2006 Mercedes-Benz C350

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C350 is a sporty and luxurious compact sedan known for its smooth ride, elegant interior, and spirited performance. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2006 C-Class include a 1.8-liter supercharged inline-4 (C230), a 2.5-liter V6 (C250), and a 3.0-liter AMG V6. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on the C350. Owners often appreciate the C350’s refined driving experience and upscale features. Common complaints revolve around maintenance costs, occasional electrical glitches, and certain engine-related issues.

Engine

3.5L V6 (M272)

• Balance Shaft Sprocket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This is a well-known issue affecting many M272 engines produced between 2004 and 2008. The balance shaft sprocket, made of soft metal, wears prematurely. Symptoms include a check engine light with codes P0016 and P0017 indicating camshaft/crankshaft correlation issues, rough idling, and reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the balance shaft sprocket with an updated version made of more durable material. This often involves significant engine disassembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Runner Flap Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic intake manifold contains flaps that control airflow at different engine speeds. The actuator motor or the flaps themselves can fail, leading to a check engine light and reduced performance, particularly at lower RPMs.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, stalling, decreased performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at low speeds. Slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. Transmission flush and filter change are often recommended as well.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, slipping. Can trigger transmission fault codes.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body. Sometimes a software update can address minor issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Vague steering and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front control arm bushings, or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, particularly when turning or going over uneven surfaces.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent starting problems. The key may not be recognized, and the car won’t start. Can also cause other electrical malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the EIS module. Requires programming to the vehicle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions with various electrical components, such as lights, wipers, and power windows. Can be caused by water intrusion or electrical surges.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the affected SAM module. Requires programming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ depending on the module and the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete loss of display functions, flickering lights, inaccurate readings.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster. Requires programming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlight lenses become cloudy or yellowed over time, reducing headlight output and visibility.
  • Solution: Professional headlight restoration or replacement of the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for restoration; $500 - $1000+ for replacement (per pair).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make excessive noise during operation, or leak.
  • Solution: Lubrication of the tracks and mechanism, repair or replacement of broken parts, or replacement of the sunroof seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the severity of the problem.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C350 offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of several common issues. The balance shaft sprocket problem in the M272 engine is a major concern due to its high repair cost. Electrical issues, such as EIS and SAM failures, can also be expensive to address. Suspension and transmission issues are also prevalent and should be inspected. While some issues are relatively minor, others can lead to significant repair bills.