2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 270 CDI review from UK and Ireland

Car has lost drive (akin to an automatic box going into neutral) three times. The third time when overtaking.. scary.

Alternator fault caused lights to fail, though they came on again very quickly.. scary.

Electrics have failed three times, losing indicators, automatic lights, cruise control etc. Manual lights still worked.

Had many early problems with the oil level indicators. Seems to have been fixed now. Not helped by the dealership overfilling with oil many times. And one of the service receptionists asking why I did not use the dipstick to check the oil instead of the electronics. There is no dipstick.

Had a fault akin to losing the turbo, though apparently it was a hose of some sort.

Have had the 'anti roll bushes' (?) replaced 4 times after serious squeaking and knocking noises appeared.

Have had struts replaced to try and eliminate knocking noises. Had to take it back after a part was put in the wrong way round.

Knocking noises now eliminated by taking out the suspension, it seems.

Many, many problems with the radio, still ongoing.

Seat belt is fraying badly. Hopefully not weakening it. Have never even mentioned it though, too many other issues.

All in all the car has been in for repairs and service 40 times in 26 months - once every 13 working days. Some of the dealership staff think I work there.

I feel the car should have been recalled by now. It was an early build and I think it's simply a lemon.