2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class CDI 2.2 diesel

Summary:

A real let down

Faults:

Oh when will I learn??? I have owned 5 Mercedes: a 190 petrol, a W123 240 diesel, a W123 230 coupe, a 96 2.2 C-Class diesel, and now this 2001 C-Class 2.2 diesel. The only one I could call reliable was the coupe, and it was 23 years old at the time.

I bought this C-Class 8 weeks ago and it's blown bulbs, which is minor, and it's failed to start numerous times before showing an EPU fault on the computer. I booked it in at the local Mercedes specialist who couldn't look at it until 10 days later. Unfortunately on day 9 the key lost its program and couldn't communicate with the car, leaving me stranded at work. I was recovered by the AA, needing a 40 mile trip home, much to the amusement of my family, who predicted this after experiencing the other Mercedes I have owned.

The car has been off the road for 3 weeks as the key issue was more problematic than first thought. It was eventually fixed by the local garage for £150, after being quoted an excessive price by the dealers. I like driving the Mercedes; I like the image, the star on the bonnet, and the leather interior, but the reality is they are not what they used to be. Back to Toyota for me.

General Comments:

To be honest it is a very nice smooth drive when it's actually working; very refined.

The economy is good at around 48-50 MPG.

It's very nice inside with leather seats, air con, cruise control and an automatic gearbox adding to the luxury feel.

What a shame it's so unreliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th September, 2018

18th Sep 2018, 21:03

You don't buy an old car of any sort and expect dependability. Mercedes was like a Rolex watch pre-1990 with few electronics, and anything mechanical was designed and built without regard to cost (which is why they were very dear). Now full of electronics (you can't solder PCBs to a Mercedes standard vs. a Ford standard, they are all the same). You want dependable? Buy young. Even Toyotas, past a certain age, do break down.

2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport Coupe 2.2 turbo diesel

Summary:

Fast prestigious sports coupe... euro chicks dig the three point star!!

Faults:

Absolutely delighted with this car... even though it is eight years old, every feature works and feels like it just rolled off the production line... I will update this post with any faults, but to be honest... I don't see many coming.. this car is solid as a rock..

General Comments:

WOW, for a diesel this thing moves!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2009

26th Oct 2009, 13:44

Couldn't agree more... Fabulous strong pull with the sound to match... Got 64mpg on the motorway... the only disturbance inside is the squeak of my fat english bum on the black leather... what more could you want!

2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Elegance 2.7

Summary:

Not a quality car as advertised by Mercedes

Faults:

Oil level sensor faulty immediately after first service at 9000 miles.

Anti roll bushes replaced at 9000 miles.

Glow plugs replaced at 9000 miles.

Oil seals at differential replaced at 12000 miles.

Glow plugs replaced at 25000 miles and 30 months old. Mercedes Benz now say that this is a serviceable item like "tires" and should be paid for when faulty. This is their way of getting around an obvious quality problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd December, 2003

10th Jul 2015, 14:30

So much for (mythical) German quality. Take a look at the Passat/Golf section and you'll see what I mean.

2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 270 CDI 2.7 common rail diesel

Summary:

A real lemon

Faults:

Car has lost drive (akin to an automatic box going into neutral) three times. The third time when overtaking.. scary.

Alternator fault caused lights to fail, though they came on again very quickly.. scary.

Electrics have failed three times, losing indicators, automatic lights, cruise control etc. Manual lights still worked.

Had many early problems with the oil level indicators. Seems to have been fixed now. Not helped by the dealership overfilling with oil many times. And one of the service receptionists asking why I did not use the dipstick to check the oil instead of the electronics. There is no dipstick.

Had a fault akin to losing the turbo, though apparently it was a hose of some sort.

Have had the 'anti roll bushes' (?) replaced 4 times after serious squeaking and knocking noises appeared.

Have had struts replaced to try and eliminate knocking noises. Had to take it back after a part was put in the wrong way round.

Knocking noises now eliminated by taking out the suspension, it seems.

Many, many problems with the radio, still ongoing.

Seat belt is fraying badly. Hopefully not weakening it. Have never even mentioned it though, too many other issues.

All in all the car has been in for repairs and service 40 times in 26 months - once every 13 working days. Some of the dealership staff think I work there.

General Comments:

I feel the car should have been recalled by now. It was an early build and I think it's simply a lemon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th April, 2003

20th Sep 2004, 11:45

Your experience is entirely consistent with mine. I had so many difficulties with my car, I ended up storing them in a spreadsheet to keep track of them. Mercedes will go to extraordinary lengths to deny responsibility and/or shift the blame back on the customer.

The end came for me after the car almost cost me and my girlfriend our lives. I had Mercedes repair the brakes. Shortly thereafter, I took the car out on a busy highway. I tapped the brakes as someone changed lanes without shoulder checking. And I emphasize tapped. The brakes locked completely. I did a long slow pirouette to the left, and then the car snapped back in the other direction, perpendicular to the traffic flow. I did not have my feet on any of the pedals!

I brought the car in to an independent mechanic that I trusted to 'check it out' and put new tires on. I came at lunch and he said 'Who the heck did you brakes last time! It's taken two of us all morning to pry your wheels off with crowbars'. Benz had their power driver on 'max', seriously overtightening the bolts, and everything was squeezed so tightly, it couldn't function properly.

Good bye Benz dealer, good bye Benz car. I wouldn't dream of buying another Benz...ever.

11th Nov 2006, 18:15

This is very sad to hear that such a reputable auto company would be making such crummy cars. Hopefully DiamlerChrysler will get the drift and improve; or else I see them going further into the ditch every day. This is very disappointing news.

11th Nov 2006, 21:42

The Japanese (namely Lexus) would never do this.

You bought the badge and got screwed over.

4th Dec 2006, 20:52

Regarding the brakes sticking because of tight bolts, I had the same problem with my Benz immediately after a brake job. Fortunately, the lockup occurred on a lightly traveled street. I was angry and drove it back to the dealership with smoke billowing out of the front rotors.

6th Jan 2008, 23:51

I have a 2003 C270 CDI. The turbo had to be replaced at 90000kms.

Diesel smell with vehicle surging at full acceleration. Was informed the diesel pump was common and was the problem. Looked myself and found a gray plastic pipe going to the diesel pump leaking, was informed by the agents they would have to change all the related pipes. They did not want to hear that all it was, was a rubber O ring were the pipe enters the pump. Silent now about the pump??

Agents have told me tie rod ends need replacing??

The vehicle goes into neutral when driving; real scary on Hi-Way. Has done this 5 times. Try as you may, when the gearbox is in this mode, you can't change gears, it's just stuck on D, only when the vehicle slows down do the gears work again??

Disappointed

Ebrahim.