Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse 205 C 300, 245 PS, 7-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2015–2016)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Mercedes C-Class W205 (2014-2021): known problems and buying guide

  A solid premium saloon, but check the steering coupling recall, the air suspension and the engine fire warning before you buy.

• Gearbox guide Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9) 7-speed automatic: problems, costs and what to check

  Buy only with fluid records and a clean full-system scan, and avoid any car that has run in limp mode or judders at a steady speed.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Air suspension: Park the car overnight and check whether a corner sinks. A scanner reads the level sensors and fault memory. Bad result: a low corner, a compressor that runs all the time, or cockpit warnings.
2. Timing chain: On M274 petrol engines, listen for a metallic rattle on cold start and look for oil stains. A scanner reads stored timing faults. Bad result: a rattle that lasts several seconds, or stored faults.
3. Front axle: On a lift, check the ball joints and axle mounts for play. Drive over bumps and listen. Bad result: play in a joint, or knocking from the front.
4. Steering coupling: Ask a Mercedes dealer to confirm the steering coupling lock by VIN. The check is free. Bad result: an open campaign, or noise and steering problems on the test drive.
5. Infotainment: Test every screen, the touchpad and the voice control. A scanner shows the software version. Bad result: freezes, reboots or a dead touchpad.
6. Rear drains: Check the drains at the rear window and sunroof, and the rear footwell for damp. Bad result: damp in the footwell or warnings from the electrics.
7. 12 V battery: Test the battery after the car has stood. Use a battery tester. Bad result: low voltage, or start-stop that stays off.

From the gearbox guide

1. Read the shift pressure data with XENTRY or an equal Mercedes scanner. Bad result: pressure deviations above 0.5 bar, or adaptation values above 30 percent. Those point to valve body wear.
2. Read the full gearbox fault memory with a full-system scanner. An engine-only OBD2 reader does not show it. Bad result: speed sensor codes P0717, P0718, P0722 or P0793, or any stored limp mode.
3. Test drive cold and warm, and pull away from a stop. Bad result: stuck in 2nd, slipping between 1st and 2nd, or limp mode at about 48 km/h (30 mph).
4. Hold a steady light throttle at about 60 km/h. Bad result: a shudder or hum. A scanner shows converter slip; 5 to 25 rpm is normal, and above about 80 rpm points to clutch wear.
5. Ask for the fluid invoices and check the fluid. Bad result: no change after about 80,000 km, dark brown or black fluid, a burnt smell, or a fluid other than the one for the build. A wrong fluid can cause code P0741. Red-amber is the correct colour.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions