Mercedes Benz C320 2003
Model C320 made in 2003 by Mercedes Benz got 25 consumer complains as well as 8 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system and engine and engine cooling. Technical service bulletines regarding air bags and electrical system.
Model 2003
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | |||||
| PB-91-60-53A | 02/27/2009 | 10028586 | Mercedes vehicle: the srs indicator lamp is illuminated and code b1058 and b2dbo are stored, replace the srs control unit. models 203 and model 209. model years unknown. *pe | 05/11/2009 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| PB-91-60-53A | 02/27/2009 | 10028586 | Mercedes vehicle: the srs indicator lamp is illuminated and code b1058 and b2dbo are stored, replace the srs control unit. models 203 and model 209. model years unknown. *pe | 05/11/2009 | |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL | |||||
| PB 42-45-98 | 03/28/2008 | 10025642 | Model 203 (c) series from production 8/1/01 to 2/1/03 and model 209 (clk) series up to production 2/1/03; esp visit workshop with fault code c1185. *pe | 08/27/2008 | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||||
| PB-82-10-376F | 02/06/2009 | 10028585 | Mercedes vehicles: the xenon or bi-xenon headlamp not functioning. a function description can be found in wis document gf8s.10-p-20010 (203), gf82.10-p-0003q (209); gf82.10-p-3002r (230). model years uknown. *pe | 05/11/2009 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK | |||||
| PB-42-30-103 | 01/13/2009 | 10028624 | Mercedes vehicle: the anti-lock brake system (abs) return flow pump running without control with corresponding fault code c1401, clean and insulated the connector for the return flow pump relay. models 202 and 208. model years unknown. | 05/12/2009 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | |||||
| PB-42-30-103 | 01/13/2009 | 10028624 | Mercedes vehicle: the anti-lock brake system (abs) return flow pump running without control with corresponding fault code c1401, clean and insulated the connector for the return flow pump relay. models 202 and 208. model years unknown. | 05/12/2009 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC | |||||
| LI-43-10 | 08/03/2010 | 10034988 | Mercedes benz (daimler): unsatisfactory brake servo assistance after a cold start, primarily when maneuvering. low vacuum in the intake manifold due to wide open throttle valve. retrofit electric brake booster vacuum pump (m56). model 20 | 02/04/2011 | |
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||||
| 462046 | 12/04/2008 | SB-46-20-46A | 10020460 | Play in the rack and pinion steering system. models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09. *pe | 10/23/2006 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 10/26/2008 | 13703 | 1 | |
| Car seat and steering wheel wouldn't adjust with the key put in the ignition..this went on for three days...then the car died..had to get a jump..the service rep says the model# 320 c has a problem with the seat module failing on the passenger and drivers side..when the car was jumped all electrical was working properly and find...took to dealer and they informed me that yes the passenger seat module was bad and also needed a new battery..they also stated that the drivers seat module could go out within the next few months...the car only has 13,703 miles on it and this problem is been known to mb usa yet is not addressed. *tr | |||
| 07/10/2008 | 1 | ||
| During the five years we have owned the car it has had numerous electrical problems. on at least 5 occasions all function of the dashboard went out while driving. when the car was restarted everything was fine. seat controls have been replaced several times, and they still operate intermittently. there is no problem with the battery. there is a short someplace, and the dealer keeps saying they can't fix it if they can't see it. *tr | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 01/20/2010 | 80000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes c320. when driving over a pot hole or bump in the road at speeds of 20 mph and higher, the contact stated that he heard a loud metal to metal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the bushings were replaced under the factory warranty. four years later, the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to an independent technician who replaced the bushings for the second time as well as the front control arms. the front driver's side power seat failed and when taken to the dealer, he was advised that the driver's side front seat electronic control unit would need to be replaced. the repairs to the seat were made at the owner's expense. there were no recalls for the failure for his particular year, make and model vehicle. the right front turn signal also failed. he attempted to replace the bulb but to no avail. when the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent technician, it was confirmed that the wiring harness was defective. the manufacturer was contacted and provided no assistance. the failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 87,000. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 50 | 1 | ||
| The fuel gauge failed to function. it didn't register the correct gas level in the tank. the digital console light malfunctioned. it would either not illuminate when the vehicle was started or when illuminated it will suddenly go out. the vehicle hesitated upon acceleration when driven for long distances. *nlm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 05/15/2009 | 47115 | 1 | |
| On a 2003 c 320 mbnz, the radiator now leaks into the transmission. this is going to require the radiator to be replaced and for the transmission to be flushed. this leaking radiator fluid could have already damaged the transmission, and if so, it will have to be replaced. this problem causes a lack of power and therefore a loss of acceleration. it happens without any warning, often leaving you vulnerable due to the loss of power, a potential accident waiting to happen. *tr | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 05/18/2007 | 54352 | 1 | 01/20/2004 |
| This happened in my 2003 c320 at 54,000 miles. i initially noticed a light rubbing or grinding while accelerating, with light vibration. at the dealership i was told i would need a new torque converter, new radiator, and a fluid flush. the radiator fluid was mixing with the transmission fluid. after those repairs, my c320 was still shifting hard and the grinding noise was still there. it turns out the transmission was ruined as well. two replacement transmissions were needed until it was ready to be picked up. i've been told that the mixed fluids are not uncommon in this model and yet mbusa has made very little effort to answer my questions. *tr | |||
| EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 31000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes c320. the contact was unable to turn the radio off. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. in order to avoid draining the battery, she had to remove the fuse. also, in warm temperatures, the power locks failed intermittently. upon locking the doors, they would unlock without intent. she had to engage the power locks several times before they would actually stay locked. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where who stated that the radio would be repaired at her expense. no repairs made to the vehicle. the failure mileage was 31,000 and the current mileage was 72,000. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 08/23/2006 | 1 | ||
| I purchase my 2003 mercedes from carmax in 2 years ago. it had 45,000 miles when i purchased it. from the time i purchase this car i had to replace the sunroof motor, replace the shocks, replace the truck lock, replace the fuel tank, and i had some transmission work done. my biggest problem is having to replace the low beam lights every 6 months. i suspect there is an electrical problem, but cannot completely prove it with the manufacturer. with 1 year, i had to replace the bulbs 3 times. i had to replace the front low beam bulbs and the brake lights. this is surprising since this car (under my ownership) has never been in an accident. i am so disappointed i purchased this car! *tr | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 50 | 1 | ||
| The fuel gauge failed to function. it didn't register the correct gas level in the tank. the digital console light malfunctioned. it would either not illuminate when the vehicle was started or when illuminated it will suddenly go out. the vehicle hesitated upon acceleration when driven for long distances. *nlm | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY | |||
| 08/23/2006 | 1 | ||
| I purchase my 2003 mercedes from carmax in 2 years ago. it had 45,000 miles when i purchased it. from the time i purchase this car i had to replace the sunroof motor, replace the shocks, replace the truck lock, replace the fuel tank, and i had some transmission work done. my biggest problem is having to replace the low beam lights every 6 months. i suspect there is an electrical problem, but cannot completely prove it with the manufacturer. with 1 year, i had to replace the bulbs 3 times. i had to replace the front low beam bulbs and the brake lights. this is surprising since this car (under my ownership) has never been in an accident. i am so disappointed i purchased this car! *tr | |||
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 31000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes c320. the contact was unable to turn the radio off. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. in order to avoid draining the battery, she had to remove the fuse. also, in warm temperatures, the power locks failed intermittently. upon locking the doors, they would unlock without intent. she had to engage the power locks several times before they would actually stay locked. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where who stated that the radio would be repaired at her expense. no repairs made to the vehicle. the failure mileage was 31,000 and the current mileage was 72,000. | |||
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 02/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| 2003 mercedes c320. consumer writes in regards to a safety recall transfer case *tgw the consumer was informed that due to the mileage on the vehicle, they would not be willing to assist with absorbing some of the cost for the replacement part. *jb | |||
| 08/23/2006 | 1 | ||
| I purchase my 2003 mercedes from carmax in 2 years ago. it had 45,000 miles when i purchased it. from the time i purchase this car i had to replace the sunroof motor, replace the shocks, replace the truck lock, replace the fuel tank, and i had some transmission work done. my biggest problem is having to replace the low beam lights every 6 months. i suspect there is an electrical problem, but cannot completely prove it with the manufacturer. with 1 year, i had to replace the bulbs 3 times. i had to replace the front low beam bulbs and the brake lights. this is surprising since this car (under my ownership) has never been in an accident. i am so disappointed i purchased this car! *tr | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 05/15/2009 | 47115 | 1 | |
| On a 2003 c 320 mbnz, the radiator now leaks into the transmission. this is going to require the radiator to be replaced and for the transmission to be flushed. this leaking radiator fluid could have already damaged the transmission, and if so, it will have to be replaced. this problem causes a lack of power and therefore a loss of acceleration. it happens without any warning, often leaving you vulnerable due to the loss of power, a potential accident waiting to happen. *tr | |||
| SEATS | |||
| 01/20/2010 | 80000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes c320. when driving over a pot hole or bump in the road at speeds of 20 mph and higher, the contact stated that he heard a loud metal to metal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the bushings were replaced under the factory warranty. four years later, the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to an independent technician who replaced the bushings for the second time as well as the front control arms. the front driver's side power seat failed and when taken to the dealer, he was advised that the driver's side front seat electronic control unit would need to be replaced. the repairs to the seat were made at the owner's expense. there were no recalls for the failure for his particular year, make and model vehicle. the right front turn signal also failed. he attempted to replace the bulb but to no avail. when the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent technician, it was confirmed that the wiring harness was defective. the manufacturer was contacted and provided no assistance. the failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 87,000. | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 1 | 09/09/2002 | ||
| The power steering was tight and it was difficult to control the steering wheel. *jb *tt | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - TRUNK LID | |||
| 08/23/2006 | 1 | ||
| I purchase my 2003 mercedes from carmax in 2 years ago. it had 45,000 miles when i purchased it. from the time i purchase this car i had to replace the sunroof motor, replace the shocks, replace the truck lock, replace the fuel tank, and i had some transmission work done. my biggest problem is having to replace the low beam lights every 6 months. i suspect there is an electrical problem, but cannot completely prove it with the manufacturer. with 1 year, i had to replace the bulbs 3 times. i had to replace the front low beam bulbs and the brake lights. this is surprising since this car (under my ownership) has never been in an accident. i am so disappointed i purchased this car! *tr | |||
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 08/23/2006 | 1 | ||
| I purchase my 2003 mercedes from carmax in 2 years ago. it had 45,000 miles when i purchased it. from the time i purchase this car i had to replace the sunroof motor, replace the shocks, replace the truck lock, replace the fuel tank, and i had some transmission work done. my biggest problem is having to replace the low beam lights every 6 months. i suspect there is an electrical problem, but cannot completely prove it with the manufacturer. with 1 year, i had to replace the bulbs 3 times. i had to replace the front low beam bulbs and the brake lights. this is surprising since this car (under my ownership) has never been in an accident. i am so disappointed i purchased this car! *tr | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM | |||
| 01/20/2010 | 80000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes c320. when driving over a pot hole or bump in the road at speeds of 20 mph and higher, the contact stated that he heard a loud metal to metal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the bushings were replaced under the factory warranty. four years later, the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to an independent technician who replaced the bushings for the second time as well as the front control arms. the front driver's side power seat failed and when taken to the dealer, he was advised that the driver's side front seat electronic control unit would need to be replaced. the repairs to the seat were made at the owner's expense. there were no recalls for the failure for his particular year, make and model vehicle. the right front turn signal also failed. he attempted to replace the bulb but to no avail. when the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent technician, it was confirmed that the wiring harness was defective. the manufacturer was contacted and provided no assistance. the failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 87,000. | |||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | |||
| 50 | 1 | ||
| The fuel gauge failed to function. it didn't register the correct gas level in the tank. the digital console light malfunctioned. it would either not illuminate when the vehicle was started or when illuminated it will suddenly go out. the vehicle hesitated upon acceleration when driven for long distances. *nlm | |||
| 09/04/2002 | 4 | 07/01/2002 | |
| The throttle linkage and control pedal malfunction nearly resulted in a serious accident. the brakes had to be violently applied with both feet to prevent the surging vehicle from rear-ending a vehicle in front of mine at a traffic intersection.*ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY | |||
| 08/23/2006 | 1 | ||
| I purchase my 2003 mercedes from carmax in 2 years ago. it had 45,000 miles when i purchased it. from the time i purchase this car i had to replace the sunroof motor, replace the shocks, replace the truck lock, replace the fuel tank, and i had some transmission work done. my biggest problem is having to replace the low beam lights every 6 months. i suspect there is an electrical problem, but cannot completely prove it with the manufacturer. with 1 year, i had to replace the bulbs 3 times. i had to replace the front low beam bulbs and the brake lights. this is surprising since this car (under my ownership) has never been in an accident. i am so disappointed i purchased this car! *tr | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | RIVERSIDE | 92504 | WALTERS AUTO SALES AND SERVICE | 909-688-3332 |
| PA | LACASTER | 17601 | MERCEDES BENZ OF LANCASTER | 717-569-2100 |