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Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
153 reviews

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Worst nighmare please read!

NEVERagainBenz, 07/11/2010
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Rwd 4dr Sport Sedan (1.8L 4cyl S/C 6M)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful

Bought the 03 Mercedes c230k sport sedan from dealership used with just over 50,000 miles. Had problems after two weeks and never quit. Engine dying, chugging, losing power 4 different times in less than a year, all suspension replaced, two rims bent, rough ride severe right pulling, sunroof broke, rear defroster didn't work, multiple check engine lights, transmission stuck or thumped occasionally, many sensors replaced. And there's still more! Had the car less than a year and went from 50-60k miles and dozens of problems and thousands and thousands in repairs. Will never get a Mercedes again! If you are thinking of getting this car please don't do it! I now have a Toyota and couldn't be happier.

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1 out of 5 stars

Worst Car Ever

John, 07/27/2015
updated 08/01/2017
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C320 Rwd 4dr Sport Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
28 of 35 people found this review helpful

I am 63 years old. I've driven hundreds of cars and worked as a race car engineer, and also worked at dealerships and never, never in all that time have I come across a car with so many design faults and poor quality components. The many forums tell the story. Bottom line is that Mercedes tried to reinvent the wheel at every phase of the design in general, but especially with the electrics. The SAM system is a joke. The seat adjusting components, another joke. In fact any of the electrical systems not associated with the engine (except the stupid oil level sensor instead of dipstick!) are a joke. I would love to meet the chief electronics design engineer of these vehicles. Update: They get worse with age, Mercedes should be forced to buy them all back. (Rear view mirror fell to pieces, dash display disappeared, speedo and RPM gauges showed 6000 rpm and 120 mph while sitting in traffic, high beam stopped working, window washer stopped working, turn signals do not stay on, hazard signal stopped working etc. etc!)

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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3.75 out of 5 stars

It's ok, but a MERCEDEZ should be great.

Stephen Cheng, 03/28/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (2.6L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

It's nice. It's cheap (it is not as expensive as people think), yet you get the prestige of driving a mercedez. It has cool features, tele aid, memory seats, fuel economy, interior qualities and the sound system. However, have had some problems. ABS and ESP lights turn on constantly. Friends of mine with similar models have the same problems. Mercedez has not admitted the problem, but I think there could be a recall eventually, because of the reoccurrence. It has occasional braking noise. Not a problem just not smooth.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Super Fun Car!

Miss D, 12/29/2006
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (2.6L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have really enjoyed driving this car. My only issue with M-B is the options packages. They make it too hard to get what you want. I initially had a problem with the memory seats but after 2 trips to the dealer it was fixed. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a great drive with lots of WOW factor!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Seduced by the shining star

MCJ, 04/29/2007
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.6L 6cyl 6M)
19 of 24 people found this review helpful

My wife thinks this car is beautiful and loves it because of that. I can only see the horrible reliability, expensive purchase price, and the crippling maintenance costs. Recently had an alternator go bad at 68K for a $900 surprise. No power, mushy ride, cheap stereo where 2 of 4 speakers don't work. Very high TCO in both money and frustration. Even the salesman admitted the C240 line had major quality problems and offered to sell us a newer model. No thanks!

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