Purchasing a Mercedes-Benz is often associated with luxury and reliability, but for one new owner, their experience with a 2002 Benz C320 has been anything but smooth. Just four weeks after buying a seemingly pristine, low-mileage 2002 C320 from a dealer in Buena Park, CA, a series of electrical problems have turned the dream of Mercedes ownership into a frustrating ordeal. This is their story, detailing the issues encountered and the struggle to get them resolved.
The initial warning signs appeared even before driving the car off the lot. During the test drive, the 2002 Benz C320 failed to start and required a jump start. Dismissing this as a minor inconvenience, the salesman attributed it to cars sitting idle and a common “Mercedes issue” – a statement that would soon prove to be a significant understatement. Despite this red flag, the allure of a clean, 74,000-mile Benz C320 at a price of $17,990 was enough to proceed with the purchase. To further alleviate concerns, the salesman mentioned installing a new battery while the paperwork was being finalized, a gesture that seemed reassuring at the time.
However, the relief was short-lived. Just a day or two after bringing the 2002 Benz C320 home and parking it in the garage for two days, the car was completely dead. The battery had drained again. This immediately raised alarm bells. Attempting a quick fix, the owner purchased a battery charger, hoping it was an isolated incident. Unfortunately, the issue recurred, forcing another charge and a trip back to the dealership to address the persistent electrical drain. Adding to the list of concerns, a noticeable clicking noise emanating from the driver’s side foot pedals upon starting the car further fueled anxieties about the vehicle’s condition.
Back at the dealership, the 2002 Benz C320 was presented for diagnosis, outlining the battery drain and the clicking noise. The expectation was that these issues, surfacing so soon after purchase, would be covered, especially considering the additional purchase of a 40,000-mile extended warranty. However, the service department’s assessment brought more bad news. The clicking noise was attributed to a “LEFT FOOTWELL FLAPS ACTUATOR MOTOR AND ARM FAILURE.” More critically, the battery drain was diagnosed as being caused by “DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CONTROL MODULES DRAINING BATTERY WHEN KEY OFF.” The estimated repair cost for these pre-existing problems totaled a staggering $2000.
Despite the recent purchase and the extended warranty, the dealership declared these issues were not covered, leaving the owner with a hefty repair bill for problems that were likely present at the time of sale. The reputable dealer image quickly dissolved as managers became unresponsive and unhelpful. Faced with an unexpected $2000 expense for unresolved issues and a $220 diagnostic fee, the owner decided to retrieve the unrepaired 2002 Benz C320.
Now, the reality is a Mercedes-Benz C320 that requires a battery charger to be driven. Beyond the major electrical faults, new problems are emerging. The sunroof now struggles to open, inching open only with repeated button presses, while the instrument display panel is showing signs of fading. Furthermore, the temperature reading on the display has become erratic, showing implausible readings like “138 degrees” before fluctuating wildly.
This experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering purchasing a used 2002 Benz C320 or any used luxury vehicle. While the allure of a Mercedes-Benz is undeniable, thorough pre-purchase inspections and a critical assessment of any warning signs are crucial. This owner’s ordeal highlights the potential for hidden issues and the importance of dealing with reputable sellers who stand behind their vehicles. For now, legal avenues are being explored to address the dealership’s lack of support, and the search for DIY fixes or reliable repair solutions for these 2002 Benz C320 electrical problems begins.
