Faults:

A/C compressor, water pump, fuel pump, ball joints, various sensors for the engine control, one alternator, power mirrors, key fobs. Plus the usual maintenance items such as belts, hoses, spark plugs, brake pads, and engine mounts.

Parts are expensive, as is the service, and most recently replacement key fobs are $190 each.

General Comments:

Driving the Benz around the city, it averages 23 MPG. On the highway, depending on the load, it will average 33 miles per gallon.

The car is reliable in that it has never left us stranded, and we don't think twice about taking it on long trips. It doesn't use any oil, and there are no problems with fluid leaks, but it has some noises that are beginning to creep in with age.

The handling is superb, solid, and it's a favorite when dealing with tight city traffic.

I would like add that we have a 1999 Lexus RX300 with 263,000 miles on it, and in my opinion it's a toss up on which auto is the better. Both are excellent. However, both cars will be traded off this year, and yet I still haven't made up my mind what brand to replace them with.

Faults:

The entire electrical system went out. Radio/CD player went out the 4th year I owned it.

Rust spots on exterior.

Car/body frame fell completely to the ground 2 years ago while I was parked.

Factory brand tires have little to no tread.

General Comments:

I loved the car when I first purchased it. The previous car I owned was a Volvo. I had it over ten years and it was still going when I passed it on to my daughter in college. I then purchased the C230. I was hoping that this car would last me since I was planning to retire soon and needed a good lasting car.

I am very surprised at the poor quality for this car. I have never had a car that gave me this many problems and I surprised that Mercedes would sell something like this.

About 2-3 years ago, I was parked at the airport when the entire car fell down to the ground with a huge bang! I was in shock (as was everyone around) It took the tow truck 2 hours to try to get it hitched because the frame was completely on the ground and wouldn't budge.

My Mercedes dealership fixed it, but seemed bewildered by what happened. There was no charge for fixing it, but also no explanation. I think they were embarrassed as they should be.

Because of other problems with the electrical system going out, tire quality, etc. I have to purchase another car unfortunately. But I know one thing for sure -- it will not be a Mercedes.

Faults:

Exhaust system failed @ 60K.

General Comments:

This was a limited AMG edition for 3 years in this body style. For its weight it is extremely powerful linked with the 500 SL 5-speed automatic. AMG enhanced everything, but there are 2 shortcomings: harsher ride due to stiffer suspension, and less-than generous rear seating. Otherwise mine has all the bells and whistles and operates flawlessly. It was obviously well cared for, and I intend to do so too. With its limited production, it could become something of a collector car (hope hope hope).

Faults:

1. Noises from gear selector housing: lots of squeaks going over bumps

2. Groaning from rear and front of car when going over humps or getting in/out of car

3. Three light-bulbs blew in one week (but not an expensive problem)

General Comments:

Good points:

This car is:

Quick

Powerful (185 hp) yet economical (I get 29mpg)

Comfortable

Elegant (I like it better than the new C class)

Solid.

Bad points:

Far too many noises, squeaks, rattles groans. The quality of materials is not as MB was used to in its heyday.

Servicing is expensive ($800 for a major service + extras so think of $1000+ every time unless you;'re under warranty)

A little noisy when accelerating, and sometimes the supercharger takes a second or two to deliver the power.

A little noisy inside, compared to Lexus, BMW and other peers.