The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the German automaker’s most popular lines of cars. The precise engineering and high quality make this legendary automobile a favorite among luxury car enthusiasts. Any vehicle, however, is vulnerable to eventual mechanical breakdown. Let’s take a look at some of the more common C-Class problems and their associated costs. In general, more complex vehicles, like the Mercedes-Benz, tend to have higher repair costs. The factory Mercedes warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles
When your Mercedes factory or extended warranty expires, an extended vehicle protection plan can help you save on repairs. Sign up for a free quote from CARCHEX now.
Check Engine Light Due To Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid
The only thing you might notice with this problem is the Check Engine light coming on. In other cases, the transmission might slip or shift improperly. When the vehicle is plugged into the diagnostic computer, there’s a good chance a faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid will show up as the culprit. The solenoid adjusts the camshaft timing which controls the opening and closing of the engine valves.
Mercedes-Benz has released a service bulletin on how to repair this problem, and if your car is under warranty it’ll be covered. If not, expect to pay around $1,200.
Rough Shifting
Drivers of Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles with 7-speed automatic transmission may notice rough shifting, especially after 66,000 miles. This occurs especially when shifting up or down to second gear. Specific internal transmission components will require replacement, and in many cases the transmission must be removed and repaired.
Depending on which components are failing, the cost of repair could be from $3,000 – $5,000.
Clicking Noise Behind Dash
In the C-320, a clicking noise behind the dash may be detected. This could be caused by a broken stepper motor actuating arm which controls air direction for the heating/AC system. Sometimes this sound only occurs when starting the car and disappears after a few minutes. To fix the problems, the dash must be disassembled, and the broken actuating arm replaced.
In some instances, multiple actuating arms might be broken and require replacement. Costs can run up to around $1,000 for parts and labor.
Unexplained Dead Battery
If your Mercedes-Benz C-Class battery dies without an obvious cause, it could be due to a failed seat control module. Damaged modules do not shut down properly leading to battery drain. Spilled liquids on the front seats is a common cause of damage to the seat control.
A new seat module will cost you around $500 – $600. If the battery gets discharged permanently, you’ll have to pick up a new battery as well ($200 – $300).
Stalling Or Not Starting
Trouble starting your vehicle could be caused by a failed crankshaft position sensor. If a sensor is the problem, the motor cranks over and over, but doesn’t start. Also, the engine can stall, especially when idling. This issue is more common for vehicles with over 98,000 miles. Parts and labor to replace the sensor will run you around $250.
When your Mercedes factory or extended warranty expires, an extended vehicle protection plan can help you save on repairs. Sign up for a free quote from CARCHEX now.
As the leading provider, CARCHEX has collected years of repair claim data on thousands of vehicle makes and models. Specific types of Mercedes-Benz repairs highlighted in this article are derived from data provided by RepairPal, a CARCHEX partner. Repair costs derived from both RepairPal, as well as CARCHEX based on actual claim related data for 2002-2014 vehicles.
