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Before the next post that says MB or BMW build better cars, check this out from Autoweek:
Mercedes-Benz C320 Sport Wagon: Third-quarter update
WHEN WE TOOK DELIVERY of our C320 Sport Wagon we wondered whether it would prove to be good value for the money. Considering the $45,685 price tag, a lot was expected and the C320 delivered—at first. After nine months and 22,000 miles, we’re still in love with the dynamics, but there have been too many faults.
A car many expected to be bulletproof has been anything but. The first problem encount- ered this quarter was a broken trim piece around the shifter, allowing the shift boot to flap around.
THIRD-QUARTER UPDATE
Miles Driven: 6823
Fuel Mileage: 22.09 mpg
Maintenance: Shifter replaced (warranty); front antiroll bar bushings cleaned and lubricated (warranty); differential replaced (warranty); right fog lamp lens replaced (warranty); oil and filter change (warranty)
The unit’s one-piece design required replacing the entire shift handle. The next cause for concern was a series of creaks and clunks from the front suspension at 17,000 miles. “It sounds like the car’s had aftermarket polyurethane bushings installed,” wrote one editor. Our dealer cleaned and lubricated the front antiroll bar bushings, solving the problem.
At the same time we noticed at highway speeds an odd whine emanating from the driveline. The cause? A suspect differential, replaced under warranty. When we discovered water in one of the front fog lamps, we rolled our eyes and set out for the dealer yet again.
All is not bad. The C320 remains a staff favorite in terms of utility and performance. Dynamically, the car has suffered little in nine months. If only we could get more seat time in between glitches.
The latest? The CD player won’t recognize discs, insisting there’s nothing to play when the changer is loaded. The front passenger seat headrest refuses to fully retract, and the glovebox fell off. Not the door—the whole glovebox.
We can’t complain about the service we’ve received from our local dealership; it has handled every problem quickly and painlessly, all under warranty. Which is good, since we’ll probably be heading back soon.
posted by 216.205.22...
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