Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
457–525 PS
6.2L V8 AMG Benzin
Last Naturally Aspirated AMG — 457 hp V8 in C-Class Format
Legendary!457–525 PS
6.2L V8 AMG Benzin
10 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204 is available as Limousine and T-Modell — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204 is available with 12 engine variants — from 82 to 525 hp. 5 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz C 180 CDI (Diesel, 120 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM640 (2010–2014, Be Careful) und OM651DE22 (2010–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the C 180 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz C 200 CDI (Diesel, 102–136 PS) comes with 4 different engines: OM646 (2007–2011, Be Careful) und OM646 (2007–2009, Be Careful) und OM646 (2007–2009, Be Careful) und OM651DE22 (2011–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the C 200 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI (Diesel, 163–170 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM651DE22 (2007–2014, Stay Away!) und OM651DE22 (2007–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the C 220 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI (Diesel, 204 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz C 350 CDI (Diesel, 231 PS) has the OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 (Benziner, 457–487 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M156 (2007–2014, Stay Away!) und M156 (2007–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the AMG C 63!
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 Black Series (Benziner, 517 PS) has the M156 (6.2L V8 AMG) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz C 180 (Benziner, 156 PS) has the M271 (1.8L Kompressor) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz C 200 (Benziner, 184 PS) has the M271 (1.8L Kompressor) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz C 250 (Benziner, 204 PS) has the M271 (1.8L Kompressor) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz C 300 (Benziner, 231 PS) has the M272 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz C 350 (Benziner, 272–306 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M272 (2007–2014, Stay Away!) und M276 (2011–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the C 350!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear subframe rust — safety-critical Rear subframe rusts from the inside out. Problem not immediately visible externally. In severe cases the rear differential can shift. Symptoms: No visible rust in early stages, MOT failure, changed rear handling from 120,000 km | High | |
| Rear Subframe Corroded Through — Safety Risk W204 rear subframes systematically rust through from the inside. Powder coat cracks and moisture penetrates. Mercedes replaces under goodwill (15 years from first registration). In extreme cases the axle breaks. Symptoms: No visible symptoms until fracture, MOT issues rear axle, visible rust at underbody inspection from 130,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 64 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204 (2007–2014) — 57 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel), M271 (1.8L Kompressor), M272 (3.0-3.5L V6), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel), M156 (6.2L V8 AMG). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Brakes, Electronics.
C-Klasse (OM651DE22, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 163–170 PS.
C-Klasse (OM642, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 224–231 PS.
C-Klasse (OM646, 2007–2011) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel — Rivets Shear, Injectors Coked — Elevated Return Quantities, Wrong Belt Tensioner Fitted — Risk of Mix-Up. Power: 136 PS.
C-Klasse (OM646, 2007–2009) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel — Rivets Shear, Injectors Coked — Elevated Return Quantities, Wrong Belt Tensioner Fitted — Risk of Mix-Up. Power: 102 PS.
C-Klasse (OM646, 2007–2009) — Be Careful: Dual-Mass Flywheel — Rivets Shear, Injectors Coked — Elevated Return Quantities, Wrong Belt Tensioner Fitted — Risk of Mix-Up. Power: 122 PS.
C-Klasse (OM651DE22, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 204 PS.
C-Klasse (OM640, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Injectors Leaking — Tar Deposits and Pressure Loss, Timing Chain Rattles — Chain Tensioner Worn, EGR Valve Coked Up and Stuck. Power: 120 PS.
C-Klasse (OM651DE22, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 120–122 PS.
C-Klasse (OM651DE22, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 136 PS.
C-Klasse (M271, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches Prematurely, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Connector. Power: 156–163 PS.
C-Klasse (M271, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches Prematurely, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Connector. Power: 184 PS.
C-Klasse (M272, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 231 PS.
C-Klasse (M272, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 272 PS.
C-Klasse (M156, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Head Bolt Corrosion — Coolant in Combustion Chamber, Camshaft Wear — Cold-Start Lubrication Deficit, Camshaft Adjuster — Locking Plate Wears Out. Power: 457 PS.
C-Klasse (M156, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Head Bolt Corrosion — Coolant in Combustion Chamber, Camshaft Wear — Cold-Start Lubrication Deficit, Camshaft Adjuster — Locking Plate Wears Out. Power: 481–487 PS.
C-Klasse (M271, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches Prematurely, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Connector. Power: 204 PS.
C-Klasse (M276, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking in the V-block, Camshaft adjuster leaking — wiring harness contaminated, Piston slap (early 3.5L variants). Power: 306 PS.
C-Klasse (M156, 2012–2014) — Stay Away!: Head Bolt Corrosion — Coolant in Combustion Chamber, Camshaft Wear — Cold-Start Lubrication Deficit, Camshaft Adjuster — Locking Plate Wears Out. Power: 517 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee