Rear license plate illuminator light bulb burned out. The car monitored this fault and informed us via the instrument panel. The dealer fixed the bulb during the last service.
We had to have the vehicle aligned when it was new, which the dealer did.
Around 10,000 miles the steering started vibrating between 35-40 MPH. The dealer rotated the tires and re-balanced the wheels, and the problem is gone.
We have had to replace the windshield 3 times in six months due to cracking, but each time it was due to a rock impact on the freeway. Not sure if the windshield is slightly weak or under stress, or if our luck is just bad.
Took the car in for rough idling around 12,000 miles, but the dealer insists it is within "normal" limits. It is not horrible, but does idle rougher than I would expect from a Mercedes. In fact, we own 2 Mercedes, and this idles rougher than our other model which is a 4 cylinder. It is no worse than less expensive cars, though, and if it were a Ford, I would not even think twice.
Otherwise, the car has been fantastic! We already have 20,000 miles on it and outside the little issues above, we have had no problems at all. Having maintenance included is a huge plus since this car requires synthetic oil!
This car is an ideal blend of sporty handling, composed road manners, vault-like build quality, and quietness.
You can be cruising down the freeway at 90 MPH and hear absolutely no wind noise. It is absolutely amazing.
The car is solid as a rock and the doors sound like bank vault doors closing. Everyone who rides in the vehicle comments about the doors and the overall quality.
I don't know how the MB engineers did it, but they managed a nearly perfect blend of sport handling with cruising comfort. The car handles extremely well without being harsh riding or stiff.
The engine is smooth and reasonably powerful for a 2.6 litre, but the C240 won't win any stoplight races. It does just fine in traffic, though, and the fuel economy in mixed driving is always at least 25 MPG, and 32 is achieved on the highway. We drove this and the C320 and decided the nearly $4000 difference was not worth the additional power of the C320.
We opted for the 12-speaker Bose sound system, which is nothing short of concert quality. However, at $1100, the 6-disc CD changer is an obscenely priced addition. MB has insured that only their player will work, so you are captive. And this is on top of the $600 audio system upgrade.
The car seems extremely safe with very solid doors, high door sills, electronic stability protection, traction control, brake assist, and 8 (yes, 8) airbags.
Overall, this car compared favorably to the BMW 3 series, the Audi A4, and the Volvo s40. It was also not much more expensive than a Toyota Avalon which is hardly in the same class as the Mercedes. If you are shopping in the low to mid 30's, this car deserves a look. You might be surprised that a Mercedes is in your budget.
I wonder how yours rides so quiet and I feel like at 60mph, I have to turn up music to drown out the noise. My dealer has replace the door seals without any results. I hate this problem.
My 2001 C240 is nearly silent as well, even after 91,000 miles.
I found that the type of tires you have make a big difference in cabin road noise...
I have a 2001 c240 and have never had a problem other than maintenance. It now has 93,569 miles and looks and drives like brand new. I take good care of this car and I know it will last. It's all about how you take care of your car. This truly is a Mercedes-Benz; it will last for another 200,000+ miles with a new trans once it hits 200,000 miles. I love this car. It is so cute and perfectly sized, with a beautiful interior as well. My next car will be a 2003 s430. I'm in high school right now. I just turned 16 and my parents bought the car for me, but I'm very responsible so please don't judge me. I love Mercedes and I am their customer for life. Thanks!
I bought 2001 A C320 in January 2007, with low miles (25000). Excellent Car and I am very pleased. Before I bought the car I did all the "homework" such as two test drives, cafax, and a complete check up by the local Mercedes dealer.
I am glad I got the car. In the nine months I have had it the only issue I have had is that one turn light has stopped working and needs to be replaced.
I chose the C320 over the BMW325 and I am very pleased I did!
I have owned this 2002 C240 for now 2 years. This amazing car is the best for what money can offer, ever. Very safe, comfortable, quiet, styled and a 29-30mpg on HWY at 70 mph!, and above all it's 10K oil service that most other makes do not have (compare to every 3K). If anyone who owns any other MB can beat this MPG, this may be the day where I will speak Arabic..!
This car will always stay in style despite it's new 2008 model, which doesn't look like a real Benz, and also is made of cheaper materials on the inside, kind like a Chrysler.
I will keep this car as long as she lives! I highly recommend it!
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