1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 from North America - Comments

Air conditioner went out in '04 at around 125,000 miles. Other than that, car has required nothing but routine maintenance. Granted, though, my wife drives the car like she was an 80 yr old grandmother, not a 40 yr old man (like I would).

Only gripe I have about things lasting concerns the headlight bulbs. I have had to replace around five of them so far. I don't ever recall having to change that many in any other car I've owned or that my family has owned. I think this is pretty minor, though.

Paint has not stood up too well to the sun, clear coat has pretty much gone away from being parked outside almost all its days. Nights have always been in the garage.

Still starts every time with the original battery. Shifts like a dream, and gets 30 MPG on the highway.

I have absolutely nothing bad to say - the car has been wonderful and still is. I would drive it anywhere without hesitation.

Handling is rock solid and everything still works just as when we bought it new.

I faced exactly similar problem - ac not working and rear bulbs getting fused often. However, I am also faced with starter problem (starting after 2-3 clicks).

I need to update my review since it's been a few years.

The headlight problem seems to have gone away, but I, too, experienced the rear tail light bulb burning out every 3-5 days about a year ago. I took it to my local mechanic and he diagnosed a fused electrical something-or-other in the tail light assembly. Anyway, $250 later it worked fine.

The car now has 180000 miles on it. Still rides like a dream, still gets 30 mpg on the freeway. Had to get the O2 sensor replaced at 175000 along with new brakes. The interior still looks great as well; no rips/tears in the leather seats or cracks in the dash or wood. Which reminds me, M-B has really cheapened the C class interior in my opinion. I note that these days, getting wood trim isn't automatic with their C cars. I think that's a shame.

I also need to retract my statement about the paint. I forgot that my wife was in a very minor fender bender that required the hood to be repainted when we'd had the car approx 18 months. The clear coat peeled from the repair, not the original factory job. Sorry 'bout that.

30 July 2007.

I love my car, but at 167,000 miles I am experiencing the a/c problem now...it's cold when it starts up and blows warm after after 3-4min. The dealer said the compressor needs to be replaced. I have to replace the right tail light bulb at least once a week as well. There was actually a recall on the battery in 2001 for this vehicle, but I replaced the battery in 2006 without knowing this after experiencing several shut offs and system shutdowns. Last, but not least I can count on one hand my car has started on the first click in the last 6mos. It always starts after I turn the ignition on the 2nd try. I think I'm going to have to part with it soon, but it was a wonderful vehicle before passing the 100,000 miles mark. The water pump was also replaced in 2006 when it started over heating for no reason. I honestly believe the 1998 C230 has electrical issues that haven't been reported enough to become a "recall" as I've heard quite a few people voice the same problems.

I have a C230, 1998, I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM with it, this car runs like new at any Km if you know how to drive it and how to treat it. Sorry but if you guys have electrical problem it's probably cause you installed alarms, starters, or whatever, or you don't maintain your car enough.