Ok, here't the deal. I currently own 4 late model MBs, and have owned a few
older ones too. And while I can't speak directly about the C-class, I can
tell you  about Mercedes quality issues in general.

With all of the cars I currently own, I have never had a single major
mechanical issue ever (engine, exhaust, transmission, steering etc.). The
closest I have ever come to a problem in those areas were a broken motor
mount on my SLK, and a snapped exhaust hangar, also on my SLK. Both can be
attributed to hard driving on less-than-ideal Manhattan streets, and both
were promptly repaired under warranty with no questions asked.

That's not to say that the cars are trouble-free, because they are not.
Things like vacuum pumps seem to break, and the lighbulbs on the dash seem
to go out more than they should. There have been some issues with my
windshield washer pumps, and with the climate control on my 1995 S-class
(notorious problem for that particular model). And the power headrests on my
04 E-class have needed replacement.

There have been a few others on each car, but that is typical of the
problems you encounter with these cars. For the most part, the engine and
transmission are rock solid. The maintenence issues generally surround the
smaller components. But don't get me wrong, it's not like it's a constant
thing by any means. I'm just saying that when something breaks, it's usually
something relatively minor (as long as the car get's it's scheduled
maintenence and such).

And I also have to say that the warranty on these cars are second to none.
The dealerships never haggle over what items are covered or not, they just
fix whatever problems there are, period. And the free mercedes roadside
assistance is also without peer. Other luxury cars offer some kind of
roadside service, but believe me when I say that nobody comes close to MB on
this one.

Of course I am biased, but I wouldn't have invested almost $200,000 of my
money in MB cars if I wasn't a satisfied customer.

Thomas Paladino
New York City
04 S430
04 E320
99 SLK230
95 S320

Unfortunately there's substance to the reports of poor to average
quality. It's concentrated in the SUV model and in the complex, bleeding
edge gadgets that get installed in all models.

During the first four years the M-B warranty covers most things,
thereafter I believe it can be extended and you should investigate that
aspect of the warranty before you commit to a M-B.

Remember, the more standard a car is the more reliable it will be -
regardless of brand. If you don't NEED 4-matic don't buy it for that
reason (and some fuel saving).

As you may have observed on this site, we M-B owners have a love hate
relationship with our cars. We have high expectations (in line with the
price and hype) and love the way the cars drive but then hate it and are
enraged when they break; the repair cost, particularly from dealers, is
high.

The early C-Class W203 2000 and 2001 had numerous small problems. None of
these problems were significant except that some people had fuel leaks in a
place where it was a known error.

Most of the problems seemed to be easily resolved. So there is no cause for
alarm.

I leased a new German E220 Diesel Station Wagon manufactured in
December of 2000 and have 125,000 kms (78,000 miles) on it and the
following has been replaced so far:

Brake Switch
Injector
Power Steering Pump
Two Turbochargers
Lower Ball Joints
Intake Manifold
Alternator
Rear Seat Release Cable

I had high expections and I am exteremely disappointed in the quality.
For a while, I was spending more time with the local Mercedes service
managers than I was with my wife.  They even would kid me about having
a car that was built on a Monday.

Kindest regards from Garmisch-Partenkirchen,

BiLL.......  

http://www.mercedes-benz-usa.com/

here is a complaint site

I think what we can only give you is our personal experience and perceptions.

I am no longer a fan of Mercedes as a vehicle that expresses reliability,
longevity, and exquisite engineering.  But my experiences are tainted with the
purchase of just one Mercedes - a 1983 380SL that has major engine design
problem that is going to cost me a lot of $'s to fix and Mercedes refuses to
acknowledge.  Personally, if your intent is to purchase a new Mercedes and get
rid of it when the warrantee expires, and you like the Mercedes, then go for it.
If your intent is purchase a new Mercedes for the long haul, I suggest:  a) stop
looking at Mercedes and run as fast as you can to the Lexus dealership hoping
that lust for the Mercedes will subside, or b) consider a pre-owned Mercedes but
first research potential problems that the particular model might have.

Also, I have noted over the years that the quality, enginneering, and longevity
of Japanese vehicles have narrowed the gap that made Mercedes the ultimate in
automobilia and might have even exceeded Mercedes.  Today we have many Japanese
models that easily run reliably over 200k miles, and have quality appointments
with fit and finish that exceeds that of years past.  Today, Mercedes is just an
ordinary auto - not the ultimate in automobilia it once was - MHO of course.

C-class has been plagued with electrical problems... many of which
MB-USA has told customers to "live with it"  turn signals, seat memory,
radio, etc.

While my car is a lemon (I will not relist all the problems here...if
you want search the archives an you will see the huge list), and that is
purely anectdotal, ...the online surveys don't lie... check out
edmonds.com, and you will see poor numbers for the car.  I am probably
buying an Audi or Porsche next.

Thanks everyone for all your comments!

Never owned a C class, but I'm on my third MB (all new) and never had a moments
bother.   My first was an SLK320, then a Diesel E 320 and now the CL500.  This
is the best by far, which is what I expected of course.   I cannot remember
anything needing to be fixed on any car whilst in my possession.   Services come
and go and the car goes on and on and on.   Can't expect more than that.