2019 Mercedes-Benz C300

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 is a popular luxury sedan known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and advanced technology. The C300 is most commonly equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options include a 3.0L V6 Biturbo. Owners often praise the C300 for its elegant interior, smooth handling, and fuel efficiency. Common complaints include the sometimes-complex infotainment system and the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M264)

• Camshaft Adjuster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the camshaft adjusters (also known as cam phasers) causing a rough idle, reduced engine performance, and potential engine stalling. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to camshaft timing or position may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjusters.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, long crank times, reduced engine power, and potential stalling. The engine may exhibit rough running or misfires. Fuel smells might be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Biturbo

• No Issues Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough or jerky shifting, especially during low-speed operation or when transitioning between gears. Hesitation upon acceleration can also occur.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update or transmission control module (TCM) reset can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or a transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software update) - $5,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at certain speeds, especially during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, ride height warning lights, and a generally bumpy or uncomfortable ride. The air compressor may run excessively or fail entirely.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the system to identify the leaking air spring, faulty air compressor, or other damaged components. Replacement of the affected parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per air spring, $1,000 - $2,500+ for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Vague or unstable handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings. In some cases, the entire control arm may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per control arm.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash. Bluetooth connectivity issues, navigation malfunctions, and screen glitches are also reported.
  • Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the infotainment unit in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+ (unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains quickly, especially when the car is left unattended for extended periods. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the cause of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module, aftermarket accessory, or a malfunctioning component. Repair or replacement of the offending component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing, unusual noises during operation, and potential leaks.
  • Solution: Lubrication of the tracks, repair or replacement of the motor, or replacement of the entire sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seats stop adjusting in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300, while a desirable luxury vehicle, can be prone to certain issues. Engine problems like camshaft adjuster and high-pressure fuel pump failures in the 2.0L engine, and transmission issues such as rough shifting, stand out as potentially costly concerns. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system and battery drain can be annoying, and suspension and sunroof issues can compromise comfort and usability. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs potentially exceeding several thousand dollars. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decisions.