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Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 Estate common faults.

2018–2021, estate, petrol, 156 HP.

The fault list covers: M264E15DEAL engine, MB7229, MB7250 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

3 fault write-ups. All are important. 21 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

3 important faults

On the transverse M260 and longitudinal M264 four cylinder petrol engines the valve seat or the valve guide wears early. The symptom: check engine light, rough running, misfire on one or more cylinders. Sometimes without any fault code being stored.

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According to the maker's official service bulletin (LI01.30-P-072328) the valve seat leaks. After the leak test, if a leak is found at the valves, the whole cylinder head has to be replaced: the valve seat cannot be refurbished. The roller width of the intake and exhaust side followers differs, and swapping them is prohibited.

In the United States the maker announced a 15 year / 150,000 mile (about 240,000 km) extended emissions warranty for the M260 group (MY2019 to 2022 A / CLA / GLA / GLB). Outside the United States that programme does not apply automatically, but the fault is the same mechanism. The GLB 250, the CLA 250 and the A 220 use this engine.

between 40,000 and 150,000 km

What to check

  • Ask for a fault code read: misfire codes of the P0300 / P030x kind and mixture formation codes are suspect
  • On a cold start watch for rough running and the check engine light
  • Ask whether the cylinder head has already been replaced: according to the service bulletin that is the repair, not valve lapping
2 more steps in the write-up

In the official complaint database the 2014 to 2018 model years account for 230 complaints, and 378 across the whole corpus.

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The characteristic course of events: the panoramic roof glass shatters while driving, with no impact, with a loud bang. Across the whole group 108 complaints use the wording "exploded / shattered into pieces", 155 say it happened while driving, 38 specifically note that nothing struck the roof, and 43 complaints mention injury or cuts from the glass.

By measurement the affected group is primarily the W205 C-Class (2015 to 2017), plus the MFA platform GLA (X156) and CLA (C117) in the 2014 to 2015 model years.

There is no rattle beforehand and no warning. The traces of a replacement show on the seal and the bonding. The replacement is not cheap, and the broken glass falls into the cabin.

The complaint database is American, and the panoramic roof is more common there as an option. The phenomenon itself does not depend on the market.

between 48,000 and 161,000 kmreported complaints only

What to check

  • Ask whether the panoramic roof glass has already been replaced: the traces show on the seal and the bonding
  • Look at the edge of the roof from outside and inside: cracks, chips, signs of earlier repair
  • Ask for the service history and any trace of an insurance claim (glass damage)
2 more steps in the write-up

In the Mercedes 7 speed 722.9 automatic (7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus) the mechatronics unit and the conductor plate (Leiterplatte) age over time: jerking on shifts, delayed engagement, a "Getriebe schützen" message, and fault codes on the gearbox electronics.

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The repair is typically replacing the mechatronics unit or the conductor plate together with an oil change: not the whole gearbox. The complaint is most common on the longitudinal platforms from around 2005 to 2015 (C/E/ML and the early GLC).

The 9G-Tronic (725.0) is a different design; this applies only to the 7G.

between 100,000 and 220,000 km

What to check

  • Try it cold and warm: a delayed 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 shift is suspect
  • Watch for the gearbox warning or the "Getriebe schützen" message on the dash
  • Ask for a fault code read on the gearbox controller (not just the engine codes)
1 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 Estate

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall21 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

A12/00045/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits. This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00323/21Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The maximum permissible operating temperature of individual diodes on the alternator rectifier bridge could be exceeded and the diodes could subsequently fail. Consequently, an improper flow of current from the on-board electrical system battery through the alternator to the vehicle earth could occur. As a result, the windings in the alternator stator could be heated to such an extent that an outbreak of fire cannot be ruled out.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00669/21Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Faulty connection of the inerting system’s gas pipes could impair the intended distribution of argon shielding gas to the points where there could be contact between the leaking refrigerant R1234yf and hot engine components in the event of an accident. This would reduce the cooling effect of the inerting gas, leading to increased risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00902/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The brake discs installed on the front axle may be too small (in diameter and thickness) and would not sit symmetrically in the brake calliper. As a result, the brake lining can wear out and a gap between the piston and the sealing ring can be formed, allowing brake fluid to leak out. This will impair the braking performance, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01178/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The ESP control unit software does not comply with the specifications and may not be able to adapt to the type of brakes installed. This can cause the ESP system to be unable to respond as intended to a possible drift of the yaw rate sensor or to a failure of the brake vacuum supply. As a result, the ESP intervention may be inappropriate to the driving situation, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01336/20Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to the lack of documentation, there is no confirmation that the screw connections of the turbocharger’s oil-supply and oil-return pipes were correctly executed during the assembly process. In the event of a loose screw connection, oil might leak at the oil-supply and/or oil-return pipe of the turbocharger. The leaking oil might then come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0135/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The steering wheel may not be correctly connected with the steering gearbox. This could lead to loss of steering of the vehicle increasing the risk of accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01532/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The belt tensioner arm may have been manufactured with a borderline tolerance, which could cause one side of the V-ribbed belt to rub against the belt tensioner, causing it to fail. As a result, the coolant pump may stop working, causing the engine to overheat, thus compromising the impermeability of the oil sump. Consequently, oil may leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01557/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

In certain GLE/GLS (BR 167) and C-class vehicles, the seats might be constructed incomplete or with unintended trim, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0163/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

In vehicles with automatic child-seat detection, the status shown in the centre console of the passenger airbags may not be correctly indicated. In this case, the vehicle users would not be correctly informed of the actual activation status of the passenger airbag and may not react appropriately to a potentially false passenger classification, thereby increasing the risk of injury for passengers in the event of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0164/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

There may be cracks in a securing nut in the steering gear of rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The nut could consequently break if the steering system is subject to a very high lateral force, which could result in rotating parts in the steering gear affecting the casing and thereby blocking the steering system.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0220/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

A defective sensor installed within the electrical power steering system may lead to deactivation of the power steering assistance. As a consequence, there is an increased risk of accidents.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0268/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The sensors in some seatbelt locks may not have been adequately manufactured. Consequently, they might not detect a correctly fastened seatbelt and thus not activate the pre-tensioner systems (electric and pyrotechnic). In the event of an accident, these might not work leading to a limited restraint capacity and increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0296/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

In vehicles with rear-wheel drive, a lock nut in the steering gear may be cracked. Consequently, when the steering is placed under high forces it could break, which would block the steering gear and increase the risk of accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0685/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The sleep mode functionality of the electronic parking brake within the electronic stability programme (ESP) software may be defective. As a result, the brake lights may be permanently activated or the ESP function could be deactivated, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0775/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The welding of the backrests of the driver's and front passenger's seats may be defective. In the event of an accident, the welding could break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat in question.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0852/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The casing material of the gas generator of the driver airbag may be defective. In the event that the airbag is deployed, the airbag may not protect the driver and detached parts might enter the passenger compartment causing injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1130/19Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The fixing screws for the turbocharger oil return line and the crankcase breather pipe may have been interchanged. Due to a screw being too long, the pre-tensioning force of the screw connection may be insufficient and oil could leak from the turbocharger oil return line. As a result, oil could come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1382/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The lower engine compartment cover lacks the necessary left-hand gap for the exhaust system. As a result, the exhaust system temperatures resulting from operation at full load could lead to the cover catching fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1554/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The bolts which connect the cross-member of the trailer coupling device (towbar) to the vehicle may not have been tightened with the correct torque. As a result, the cross-member and the trailer could be completely detached from the vehicle, endangering the following traffic and increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1794/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The fixing screw connecting the base holder of the manual control device may not be correctly fitted. This can impair the control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

1 engines · 2 transmissions

M264E15DEAL

10–115 kW (14–156 HP) · petrol

MB7229 · 7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus, longitudinal (Mercedes 722.9 / NAG2)

automatic · 7 speed

Torque limit700 Nm
MakerMercedes-Benz

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one transmission is possible. 7 gears = MB7229, 9 gears = MB7250.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
C 180 Estate
Body
estate
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
1497 cc
Power
115 kW (156 HP)
Drive
RWD
Production
2018–2021

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years
  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years
  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)
  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms