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

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.

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!

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%.

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!!!

idk

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.

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.

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!

Heating system some times difficult to adjust to prefered settings.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

I have been very happy with my purchase.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!)

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Overall nice car, I like the handling.

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.

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

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.

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

Great!!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Great car !

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

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.

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.

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.