Problems ive had since Mercedes ownership

[JJM]

Before I start, I am detailing the problems I have had, I know that you could argue that people only tell you about the bad things that happen but I have to say that I am disapointed in the amount of problems I have had with a car that overall is very good but has been let down by problems.

Since purchase in March 06, problems are;

Diesel injector faulty - Replaced under warranty May 06 and now the same one again June 07 (car would not start)

Central locking only working within close range (even though i have had 3 new batteries)

Intermittant wipers didnt work for a year and now have started working again. (a luxury!)

Automatic on lights turn on and off in the dark and interior lights have stopped working altogether.

ABS warning and traction control warning comes on every time I drive even though they work fine.

Passenger side central locking machine guns up and down when locking.

Warning light comes on and off for indicator bulb blown (even though the bulb is fine)

Polished alloys corroding due to lacquer peeling off.

Clunking noise when going over speed bumps on offside (car done 82k) - could be argued to be service item.

Lots of blown bulbs (minor issue)

On the positive side;

Having said that I found the dealer very good.
MPG is fantastic, averaging 46mpg over 36,000 miles.
Its nice to drive and handles well for a big lump.

Has anyone had a similar experience to me?

 

[garystu1965]

That is a disappointment. When I was considering purchasing my C270 CDI (03 reg) I was worried about all the unreliability issues. Well I've had my car nearly 3 years and it has been in the dealership once for a battery recall and once when it took a bit longer to turn over when putting the key in. That's basically it. So apart from this and all the usual annoyances ie rattles here and there sometimes it's been very reliable.

 

[fuzzer]

was the car used or have you actually done 82k since march 06? I thought i was doing not bad at 3000 a month :O

 

[Rose Chap]

What car is it that's had the litany of faults?

 

[JJM]

was the car used or have you actually done 82k since march 06? I thought i was doing not bad at 3000 a month :O

It had 46000 on the clock when I bought it so ive piled on the miles.

Its a C220CDI Elegance Auto, 52 plate

 

[mobiledreams12]

Ahhh - a pre-facelift W203. That explains it!

 

[JJM]

Ahhh - a pre-facelift W203. That explains it!

Please can you elaborate on this?

Also what was the facelift?

 

[BlackC55]

Please can you elaborate on this?

Also what was the facelift?

They were much better after the facelift in all aspects especially quality.

 

[JJM]

In to an independant today to have all of the above fixed apart from the wheels + a B service.

Prizes for nearest guesses for how much it costs!

Gulp.

 

[andy_k]

I believe there is a formula used by garages for calculating bills in these circumstances

take all your clients (estimated) disposable income for the next three months, divide by two, add on half off the amount they are away from their lowest credit card limit. Add on the ages of your eldest two children and multiply by the age of the car in years. Then just use the first number that comes into your head and put a nought on the end of it

 

[BlackC55]

I believe there is a formula used by garages for calculating bills in these circumstances

take all your clients (estimated) disposable income for the next three months, divide by two, add on half off the amount they are away from their lowest credit card limit. Add on the ages of your eldest two children and multiply by the age of the car in years. Then just use the first number that comes into your head and put a nought on the end of it

How did you know. LOL!!

 

[crockers]

I believe there is a formula used by garages for calculating bills in these circumstances

take all your clients (estimated) disposable income for the next three months, divide by two, add on half off the amount they are away from their lowest credit card limit. Add on the ages of your eldest two children and multiply by the age of the car in years. Then just use the first number that comes into your head and put a nought on the end of it

then double it

 

[andy_k]

then add VAT

 

[Ted]

and consumables

 

[Ted]

and oil disposal charge

 

[BlackC55]

+ tea break charge.

 

[glojo]

+ tea break charge.

I think it reassuring that so far no one has bettered the list submitted by JJM.

Who knows why this car has had such an awful history.

John

 

[JJM]

I think it reassuring that so far no one has bettered the list submitted by JJM.

Who knows why this car has had such an awful history.

John

Im sure someone can better it, mainly they are just niggly things, nothing majorly serious like total engine failure or the like!

 

[garystu1965]

Ahhh - a pre-facelift W203. That explains it!

mobiledreams12 immediately endears himself to all pre-facelift W203 owners

 

[JJM]

Good News. All sorted!!

B Service, lock fixing, resetting esp warning and fixing anti roll bar links came in at £525.

Well done M40 Car Care!

This is only £100 more than the Dealers wanted to fix the suspension!

Will definately be returning there (hopefully only for a service!).