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2017 Mercedes-Benz C300

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is a popular luxury sedan known for its blend of comfort, technology, and performance. The C300 primarily features a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the C-Class during this model year include a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine (C43 AMG), a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine (C63 AMG), and a diesel engine. The C300 is typically equipped with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the C300 for its elegant interior, smooth ride, and fuel efficiency, but some have noted concerns about electronic glitches and repair costs.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M274)

  • Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, decreased engine performance, and potential stalling.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, long cranking times, hesitation upon acceleration, and a noticeable drop in fuel economy. The check engine light may illuminate.
    • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-Speed Automatic (722.9)

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, harsh shifting, and potential stalling.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, and difficulty shifting into certain gears.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped with Airmatic)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, failure to raise or lower, error messages on the dashboard related to the air suspension system.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps, imprecise steering.
    • Solution: Replacement of the worn lower control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$700+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • COMAND System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, unresponsive touchscreen, issues with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation problems, and distorted audio.
    • Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Parking Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors not functioning correctly, false alarms, no audible alert when approaching objects.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty parking sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the key fob or interior controls, manual operation required.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250-$500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Car battery dies quickly, especially after being parked for a short time.
    • Solution: Check for parasitic drain, replace faulty components, or replace battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Panoramic Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or rattling noises, difficulty opening or closing, and potential for water leaks.
    • Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof mechanism, repair or replacement of damaged components, and resealing of the sunroof.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
    • Solution: Replacing headlight housing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, overheating, or only working intermittently.
    • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Creaking/Rattling
    • Description/Symptoms: Annoying creaking or rattling noises coming from the dashboard area, especially when driving on rough roads.
    • Solution: Adding felt padding, tightening loose components, or replacing damaged trim pieces.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300, while offering a luxurious driving experience, can be prone to several issues. These range from relatively minor electrical glitches to more significant problems with the engine, transmission, and suspension. Electrical problems with the COMAND system and parking sensors, along with interior issues such as seat heater malfunctions and dashboard noises, are common and can be annoying. More severe issues, such as engine camshaft adjuster solenoid failure, high-pressure fuel pump failure, transmission torque converter issues, and air suspension compressor problems, can be quite costly to repair. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.

Mercedes-Benz, C300
Mercedes-Benz C300 2017
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