Top 4 Mercedes-Benz C300 Issues
American loves Mercedes-Benz. There were 77,447 C-Class Mercedes-Benz sold in 2017, putting it at the number one spot for the most sold luxury car in the US. And it’s not like Mercedes didn’t have enough competition from BMW and Lexus, because the E-Class was still in the top 5 with 51,312 units sold. So, yes, America love Mercedes-Benz.
It’s hard not to agree with American consumers. Mercedes-Benz offers style, luxury, reliability, power, and status. Particularly the C300 is so full of innovation, it’s a shock that the price tag is not $10K more. However, even the best cars have their issues. And while finding issues with the Mercedes-Benz C300 was not easy, we were able to find four issues that stood out. If you are experiencing any of the below issues, schedule an appointment or contact us here.
4. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Failure
ABS has been around since the 1920s to help aircraft safely stop, however, it was Mercedes that debuted the first four-wheel ABS in 1978. The C300 has been reported to have premature ABS failure due to dirty brake fluid. Flushing the brake fluid every two years should help with this issue. Luckily, this is only affecting models prior to 2012.
3. Squeaking Brakes
The braking system on the C300 is exceptional. But there are reports that the brakes begin to squeak halfway through their usable life. This is occurring because the rotors are becoming deformed from the size and material used in the brake pads. Therefore, brake rotors are being changed every time the pads are worn down. Again, this is affecting models prior to 2012.
2. Oil Leak on Cylinder Heads
This oil leak on the cylinder heads has been misdiagnosed as leaking valve covers, but the problem stems from plastic expansion plugs used in models between 2008 and 2012. These plugs need to be replaced every 60,000 miles to avoid this engine oil leaking problem.
1. Cracked Driveshaft Causing Vibrations
Mercedes-Benz C300 drivers report vibrations coming through the center floor of the vehicle. This is caused by cracked driveshaft flex discs which cause extreme vibrations. This issue must be repaired immediately in order to avoid damage to the transmission. This problem is affecting models prior to 2012.
While we found issues with the C300, it was only from older models with higher mileage. Good to know when thinking about what model of car you should by next. Mercedes is known for its reliability for a reason, but it’s good to know what issues might affect it in the future.
European Service Center has been servicing European cars for 35 years. Our ASE certified service mechanics have the tools to inspect, diagnose, and repair any issue your C300 might be having. schedule your appointment today, and get our 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all of your work for that extra peace of mind.