2017 Mercedes-Benz Alliado
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) is a luxury compact car that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. Engine options include a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4, a 3.0L turbocharged V6, and a 4.0L turbocharged V8 (AMG models). Transmission options include a 7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS) and a 9-speed automatic (9G-TRONIC). A popular choice is the C300, equipped with the 2.0L turbo inline-4 producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Owners often praise the C-Class for its elegant interior, refined ride quality, and advanced safety features. Common dislikes include the sometimes complicated infotainment system, and the cost of maintenance and repairs.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M274)
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough running, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the camshaft adjuster solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L Turbocharged V6 (M276)
- Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $900+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Tensioner Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup, potential for timing chain failure.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner and potentially the timing chain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
4.0L Turbocharged V8 (M177/M178 - AMG Models)
- Turbocharger Oil Line Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks near the turbochargers, burning oil smell, reduced turbocharger performance.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger oil lines and seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Spark Plug Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the spark plugs and potentially ignition coils.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, especially at lower speeds, erratic shifting.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
9-Speed Automatic (9G-TRONIC)
- Rough or Delayed Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh gear changes, hesitation when accelerating, transmission slipping.
- Solution: Software update, valve body replacement, or full transmission replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software update) to $5,000+ (transmission replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission not shifting properly, getting stuck in a gear, loss of power.
- Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Leaks (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting lower on one side, air compressor running excessively, rough ride.
- Solution: Replacement of the air struts or air compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps, vague steering.
- Solution: Replacement of the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per control arm
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, electrical malfunctions.
- Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the battery drain (e.g., faulty module, parasitic draw).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause)
- Recalls: None Found
- COMAND System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, or complete failure of the infotainment system.
- Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) to $2,000+ (COMAND unit replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight LED Failure
- Description/Symptoms: One or more LEDs in the headlight not working, reduced headlight brightness.
- Solution: Replacement of the headlight assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per headlight
- Recalls: None Found
- Side Mirror Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Side mirror not folding or adjusting properly.
- Solution: Replacement of the side mirror assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per mirror
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making noise, leaking.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, motor making noise or not working at all.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class can present several potential issues for owners. Engine problems range from relatively minor issues like camshaft adjuster solenoid failure to more serious concerns such as timing chain tensioner problems, particularly in the V6 engines. Transmission issues are also a concern, especially with the 9G-TRONIC automatic, which can suffer from rough shifting and mechatronic unit failure. Suspension, electrical, and interior problems can also arise, potentially leading to costly repairs. Overall, while the C-Class offers a luxurious experience, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potential repair costs. The severity of the issues varies, but some repairs, such as transmission or engine work, can be quite expensive.