2001 Mercedes-Benz C240

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 is a popular luxury sedan, known for its elegant styling, comfortable ride, and relatively affordable price point for the brand. It was available with a 2.6L V6 engine producing 168 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 2.0L inline-4 and a 3.2L V6 on the C320. A 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmission were offered. Owners generally appreciate the car’s sophisticated image and smooth driving experience, but common complaints revolve around reliability issues, particularly with the electrical system and some engine components.

Engine

2.6L M112 V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common, often originating from the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, or the front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal is the typical solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The MAF sensor can fail, leading to poor engine performance, rough idling, stalling, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Crankshaft Position Sensor failure can cause the engine to not start at all.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift at all can indicate valve body problems within the 5-speed automatic transmission.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations, especially at low speeds or during acceleration, can suggest torque converter issues. In more severe cases, the transmission may not engage properly.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking, clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, and vague steering are common symptoms of worn front control arm bushings.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises when turning or going over bumps. Steering may feel loose or unresponsive.
  • Solution: Ball joint replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Pixel Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels in the instrument cluster display fading or disappearing, making it difficult to read information like the odometer or temperature.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks failing to lock or unlock properly, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to roll up or down smoothly, or getting stuck in either position.
  • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Key Fob Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Key fob failing to unlock or lock the doors, or failing to start the car.
  • Solution: Replacing the key fob battery, reprogramming the key fob, or replacing the key fob.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around the wheel wells, door edges, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240, while offering a luxurious experience, is prone to several common issues. Oil leaks and MAF sensor failures are fairly typical for the engine. The transmission can suffer from valve body and torque converter problems. Suspension components like control arm bushings and ball joints also require attention. Electrical issues involving the instrument cluster, door locks, and window regulators are also common. Rust can be an issue in some regions. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be costly, potentially making overall ownership more expensive than some other vehicles in its class.