Mercedes W204 (C300 C350 C63AMG) Buyer's Guide - Review, Common Problems & Failures 

I bought a 2009 c300 with about 3k miles in 2010, its now at almost 180k running perfect with 0 issues the entire time ive owned it very reliable car

i wasn't even looking for a Merc....but I watched the entire video, very well done

I found this information extremely helpful, thank you for such a clear & precise explanation! (keep up the great work)

Good job, well spoken and im actually amazed how smooth and professional everything is layed out and videography and transissions are supurb. well done.

Great video, everything explained accurately and clearly! Well done man Look fwd to more content like this.

That was the most informative video I watched. I bought a 175k km c300 and used this video to inspect, diagnose my w204. My first diy and buying kits from website helped me alot. Huge thanks

THIS GUY KNOW WHAT HE IS DOING..GREAT VIDEO!

Great vid. Smart, well articulated, concise, usable info painlessly delivered. I've had wonderful experience with purchases for my C32AMG from you folks! Now I'm looking for a C63...with new head bolts.

Absolutely fantastic video! Going to be surfing this channel looking for other gems like this.

Thank you FCP Euro this video was perfect and just in time for my purchase!

did you guys make a video for the 2012-2014 w204 yet? this has to be the best vid out there explaining issues on these cars.

Amazing detail. Thankyou, you’re doing a great service to everyone not mechanically inclined. 9 dislikes from used car dealers haha

I'm surprised you haven't mentioned the rear subframe corrosion issue. This is as well-known problem with the W204. The corrosion warranty in the US has recently been extended to 20 years so all W204s are now covered (at the time of writing - 10th July 2023). I own a 2009 C200 and recently had my rear subframe replaced under warranty. Mine is a UK car so our corrosion warranty is a bit more generous at 30 years.

Very intense details, great work 👏🏻👏🏻 A little tip I can share for the door handle, since it’s a big time to remove melted plastic bolts, best and cheapest solution with 15 min work is , Open the panel get 2 small size zip strap attached the door cable to the broken handle, wrap around the zip strap 2-3 times zip it tight, and you are done ✅ re assemble the door panel and enjoy the ride.

Great video! This video answered a lot of the questions on the used 09 C300 I just purchased.

my man u are a great reviewer, everything clear & to the point. I'm definitely a subscriber.

Quite thorough review and the info can be easily used for most modern vehicles. I am in the market for a c350,c300, or 350clk models. Mercedes 2009 to 2014 are my preference. Great job sir.😊

Great video! One problem you forgot to mention on these, is the intake tumble flap actuator tend to brake because its made of plastic! 👍

this is such a thorough & well put together video. I'm impressed

Excellent presentation style and substance. You just got a new follower!

Really helpful. Nicely done Kyle. Many thanks!

Very helpful, well done. Please keep these videos coming

Its April 2020 and I love the gorgeous style of the w204... thanks for this detailed video..you guys know so well the Mercedes C W204! great video....I'm in Madrid, Spain...damn you guys are good and would be awesome a "Shop in EU!

Loved the video. I would like to buy one in the near future but probably a newer model year. Please do the 12-15s soon :)

I typed "are c300s reliable" into the search box and FCP gave me the exact video I was looking for. Thank you guys for taking the time to make this video I feel a lot more comfortable buying a c300 now

Love this guy he does a great job!

Very informative and well researched!👍

Well done and informative video. I just picked up a 2011 C350 with 71k on it so I want to take care of it as best as possible. Thanks for the information.

Excellent work!

Very well done! A real review!

Best review on w204 that I have seen

Very informative, good self briefing before I go check out one today

Kudos! The best review I have watched!

Awesome video man, picking up my C300 Wednesday

Great stuff, please keep videos like this coming.

What an amazing video. I just got c350 4matic love the car. Only issues is I can’t find a comfortable position on the seat. I have long legs and they touch steering wheel. I also don’t like to keep my seat super close to the steering wheel.

very sharp - Love the company, great synopsis, great review and reviewer

Great review. My 2008 C300 is approaching a major milestone-155,000 miles to get an award from Benz. Having said that, I am having an issue now: whining noises. The problem: noises are more apparent when accelerate from 20-40 mph and deceleration from 40 back to 20. There is not noticeable noise at 70 mph. What exactly does that mean-where most likely is the problem. Rear right wheel bearing had been replaced at 100K miles. Front wheel bearings have been replaced at 154K miles.

Great job, very informative, well filmed

Very informative video. I wish I'd seen before I bought 2011 C300 luxury , but I do love my C300

Fantastic in depth video

Damn this is a good buyer’s guide. 👌🏻 Very professional. Off to Craigslist now to look at manual W204s.

I got a c300. Command knob was broken, Fixed it with a cnc aluminum repair part. I would add that the ac and cabin filter tend to get moldy smell.

I rarely comment. This overview is perfect 👌

Really looking forward to "Part II" for the W204. Mainly because I'm eager to learn what reliability issues were introduced with the M276 motors, such as the timing chain issues. Maybe a common issues for different engine families would be helpful.

Excellent video and guide!

Awesome video. Watching in the seat of my 08 W204 Sport + 4MATIC + Comand system. AT 150K miles both my seat is split and the comand knob won't scroll :(.

This guy makes me feel like I’m picking a car in gran turismo , love the video!

Fantastic review!

Thank you

This was awesome thank you

Great video. Very insightful. What is the main difference between pre-facelift and facelift? Is it just aesthetics? Thanks.

Thank you for the guide.

very helpful thank you

Excellent video thanks!

Great video mate!

great work thanks

very informative!

Either I missed it, but the sprocket wheel issue on the M272 engine of model years 2006-08 is a total deal breaker if not addressed.

Awesome video! Will we get a facelift w204 video?

this dude is a master.

GREAT video!!!!

Very well done

@fcpeuro thank for this, very helpful. If i may, any chance you do this for the w205 as our future buys? :)

Hey there, did you ever make the post facelift w204 buyer’s guide video? Can’t seem to find it on the channel

Very good information videos can't wait for more please made c class W205 buyers guide

Awesome video, very well done! How does the manual transmission feel/perform on these cars? Im thinking of buying a C200K with a stick. Do they use the same transmission as in your c300? Thank you!

Great video

Perfect review...

I'm intrigued by the stereo on the first car you took out on the test drive. I currently own a 2009 C300 luxury I don't have a stereo system like that with the pop-up

what would you recommend on the pre facelift w204 headlight upgrade? currently have the projectors and halogen bulbs as stock.

Wow! You are very smart. Awesome!

I have a m272 equipped c207 chassis & it does have a valve cover gasket leak, or mainly a spark plug tube seal leak as my 1-3 coils were soaked, but I have no vcg weeping. You're right it must be extremely uncommon, because there's almost zero info on it. Not even sure if I found the right part # for the sealant, no info on tube seals, & not sure if I need to use the genuine gun or not to apply the sealant. Geez

Thank you so much for this extensive introduction to the C300. I am picking one up next week and I am glad I watched this video. Great job

Please do a video on air leaks on the M272/273 engines. Seems these are a very common problem which can throw off the fueling and are not so easy to pin point. Thanks.

Amazing videos ❤

Seriously awesome video!!! Im looking at a C350 coupe from 2011 (Facelift), and all this was super helpfull

Any update on the video for the 2012-2014 range???

Great video! I am a W204 09 C300 4Matic Luxury model owner and I learned a lot of things about my car. :-) Great job. If you want a an owner perspective, I would gladly volunteer me and my car. I have to say I think I got off easy from the issues you have described. The suspension issue you talked about, I have yet to experience it. If it is there, it is not noticeable. As for the power adjusting steering wheel, head unit knob or the inside door handles going, I have yet experience these issues. The only issues I have experienced that you talked about is the driver's side MB Tex seat, the rear main seal and I believe there was another leak I had fixed. I can't remember exactly. . I have to replace the driver's seat at the next service. Also I had to replace one cracked rim. I would say that is a common issue with low profile tires. As for issues that I have experienced that you did not talk about, would be replacing the transmission because the transfer case was going and the washer fluid reservoir. The washer fluid reservoir is prone to cracking. Lastly, another common issue with the W204 (08-11 MY) would be intermittent blinking or flickering of the passenger side tail and front standing lamps. Actually this affects models 08-09 maybe 2010 that have the Off, Automatic, and full headlights modes. I don't believe this is an electrical issue like a lose ground wire. I believe it is a switch issue. Also I have experienced an intermittent mirror (passenger side) turn signal light out message. Lastly, the one recall the I have experienced other than the Takata recalls would be the rear tail, brake, turn and reverse lights would be dim, full illumination or otherwise be out. This was an issue that requires a new and I believe thicker ground wire. All in all this is a reliable car.

Kyle is my guy. 💪

Good info, thank you.

Great video. So they did not make any c350s with a manual transmission? I’m looking into getting a c300 but would prefer the c350 for the horsepower and a manual tran in it.

Good information in this page. Plz provide more details about w211 E200 kompressor model 2007. Spare part, coming problems, I want to replace some plastic items but not available ( plastic above the tires, below the Wipers glass front)

Are both the c300 and c350 engines reliable?

is rhe guide for the post facelift out yet?

Does this guide apply to the face-lifted version as well? W204 2011-2014

Hello , is there any chance you can refer or explain to me in details the aesthetics and differences of Mercedes Benz c300 2012-2014 model please

Nice.

great video and info..music to loud

Can you make a Simple video of what part and install for Bluetooth music or usb conversion have the 2011 and I heard in the glove box you can plug something into it to set it up

Is there a video for after 2012?

2014 C63 or Audi S5 3.0t, I’d tune the Audi w a smaller pulley, but that V8 in the AMG 🤤

I've seen 2011 c300 manual online. Do you guys think they were converted to manuals?

Love my w204

Good vid wow

Does this include 2014 C350 sport? I want to buy one but issues is what worries me. It has 48k miles

Can you do the video on the 2012-2014 w204?

Are you guys still going to release the video for the later years of this generation

the w204 is the new w124 a long runner and perfect with the w272 v6

Can't find the other video for the facelift.