2016 Mercedes-Benz C250

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C250 is a popular luxury compact car known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and upscale interior. The C250 specifically features a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2016 C-Class include a more powerful 2.0L turbo-4 in the C300, a 3.0L V6 in the C450 AMG (later C43 AMG), and a potent V8 in the C63 AMG. All models typically used a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the C250’s fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and elegant interior, however some criticisms focus on repair costs and some electrical component failures.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M274)

• Camshaft Adjuster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. Check engine light may illuminate with codes related to camshaft timing or position. Reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the camshaft adjuster (also known as a variable valve timing actuator).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, long cranking times. Fuel smell. Check engine light with codes related to fuel pressure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (722.9) 7-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission slipping, getting stuck in a gear, or failing to shift at all. Check engine light illuminated with transmission-related fault codes.
  • Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate inside the transmission. In some cases, the valve body may also need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (depending on whether the valve body needs replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially during light acceleration. Can feel like a rumble strip under the car.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. In some cases, a transmission flush and fluid change can temporarily alleviate the symptoms, but the problem will likely return.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery drains quickly, especially if left sitting for a few days. This can lead to difficulty starting the car or requiring a jump start.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic draw. Common culprits include faulty door lock actuators, seat control modules, or the infotainment system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain and the complexity of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (COMAND) may freeze, reboot unexpectedly, or experience various software glitches. This can affect navigation, audio, and other features.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the COMAND unit if the problem persists.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software update, $1,000 - $3,000+ for COMAND unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make excessive noise when opening or closing, or leak water.
  • Solution: Lubricate the tracks, repair or replace damaged components (such as the motor or cables). If leaking, reseal the sunroof.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the severity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center Console Creaking/Rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying creaking or rattling noises emanating from the center console area, particularly when driving on uneven roads.
  • Solution: Disassemble the center console, locate the source of the noise (often loose trim pieces or rubbing plastic), and add padding or shims to eliminate the movement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C250, while a luxurious and enjoyable car, has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine-related problems, particularly with the camshaft adjusters and high-pressure fuel pump, and transmission issues, especially with the conductor plate and torque converter, can be costly to repair. Electrical problems, such as battery drain and COMAND system glitches, are also common. These issues are moderate to severe in terms of the potential cost and inconvenience.