The Mercedes C-Class is a powerful car with an impressive pedigree. Known for top-of-the-line sophistication and innovative engineering, the C-Class has been popular with drivers for decades. By offering a smooth yet powerful drive within a luxury interior and an equally stunning exterior, it is really not hard to see why no other vehicle compares for many car enthusiasts.
However, even the most impressive model can have inherent flaws or develop issues over time. A car is made of thousands of complex parts, and systems can fail. In this article, we will discuss some of the more common problems associated with the Mercedes C-Class, what to look for, and how to prevent them.
Active driving sensors are an innovative feature of the Mercedes C-Class that allows you to get the most out of every mile you drive. However, the active driving sensors have been known to fail on the C-Class. Symptoms of this usually manifest as strong vibrations which can make your vehicle feel unstable when driving. If this issue occurs, you will need to have the active driving sensors replaced.
Engine failure is an issue that is most commonly found in C-Class models manufactured from 2000 to 2009. It is typically the result of failing electrical connections within the engine system. These failed connections can cause the crankshaft sensors to malfunction, resulting in the engine failing and your vehicle going nowhere fast. Sadly, this can be quite a costly repair, as it will require the engine to be completely reset and the electronics repaired.
C-Class vehicles that have been manufactured in the last decade can have steering issues. Most commonly, these manifest as strange noises when turning the wheel, often paired with a vehicle that feels unresponsive. These worrying symptoms are usually caused by the power steering pump and connected fluid line. This issue is often the result of leak or blockage somewhere in the fluid line. If this is the case, these parts will need replacing as soon as possible.
The 2010 model C-Class has been known to have a worrying problem with brakes. This is due to a manufacturing error where incorrect discs were installed into a large proportion of the C-Class models made in that year. Therefore, if you own a model built in 2010 and haven’t performed many maintenance checks, it is vital you do so to protect yourself and others on the road.
Several different models of Mercedes C-Class have been known to struggle with air hose problems. Most Mercedes specialists will recommend inspection of the air hoses of your C-Class regularly. You should also be on the lookout for warning signs of this part failing, such as a noticeable reduction in power, an engine which sounds under strain, or complete engine shut down. This is usually because the air hose pipes have become worn, crack, or frayed and are unable to deliver the correct amount of air to the engine.
In general, Mercedes is known to have trouble with their keys. The C-Class is not immune to this fault either. This is largely due to the fact that Mercedes keys are unable to be duplicated due to the design of the transponder chip. Because this issue is so inherent in the Mercedes brand, most drivers of their vehicles always ensure they have an extra key on hand in their car just in case of failure of their primary key.
As mentioned, no car is perfect. All manufacturers have problems inherent to their models. To be sure these design quirks don’t get the better of your vehicle, you should always schedule regular maintenance with a qualified and experienced professional.
Maintenance helps ensure that all aspects of your vehicle are in top running order, ensuring a car that’s a pleasure to drive and has no nasty surprises lying in wait for you down the road. Seeking maintenance from a Mercedes specialist is also essential, as these technicians will know the potential issues in your specific model and year of C-Class, thus guaranteeing no problem is overlooked.
Luckily, if you live in or around Gardena, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Glendale, or Anaheim, CA, Pro Car Mechanics are on hand to help. We are specialists in European auto repair. When servicing your C-Class, we can guarantee that no issue will go unresolved and you will have quality replacement parts with excellent service.
* Mercedes-Benz C-Class image credit goes to: y_carfan.