2018 Mercedes-Benz C250

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C250 is a popular luxury sedan known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and sporty handling. The C250 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2018 C-Class include a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo (C43 AMG), a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo (C63 AMG), and a diesel engine (C300d). All engine options are paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the C250’s refined driving experience and premium features, while some common dislikes include the cost of maintenance and occasional electronic glitches.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M274)

• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idling, extended cranking time, or complete failure to start. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to fuel pressure will likely be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, decreased engine performance. This usually affects variable valve timing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

• Rough Shifting or Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delays or jerks during gear changes, particularly between lower gears.
  • Solution: Software update of the transmission control module (TCM). In more severe cases, valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software Update $200 - $400, Valve Body Replacement $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds or during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, especially overnight, or uneven ride height. The air suspension warning light may illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushing Replacement $300 - $600, Control Arm Assembly Replacement $500 - $1000+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Freezing or Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or randomly restarts.
  • Solution: Software update. If that fails, replacement of the COMAND unit might be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software Update $150 - $300, COMAND Unit Replacement $1000 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Parking Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate readings from the parking sensors or false alarms.
  • Solution: Inspection and cleaning of the sensors. Replacement of faulty sensors may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains quickly, particularly after sitting for a short period of time.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain source, and replacement of faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+ depending on the root cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may become stuck, make excessive noise while opening/closing, or fail to seal properly.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubrication of sunroof tracks and mechanisms. Replacement of faulty sunroof components (motor, seals, etc.) may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C250 is generally a reliable vehicle, but owners have reported several common issues. The most frequent problems revolve around the engine (high-pressure fuel pump, camshaft solenoids), transmission (rough shifting), and electrical system (COMAND system glitches, parking sensor malfunctions). Suspension issues (air suspension and control arm bushings) can also arise. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as replacing the high-pressure fuel pump, torque converter, or air suspension compressor, can be costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potential repair costs when considering this vehicle.