Mercedes Benz 230 2003

Model 230 made in 2003 by Mercedes Benz got 8 consumer complains as well as 8 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags and electrical system. Technical service bulletines regarding electrical system and latches/locks/linkages.

Model 2003

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
546513012/30/200410011693Parktronic triggers without obvious cause at front bumper in mercedes model numbers 171/211/230. *tc01/28/2005
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
200509001810/01/200510017492The oval contours of the left and right locks may lead to a noise complaint. inspect retractable roof locks and replace if necessary. *tt11/08/2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
48465601/03/200510012246Sensotronic brake control (sbc) noise diagnostic flow charts. mercedes-benz models 211, 230 model years 2003-2005. *tt02/23/2005
465312/16/200410011705Brake malfunction sbs visit workshop. displayed within the insturment cluster's multifunction display. (mercedes benz, model 211 and 230 year 2005). *jb01/31/2005
465412/22/200410011709Parts identification for the sbs hydraulic unit.(mercedes benz, model 230, year 2005) *jb01/31/2005
STEERING
151611/11/200410011740Steering wheel twitch during brake application. *jb01/31/2005
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
46304004/26/200610019990Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir. *tt05/19/2006
VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER - LINKAGES
823542812/30/200410011629Windshield washer nozzles heating inoperative. *tc01/27/2005

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
AIR BAGS
08/26/2004308/08/2003
 The air bags are deploying. so far no injuries. the air bags have deployed on two service techs. and one tow truck driver. deployment is do to a defect. *ak
AIR BAGS - SIDE/WINDOW
03/17/2009830001
 I have a 2003 mercedes c230 with 80k miles, the car would stop running either while idol or driving down the road. took it to the dealer, replaced o2 sensor, next week same problem, replaced 02 sensor again, it died again while at the dealer, dealer then explained the oil harness leaked into the 02 sensor and knocked out the cam sensors and crank sensor as well, so they replaced those parts plu the harness and subharness. i understand from 2007-2008 mercedes service blogs that seems to happening on the m271 motor's (2003-2005 c230); the cam sensors leak oil were the wire goes into the sensor, then the oil travels down to the o2 sensor and kills it; if oil gets in the harness and damages the o2 sensors, not only do you have to replace the o2 sensor but that entire section of wiring harness; prevention is the key...also, mb has a harness that is supposed to prevent the oil from getting in the rest of the harness... so my question is why hasn't mercedes (mb) been required to recall this part before it causes more serious problems, such as an accident from stalling or an auto fire? *tr
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
03/17/2009830001
 I have a 2003 mercedes c230 with 80k miles, the car would stop running either while idol or driving down the road. took it to the dealer, replaced o2 sensor, next week same problem, replaced 02 sensor again, it died again while at the dealer, dealer then explained the oil harness leaked into the 02 sensor and knocked out the cam sensors and crank sensor as well, so they replaced those parts plu the harness and subharness. i understand from 2007-2008 mercedes service blogs that seems to happening on the m271 motor's (2003-2005 c230); the cam sensors leak oil were the wire goes into the sensor, then the oil travels down to the o2 sensor and kills it; if oil gets in the harness and damages the o2 sensors, not only do you have to replace the o2 sensor but that entire section of wiring harness; prevention is the key...also, mb has a harness that is supposed to prevent the oil from getting in the rest of the harness... so my question is why hasn't mercedes (mb) been required to recall this part before it causes more serious problems, such as an accident from stalling or an auto fire? *tr
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP
08/10/200519139305/22/2003
 Gas cap cover central system did not release on three separate occasions . the manual provides emergency trunk release but none exists notwithstanding gouging of arm on exposed sharp internal fender-trunk screws . mercedes complaint office insists trunk release exists. finally new country mb dealer, hartford, ct service mgr and chief mechanic admit to erroneous info in manual as did roadside assistance previously - even after contacting mb engineering i was able to prove this defect exists. causing likelihood of injury to anyone following manual instruction re reaching into trunk panel covering where exposed 1 inch screws exist in precise area of instruction info - which caused my injury. there was no emergency release provided nor did one exist on a replaced actuator - which i retained . even if one existed - the operator must reach in about 2-3 feet entire length of arm before reaching actuator - inherent dangerous manufacture defect. *nm
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
06/04/200730000
 Mercedes 230 c kompressor. lifted hood after 'check engine' lit up. as hood was being lifted the spring loaded passenger side hood latch release flew out with tremendous force - striking nose and eyeglasses - dropped hood isstantly - yanking right shoulder causing injury requiring ongoing medical treatment alont with permanent scar on nose. mercedes inspected part but never provided ;technical report regarding defective part which utilized plastic insert.
VISIBILITY - SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY
08/09/20091
 My 2003 mercedes c230 moonroof broke completely by summer 2009. i experienced problems with the moonroof squeaking/rattling from the first day i purchased the vehicle and it was serviced a number of times and other times the mechanic would say they couldn't recreate the noise and then it finally wouldn't open anymore. mercedes wants an incredible amount to repair it (approx. $4,500). *tr