2013 Mercedes-Benz C350
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350 is a popular luxury sedan known for its blend of performance and comfort. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2013 C-Class include the C250’s 1.8L Turbocharged Inline-4 and the C63 AMG’s 6.2L V8. All models were available with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the C350 for its refined driving experience, stylish interior, and overall reliability. Common complaints include higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury brands and occasional electrical glitches.
Engine
3.5L V6 (M276)
- Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, decreased engine performance, and potential engine noise.
- Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per solenoid depending on the shop and location.
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Tensioner Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, especially in cold weather. This can lead to premature timing chain wear.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner. Address any consequential damage to the timing chain and sprockets if necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover, Oil Filter Housing)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket or the oil filter housing gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gasket: $200 - $500+, Oil filter housing: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7G-Tronic (722.9)
- Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during light acceleration at highway speeds.
- Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ depending on whether it is a rebuild or replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, or complete loss of gear.
- Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body. Sometimes, cleaning and replacing solenoids within the valve body can resolve the issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ depending on the repair needed.
- Recalls: None Found
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode, inability to shift gears, diagnostic trouble codes related to speed sensors or solenoids.
- Solution: Replace the conductor plate. This requires removing the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and alignment issues.
- Solution: Replace the lower control arms or just the bushings (if possible).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sway Bar Link Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front or rear suspension when driving over uneven surfaces.
- Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per link.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the vehicle, steering wheel lock malfunction.
- Solution: Replace the EIS. This often requires programming by a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking properly.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door.
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, or problems with the infotainment system.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the affected SAM unit (front or rear).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnosis can range from $100 - $200+, repair or replacement could be $500 - $2,000+ depending on the SAM and extent of the damage.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, jamming, or leaks.
- Solution: Replace the sunroof motor, repair the sunroof track, or replace the sunroof seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Sunroof motor replacement: $300 - $800+, track repair: $200 - $500+, seal replacement: $100 - $300+.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Center Console Screen Delamination
- Description/Symptoms: The LCD screen delaminates and shows black marks.
- Solution: Replace the screen or the entire infotainment unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+, depending on the solution.
- Recalls: None Found
- Heater Core Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Sweet smelling antifreeze smell in the cabin, fogging windows, damp carpets.
- Solution: Replace the heater core. This is a labor-intensive job.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350 is generally a reliable car, but it is not without its potential issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Engine problems like camshaft adjuster solenoid failures and timing chain tensioner issues can be relatively expensive to fix. Transmission problems can also be significant. Electrical issues can range from minor inconveniences to major malfunctions that affect the car’s drivability. Suspension and interior issues are less common but should still be considered. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase. Due to the wide range in price and complexity of repairs, costs may vary.