2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
Price: $8,000





+43
Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz C-Class types
- Sedan
- C55 AMG
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- State-of-the-art safety and luxury features, pleasing power from top V6 engine.
Cons
- More expensive than competitors, ordinary cabin furnishings, small backseat, only available as a sedan.
What’s new
For 2006, both the wagon and the slow-selling C-Class coupe are history, leaving only the sedan. A V6 engine is now standard on every sedan model. The C230 gets a new 201-hp, 2.5-liter V6, while the C240 is renamed the C280 and has a 228-hp, 3.0-liter V6. The C320 is now the C350, boasting a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6. 4Matic-equipped vehicles get an improved five-speed automatic, and rear-wheel-drive models get a new seven-speed automatic.
Edmunds says
With three engines to choose from, most buyers are bound to find a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan to their liking, but none can match the Audi A4 for interior style or the BMW 3 Series for athleticism.
For sale near Mountain View, CA
42 listings
- $8,000fair price$684 above market
- 86,761 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 18 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- Michellin Motors (17 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
Close
Located in Hayward, CA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBRF52H06A857068
Stock: 857068
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-29-2025 - 101,958 miles
- 1 accident, 4 owners, personal use only
- 18 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- Apex Autonet (319 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
Close
Located in Alhambra, CA
NO hidden fees! NO dealer accessories markup!*** Well maintained! Clean car inside and out *** Guaranteed CLEAN TITLE *** *** BUY WITH CONFIDENCE! Exp...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBRF52H46F832645
Stock: APEX25562
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-19-2025
Vehicle overview
The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, introduced in 2001, replaced the more traditionally styled version (1994-2000), which had in turn succeeded the small, boxy and rather drab 190 Series (1984-1993). Aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series, the C-Class lineup touts the typical Benz virtues of solidity, safety and comfort. With styling cues (such as a low hoodline, arced roofline and triangular taillights) evocative of the flagship S-Class, this Mercedes-Benz car has no trouble drawing admiring glances.
Mercedes has eliminated the wagon and coupe body styles from the lineup for 2006, but three V6 engine choices and the availability of Sport and Luxury trims give you plenty of options to consider when equipping a C-Class sedan. Never one to keep the best safety equipment just for its most expensive models, Mercedes-Benz provides the C-Class buyer with a reassuring roster of the latest advances in safety technology. Stability control, BrakeAssist and side curtain airbags are all at the ready to help avoid an accident or protect the occupants in case said accident is imminent.
High pricing is the main disadvantage to buying the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The entry-level Benz generally costs more than every other car in its class, including sought after models like the A4 and 3 Series. This fact, alongside the Benz's small backseat, rather ordinary interior accommodations (compared to the A4) and modest athleticism (compared to the 3 Series), makes us less enthusiastic about giving it a full recommendation, particularly to people on a budget. What's more, competition is increasing in this price range, and value leaders like the Acura TSX and Infiniti G35 offer a high level of performance and luxury for the price paid. Ultimately, though, we do recognize the appeal of the C-Class: Whether you're a young and active single, a weekend driving enthusiast or a family chauffeur, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class can get you around in relative comfort while providing more than a dash of style, prestige and fun.
Performance & mpg
Three engines see duty in the Mercedes C-Class lineup. The C230 has a 201-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6. The C280 has a 3.0-liter V6 with 228 hp. And the C350 employs a 3.5-liter V6 good for 268 hp. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual, five-speed automatic and seven-speed automatic. Sport models get the manual standard, while Luxury models come with an automatic only. All Sport models are rear-wheel drive, but Luxury models are available with either rear-drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The seven-speed automatic is available on rear-drive models only, while the five-speed unit is found only on 4Matics.
Safety
In addition to expected safety features, such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes and three-point seatbelts with tension limiters for all occupants, every C-Class boasts stability control and six airbags that include front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional. In government crash tests, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class scored four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts and five stars for front and rear side-impact protection. The IIHS gave the C-Class a "Good" rating (its highest) for its performance in the 40-mph frontal offset crash test, and named it a "Best Pick" overall. The C-Class earned an "Acceptable" rating (second-highest) in IIHS side-impact testing.
Driving
As you would expect, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a comfortable car that excels at pampering its occupants. It's also more sporting than previous small Benzes, and the Sport sedans, in particular, are fun to drive, though don't expect the razor-sharp manners of the 3 Series. Each of the V6 engines delivers solid, refined performance.
Interior
In the past, C-Class interiors were nothing special, but last year's upgrades included new gauges, controls and seats, finally giving the entry-level Mercedes-Benz car the slick look it should have always had. As the sedan is compact in size, there isn't a lot of legroom in the backseat, and adult occupants are apt to complain on anything more than short trips.
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models
For 2006, the compact Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available only as a sedan in a handful of flavors -- the C230 and C350 Sport Sedans, and the C280 and C350 Luxury Sedans. Sporty and affordable, the C230 Sport Sedan comes with 17-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, cloth sport seats, dual-zone climate control and a CD stereo. The C280 Luxury Sedan version offers a bigger engine but is more mild-mannered in personality, offering 16-inch wheels, softer suspension tuning, leather/cloth seating and genuine wood trim. Step up to the C350 Luxury Sedan to enjoy the top-line V6 and 10-way power seats with memory. The C350 Sport Sedan comes with all of this, plus 17-inch wheels, a firmer suspension and sport seats. On the options list you'll find features like full leather upholstery, HID headlights, a DVD-based navigation system, a 12-speaker Harman-Kardon Logic 7 sound system and satellite radio.
Compare 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$287/mo for C-Class C230 Sport
C-Class C230 Sport
vs
$225/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
7 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 24V874000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2024120001
- Manufactured from:
- 2000-05-18 to 2010-07-19
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 33456
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
- Defect Consequence:
- A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
- Recall Number:
- 22V954000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2023010004
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 131653
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
- Defect Consequence:
- A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
- Recall Number:
- 21V196000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021040012
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 11356
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
- Defect Consequence:
- A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.
- Recall Number:
- 19V918000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2020040011
- Manufactured from:
- 2006-01-16 to 2006-08-21
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 747928
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
- Defect Consequence:
- A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
- Recall Number:
- 16V081000
- Manufactured from:
- 2009-06-08 to 2011-09-15
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 711266
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2006-2007 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 08V303000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2008 07000
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-08-01 to 2007-01-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 404
- Defect Description:
- MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 05V560000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2006020005
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-05-01 to 2005-11-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 61000
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPORT MODEL STEERING WHEELS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN CERTAIN LOW RISK AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TESTS CONDUCTED BY NHTSA, USING AN OUT-OF-POSITION UNBELTED 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE CRASH TEST DUMMY, IRREGULARITIES WERE DEMONSTRATED INDICATING THAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED IN A CRASH.
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- unlimited years / unlimited miles
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
nothing but love for this lil guy!
5 out of 5 starsColin C, 11/10/2017
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4MATIC Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got rid of my 2014 (F30) BMW 335i xDrive in favor of this 10 year old Benz. I've always loved the way they looked and how comfy they were, so even though some may see it as a "downgrade", I have been nothing but happily surprised with this car. It's easily the most comfortable, quiet, soft, forgiving car I have ever had the pleasure of owning. It has … never stranded me, and has only needed new tires and two oil changes since I got it a year and a half ago. I get compliments on it everywhere I go, and I love driving it. The engine pulls and sounds incredible. I would buy this 100 times over. I'm a Mercedes diehard now because of this car.
Enjoyable drive
4.88 out of 5 starsKS, 11/15/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
I have owned this car for 7 months now. To sum my experience up: I like it. Love the look (mine is black). The one-hour drive I spend everyday to/from work is enjoyable, relaxing and comfortable. The car is very responsive (for a mild driver), turns corners very well. It feels 'solid' as you maneuver it. I did not like the fact that the default CD does not read MP3 files, which was not … mentioned anywhere when I did my research before purchase (fortunately I got the 6CD option). Gas mileage for my first 8000 city/highway miles is around 26.5MPG. Having seen some complaints about Benz's reliability elsewhere, mine is so far trouble-free. Hope it will remain so.
2006 Mercedes C230 sport
5 out of 5 starsmike marashdeh, 02/20/2017
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
best car I ever owned Comfortable sporty and Luxury ride with great Fuel Economy (25-30 miles/gal.). Low Maintenance Cost (comparing to other classes of Mercedes) with powerful engine and smooth transmission
44,000 miles and stuck in 2nd gear
3.38 out of 5 starssousame, 09/05/2011
2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
I have babied this car! freeway mostly easy on the gas pedal ext...
first the trans would randomly be stuck in 3rd gear as im driving. I would have to stop turn the key off then restart.
I was going to take it to the dealership soon but now i cant even do that it wont shift into anything but 2nd or reverse or park.
very very very disapointed in this high dollar vehicle.
will be even … more so if there is not a recall on this.
i didnt blow my bank account and pay cash for something that wont even last me 44,000 mile....
will update soon with my results....
2006 C-Class Highlights
Sedan
C230 Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $29,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $287/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the C-Class include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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