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2002 C 320 Sedan common problems?

13K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  Tri-Star 
#1 ·
I'm looking into buying a 2002 c320. Wondering if there are any common problems with this model.
 
#2 · (Edited)
tablet said:
I'm looking into buying a 2002 c320. Wondering if there are any common problems with this model.
Oh yeah - plenty.... mostly electrical and VERY expensive to fix. The key thing is to find out if they have already been taken care of during the warranty period by the original owner - with the VIN you can have a dealer run it through their computer to get a history on the car - as long as it was serviced at a Mercedes dealer anywhere in the country. You may also want to look up the technical service bulletins.

I checked mine before I bought it and felt very comfortable that I was gettting a dependable vehicle - no regrets so far.

Here 'ya go - looks scary, but I STILL bought mine. This list is a VERY powerful bargaining tool to "Presbyterian" down the sales price.

2002 C320 Sedan


Service Bulletins
TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
P-27_55-50A FEB 05 A/T - Harsh Engagement/Buzzing Noises
P-83_30-74A FEB 05 A/C - Musty/Moldy Odors
P-72_29-39A JAN 05 Body - Front Power Window Motor Locks Up When Closing
P-82_10-398A JAN 05 Lighting - License Plate Bulbs Burned Out
P-54_21-133 JAN 05 Lighting - Trunk/Cargo Light Inoperative
P-54_21-121 JAN 05 Lighting - Brake/Park Lamps Flicker With Engine ON
P-30_30-61 DEC 04 Cruise Control Inoperative
P-82_10-419 DEC 04 Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps
P-54_21-124 DEC 04 Lighting - Headlamps/IP Lamps Flicker
P-54_21-126 DEC 04 Power Locks - Central Locking System Inoperative
P-32_25-19 DEC 04 Suspension - Shock/Strut Replacement Guidelins
P-18_00-17C DEC 04 Engine - Approved Engine Oils (Addition)
P-15_40-54 NOV 04 Charging System - Insufficient Charging
P-54_21-119 OCT 04 Lighting - Tail/Brake Lamps ON Continuously
P-27_00-47A OCT 04 A/T - 722.6 Oil Leaks From Electrical Connection
P-88_30-36 OCT 04 Body - Scraping Noise From Transmission Tunnel Area
P-77_10-24 OCT 04 Body - Sliding Roof Water Leaks/Rattles
P-72_00-33 SEP 04 Body - Front/Rear Window Knocking Noise When Operated
P-82_10-376 SEP 04 Lighting - Xenon/Bi-Xenon Headlamps Not Functioning
P-82_30-366 SEP 04 Wipers/Washers - Wipers Chatter/Noisy After Blade Change
P-82_20-370 SEP 04 Lighting - Dome Lamp Won't Come On
P-33_15-15 AUG 04 Steering/Suspension - Torque Strut Replacement Parts
P-82_00-260A AUG 04 Audio System - CD's Won't Play or Eject
P-42_45-23F AUG 04 Traction Control/ABS - Codes C1140/C1145 Set
P-68_20-29 AUG 04 Interior - Console/Armrest Lid Rubbing Noise
P-83_00-70 AUG 04 A/C - Inoperative/Codes Set/AC OFF Lamp Illuminated
P-91_60-65B JUL 04 SRS - Warning Lamp ON/DTC's B1035/B1037/B103B/B1039
P-77_20-26 JUL 04 Body - Sliding Roof Excess Lift Control Feature
P-68_50-24 JUN 04 Interior - Sunblind Chafe Guard/Loose
P-83_40-71 APR 04 Climate Control - Heating and Cooling Set-Points
P-46_20-16 APR 04 Steering - Leaks at Line/Rack Housing Connection
P-33_10-11 APR 04 Suspension - Rumbling Noise Driving Over Rough Roads
S-07_61-039A MAR 04 Engine Controls - DTC Trouble Shooting
P-00_45-77 FEB 04 Interior - Squeaking/Creaking Noise Kit
P-82_95-305 FEB 04 Emergency Contact/Alarm System - System 'Runaway'
P-07_00-28F FEB 04 Engine Controls - Lack of Power/Hesitation/MIL ON
P-33_15-10 FEB 04 Steering/Suspension - Alignment Requirements
S-01_30-15 FEB 04 Engine - Cylinder Wall Damage Assesment
S-49_10-08 FEB 04 Exhaust System - Rattling/Hissing/Humming Noises
P-40_10-43 JAN 04 Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(R) Tires Not Approved
P-47_10-27 JAN 04 Fuel System - Fuel Filler Cap Hard to Remove/Install
S-18_00-16A DEC 03 Gasoline Engine - Oil Sludging
S-54_21-101 OCT 03 Engine Controls - ECM Flash Process Change
P-82_60-292 SEP 03 Audio System - Volume Knob Damaged
P-62_00-06 SEP 03 Body - Water Leaks Into Front Footwells
P-82_85-288 SEP 03 COMAND(R) System - Unable to Enter New Destination
P-80_57-24 SEP 03 Drive Authorization System (DAS) - Component Diagnosis
P-32_20-17A JUL 03 Suspension - Front End Knock/Rumble on Rough Roads
P-27_19-35A JUL 03 A/T, Brakes, Traction Control - False DTC's Stored
P-42_45-19A JUL 03 A/T, Brakes, Traction Control - False DTCs Stored
P-07_07-34 JUL 03 Engine Controls - MIL ON/Multiple DTC's Set
P-82_85-264 JUL 03 Navigation System - Inoperative/Erroneous Guidance
P-14_30-15 JUL 03 Emissions - MIL ON/DTC P2003 Stored in Memory
P-82_10-195C JUL 03 Lighting - Front Turn Signals Inoperative
P-20_10-23 MAY 03 Cooling System - Water Pump Leakage
P-47_10-26A APR 03 Instruments - Incorrect Fuel Gauge Readings
P-82_70-222 MAR 03 Cell Phone - Phone Won't Fasten Into Cradle Holder
P-67_00-09 MAR 03 Body - Windshield/Rear Glass Body Seam Corrosion
S-07_61-27A MAR 03 Engine Controls - ECM Reprogramming Procedure
P-80_57-20 FEB 03 Audio System - RF Interference Explanation
P-46_20-10 FEB 03 Steering Rack - Connector Leaks
P-82_10-217 JAN 03 Lighting - Parking/Tail Lamp Bulbs Inoperative
P-32_25-13 JAN 03 Suspension - Rumbling Noise From Rear Axle Area
P-83_55-65 DEC 02 A/C - Compressor Cycles Frequently
P-82_85-210 NOV 02 Navigation/GPS System - Various Malfunctions
P-77_20-18 OCT 02 Body - Sliding Pop-Up Roof Reverses When Closing
P-82_62-169B OCT 02 Audio System - Various CD Player Malfunctions
S-82_70-135B OCT 02 Fiber Optics System - Configuration/Version Coding
S-82_85-205 SEP 02 COMAND(R) System - Various Malfunctions
P-26_50-01 SEP 02 M/T - Assembly Precautions/Recommendations
P-82_85-198 JUL 02 COMAND(R) System - No Sound/Whistling
P-91_60-53 JUL 02 SRS System - SRS Lamp ON/DTC's B1058/B2DB0
P-88_79-30A JUL 02 Body - Exterior Mirrors Move Slightly Over Time
P-18_40-18A JUL 02 Engine Controls - 'Engine Oil Level Above Max' Displayed
P-68_20-14 MAY 02 Interior - Front Cup Holder Broken
P-32_20-10 APR 02 Suspension - Rear Axle Noise
P-80_35-16 APR 02 Interior - Seat Memory Key Assignment
P-47_10-25 APR 02 Instruments - Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation
2001100003 MAR 02 Campaign - ESP Module Ground Connection Inspection
P-47_10-24 FEB 02 Fuel System - Fuel Sender Identification
S-82_70-179A FEB 02 Cellular Phone - V60 Programming Instructions
P-07_60-16 JAN 02 Engine Controls - Rough Idle/Hesitation/DTC's Set
P-83_30-58 JAN 02 Automatic Temperature Control - Inoperative
P-82_85-181 NOV 01 COMAND(R) System - Does Not Respond to Voice Controls
P-83_00-57 NOV 01 A/C - Windshield Fogging in Center
P-47_20-20 NOV 01 Fuel System - Replacement Fuel Pump Adapter Harness
P-80_30-13 NOV 01 Smart Key(R) - Download Time
P-82_64-175 OCT 01 Audio System - CD Changer Static/Interference
P-47_20-17 OCT 01 Fuel System - Hard Start After Fuel Filter Replacement
P-27_60-34 OCT 01 Brakes - Fault Code P2000 Explanation
P-40_10-33A OCT 01 Tires - Approved Winter/Summer Tires
P-82_62-168 SEP 01 Audio System - Poor AM/FM Band Reception
P-82_85-170 SEP 01 COMAND(R) System - Incorrect ETA Calculation Displayed
P-82_85-171 SEP 01 COMAND(R) System - Instrument Display Not Centered
P-32_25-07 SEP 01 Suspension - Front Axle Thumping Noise on Rough Roads
P-80_57-12 AUG 01 Smart Key(R) - Intermittently Inoperative
P-80_57-11 AUG 01 Ignition System - Electronic Ignition Switch Replacement
P-91_10-50A AUG 01 Interior - Noises From Front Seat Tilt Mechanism
P-91_10-51 AUG 01 Interior - Front Seat Head Restraint Rattles
P-77_20-14 AUG 01 Body - Panorama Roof Panel Won't Open or Move
P-88_50-24 AUG 01 Body - Trunk Lid Will Not Open
P-91_60-48 AUG 01 Air Bag System - Side Impact Sensor Replacement
P-68_10-12 AUG 01 Body - Noises From Right A-Pillar Area
P-62_10-02 AUG 01 Body/Cooling System - Upper Radiator Mount Bolts Break
P-47_25-14 AUG 01 Emissions - Evaporative Purge Valve Ticking Noise
P-72_10-21 JUL 01 Body - Door Hinge Check Noise
P-30_20-06 JUL 01 Fuel System - Accelerator Pedal Squeaks
P-99_00-265 JUL 01 Vehicle - Technical Information Update Announcement
 
#3 ·
This is from your car – that the previous owner had accomplished to satisfy his / her experience with the car – and now you own this…?
Or is this a general list as you spec it for a 2002 and this list starts well into 2001...unless that is when it launched as a 2002 model year...
Thanks
Jake
 
#4 ·
BF_JC230 said:
This is from your car – that the previous owner had accomplished to satisfy his / her experience with the car – and now you own this…?
Or is this a general list as you spec it for a 2002 and this list starts well into 2001...unless that is when it launched as a 2002 model year...
Thanks
Jake
These are ALL the TSB's listed for an 02 C320 sedan. My previous owner had only a few of these issues which were covered under warranty.

I've always felt that buying a used car (with exceptionally low miles ONLY) is always a good bet: The first owner takes the huge hit on depreciation and IF they have taken care of "issues" you can usually get a more dependable car than new.

I think it also comes down to the amount of time you can spend researching the vehicle prior to buying it - and your willingness to do your own maintenance as well. ;)
 
#5 ·
RonKMiller said:
Oh yeah - plenty.... mostly electrical and VERY expensive to fix. The key thing is to find out if they have already been taken care of during the warranty period by the original owner - with the VIN you can have a dealer run it through their computer to get a history on the car - as long as it was serviced at a Mercedes dealer anywhere in the country. You may also want to look up the technical service bulletins.

I checked mine before I bought it and felt very comfortable that I was gettting a dependable vehicle - no regrets so far.

Here 'ya go - looks scary, but I STILL bought mine. This list is a VERY powerful bargaining tool to "Presbyterian" down the sales price.

2002 C320 Sedan


Service Bulletins
TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
P-27_55-50A FEB 05 A/T - Harsh Engagement/Buzzing Noises
P-83_30-74A FEB 05 A/C - Musty/Moldy Odors
P-72_29-39A JAN 05 Body - Front Power Window Motor Locks Up When Closing
P-82_10-398A JAN 05 Lighting - License Plate Bulbs Burned Out
P-54_21-133 JAN 05 Lighting - Trunk/Cargo Light Inoperative
P-54_21-121 JAN 05 Lighting - Brake/Park Lamps Flicker With Engine ON
P-30_30-61 DEC 04 Cruise Control Inoperative
P-82_10-419 DEC 04 Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps
P-54_21-124 DEC 04 Lighting - Headlamps/IP Lamps Flicker
P-54_21-126 DEC 04 Power Locks - Central Locking System Inoperative
P-32_25-19 DEC 04 Suspension - Shock/Strut Replacement Guidelins
P-18_00-17C DEC 04 Engine - Approved Engine Oils (Addition)
P-15_40-54 NOV 04 Charging System - Insufficient Charging
P-54_21-119 OCT 04 Lighting - Tail/Brake Lamps ON Continuously
P-27_00-47A OCT 04 A/T - 722.6 Oil Leaks From Electrical Connection
P-88_30-36 OCT 04 Body - Scraping Noise From Transmission Tunnel Area
P-77_10-24 OCT 04 Body - Sliding Roof Water Leaks/Rattles
P-72_00-33 SEP 04 Body - Front/Rear Window Knocking Noise When Operated
P-82_10-376 SEP 04 Lighting - Xenon/Bi-Xenon Headlamps Not Functioning
P-82_30-366 SEP 04 Wipers/Washers - Wipers Chatter/Noisy After Blade Change
P-82_20-370 SEP 04 Lighting - Dome Lamp Won't Come On
P-33_15-15 AUG 04 Steering/Suspension - Torque Strut Replacement Parts
P-82_00-260A AUG 04 Audio System - CD's Won't Play or Eject
P-42_45-23F AUG 04 Traction Control/ABS - Codes C1140/C1145 Set
P-68_20-29 AUG 04 Interior - Console/Armrest Lid Rubbing Noise
P-83_00-70 AUG 04 A/C - Inoperative/Codes Set/AC OFF Lamp Illuminated
P-91_60-65B JUL 04 SRS - Warning Lamp ON/DTC's B1035/B1037/B103B/B1039
P-77_20-26 JUL 04 Body - Sliding Roof Excess Lift Control Feature
P-68_50-24 JUN 04 Interior - Sunblind Chafe Guard/Loose
P-83_40-71 APR 04 Climate Control - Heating and Cooling Set-Points
P-46_20-16 APR 04 Steering - Leaks at Line/Rack Housing Connection
P-33_10-11 APR 04 Suspension - Rumbling Noise Driving Over Rough Roads
S-07_61-039A MAR 04 Engine Controls - DTC Trouble Shooting
P-00_45-77 FEB 04 Interior - Squeaking/Creaking Noise Kit
P-82_95-305 FEB 04 Emergency Contact/Alarm System - System 'Runaway'
P-07_00-28F FEB 04 Engine Controls - Lack of Power/Hesitation/MIL ON
P-33_15-10 FEB 04 Steering/Suspension - Alignment Requirements
S-01_30-15 FEB 04 Engine - Cylinder Wall Damage Assesment
S-49_10-08 FEB 04 Exhaust System - Rattling/Hissing/Humming Noises
P-40_10-43 JAN 04 Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(R) Tires Not Approved
P-47_10-27 JAN 04 Fuel System - Fuel Filler Cap Hard to Remove/Install
S-18_00-16A DEC 03 Gasoline Engine - Oil Sludging
S-54_21-101 OCT 03 Engine Controls - ECM Flash Process Change
P-82_60-292 SEP 03 Audio System - Volume Knob Damaged
P-62_00-06 SEP 03 Body - Water Leaks Into Front Footwells
P-82_85-288 SEP 03 COMAND(R) System - Unable to Enter New Destination
P-80_57-24 SEP 03 Drive Authorization System (DAS) - Component Diagnosis
P-32_20-17A JUL 03 Suspension - Front End Knock/Rumble on Rough Roads
P-27_19-35A JUL 03 A/T, Brakes, Traction Control - False DTC's Stored
P-42_45-19A JUL 03 A/T, Brakes, Traction Control - False DTCs Stored
P-07_07-34 JUL 03 Engine Controls - MIL ON/Multiple DTC's Set
P-82_85-264 JUL 03 Navigation System - Inoperative/Erroneous Guidance
P-14_30-15 JUL 03 Emissions - MIL ON/DTC P2003 Stored in Memory
P-82_10-195C JUL 03 Lighting - Front Turn Signals Inoperative
P-20_10-23 MAY 03 Cooling System - Water Pump Leakage
P-47_10-26A APR 03 Instruments - Incorrect Fuel Gauge Readings
P-82_70-222 MAR 03 Cell Phone - Phone Won't Fasten Into Cradle Holder
P-67_00-09 MAR 03 Body - Windshield/Rear Glass Body Seam Corrosion
S-07_61-27A MAR 03 Engine Controls - ECM Reprogramming Procedure
P-80_57-20 FEB 03 Audio System - RF Interference Explanation
P-46_20-10 FEB 03 Steering Rack - Connector Leaks
P-82_10-217 JAN 03 Lighting - Parking/Tail Lamp Bulbs Inoperative
P-32_25-13 JAN 03 Suspension - Rumbling Noise From Rear Axle Area
P-83_55-65 DEC 02 A/C - Compressor Cycles Frequently
P-82_85-210 NOV 02 Navigation/GPS System - Various Malfunctions
P-77_20-18 OCT 02 Body - Sliding Pop-Up Roof Reverses When Closing
P-82_62-169B OCT 02 Audio System - Various CD Player Malfunctions
S-82_70-135B OCT 02 Fiber Optics System - Configuration/Version Coding
S-82_85-205 SEP 02 COMAND(R) System - Various Malfunctions
P-26_50-01 SEP 02 M/T - Assembly Precautions/Recommendations
P-82_85-198 JUL 02 COMAND(R) System - No Sound/Whistling
P-91_60-53 JUL 02 SRS System - SRS Lamp ON/DTC's B1058/B2DB0
P-88_79-30A JUL 02 Body - Exterior Mirrors Move Slightly Over Time
P-18_40-18A JUL 02 Engine Controls - 'Engine Oil Level Above Max' Displayed
P-68_20-14 MAY 02 Interior - Front Cup Holder Broken
P-32_20-10 APR 02 Suspension - Rear Axle Noise
P-80_35-16 APR 02 Interior - Seat Memory Key Assignment
P-47_10-25 APR 02 Instruments - Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation
2001100003 MAR 02 Campaign - ESP Module Ground Connection Inspection
P-47_10-24 FEB 02 Fuel System - Fuel Sender Identification
S-82_70-179A FEB 02 Cellular Phone - V60 Programming Instructions
P-07_60-16 JAN 02 Engine Controls - Rough Idle/Hesitation/DTC's Set
P-83_30-58 JAN 02 Automatic Temperature Control - Inoperative
P-82_85-181 NOV 01 COMAND(R) System - Does Not Respond to Voice Controls
P-83_00-57 NOV 01 A/C - Windshield Fogging in Center
P-47_20-20 NOV 01 Fuel System - Replacement Fuel Pump Adapter Harness
P-80_30-13 NOV 01 Smart Key(R) - Download Time
P-82_64-175 OCT 01 Audio System - CD Changer Static/Interference
P-47_20-17 OCT 01 Fuel System - Hard Start After Fuel Filter Replacement
P-27_60-34 OCT 01 Brakes - Fault Code P2000 Explanation
P-40_10-33A OCT 01 Tires - Approved Winter/Summer Tires
P-82_62-168 SEP 01 Audio System - Poor AM/FM Band Reception
P-82_85-170 SEP 01 COMAND(R) System - Incorrect ETA Calculation Displayed
P-82_85-171 SEP 01 COMAND(R) System - Instrument Display Not Centered
P-32_25-07 SEP 01 Suspension - Front Axle Thumping Noise on Rough Roads
P-80_57-12 AUG 01 Smart Key(R) - Intermittently Inoperative
P-80_57-11 AUG 01 Ignition System - Electronic Ignition Switch Replacement
P-91_10-50A AUG 01 Interior - Noises From Front Seat Tilt Mechanism
P-91_10-51 AUG 01 Interior - Front Seat Head Restraint Rattles
P-77_20-14 AUG 01 Body - Panorama Roof Panel Won't Open or Move
P-88_50-24 AUG 01 Body - Trunk Lid Will Not Open
P-91_60-48 AUG 01 Air Bag System - Side Impact Sensor Replacement
P-68_10-12 AUG 01 Body - Noises From Right A-Pillar Area
P-62_10-02 AUG 01 Body/Cooling System - Upper Radiator Mount Bolts Break
P-47_25-14 AUG 01 Emissions - Evaporative Purge Valve Ticking Noise
P-72_10-21 JUL 01 Body - Door Hinge Check Noise
P-30_20-06 JUL 01 Fuel System - Accelerator Pedal Squeaks
P-99_00-265 JUL 01 Vehicle - Technical Information Update Announcement
Hi,
I'm interested in the details of the TSBs you list and my W203. I am especially interested in the knocking/rumbling/thumping noise for the suspension since I have been complaining about this on my Dec 04 model's "sports suspension" for over 12 months.

Can we access the TSB's these days and if so how/where?
 
#6 ·
Maybe I should go get a new Honda instead. This is scary. I mean not to sound like a freak or anything, but that's not very good looking seeing as MB is supposed to be a high quality brand. I hope the C240 has less...?
 
#7 ·
the fan at the head-light module of W203

Hi all,
I bought my 2002 C320 recently. Wondering whether someone has had experienced to hear the buzzing sound coming from the mini-fan integrated in the head-light module. My question is whether this fan should be always ON because mine is ON even when the key is off and the car is locked.
Jordan
 
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