2005 Mercedes-Benz C240

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 is a popular luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride and elegant styling. The C240 came standard with a 2.6L V6 engine producing 168 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options for the 2005 C-Class included the C320 with a 3.2L V6, the C230 Kompressor with a 1.8L supercharged inline-4, and the high-performance C32 AMG with a supercharged 3.2L V6. Common praises for the car include its comfortable ride quality, luxurious interior, and classic Mercedes styling. Criticisms often cite its somewhat lackluster performance compared to competitors and the potential for costly repairs.

Engine

2.6L V6 (M112)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal. Clean the affected area.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the location of the leak and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light are common symptoms.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission slipping, or being stuck in a single gear. The check engine light may illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate, filter, and fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Unusual noises may also be present.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
  • 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: Replace the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spring Perch Corrosion (W203 Chassis)
  • Description/Symptoms: This is a serious safety issue. The spring perch, where the coil spring sits, can corrode and break, causing the spring to dislodge. This results in a sudden loss of control.
  • Solution: Inspect the spring perches for corrosion. If corrosion is present, the perches must be repaired or replaced. In some cases, Mercedes-Benz has offered to repair this issue at no cost under a service campaign, even outside the warranty period.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per side if not covered by Mercedes-Benz.
  • Recalls:
    • 2008070003 - Voluntary Recall - Front Spring Control Arm

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The key may not turn in the ignition, or the car may not start. The dashboard lights may not illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS module. This usually requires programming by a Mercedes-Benz dealer or a specialist with the proper diagnostic equipment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing from the LCD display, gauges malfunctioning, or the entire instrument cluster failing.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (W203 Chassis)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can appear in various locations, including the door panels, wheel arches, and trunk lid.
  • Solution: Rust repair is required, which can involve sanding, filling, and repainting the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable depending on the severity of the rust, can range from $200 to thousands of dollars.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make excessive noise, or leak.
  • Solution: Inspect the sunroof tracks, motor, and seals. Lubricate the tracks, repair or replace damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center Console Cup Holder Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: The center console cup holders are known to be fragile and prone to breaking.
  • Solution: Replace the cup holders.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240, while a comfortable and stylish vehicle, has several common issues to be aware of. Engine oil leaks, transmission problems related to the conductor plate, suspension issues with control arm bushings, and electrical issues with the EIS and instrument cluster are prevalent. The spring perch corrosion is a major safety concern. Rust can also be an issue. The severity and cost of these repairs can vary significantly. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any existing or potential problems. Addressing these issues can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand dollars for more extensive work.