2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Cooling system
  1
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  28%
• 25k–50k
  14%
• 50k–75k
  727%
• 75k–100k
  1350%
• 100k–150k
  14%
• 150k+
  28%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle slowed down independently and lost automotive power. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the intersection while awaiting tow services. The contact stated that her boyfriend and son helped to push the vehicle to the right side of the roadway. The contact smelled a burning odor but was unsure where the odor was coming from. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ECU was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. …

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an intake manifold failure. The contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,151.

Car worked fine, all the sudden it wouldn't turn over, I would put the key in and turn it and nothing would happen, I was stuck and had to catch a ride, lucky that I was able, a car company that is supposedly reliable shouldn't allow there cars to completely give out on people during the middle of winter storms and not take ownership, when the customer has taken good care of the car. Talked to several mechanics and turned out it was the Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) module that had malfunctioned probably due to the software and electrical. Due to this only the Benz dealerships can repair, I had to tow it to a dealership and was charged around $2000 after haggling over the price. Terrible experience and should be recalled by MB, I have seen many complaints about this online and was very disappointed there wasn't a cheaper solution. Was both a safety issue, inconvenient and very costly.

Error codes 1200 and 1208 regarding the lack of tension on the timing belt due to a worn sprocket. It was certified by two different Mercedes Benz mechanics with ample experience with these cars. Vehicle still runs but I was warned to stop it and fix it before it is a major problem.

Camshaft adjuster solenoid leaked oil into wiring harness, caused vehicle to go into limp mode and not accelerate/shift gears. This is a known problem with the m272 engine, this vin did not show up on the recall list.

Last week 8/11/2015 I drove to the lumbar store, parked the car and upon returning to the car, the key turned completely to the right, the dash lights came on, the ringing noise sounded, but the car did not turn over, nothing happened. The dash read remove the key from ignition. I called my mechanic with the issue and he said use your key fob to lock and unlock the car; that did not work, still nothing. I called the tow company the battery was fully charged ( I purchased it last year 2014). The tow company disabled the cable to the battery waited 30 seconds and reconnected the battery, still the key would not turn the engine over. Because the lumber yard locked their gate at 5 pm the car was scheduled to be towed the next morning. The car started the next morning, I allowed the tow company to tow it anyway and have their mechanic assess the problem. …

On July 21,2016 at 9 am and I parked my car and went to work, 2 hours later came back and try to start the car, did not start. Car door locks and trunk locks open and close but when I turn the ignition on , no response, no display on instrument panel around speedometer gauges. No hissing or cranking or beeping noise also. Steering column was also locked up and inoperable.about 2 years ago command screen with lcd display that controls all functions smoked a little and was shut down display. Going to the last weeks problem steering column has locked me out and also eis that is the communicator from ignition switch and alternator or started do not function also. I happened to see more than hundreds of car with the same year group and model has smiliar problems .my car mileage was 93121. …

Myself, as well as passengers have been cut by the sharp edge of the peeling chrome along the top rim of front cup holder. I told my dealership and they wanted charge me over $500 to replace it. When grabbing change, drinks, or anything from cup holder the front of ones hand is constantly exposed to this sharp edge. Not a safety issue but similar to the peeling chrome, the painted text on several control buttons on dash have been peeling off for several years. A clear sign of poor quality/craftsmanship. This is my first Mercedes and I am not impressed with the interior craftsmanship of what is supposedly a top luxury brand. Also have had to replace battery 2 times in 2 years and have had problems with battery dying within first year of 2nd battery. Dealership wants to charge fee to inspect last battery.

Got in my car last night to go home and attempted to crank it. It would not start. The key turned in the ignition and lights worked but the engine would not turn over. Last year in February I had to have the car towed to the dealership by roadside assistance and have ignition switch replaced for a similar situation at my cost. I am awaiting news from the dealership as to the problem this time but this is ridiculous for this vehicle to have this type of complaints from so many consumers and Mercedes not stand behind this product by recalling it. I am a woman and had no one to assist me or provide transportation home. You buy a product thinking that it is dependable but this car isn't it.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. While the vehicle was parked, the contact opened the door and the interior lighting was not illuminated, the steering wheel was locked, the instrument cluster lighting was dim, the vehicle would not start, and the gear shifter would not engage. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (schumacher european, located at 18530 n scottsdale rd phoenix, az 85054) where it was diagnosed that the electronic ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and opened case number: 1-956218644. The failure mileage was 59,000.

Related recalls

Engine complaints in other C300 years