C200CDI BlueEfficiency Estate

Decent car but Mercedes engineering not what it used to be

I've done over 100,000 miles in this car, total mileage now 113,000. I was intending to keep it for another 3-4 years but it's had a number of issues in the past 18 months. Failed wheel sensor (there are 8 different systems linked to the wheel sensors including ABS, Cruise control, ESP, tyre pressure sensors, parking sensors etc). Not too expensive but annoying. Dealer failed the car at MOT due to corroded brake pipes - on a 6 year old car! I took it to another MOT station for a second opinion and the result was a pass with the comment that the garage had sc***ed off some surface corrosion and painted the affected section of line. This latter garage is someone that I trust BTW. Dealer quoted me a "discounted" price of £1,200 + VAT to replace the lines.

Dealer has also wanted to change my tyres with 3.0mm left on them (!) and also quoted me for brake pads and discs. When I pointed out that they had replaced the discs and pads only 14,000 miles earlier there was a sudden volte-face and an excuse of "sorry we got your registration mixed up with another vehicle" - yeah, right.

A few other minor niggles that have cost money, but the big one is that the engine has developed the dreaded OM651 engine cam chain rattle [google it]. Dealer price for this repair is over £1,600+VAT. Even specialists are quoting £700+ to replace the chain and tensioner. Dealer has been less than sympathetic or helpful as have MBUK.

Dealers (Inchcape) have really gone downhill in past 2 years and often tries to pull the wool over repairs and service items to the point where I have no trust in them any more. I'm also very disappointed that the engine now needs major work which I don't think should be necessary at the mileage and given that it has spent most of the time on the motorway. I'm very unlikely to purchase another Mercedes, and not from this dealer.

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