2001 Mercedes Benz C320: battery drain or dead battery

Filed Apr 29, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 75,000 miles · MI

My 2001 mercedes-benz c320's battery was constantly going bad and having to be jumped after not starting it or driving it for approx. 24 hours. Finally, after a certified mercedes mechanic investigated the problem, he informed me that the problem originated from the driver's seat module, which was draining my battery. He informed me that if I unplugged it for the time being, my battery would no longer drain. Sure enough, after unplugging the seat module, I no longer had issues with my battery draining. The seat module controls seat adjustments as well as steering wheel adjustments, so this is very inconvenient, and unsafe, because there are times, when I have to plug the module in adjust my seat or steering wheel, and it does not work, and I'm stuck with the seats or steering wheel in an uncomfortable position. I have also had problems with brake (stop) lights, turn signal lights, etc., in which the vehicle indicator states that particular lights are malfunctioning, and then after awhile it goes away, and then days later, the lights are inoperable again. I have spent quite a bit of money replacing bulbs. I originally purchased this vehicle in 2004 when it was still under warranty.

Filed Sep 11, 2013 · Electrical, Seats · 53,000 miles · CA

Power control seat & steering column module/regulator went out & before it did it use to drain the battery where car wouldn't start if sat for less than 24hrs, so had to unplug but now the entire system doesn't work plugged in. I can barely reach the pedals to drive properly, this is a safety hazard & needs to be a recall. It also needs to be a way to manually adjust. Thank you

Filed Dec 7, 2012 · Electrical · 64,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz c320. The contact stated that she attempted to start the vehicle but it would not start. The dealer sent someone to charge the battery. The contact stated that the failure recurred three additional times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the driver's seat was draining the battery. The dealer disconnected the fuse for the seat but the contact was unable to adjust the seat when needed. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 64,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Apr 4, 2012 · Seats · 85,500 miles · CA

After replacing my battery I learned on line that the mercedes have a problem with their seats where they drain the battery and cannot hold a charge. After having my car jump started 5 times I took it to my mechanic who confirmed it was being drained by the seats....makes no sense. However, apparently it is happening to many people with this year and make of car. Mercedes is not standing behind their defective product. This is not ok....

Filed Jun 14, 2010 · Electrical, Seats · 45,000 miles · 00

I also have a 2001 c320 since new here in south africa and I have the same problem with the electric front seats draining the battery. If it stands for more than 2 days the battery is flat. It's a problem because it also influences the other electrical accessories as the battery has to be charged and in some cases jump started. While this can be done successfully if you are stuck out of home base sometimes you cannot manage the recovery team that cause all types of voltage spikes when trying to get the car on line again. It seems ludicrous that a seat motor that does not work hard at all can cause this problem. Really not the excellence in engineering I expect from this marque. Here is the VIN no [xxx] as I cannot enter it a few steps later as it does not accept it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 10, 2009 · Electrical, Seats · 82,000 miles · CA

We own a 2001 mercedes c320 and have had several problems with the electrical systems all related to the power seat assemblies draining the battery over night. We have had them replaced by the dealer, first time was under warranty, and now- just about a year or so later, same problem. If we unplug the power seats, the batter does not drain. We know we are not the only ones with this problem, see www.benzworld.org/forums/mb-safety-testimonials/1279095-c320-battery-problem-plz-help.html . I agree that it is ridiculous to spend the type of money on this car and get ripped off by the dealers for "diagnostics" on a very well known problem and also getting shafted for replacement parts, only to have them fail the same exact way. This is a widespread problem for mercedes, and to not acknowledge it and just keep raping customers without fixing the original problem is wrong. I can only hope this complaint will keep just one person from purchasing a mercedes, of any type, in the future. Mercedes needs to step up and deal with this. Great for the image to see mb owners getting their overpriced cars jump started by hondas and volkswagens...

Filed Dec 31, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 1,079 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz c320. While driving approximately 20 MPH on normal road conditions, the engine stalled without warning. The engine warning indicator remained illuminated on the instrument panel until the engine was turned off. The vehicle restarted after several attempts and was taken to the authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the failure was related to the engine control module (ECM). The vehicle was repaired according to the service warranty. In addition, when the outside temperatures exceeded 100 degrees, the vehicle would shutter. When the vehicle has been parked for a couple of days, the electrical system rapidly drains the battery. On three separate occasions, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for identical failures without resolutions. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 1,079 and current mileage was 85,000. Updated 2/5/09 *cn the consumer stated the air mass sensor was repalced. Updated 02/10/09.

Filed Dec 30, 2008 · Electrical, Seats · 57,000 miles · TX

The power seat control units drain the battery, as they turn on and off during extended periods of rest.

Filed Oct 17, 2008 · Seats · 70,000 miles · CA

I have a 2001 mercedes c320 which I can't really drive anymore because the battery drains every day, the problem is the power seat controller, it drains the battery really quickly.

Filed Aug 10, 2008 · Seats · TN

If the front seats are plugged in the battery drains. Once I unplug no more problem, but as long as they are plugged in and I don't drive the car for 2 or 3 days, the battery is completely drained.