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2014 Mercedes-Benz Alliado

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car known for its blend of luxury, performance, and technology. Available engine options include a 2.0L Turbocharged inline-4 producing around 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (C250/C300), a 3.0L Turbocharged V6 producing around 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque (C400), and a 4.0L Turbocharged V8 producing around 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque(C63). Transmission options mainly consist of a 7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS) transmission. Owners generally appreciate the C-Class for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and advanced safety features. Common complaints often revolve around the cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as some electronic gremlins.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (C250/C300)

  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine noise (rattling) on startup or while running. Can lead to decreased performance and eventual engine failure if not addressed.
    • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, long cranking times, engine misfires, and potential fuel leaks.
    • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbocharged V6 (C400)

  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the engine, decreased power, and potential check engine light illumination. Can lead to turbocharger failure.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the turbocharger (leaks, damage), and replacement if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ (per turbo)
    • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Turbocharged V8 (C63)

  • Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. This is common with direct-injection engines.
    • Solution: Manual cleaning of the intake valves (walnut blasting) or chemical cleaning.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks around the engine, burning oil smell, and low oil levels. Common leak areas include valve cover gaskets and rear main seal.
    • Solution: Replacement of leaking gaskets and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the location of the leak)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC PLUS (7-Speed Automatic)

  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during gear changes, particularly at lower speeds. Can eventually lead to transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, erratic gear changes, and potential transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Replacement or rebuilding of the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, compressor failure, warning lights on the dashboard, and a bouncy or harsh ride.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the air suspension system, replacement of the air struts, compressor, or air lines as needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ (per strut or compressor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Can also lead to imprecise handling.
    • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ (per control arm)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Car not starting after sitting for a period of time, frequent jump starts needed. Can be caused by a parasitic drain.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the electrical system to find the source of the drain, repair or replacement of the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • COMAND System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment system freezing, crashing, or displaying error messages. Can also affect navigation and other vehicle functions.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit (if necessary).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Central Locking System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly with the key fob or interior buttons, requiring manual locking.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the central locking system, replacement of faulty door lock actuators or the central locking control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise. Can also be due to broken cables or motor failure.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the sunroof mechanism, repair or replacement of the faulty components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headlight Malfunctions (especially LED)
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not working, flickering, or displaying error messages. Can be caused by a faulty bulb, ballast, or wiring issue.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the headlight system, replacement of the faulty components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (especially for LED headlights)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat not moving in one or more directions, motor making grinding noises.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or repair of the seat mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (per seat)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, particularly in hot climates.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard, installation of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, while offering a luxurious driving experience, is susceptible to a range of issues. Engine problems, particularly timing chain issues in the 2.0L turbo engines and carbon buildup in the V8, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, especially with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS, are also common. Electrical gremlins and suspension problems further contribute to the ownership experience. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, but owners should be prepared for potentially expensive repairs, especially as the vehicle ages.

Mercedes-Benz, Alliado
Mercedes-Benz Alliado 2014
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