2005 Mercedes-Benz Andare
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) is a compact executive car that offered a blend of luxury and performance. Engine options for the 2005 model year included a range of inline-4, V6, and AMG-tuned V8 engines. Transmissions consisted primarily of 5-speed automatic transmissions depending on the specific model. The C230 Kompressor, for example, featured a 1.8L supercharged inline-4 engine producing around 189 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. Owners often praised the car’s handling, elegant styling, and comfortable interior. However, common complaints included electrical issues, rust, and maintenance costs associated with a luxury vehicle.
Engine
1.8L Supercharged I4 (C230 Kompressor)
- Failed Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, stalling, poor acceleration, and illuminated check engine light. Diagnostic codes related to the MAF sensor are typically present (e.g., P0101).
- Solution: Replacement of the MAF sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough running, difficulty starting, and illuminated check engine light. Diagnostic codes related to the camshaft position sensor (e.g., P0340) are present.
- Solution: Replacement of the camshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
2.6L V6 (C240)
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level, and possible oil spots under the vehicle.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets or resealing the oil filter housing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.2L V6 (C320)
- Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, and check engine light illumination.
- Solution: Replacement of the crankshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
- Recalls: None Found
5.4L Supercharged V8 (C55 AMG) * Engine Mount Failure * Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration, especially at idle or during acceleration. Clunking noises may also be heard. * Solution: Replacement of the engine mounts. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$800+ * Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (All Models)
- Transmission Slipping or Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement of gears, slipping during acceleration, and harsh or jerky shifts.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement may temporarily improve the issue. A more permanent solution might involve valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid/filter) to $2500+ (rebuild)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when the torque converter is locked up. Poor fuel economy and transmission overheating may also occur.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and uneven tire wear can also occur.
- Solution: Replacement of the front control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Squeaking, popping, or clicking noises from the suspension. Loose steering and uneven tire wear can also occur.
- Solution: Replacement of the ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$400 per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Failed Instrument Cluster
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster. Gauges may stop working, warning lights may illuminate randomly, or the entire cluster may go blank.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Faulty Window Regulators
- Description/Symptoms: Windows that are slow to go up or down, or that stop working altogether. Grinding noises may also be heard.
- Solution: Replacement of the window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
- Central Locking System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Doors that fail to lock or unlock using the remote or interior switch.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the central locking system, potentially involving the replacement of actuators or control modules.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust Issues (Wheel Arches, Door Panels, Underbody)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust spots on the wheel arches, door panels, and underbody.
- Solution: Rust repair involves removing the rust, patching the affected area, and repainting. In severe cases, body panel replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300+ per area for minor rust repair, $1000+ for panel replacement and paint.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof getting stuck, motor failing, or leaking.
- Solution: Replace the sunroof motor. Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks. Replace the sunroof seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Climate Control Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Climate control system blowing only hot or cold air, failing to regulate temperature, or emitting unusual noises.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the climate control system, potentially involving the replacement of blend door actuators, refrigerant recharge, or compressor replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the cause.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, while offering a luxurious experience, is prone to several common issues. Engine problems range from relatively inexpensive sensor replacements to more costly oil leak repairs. Transmission issues, like slipping, can be expensive to address. Suspension problems, such as control arm bushing failures, affect ride quality and handling. Electrical problems, like instrument cluster failure, can be frustrating. Exterior rust is a concern in some areas. While the severity and cost of these repairs vary, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and budget accordingly.