So my 2003 C240 Sedan has just turned 63k miles, and it wants its B service! I need to take it in soon, but I thought I'd let you all know how the car has held up.
Since day one, the following has gone wrong (Services are in there too)
Drivers Door Lock - 54k
49k - Damage to front. Hood, Grill, Fenders, Headlights, Fogs, Bumper Cover, Impact Absorber, and driver airbag replaced. 05 C230 Grill and bumper upgrade.
Service A - 51k
Sliding roof glass cover 39k
39k Service B
Windows trim piece 35k
Belt tensioner 35k
Service A - 28k
Air Conditioner Causes Dampness - 18k
Headlight 18k
Backrest Locking Element Failure - 18k
Side Airbag Failure - 13k
Service B 10k
The car is still under warranty until 2010 or 90k miles. It hasn't needed brakes yet, though two of the tires have been replaced and the other 2 need to get done soon. There's an annoying rattle from the LR door on the freeway that I can't seem to figure out, and the chrome trim on the shifter slit my hand open one night, but other than that, there aren't any other things I see wrong with it. The keyless remote intermittently rolls the windows down when I try to do it, I guess its worn out.
I'm going to keep the car until the warranty expires (and not a day after!) so I'd like to know what I might look into having done about now, since I plan on taking it in for it's B service soon.
I'm amazed that the brakes are still good, do they usually last this long?
I'm pretty happy with my "Jackie" girl, and she's treated me better than I thought she would reliability wise. If only she didn't like gas so much!
Here's my most recent shot. - Both are after my accident, and the repairs.
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2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 5AT - 65.4k miles
1999 Honda Accord EX-L 4AT - 128.2k miles
1996 Honda Accord LX 4AT - 120.6k miles
No brakes yet ... damn and I was curious as to how long the breaks could last.
Pretty impressive. I don't drive the car like a granny or anything either!
My Accord needed new front brakes at 65k miles, it's still on the orig rears at 118,800k miles.
Doesn't the C-Class tell you when you need brakes??? Via the dash display?
Oh and I found one issue. The oil calculator on the dash takes forever. I lack the patience to wait for it to give me a reading. How long is it supposed to take?
The rattle might not be the door itself... my B-Pillar cover (where the seatbelt hides) rattles... I shove my wallet in there at the bottom between the pillar and the seat and no more rattle.
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2000 C230K -- Travertine Beige Metallic
2002 ML320 -- Alabaster White
2002 ML320 -- Brilliant Silver - Dad's
1991 300CE -- Blue Black Metallic -- 129,000 miles -- Sold
1981 300SD -- Classic White -- 190,000 miles -- Sold
1977 240D -- Over 300k miles (Wrecked) -- My 1st car
this is from my local independent place
if you look at the services A and B a lot of those items are only visual inspection. I usually concentrate on the items that say REPLACE.
B Service
Procedures
Check engine compartment
Replace air filter (SL model excluded)
Replace combination filter (SL model only)
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Replace windshield wiper rubber insert(s)
Replace windshield washer solvent
Check interior
Check horn, headlamp flasher, hazard flasher, turn signals
Check warning and indicator lamps, symbol lighting and interior lighting
Check exterior lighting, including headlamps
Check windshield washer systems, where applicable: rear window wiper, rear window washer system
Check headlamp cleaning system
Check seat belts for damage and proper function
Reset FSS counter in instrument cluster
Check battery
Check fluid levels, correct if necessary
Check engine cooling system, antifreeze and corrosion protection
Check level controls, ADS (E-Class: wagon only)
Check brake system
Check power steering
Check windshield washer system
Check poly-V-belt (engine) for condition
Check underside of vehicle
Check leakage (major components)
Check for chafe marks, line routing, components
In the event of leakage, determine cause and perform repair via separate work order
Check condition of front axle ball joints and rubber boots
Check condition of steering mechanical components and rubber boots
Check tightening torque of power steering damper hydraulic line fitting
(S-Class: applies to chassis end number 000668 to 137742)
(CL: applies to chassis end number 000652 to 007954)
Check wheels, brakes
Remove and reinstall wheels, rotate if necessary (not including vehicles with different tire sizes front/rear)
Check brake pads for lining thickness front/rear
Check condition of brake discs front/rear
Check tires for damage/condition
Correct tire inflation pressure
Body
Check headlamp aiming, adjust if necessary
Inspect condition of wiper blade for rear window (E-Class: wagon only)
Trunk
Check and correct fluid level
Correct tire inflation pressure in spare tire (Only C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLK and CL)
Additional work to be performed together with the respective service:
Every 5 Years or 60,000 miles
Replace fuel filter
Replace activated charcoal filter
Every 2 Years
Replace brake fluid
Every 3 Years
Replace coolant (water/anticorrosion/antifreeze mixture)
Replace engine spark plugs
Transmission Service
Vehicle models 1998 and later no longer have a scheduled maintenance service for the transmission. In order to prolong the life of the transmission it is advisable for vehicles to start performing this service at 75,000 miles. Thereafter a transmission service is recommended every 3 years or 30,000 miles.
Check Engine Light
If the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates when the engine is running, it indicates a possible malfunction of the engine management system or emission control system.
Note: The check engine indicator is not part of the A or B-service performed. We highly recommend that you have the malfunction checked as soon as possible.
We will recommend additional services needed after the check up procedures.
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H&R springs, Koni Sport adjustable shocks, Pioneer Avic D3, JL Audio 200/1 driving 10 inch sub, JL Audio 300/4 driving component set up front and two 6 inch two way outback, flat MB emblem, S class tail lights, clear corner markers, chrome amg tips, 19x9.5 in back and 19x8.5 in front.
They want $450 for the B service, that includes the fuel filter and brake fluid too. Sounds reasonable. I'm going to hold off a little longer. Late May I'm going to try to obtain an unsecured loan to the amount that the car is upside down, and try to buy another Honda. The Mercedes is a great car, but it's not practical. For the same price I could be driving off the lot in a new Accord, Civic Hybrid, etc. and that's what suits my life better right now. Once I'm all paid up and not upside down anymore I'll be happy to return to the MB brand. I'd rather not have anymore $200-500 services, and it's getting closer to being time for some major services.
I appreciate all your help. If anyone's in Houston and needs a 2003 C-Class, let me know!
At 5 years, 60K miles, I would change all fluids, brake, differential, transmission, oil, coolant even though it doesn't recommend specifically. Don't know about PS fluid, never changed it myself as it's not subject to the same demands as others. I bet for what many dealers charge for "B" you can get it all done at an independent. Definately change all your filters, fuel, air, cabin, oil, transmission.
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