1995 Mercedes Benz 280 problems

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Suspension · 286,000 miles · NY

The lower control arm on the passenger side where the the ball joint is attached broke detaching the wheel and causing the tire to collapse. A mercedes-benz specialist in my area who repairs only mercedes-benz advised me that this is all too common with this series of mercedes-benz has ranging from 1994 to 1998 in both c class and e class vehicles. The repair shop that replaced the control arm was also surprised on how thin the sheet metal control arm is where the ball joint mounting is welded onto the sheet metal. Over time rust forms on the inside of the sheet metal which is hollow. Two weeks later the same repair shop had another customer come in with the same problem on a 1998 mercedes-benz. Mercedes-benz has never made a recoil, and does not acknowledge that there is a problem with this series of vehicles. Which in reality is a very common problem with these vehicles.

Filed Sep 24, 2012 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · NJ

While traveling, car gradually lost power until completely shut-off. Middle of a busy roadway. Vehicle would not turn on again. No power at all. Could not even turn on hazards. Thankfully, a good samaritan pulled up behind me with their flashers on and provided me with a boost that powered up my vehicle and I was able to get off the main roadway. However, once I stopped at the next stop sign the car shut down completely. Again, the same guy came to my aid. This time we let the battery charge for a much longer time. I was able to start the car but, the RPM's were going crazy. The dials were going up and down. The car was revving up and down. The fuel gauge, odometer and other gauges were at zero. Odd. I was able to drive the vehicle to my mechanic who stated that I needed a new wiring harness as he showed me the insulation on mine had completely deteriorated was causing it to short out. He stated this has been an on going problem for these vehicles and that it may cause a fire or a possible accident on the road. This repair is costing me $1700. Mb customer service are no help.

Filed Aug 23, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 202,122 miles · CO · fire · 1 injury

Car has been a good running car fro several thousand miles, however today it started, what seem to be a misfire. I checked the spark plugs, wires, igniters and they were all in good condition since they have been replaced recently. As I was driving the car at 35 miles an hour the car suddenly jerked and smoke filed the inside and would not accelerate on a busy cross road, so instant panic set in, because of the loss of vision and unable to breath from the fumes. I suffer from migraines and had to go to the doctor for a check up because my health has not been the same since. As daylight came I finally had a chance to look at the damage and it was the defective wiring harness that has been installed on certain years of mercedes benz, per the vast amount of information regarding the issue and how I am now writing about it. The car has been a good running car, but mercedes benz should own up to the problem.

Filed May 14, 2012 · Engine · 130,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 1995 mercedes benz c280. While traveling 70 MPH the contact noticed that the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning . The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated the engine wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 150,000 and the failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · FL · fire

The wire harness on my vehicle is completely deteriorated. It actually caught fire by the mass air flow sensor connector. All of the insulation on the harness is gone.

Filed Mar 8, 2011 · Acceleration, Electrical · 150,000 miles · WA

The engine wiring harness has badly deteriorated due to using poor materials. This is a very high occurring problem with this vehicle. It is very dangerous in that it can cause stalling, sudden acceleration, fire and it can also cause very expensive repairs to other vehicle systems. This is a huge problem with these cars and mercedes benz should rectify this problem out of concern for consumer safety, and expense.

Filed Oct 31, 2008 · Electrical, Fuel system · 10,900 miles · FL

Rotted disintegrated wiring in engine compartment. Electrical problem--dashboard lights that go on and off intermittently---- ABS, clock, outside temp gauge, rear defroster. Had problems with ignition---wiring was "patched up" as best as it could be and starter had to be replaced. This is a 1995 c-280 with approx. 118000 mi. I have also had an unrelated problem which, according to my benz mech, just like the electrical problem, is characteristic of these cars,was a disintegrating gas hose that had gasoline spewing everywhere. The three (expensive) hoses were replaced. The manufacturer needs to show responsibility for these problems. Perhaps a class action suit might stir them up.

Filed Oct 9, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 106,100 miles · CA

1.temperature and fuel gauge has intermittent issues. Engine stalled while driving one cold morning. 2. Engine stalls / stutters when cold. Lost power to car and almost hit a wall trying to stop the car. 3 3. No money to correct the issue yet. I drive a different car daily and try to avoid using this one.

Filed Sep 6, 2008 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · CA

The wires in my engine harness to my 1995 mercedes benz c280,the insulation of the wires disintegrated(turned to dust).its been said that it is a factory defect and that mercedes doesn't want anything to do with it .we are currently in the process of paying $1300 problem (we will keep the old part).mercedes is cashing in on there mistake.

Filed Apr 30, 2008 · Electrical · 84,000 miles · TX · 1 injury

Engine wire harness all wire insulations in the harness are in a serious disintegrated and are shorting out on each other in a wrapped up harness configuration my god is anyone going to look at this .