Mercedes-Benz C 160 Cabrio
Modular four-cylinder turbo of the first compact platform generation. Known for timing chain stretch and thermostat issues. Adequate power up to 156 hp.
Convertible Bonus Rescues Much
95 kW in the W205 Cabriolet — the engine is modest, but the convertible feeling and open-air driving give genuine pleasure. With more engine it would be significantly better.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The sealing ring on the camshaft adjuster solenoid fails. Oil creeps by capillary action through the wiring harness and destroys lambda sensors and the ECU. Repair €1,700–€4,000.
Symptoms: Lambda sensor fault codes, engine stumbling, CEL. In later stages multiple electrical faults simultaneously, ECU coated with oil
M270 engines with manufacturing date July–September 2015 have a defective weld seam on the camshaft lobe. Camshaft can break → engine damage. Recall with free replacement.
Symptoms: Sudden engine noise, power loss up to engine stall. Only vehicles with production date July–September 2015 affected
The electrically-controlled thermostat on the M270 fails frequently and is difficult to access at the rear of the engine. Replacement costs 800–1,300 EUR at Mercedes workshops.
Symptoms: Engine does not reach operating temperature of 80°C, coolant temperature fluctuates, fault code P0128
M270 camshaft adjusters wear from 100,000–130,000 km and generate rattling noises on cold start. Revised adjusters fitted from 2014 onward.
Symptoms: Brief rattling or clattering after cold start from engine bay, disappears after warm-up
The electronically controlled thermostat on the M270DE16 fails frequently and throws fault code P0128. Engine fails to reach operating temperature or overheats sporadically. Repair at Mercedes €800–€1,000.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge stays low or fluctuates, CEL, increased fuel consumption, fault code P0128
Direct injection without port injection causes carbon deposits on the M270 intake valves. Cleaning by walnut shell blasting required.
Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, rough idle, slight power loss, elevated fuel consumption
Ignition coils on the M270DE16 fail sporadically and cause misfires in individual cylinders. Engine runs roughly, CEL illuminates.
Symptoms: Stumbling and rough engine at low revs, CEL flashing or permanently lit, cylinder-specific misfire fault codes
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
Longitudinal members, jack-point attachment holes and rear axle subframe rust through. MB offers goodwill replacement.
Polycarbonate blind cover of the panoramic roof incorrectly bonded. When opening, the blind can come loose. Recalled by MB.
Ball joints on the wheel-side wishbone and rubber-metal bushes wear. New suspension geometry makes repairs more involved.
Some W205 models discharge the battery unusually quickly during extended parking. Cause: elevated quiescent current draw from control units.
The W205 shows above-average front axle issues from the second MOT onwards according to TÜV statistics. Worn control arms and drop links are the main causes.
W205 A/C fails with 'Air conditioning off' without a fault code in the onboard computer. Often the compressor or A/C control unit is defective.
Panoramic roof on the W205 creaks when opening and closing. Guide linkage can bend and jam the roof. Repair often requires complete removal.
The tensioning cables of the convertible hood inner lining fray through mechanical friction and tear. Approximately 1 cm gap remains when closing. Mercedes repair approximately €2,700, 50% goodwill possible.
With a wet roof, water collects in the door frame seal profiles of the side windows. When the door is opened, the collected water runs onto the seat. Problem more pronounced with Easy Entry function.
Reports & Tests
1503 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2014–2021). Most reported: Engine (402), Other (235), Airbags (219).