1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 review from North America
"Nice on the outside only"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Tapping sound originated from the hydraulic lifters. All lifters had to be replaced at one week of ownership.
Engine had some strange knocking/clanking sound. Noisy engine.
Oil seepage around the engine head gasket.
Fuel tank had some strange problems. For example, it won't let me fill it up completely with fuel. So I had to keep on clicking the fuel pump trigger.
A/C compressor noise.
Front ABS acted erratically.
Moon roof acted erratically. Sometimes it got stuck and won't close.
Plastic trims on front seats started to crack.
Buttons on the crappy Becker head unit fell apart.
Rear speakers blew.
Front rear view mirror fell apart at around 30,000 miles.
Rear right light bulb often blew for no apparent reason.
I think this car was a lemon.
General comments?
Nice car on the outside, a real girl magnet.
Handling is nice and crisp.
But there isn't any torque to speak of. Engine feels lethargic and unresponsive.
High maintenance cost and dealer attitude.
Recommended reviews
| Fantastic car, only wish the paint had held up |
|
| A good commuter Mercedes |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 3 miles |
| Most recent distance | 50000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Camaro |
| Date of Entry | 27th April, 2005 |