Also h...

lisacarlo, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500, Novato, CA

It got stuck half way and will not go up or down. I tried resetting with the roll bar as I had done before and nothing. Any ideas?

wperrypt, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Mesa, AZ

where is the low side connector to recharge the AC

short, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK320, Dublin, CA

My check engine fan light turned on? What does that mean? I don't have the money to take it to the dealer; even if I did I've had such terrible trust issues with them

baul21, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230, Carolina, PR

i buy a car 2 months ago and i like to sync my iphone with the car and i dont know maybe someone help me

v345801, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320, Beverly Hills, CA

it starts like a charm in the morning but after a ten minute run if i shut the engine and try to start it ,it just turns over and nothing happens.after an hour or so the car will start with no prob...

suebee, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240, Warner Robins, GA

Thasnks for responding. I tried filling it again, I used the whole 3.78 liter jug. How big is the washer fluid container? I haven't noticed any fluid leading right now and the light is off so I wil...

suebee, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240, Warner Robins, GA

Hi, my windshield wiper fluid light keep coming on after I've put in fluid, do I have to use a special fluid for my car?

km10118, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK350, Bowie, MD

HAS CUTOFF TWICE WHEN I STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT

Geyendw, 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Manvel, TX

When I turn on the air conditioner switch. A clicking sound come from the vents and extremly hot air blows from the vents. This occurs when the A/C is on. What could be the problem.

bikermike, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Garden City, ID

The cooling fan emits a "whistling" noise while the motor is running and continues after the engine is shut down. This is a "new" noise.

glennx2, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320, Madison, WI

I have not driven nor started my car for a year. The battery is dead. I am wondering if I can use a battery re-charger to charge the battery so I can drive it to the nearest MB location for mainten...

drifter, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320, Somerset, KY

what wt engine oil do i use?

lowe, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Indianapolis, IN

hi. upon take off from stop light all indicator light s came on dash and it felt like my truck was in four wheel drive and also i notice speedometer not working.

wendy cedillo, 2001 Mercedes-Benz E430, Fort Worth, TX

How do I open the glove compartment

humayon3, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, Westwood, MA

car has been to two mechanics( Non mercedes dealers) . they recharged and did the leak test, but can not find the problem.the car just came back from the second mechanic and has a strange smell ins...

ombotosun, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320, Wichita, KS

my front mirrow window does not go up. it goes down but it doesnt go up

srrc230, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230, Tuscaloosa, AL

Hi there everyone. I own a 2003 Mercedes c230 Kompressor, AT trasmission. I got it 8 mounts ago. About 2 month later I noticed a noise and some vibrations going up hill on highways and loosing a bi...

Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews (47)

RouletteLEX 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 Lake Grove, NY September 09, 2008 09:43

Multitude of problems just keep on coming with no end in sight

pr4n4y 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 San Jose, CA September 12, 2008 01:02

I have to make a trip almost every month for one or other electrical problem. Fix one, and then another one shows up in 5-10 days. Nothing major, mostly turn signals, fog lights, seat belt sensors.

amgc43 1998 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Stockton, CA November 05, 2008 16:31

The current Mercedes-Benz C-Class heralded major changes for the once-conservative German manufacturer when it was introduced in 1994. It was designed, equipped, and priced for value, a definite change of direction for a company once best-known for premium luxury cars. But performance was and is part of the C-Class equation, too. Between 1995 and 1997, the C36 was offered, a car modified by Mercedes-Benz performance tuning partner AMG, with an enlarged, tuned version of the then-current 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine. It was a limited-production model, and discontinued when its engine was no longer available. The void at the top of the C-Class line didn't last long. It was filled midway through the 1998 model year bythe C43.

Also created by AMG, the C43 is a German embodiment of one of the grandest traditions in performance tuning: a big engine in asmall car. The engine in question is the 4.3-liter (260 cu. in.)aluminum alloy V8 first introduced in the 1998 E430 and also found in the newly-introduced CLK430 coupe. In those cars, it develops a respectable 275 horsepower. In C43 tune, a healthy 302 horses are found under the unassuming C-Class hood. The engine is light for a large V8; the C43 weighs only 132 pounds more than a C280. As aresult, weight distribution is not adversely affected. Ultra-low profile tires mounted on 17-inch AMG wheels and other suspension modifications improve cornering abilities with little reduction in ride comfort.

Only 1500 C43s will be made over a three-year period, with the bulk of production in the 1999 model year. But the C43's performance attitude carries over to the other C-Class sedans this year, too. The V6-powered C280 is smooth, sophisticated, and very well-balanced. The entry-level C230 gets a major boost - it's now called the C230 Kompressor and has the supercharged four-cylinder engine from the SLK sports car.

To say that my time with the C43 was entertaining and enjoyable would be serious understatement. But, unlike many "tunercars", the C43 is perfectly acceptable as daily transportation. It is comfortable, relatively quiet (except for a wonderful V8 growl), and roomy enough for four people. It is a compliment to the solidity of the C-Class chassis structure that it works so well.

APPEARANCE: The C43 is relatively stealthy for a high-performance car. Differences in appearance between it and the other C-Class cars are minimal. The 17-inch AMG alloy wheels are the mostobvious, but are the same basic design as the 16-inch wheels that are part of the Sport Package available on the C280 and C230K. Deeper, more sculpted front and rear lower bumper fascias and matching rocker panels are not all that obvious. The "AMG" and "C43" badgingon the trunk lid will be read only by accomplished speed readers. Other C-Class Benzes, however, do not have the twin chrome-tipped AMG-badged exhausts producing a deep V8 rumble.

COMFORT: The C43 does differ from the other C-Class members inside, again thanks to AMG. Special heated sports seats incorporating pneumatic lumbar, side, and thigh support, and the thick-rimmed,leather-covered steering wheel are designed for serious driving. My test car had the two-tone, black and silver, interior color scheme, with silver inserts in the seating areas. They looked and felt great. Black-on-white instruments with AMG badging are also unique to the C43.Other interior features are pretty much standard C-Class, including room for four adults and a large, useful trunk.

SAFETY: The C43 has the full complement of Mercedes-Benz safetyequipment, including safety cage chassis construction,and front side air bags. Active safety is enhanced by strong antilock brakes with Brake Assist emergency stopping assistance, all-speed traction control, and ESP stability control.

ROADABILITY: Thanks to the very firm and well-controlled AMG-uned suspension and monstrous contact patch of the 225/45 x 17"front and 245/40 x 17" rear tires, the C43 sticks to the pavement extremely well, with excellent handling characteristics. Powerful,short-wheelbase cars can be tricky to keep in control, but the C43 isstable and assured. Huge vented, antilock brakes at all four wheelsensure near-race car stopping ability. If not quite as comfortable in ridequality as other C-Class cars, the C43 is not harsh or uncomfortable,and is as well-suited to a (quick) run to the grocery store as it is toperformance driving.

PERFORMANCE: Although the 4.3-liter V8 is basically the same asthat used other Benzes, internal modifications by AMG result in 302horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. A near back-to-back comparisonwith a new CLK430, which has the stock, 275-horsepower version ofthe same engine, was most enlightening. If the C43 has only 27 morehorsepower, they're large horses. There is enormous powerimmediately, and it never fades. The 5-speed automatic transmissionmitigates the power's effect when shifting, helping stability andundoubtedly prolonging tire life. The engine produces a mostsatisfying, muscular V8 roar.

CONCLUSIONS: The Mercedes-Benz C43 combination of Europeanchassis sophistication with V8 power makes for a very classy musclecar that is also works for everyday use. C43 = DTR + NASCAR!

Tiresidedown 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bonita, CA October 16, 2008 09:53

Great vehicle. Tenacious grip on ice and snow - durable and rock solid. Tows fine too despite it's weight. (It's a lot heavier than its size would indicate.)

We drove a newer one while this was getting a repair @ Benz and we liked ours better. The newer one had touch screen for navi, radio, phone & HVAC and it didn't work very well and was impossible to read in the sun.

Sometimes progress isn't - I prefer 'regular' controls for hvac, like a big knob for the temp and a big knob for the selection - it always works, anyone can use it whether it's hot or cold and with or without gloves, night or day, etc. Automakers used to think digital gauges were cool too - see any now? It's all back to analog, in all cars.

Love the car. 100%.

DDover86 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Montclair, NJ October 16, 2008 16:35

It is a great car which gets great gas mileage and is really comfortable. the performance is awesome for a sedan. The repairs can be expensive but do not occur often. 3.6 liter inline 6 engine. 6 gallon gas tank and 2 gallon reserve tank. Great car!!!

daniel 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL Hartford, CT October 21, 2008 16:07

idk

matte 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Oakland, CA October 28, 2008 16:50

The Mercedes C300 is a solid, comfortable, and capable car. Hate the tire pressure monitor, but only because it's accurate. I have had problems with the lights that I shouldn't, so that's not great reliability for a new car. The interior trim does look and feel cheap in places, and I'm not convinced it's well made.

Msousa 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Oakland, CA November 04, 2008 08:39

Car drives really well. It's great on snow and ice. Mine has 100,000 miles on it now and it's running strong. I would definitely buy another one. My nit-picky comments are that the brakes wear down quickly, the AC vent has always had a slight rattle in it that they can't seem to fix, and a plastic trim piece on the rear corner of the car has cracked twice. The engine runs well, but it does burn a quart of oil every 5-7,000 miles. Apparently this is not unusual for this model.

lawrenceg 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Beaverton, OR November 06, 2008 12:33

I don't have one of these cars, but I was looking into one that is on craigslist for a good price, but after seeing all the common problems you guys note, maybe there's a reason they are trying to get rid of it. Thanks for the heads up, your service may have saved me a big headache! Sure is a nice looking car though!

MB4ME 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 Webster, MA January 27, 2009 06:41

Heating system some times difficult to adjust to prefered settings.

wutastud 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Mesa, AZ December 07, 2008 05:08

I love this car!! bought it 6 months ago and have had no major problems with it. I replaced the ball joints and the stearing dampner. Just put on new tires and it is still running great with 98k miles

Ladybug Driver 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 San Francisco, CA December 10, 2008 09:50

My friend has this car and swears he'll never buy a Mercedes again - the quality has gone way down in recent years. The car is often in the shop for repairs, the interior is 'chintzy' and it doesn't handle well. It's really an overpriced vehicle that will land you in the repair shop.

edkeven 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Mukilteo, WA December 15, 2008 09:08

Very strong drivetrain. Issues are with electronics and accessories, particularly Active Body Control. Shame the rest of the car isn't a great as the engine and transmission, but it still is a wonderful beast! It's a completely different car from the standard SL with the non-supercharged engine.

Whispering Butterfly 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 Durham, NC December 17, 2008 16:00

I found the information RepairPal provided in the common problems section to be helpful and very timely. The common problems around the drivetrain is what I was experiencing and I've been given an estimate of approximately 9k to replace transmission and many other items. Please know an independent certified MB technician found this problem NOT the MB dealership!!! I ask how can a transmission have to be replaced in 2008 for a 2007 100k+ car? Let's see if MB will own up to this being a faulty transmission!

David Sturtz 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E Berkeley, CA December 29, 2008 17:12

Great car - family owned it forever. Few problems that were not mileage-appropriate.

ceasaragustus 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML430 Sault Sainte Marie, MI January 02, 2009 01:54

I have been very happy with my purchase.

mb-1 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500 Mckinney, TX January 12, 2009 19:41

nav system--replaced @ 52000 mi
glass both doors seperating

B61 MD 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bel Air, MD January 18, 2009 10:53

My 96 E 320 still feels like it is new. Will keep it at least another 5 yrs.

lovemy3point 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Knoxville, TN January 21, 2009 12:26

This is my first S-class Benz I love this car.
It is 16 yrs old and does need some minor repairs,which aren`t to expensive.I just sometimes have to sacrifice some thing,sometime to pay for them.
I would rather push an old Benz than drive a new Ford.

WadeLovell 2002 Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG San Diego, CA January 26, 2009 18:52

Great little car in a lot of ways. Excellent power. Terrific handling once one turns off the traction control. Stock it puts out 349hp.

Issues:
1) MB is the only car manufacturer in the world that cannot make a decent lock actuator. Unlike the electric ones which work for twenty years, the vacuum units on the MB fail regularly. One has to drill out the pop rivets for the airbag to replace the driver's vacuum acuator. Plan to spend $500 to have a shop replace it.

2) The secondary air injector and its relay are very common failure items. Plan to spend $800 to $922 to have a shop replace them.

3) This monster eats rear tires. Six months or six thousand miles is acceptable according to the Costco in Poway, CA, Herb their service manager, and Jacob, the assistant buyer for tires nationwide. $1600 a set.

4) The air dam is low. It is in danger around many curbs and parking lot planters/wheel stops. $2200 with matching paint.

5) The transmission is harsh at 1500 rpm on many of these.

6) High maintenance costs and extremely high repair costs.

7) Brake pads are hard to replace (drift pin design) and the calipers do not come painted from the factory.

8) It is very hard to enjoy and retain a driver's license.

If you have the budget, this car is a monster.

gotglasses 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 Seaford, NY February 01, 2009 19:02

1997 E420 Sport - My first Mercedes, bought from a friend's estate. Car is a creampuff, 95,000 miles and all dealer serviced. The exhaust system is like a new car, not rusted, the chassis is really olid,again no rot. The materials used are very high quality and the car holds up well as a result. Over the years and during the extended warranty the tranny was replaced, as was the AC blower motor. These are both problem areas in these cars , since repairs exceed the car value in many cases.

The V8 is very strong ,great mileage over 20mpg in everyday use. It is fairly quick but hampered by the ASR and traction control which limits jack rabbit starts. Top end is another matter altogether - 100 mph comes up quickly when passing. Theoretically, the car goes as fast in 3rd - 130mph - as it does in 5th, so it is an autobahn warrior. Rather amazing for a 12 year old car. There are not many places where I can get away with my speed tests, but we have a nice quiet 5 mile stretch near the ocean that makes me appreciate the wonderful brakes that Mercedes puts on all their cars.

These cars are dirt cheap today, and can be expensive to maintain - but they are worth every penny in satisfaction.

TYTRYD1 1997 Mercedes-Benz S320 Galt, CA February 04, 2009 22:36

Overall I am impressed with the total package.The fit and finish as well as performance and fuel mileage is very good. That inline six (104) really shows it's muscle with a heavy car such as this. Plenty of leg and head room too!(but that radio "code" thing has to go!!)

mbwagon 2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 Las Vegas, NV February 09, 2009 21:08

Love this Wagon!! Lot's of power and a great ride

E55AMG 2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Olathe, KS February 19, 2009 09:23

This is one of the fastest cars ever. It may not be #1 in speed, but it has to be in the top 10 if not the top 5. The attention to detail in the whole car is second to none. On the negative side, the gas mileage is not the best, but what do you expect out of a supercharged, 500 HP V8 anyway? 15-17 MPG anyway you drive it and all you can handle and 19-21 with your foot out of it and driving the speed limit. I'm glad gas is still cheap. I highly recommend any Mercedes to own and drive, but if you want to be able to take another couple with you or four of your friends in a premium well built luxury car and be able to out perform and flat out "OUTRUN" 99.9% of any car on the road, then you might want to consider the E55 AMG. The sports car hidden in a four door sedan. It's o.k. if you don't take my word on it, just read the history of Mercedes-Benz, AMG or anyone who owns one. By the way, if you do get a E55 AMG, always drive the speed limit, get a great detector or attorney. It will make your life and your drive more enjoyable, I guarantee it. Forget the Bowflex.

Malcolm 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Centerport, NY February 25, 2009 12:26

I purchased my 2005 C230 new in sept.04 I've never had any problems with the car ever...only recently I have had the check engine light on, but car runs beatiful. Called dealer and they told me if its not flashing not to worry, it may go out on its own, or they will check it on my next service. the only other problem also recently was transmission fluid leak, dealer replcaed a conductor plug, and added fluid.

isamu25 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Beverly Hills, CA February 26, 2009 18:20

Love this car alot, its up there with the beautiful red 635 csi i had. except with more power, better handling and great comfort.

Porsche650 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E Croton On Hudson, NY March 05, 2009 13:48

I have a 4-matic so a bit diffrent. I love the car even with the problems it has truthfully for a car that once cost $40000+ New and still somewhat have a value and a demand for well can't really complain about it. Only issues i have is the front suspension bushings go bad prematurely especially 4matic, which also bring me to the front brakes causing vibration and squeaking after 50% spent which can be fixed by getting vented disks and good quality pad. The headgasket has been done as well which for anyone that does it no matter what a mechanic tells you you must have the head plained to make sure you have a even match or else the leak will come back. The car for the milage i have 201,000 i cannot complain because for another type of car that had the same i am sure the quality of parts would not hold up to the test of time like a 1990 Mercedes 300E.

funfraser 2000 Mercedes-Benz C230 Miami, FL March 07, 2009 14:45

I have owned my 2000 C230Kompressor since new and generally have been pleased with its performance. It has seen mostly highway driving and been to Florida from Canada 4 times. Only problems have been to replace head gasket (covered by warranty near end), replace air mixture module (emissions) and recently a transmission fluid leak. Current mileage 185,000km or 111,000miles.

continental 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300TE Nanticoke, PA March 08, 2009 15:01

It's a Benz. Like no other car.
The only problem i had is the
premature suspension failure (at 168K miles)
Replacement parts are rather costly, and so
is the expert service. It is NOT a car to
take to Pep Boys.

Panetier 1999 Mercedes-Benz C230 Oakland, CA March 17, 2009 20:47

This is a fun and zippy little care that's given a bit of extra scoot from its supercharger. Nothing special about the interior. It's austere and good enough...just not special. Decent mileage averaging 25-26 and seeing an occasional 27+, but any thought of engaging the supercharger kills the mileage. The car has performed very well year-after-year, and I just passed through 162K miles and it's going strong! No major repairs...just the usual soft goods wearing out. It's been a good and trusty ride!

benzito 2005 Mercedes-Benz S500 Lehigh Acres, FL March 18, 2009 13:49

The car is awesome,rides beautiful, but cant stop worth a lick. Definitely a head turner. But the new body style puts it to shame. Personally I have not had many problems, but I do not hear many good this ride.

Jozeph 2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Pineville, NC April 03, 2009 18:18

Overall nice car, I like the handling.

VA46 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 Arlington, VA April 04, 2009 09:07

I've had a '99 E320 4 Matic for 5 years and love it. Safe, comfortable ride in all kinds of weather and keeps its finish. Regular maintenance with no major problems. Have the occasional oil leak which is common. Great car.

Phil McRackin 1996 Mercedes-Benz S320 Phoenix, AZ April 09, 2009 18:52

S320 is my favorite car. I find it to be the most suitable for me.

steelman 1992 Mercedes-Benz 300E Auburn, IN April 10, 2009 14:10

117000 miles and no leaks, drips, or bad concerns. New brakes ,rotors and tires, but I am uncertain what a 120K mile maintenance should entail and cost. First time user and new Mercedes owner. Vehicle is a 300E 4Matic. Thanks in advance for any guidance.

jafar 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 Huntingdon Valley, PA April 12, 2009 18:41

Great Car! This is my 10th benz. The 4th C-Class. I Can't wait for the E-Class Coupe.

aaa_mortgage 2005 Mercedes-Benz G500 Arlington, TX April 16, 2009 21:00

Great!!!

90049er 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Los Angeles, CA April 28, 2009 21:32

This car is an electical piece of cr*p. Its had all kinds of electrical issues - sensors going bad, SRS light always coming on when its not supposed to, warning that lights are out when they are not, etc. Ah, and the CD changer broke at 45,000 miles. I can't believe how much time and energy I've had to waste on this thing. Its my first and last Mercedes.

That said, no engine problems or AC or exhaust problems of any kind. The AC controls are ridiculous though, a total pain to operate.

That said, the interior is great (except for some premature yellowing of hard plastic around the door latches on the inside and some peeling of the brightwork around the vents)

It drives well and has great engine sound, good pickup for a super heavy car (the convertible I think is like 5000 lbs).

I bought it 3 years old and the steering wheel leather was all worn and nasty, got that replaced for $800, Mercedes would not cover it under warranty.

I've heard Mercedes quality has improved, I hope so. I've had more problems in 2 years with this car than I had in 10 years with a Geo, Ford and Saab.

Big A 1995 Mercedes-Benz S420 Columbia, MD April 29, 2009 09:32

I've owned my 1995 s-420 since 1999, and have been relatively satisfied with it. My main concern is that there is a slight vibration that I cannot get rid of. I've balanced the tires, replaced all four tires, had the drive train checked all to no avail. This has been going on for the last 8 years. It looks like it is something that I will have to live with.
The heating system is slow warming the car up. However, after twenty to thirty minutes it becomes comfortable. The engine seems to be okay, but I have only 91,000 miles on it. I have experienced problems with the oil lines leading to the lifters in the heads, the lifters would give a slight tapping sound and I would immediately take it to Herb Gordens Mercedes shop department. Each time it cost approximately $1,200 to repair. My car is garage kept and pampered. It goes without saying, I like it very much. However, if I were to purchase another car in the future, I think it would be a Lexus LS-460. From what I've read, that seems to be the most reliable car on the road today.

franklin3321 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 Shirley, NY May 01, 2009 13:12

Great handling car, following the history of quality Mercedez.
Great performance and looks.
A Great Value

thechidz 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 New York, NY May 01, 2009 17:11

I bought my 2000 slk in the year 2009 with 94000 miles on it I am extremely impressed with this car dollar for dollar how it has stood the test of time. This car STILL turns heads and elicits a lot of respect and questions from passers by.

Itry 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Bedford, MA May 02, 2009 09:05

I love my car. I had a Mazda RX7 before this and the SLK is much more substantial and feels more sturdy. Plus it has a ton more airbags than my Mazda did.

As long as you are aware that the SLK isn't going to have all the luxury bells and whistles that another car in the same price bracket does, you won't be disappointed. I love the ease in lowering the top on warm days and the power off the line. It's a fun car and so far, knock on wood, it hasn't cost me too much in repairs.

tlrose 1996 Mercedes-Benz C220 Willingboro, NJ May 07, 2009 19:22

Great car !

elk812002 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E Fresno, CA May 22, 2009 20:19

Everything is great except when taking off at a dead stop, it tends to feel like it's not gonna make it then, wham, she takes off barks 2nd gear and goes. And that is with a striaght 6 cyl

mkloster 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350 La Vista, NE May 28, 2009 15:07

Very expensive car to own. All repairs cost double what you would expect to pay.

Brakes go quickly (every 10k-15k miles). My AC compressor required replacement at 75k.

Ridiculous engineering jacks up repair cost. For example, my REAR seatbelt sensor went out, which meant that the FRONT passenger airbag would not function. Tell me why those are tied together?

Another example: a broken wire in the heated seats (causing a hot spot) required the complete replacement of the drivers side seat. It was apparently impossible to get to the broken wire.

gordhan 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 Bloomingdale, IL June 10, 2009 12:35

This car has a serious problem with their electronic systems. I am having a continuous problems with sensors. Serious problem with cars suspension and automatic balance system. I spent close to $30,000 for the repair cost and still have the problems.

gregoryyoder 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400E Bellefontaine, OH June 27, 2009 17:49

I just bought it after hitting a deer and totaling my 300E. The A/C doesn't work. It's quite a car but climate control has not been their best effort. It has aftermarket shocks. I want my Bilsteins back.

Mercedes-Benz 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.
  • The part that attaches the distributor rotor to the camshaft can break; the starter will still crank, but the engine will not start.
  • 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.
  • Motor mounts fail, causing engine vibrations to transfer to the body. The motor mounts should be replaced or the transmission mount may fail.
Exhaust & Emissions
  • A rough running motor or lack of power can be caused by the distributor cap and rotor, bad ignition wires (or their resistors), or valve cover gasket leaks. When the valve cover gasket leaks, oil can pool where the ignition wire resistor connects to the spark plug. The resistor can fail or the spark plug not fire because of the short circuit through the oil.
  • Fuel leaks, erratic or rough engine operation, and fuel economy issues can be caused by the failure of a fuel system component called the EHA (electro-hydraulic actuator) valve.
  • 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.
  • Around 120,000 miles, valve stem seals wear and cause the engine to burn oil, which contaminates the catalytic converters and causes them to fail.
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.
  • The power steering pump, power steering gearbox, and steering shock (damper) can develop leaks.
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.
  • The bushings for the shifter lever wear out to the point where they break and fall out. This causes excessive movement (loose feel) in the shifter lever and a clanging-type noise when changing gears.
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.
Heating & Air Conditioning

 

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Fuel Pump Replacement
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