Post
Research the Car Logo

2014 Mercedes-Benz C350

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C350 is a popular luxury sedan known for its blend of performance and comfort. The C350 comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2014 C-Class include the C250 with a 1.8L turbocharged inline-4, the C300 with a 3.5L V6, and the C63 AMG with a 6.2L V8 (or later, a 4.0L twin-turbo V8). All engines are generally paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC). Owners typically appreciate the C350’s smooth ride, powerful engine, and upscale interior. Common complaints often revolve around electronic glitches, higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury vehicles, and occasional issues with the infotainment system.

Engine

3.5L V6 (M276)

  • Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, reduced engine performance, and camshaft position errors reported by the OBD-II scanner. Noisy engine operation at startup.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ (depending on the number of solenoids replaced and labor costs)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets/Oil Filter Housing)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level warnings, and oil drips under the vehicle.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets and/or oil filter housing gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Engine Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration felt in the cabin, clunking noises during acceleration or deceleration, and visible cracking or collapsing of the engine mounts.
    • Solution: Replacement of the engine mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+ (depending on the location of the mounts)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC (722.9)

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds, slipping between gears, and delayed or harsh shifts.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+ (depending on labor and parts)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, and transmission fault codes.
    • Solution: Replacement or repair of the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+ (depending on whether the valve body is repaired or replaced)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Conductor Plate Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode, inability to shift gears, and various transmission fault codes.
    • Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate, which includes the transmission speed sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Worn tires. Wandering steering.
    • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per control arm (depending on the location and whether the entire arm is replaced)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll during cornering, leaking fluid from the struts/shocks, and bottoming out over bumps.
    • Solution: Replacement of the struts and/or shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+ per axle (depending on the type of struts/shocks and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • COMAND System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, or unresponsive infotainment system, navigation issues, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and display malfunctions.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 for software, $800 - $2000+ for replacement
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, “Steering Assist Malfunction” warning message, and inability to turn the ignition.
    • Solution: Replacement of the electronic steering lock.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window not operating normally, not going up or down all the way, or getting stuck in place.
    • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises when operating, and water leaks.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof mechanism, motor, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, motor making noise but seat not moving, or seat stuck in one position.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per seat motor
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Cracking (Under Sun Exposure)
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking dashboard material
    • Solution: Dashboard Replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C350, while generally a reliable and enjoyable vehicle, can be prone to specific issues related to its engine, transmission, electrical components, and suspension. The camshaft adjuster solenoid, oil leaks, and engine mount failures can be fairly common for the 3.5L V6. Transmission issues relating to the torque converter, valve body, and conductor plate should be inspected for. Suspension issues such as worn control arm bushings can affect the quality of the driving experience. Electrical problems with the COMAND system and electronic steering lock can also occur. The severity and cost of these repairs can vary, but addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintain the vehicle’s performance and longevity. Owners should be prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs associated with luxury vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz, C350
Mercedes-Benz C350 2014
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.