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Every manufacturer has one or two models they'd like to forget they ever built. Could the C-320 be Mercedes' Edsel? Mercedes was quick to act when it encountered problems with the navigation system in the $50,000 E-Class series but doesn't seem as interested in the annoyances plaguing the more modest C-Class. Maybe this is why the company J.D. Power ratings have declined.
Frank of Clemson SC (4/23/03):
We were the first to take delivery of a c320 in South Carolina. Problems:
- 419 miles flash sos system problem.
- 8500 miles fault code problem...repaired.
- 10710 miles oil level sensor problem...
- 11156 miles replaced oil sensor...
- 12292 miles continued oil sensor problems...
- 15061 miles tail lamp unit left and right and left side sunvisor replaced...
- 15706 miles light bulbs in two front exterior mp units replaced...
- 21005 miles light bulb in rear exterior lamp unit replaced, reprogram mirriors.
- 21402 miles light bulbs in rear exterior lamp unit replaced again...
- 23574 miles light bulb in two rear lamp units replaced, step motor-footwell autoclimate control replaced, instrament panel lower part left side replaced, door control module replaced, inner door panel replaced.
- 24865 miles light bulbs rear unit replaced, exterior lamp switch module replaced,
- 26521 miles electric ignition lock replaced. passenger seat motor replaced..
- 30000 miles steering column and motor replaced.
These are the documented trips back and forth (80 mile round trip) to the dealer for the repairs. We delt with Gary Cox, the Southeastern customer service rep. Rude and arogant. Mr.Carlson didn't seem to care.
Walter of Rosemont IL (5/20/04):
Took car in for first "B" service under warranty with 19,281 miles. Was told by service advisor that the front and rear brake pads, plus the front rotors needed replacing. Not covered under warranty - cost $800+. Service Tech alluded to "riding brakes" or something like that to cause the wear. With last three cars (2 Buick Park Avunues and 1 Chrysler 300M) got almost 30,000 miles before needing pads, so I dispute that claim.
Elston of Oakland CA writes (4/11/02):
I am the owner of a 2001 Mercedes C320, which I purchased from Mercedes-Benz of Oakland, CA. My wife and I purchased this car in June of 2001. I owned a 1990 Mercedes 300E immediately prior to purchasing this vehicle and I was greatly impressed with Mercedes’ engineering and I loved the car. I bought the 300E “used” with over 130K miles on it but still I fell in love with its performance and comfort.
I convinced my wife, who until then was a devoted Acura lover, to purchase a 2000 M-Class. She loves her M-Class. That is where our satisfaction with Mercedes-Benz ends.
Our experience with our new C-Class 320 has been, for the first eleven months, a “service nightmare.” I have not been able to enjoy a two-month span with the car without it needing some sort of service that is not included in “regular maintenance.” I am sure that everyone at Mercedes-Benz would agree that this is unacceptable.
Following, you will find a list of some of the problems that I have encountered since purchasing the Mercedes C320:
- Gas cap would not unlock when doors were unlocked (serviced)
- Remote stopped working (twice) (replaced and then serviced)
- Front turn-signals failed, first left then right (headlamp r/l replaced)
- Sound system had “popping” noise even with volume at zero
- Display telling me that oil level was too high “reduce immediately”
- Drivers door making a loud “knock” when opened (serviced)
- Rear turn-signal failed (serviced)
- Driver’s side window failed (serviced switch replaced)
- Gas tank unable to be filled (fuel-sender gauge failed serviced not fixed)
- Rear springs makes an annoying “squeak” (was told it was unserviceable).
Most of these problems were minor nuisances. However, the number of the problems has made my ownership of the C320 regrettable at best. Trusting and believing in Mercedes’ reputation for creating quality automobiles, my wife and I made a cash down payment of more than half of the total cost of the car but together we agree that that was a very poor business decision. We hope that something can be done to rectify this situation.
Cielo of Chino CA writes (2/14/02):
I have a 2001 C320 that I purchased in March of last year. I have been to the dealership 8 times, almost every month from the time I purchase my car, in regards to remote key not operating properly. As of today, the key is still not working properly. It will work fine for a few weeks, then it goes bad again.
I would like to know if I can get help to apply this as a lemon car. I already lost confidence that they will be able to repair this car and I try to be patient by bringing my car 8 or 9 times now. Even a mercedez-benz representative was present during repair and still was not able to fix the problem. I have repair report in my hand from the dealership in regards to my car.
It cause me embarassment, friends and colleagues laughing and joking about me paying so much for nothing/lemon. I am very frustrated just bringing it again and again to the dealership for the same thing.
I would also like to know if you can help me do this instead of going to a private lawyer.
Cielo should consult an attorney.
Jacqueline of Aliso Viejo CA (7/2/03):
Four auto transmission repairs, three electronic instrument clusters replaced. Dealership and corporate office will not take the car back under the Lemon Law provision.
Auto has been in and out of the shop almost monthly. Auto will lose electrical while driving, intermittent problems with hands free telephone feature, GPS, electronic display, and door lock control. Physically we are in danger every day that we drive the vehicle and loose money every time it is in the shop for repairs, repairs to the transmission started the third-fourth week of ownership.
Jacqueline can't just ask them to take the car back. She will need to hire a Lemon Law attorney to prosecute her case.
Simon of Tracy CA (6/25/03):
My MBZ C320 is a lemon. Never have I had a vehicle with so many problems from the get-go. How can MBZ, knowing that so many people have complained so much about this series of cars, continue to act so arrogant. My list of problems:
- AM radio never worked from delivery - took dealership 1 and 1/2 years to fix after replacing top half of car.
- Passenger side mirror drooped - never held position - took 7 times bringing in and me handing the dealership the original recall notice for a fix - they replace four control modules.
- Gas gauge - car has been in more than 5 time to fix gas gauge - they haven't replaced the gas tank yet - still doesn't work - and worse now the car won't run.
- The seat memory doesn't work.
- Shuddering from front end - never resolved.
- ABS brakes won't engage - never resolved.
- Washer fluid reserve shows empty with plenty of fluid - never resolved.
I have been without my car for about 4 months now.
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