Mercedes-Benz W205 Buyer's Guide (C-Class C300, C450, C63 AMG) - Review, Failures, & Common Problems

►Released in 2014, the Mercedes-Benz W205 was the next iteration of Mercedes' increasingly popular C-class. Succeeding the wildly successful W204 chassis, the W205 brought with it modern luxuries and innovative improvements typically found on their higher-end models.
The Mercedes W205 encompasses a variety of models with some differing from the outgoing W204. The models offered here in the United States include:
Mercedes C200
Mercedes C300
Mercedes C350e
Mercedes C400
Mercedes C450
Mercedes C43 AMG
Mercedes C63 AMG
Mercedes C63 AMG S
With the oldest models of the Mercedes-Benz W205 approaching 7-years old, the questions of W205's reliability are abundant. Barring just a few issues mentioned in the video, the W205 proves to be a dependable daily driver that is relatively affordable to maintain. Pairing with the reasonable cost of ownership are the Mercedes W205 price tags. On the used market, you can find the numerous models ranging from $16,000 all the way to the extreme of $75,000.
In this FCP Euro Mercedes-Benz W205 Buyer's Guide, we cover:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Model Breakdown
01:45 - Cost & Competition
03:59 - Engines
07:46 - Transmission
09:45 - Suspension & Brakes
13:39 - Exterior/Interior Styling
17:31 - What To Look For
21:38 - Wrap-Up
If you would like to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz W205, visit our W205 hub: info.fcpeuro.com/mercedes-w205
If you're looking for parts for your W205, you can shop parts here: www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Benz...
#FCP Euro #w205mercedes #mercedes
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[@AVH8TOR]

Dude this was one of the best most informational series about a car that I’ve watched on KZbin to this date.

[@johnathanwilson6181]

Lemme watch this in case I end up with the w205 one day. This guy always delivers the gemstones

[@fcpeuro]

That should be Kyles new nickname "Gemstone Deliverer" , thanks for watching Johnathan hope you picked up some knowledge!

[@johnathanwilson6181]

@@fcpeuro 'course.... lolz in my Pinky and The Brain voice

[@carscloseup]

What surprises me is that nothing is mentioned about a significant weight reduction compared to the W204 chassis. An extended use of aluminum on both body and suspension parts has reduced the weight by at least 200 pound, thus the W205 is bigger. Last, the synthetic leather used in Mercedes has been called Artico leather for a long time. MB-Tex is something from the past….

[@gurdeepp6922]

Phenomenal video, tons of useful information as I just entered the market for W205! Thank you so much for making this video.

[@jnrocktx]

Great video, stuck to important buying points and no filler. I recently bought a 2018 C300 Cabriolet with AMG styling, Car Play, and audio packages. 30k miles. Love that MB appeals to people that like speed and people like me that prefer to cruise!

[@hotnics]

These videos are awesome! From car fan to car fan I salute you all.

[@tonypalmer8940]

Fantastic breakdown of the various models.😊

[@NLDMesa06]

Excellent informative content, as always. I'm in the market for a W166 ML 400 so the reassuring endorsement of the M276 motor was nice to hear.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you found it informative NLDMesa06 ! Bunch more to come on this platform.

[@travelvlog2022]

Very professional and very good comparison and explanation!

[@lyingasshoes9455]

Love how you broke it down thank you

[@rthegle4432]

Great explanation, thanks ❤️

[@dekkerlundquist5938]

Really useful overview.

[@raymonddavis5271]

Great job sir!!

[@azprelude95]

Great info, great video

[@achuck4321]

No mention of the piston wrist pin issue for the m274? That is a Huge issue for the early cars and even some of the facelift cars.

[@sourabhsangale3952]

Nice video , Still waiting for video on S class w-221 chassis or any s class video please make one asap its a request .

[@ATL92127]

Great video. Would love a buyers guide for the W202, especially the AMGs!

[@fcpeuro]

Noted!

[@jkiu6013]

Could you also cover the m264 2.0 turbo engine that was introduced during the 2019 model year mid-cycle refresh?

[@jfarinacci0329]

good review. thank you.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching!

[@miketerechenok6212]

Well done my friend !!! You belong on Motor Week.

[@RGT85]

Recently snagged a 2016 C450 AMG with just 28K miles on it after having a W204 for a couple years. Threw a little tune on it, a subwoofer, and I'm a very happy camper. lol

[@touleetha]

Do a video about it lol and how much did you get it for

[@RED-WEAPON]

I'm considering buying one with 135K miles. Any advice?

[@marcos223ful]

​@@RED-WEAPON absolutely not if the repair history is not well documented or if you don't want to fix your own car

[@d3v3ouzm1ndz]

YALL THE BEST

[@fcpeuro]

nah, you are for watching d3v3ouzm1ndz !

[@keithg6462]

Do one on the E series too

[@JTDoubleO8]

Recently purchased a 40K miles 2018 C300 and I enjoy it so far; however, we keep hearing a sound similar to a spring releasing something. It's very annoying and I would like to know what it is. Also the A/C cycles randomly, blowing hot air. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[@KFK37]

Not sure if you guys covered it but id like to see what these 63 models hold up after 100k miles. Does anybody have a c63 pushing 100k+ without any issues ? Specifically this chassis w205 ? Any info is greatly appreciated

[@ALPHAzerox898]

Couple inconsistencies about the C400 (329hp instead of 362hp)… Also has 4 slats grille and no badging on the sides. Also has the C300’s 4matic system

[@michaelkessler777]

We need a sport pack front brake how to video ASAP

[@jeanmariefaye9754]

I have a Mercedes CLASS C 220 DIESEL 4 MATIC YEAR 2017. My car is shutting down randomy especially when I giveca quick acceleration. Try many things without results even changed fuel pump, check the motor wheel and different sensor. Can u please give a tip to resolve. Do u think it is electrical issue ?

[@eduinkerke1]

@FCP Euro #FCP Euro, can you do a video on replacing the crankshaft front sealing ring on a W205 with an M274 engine?

[@ralph332]

You didn't mention the m264 engine upgrade in 2019.

[@tha_sarge]

I did an engine swap but now the esp end in any options ?

[@busterc6600]

common problem with the 2015 c300 is #1 cylinders piston cracks and you have to buy a new engine.

[@MrChippinator]

I own a W205, sports package, not much else on it. Luckily I don’t have airmatic seems like that is the #1 issue with modern Mercedes.

[@MD-vf7rs]

Thanks for the awesome video, i have 2018 c300, what i hate about it is the noisy engine some people when they hear it, ask if it’s diesel 😅, also the hard suspension and i live in a city with a terrible streets, equipped with 19 inch wheels 💔, what i like about it is the good MPG, i wish i can get the c43 with the sport exhaust 😍

[@johnguidetti5839]

Change the run-flat tyres out. Much smoother ride with Michelin pilot sport tyres.

[@MD-vf7rs]

@@johnguidetti5839 yeah although i changed the tires from 40 to 45 but still hard ride, i guess i must change the rims, to 18 inch, compromise looks for a better riding 👍🏻

[@michaelkessler777]

@@MD-vf7rs change your rims to 18s and get a 45 tire and you’ll be a lot happier still gonna have a slight hard ride buts it’s a lot better then the 19s

[@WOMPCRASH]

Change your oil…… shouldn’t sound like a diesel

[@muzzammildikko567]

@@WOMPCRASH really?

[@mrhanzoo2007]

LOVE my c450

[@johnathanwilson6181]

Will they use the 7geartronic trans in the future ?

[@johnguidetti5839]

Doubt it they use a 9sp auto now.

[@davidestate]

Anyone that read about the W205. Note: The C450 AMG and C43 AMG, C63 and C63s engines comes with a Nano Coating in the cylinders which is to offer a smoother, longer life engine. The C400 did not come with this engine upgrade. Also note that Mercedes system as has been updated and all C450 AMG come up as C43 AMG and your VIN let's Mercedes know which Transmission you year your car comes with since the C43 AMG was sold in the same year as the C450 AMG

[@VanquishMediaDE]

Fuck MB, I had a 2017 W205, 1 month ago to the day (exactly) the engine threw a rod despite only having 87,000KM (around 54,000 miles) on the odometer. The rod ejected through the bottom of the engine block and damaged my turbocharger (cyl 1 piston 1). The cost of the repairs was going to be 15,000 Euro which is practically the value of the damn car. I attempted to contact MB Corporate Customer service to no avail, my car was 4,000 miles over warranty despite my car having excellent service records (all services performed at MB dealerships). I even decided to go full Karen and contacted my local MB headquarters (being that I live in Germany) and my post warranty claim was rejected. MB is a terrible company with equally terrible customer service and they build inferior unreliable junk automobiles. It is not even about the money it is about the principle, I can see why the warranty expires at 5 years or 50,000 miles, that is literally the life span of a Mercedes car. I was not expecting MB to give me a brand new engine for free but my God at least cover 70% of the repairs and I would have taken care of the rest but they refused to even contribute 1 dollar to the repairs. I did not owe anything on it (thank God) so I decided to sell the pile of crap to a junkyard for parts (and recover some value back but not all of what I paid obviously). Leason learned and please lease or buy any other brand besides POS Mercedes-Benz.

[@bandermaster81]

A beautiful car and interior. But with a high ownership cost and expect many errors according to ownership stats.

[@nobeliefisok9174]

A C43 AMG may drop to $35k or a very high mileage one... but the C63 is not going to go for anywhere near that low for a long time, maybe 6-8 more years. And with inflation, maybe never.

[@nottozzy]

Where you getting these prices dude

[@marsallen4298]

I have a c300 wish i got the c400/450/43

[@stoyansarov2647]

Lovely video! Too bad i see it a day after i bought my w205 lol

[@fcpeuro]

just a smidge too late

[@janegoodall1837]

The w205 c300 is among the least reliable cars to ever exist. The only acceptable buyers guide is: don’t.

[@SelfMadeThousandaire]

Why do you think so?

[@meti9230]

Pre 2018 yes. Post 2019, the most reliable car in the lineup

[@B58luja23]

Yeah and it’s crazy to think how extremely reliable w204 c300 is to this day

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

No mention of the CRACKED PISTONS on the M274?? There's a class action lawsuit over it.

[@davidaltamirano7672]

The european motor options are superior in my opinion since Mercedes are famous for their diesel engines. Especially the 200D and 220D engines just keeps going and it is no surprise that it is the most common choice for the taxi cars here in Sweden and Germany. That engine just goes and goes.

[@-DC-]

Just be thankful you don't get the current A Class fitted with a 20 year old 4 cyl Renault Diesel engine, absolutely everywhere here in Europe.

[@johnguidetti5839]

It’s only the low power A180/180D. The A220/A250 etc are all Mercedes engines. They’ve dropped them now anyways for the Facelift A class.

[@The_McD]

Would you buy a C400 with 100k miles for 14,600K? How much life can you get?

[@mzee5533]

Im looking for a 202 Wagon JDM

[@johnathanwilson6181]

Sexy! I'd love to come across one myself

[@KirilMKD]

Someone give this man a glass of water, don't you see he is dehydrated ffs. :S

[@dregonskreper7609]

My boi seriously needs some vaseline too

[@UnmannedsRandomStuff]

why no c200?

[@user-sg9xm6wr2d]

I want to learn how to maintain Mercedes cars

[@fcpeuro]

check out our main page, we have a mercedes specific section where you can find all our videos!

[@defaultname01]

This must be US market focused. You can get C200 and C220 etc in other markets

[@fcpeuro]

Correct! Because we are based in the U.S, we only cover the vehicles within our market during these buyers guide.

[@kw2519]

I drove a 100k mile 2015 c300 4matic auto recently back to back with a 63k mile 2015 focus. The merc was beat, the focus was a gem. Focus was waaaay more fun to drive. But I like the c300 as a place to be for many hours. The seats are so fucking good Edit:I’ve since talked to the owner and apparently the shop put a rear wheel on the front, which screwed up everything. It’s been fixed since and he wants me to drive it again. With a discount

[@coldbud3]

What's the difference between c450 and c43 ?

[@Black-nf3tx]

Same car except the c43 has a 9-speed instead of 7-speed gearbox and it also has a performance exhaust, they just decided to change the name. They called it the c450 AMG in 2016, then swapped to c43 AMG for 2017 and later. Not sure why they changed the name to be honest

[@touleetha]

@@Black-nf3tx which one is better yo get tho? Cuz the 2017 c43 was like 39k and the 2016 c450 was like 29k

[@Black-nf3tx]

@@touleetha I would say you should at least test drive each because in my opinion it comes down to personal preference with whether you like a 7 speed or 9 speed. In terms of value for money the 2016 version is better since its almost the same for 10k cheaper. It also depends on car condition and miles but these cars are known for being reliable

[@YellowCat80]

Keep in mind that facelift c43 models are much more expensive to tune due to changes in the ECU

[@ALPHAzerox898]

C400 plz

[@mattbessette8207]

Just bought the c450 🔥

[@andreacmilan1]

Hey how’s your c450? I’m thinking to get one thanks

[@petersunhome7847]

W205 is a lemon . I got w205 used at 65000km when I bought it. It it totally a bomber. I drove to 75k, the water broken. At 85k roof can not be close properly , I heard wind noise from top of my head . 90k my w205 music base is not functional 😅 and arm rest silver start to peel off. Oh forgot my front driver side market light is on forever. It's lemon . Gas cap string also broken. My car only has 98k

[@azer66]

Too bad you didn't mention all the engines. C180, c200 c250 . Otherwise good review

[@derrickwanyonyi8691]

*sigh* Watching reviews for a car i may never afford in my lifetime

[@fcpeuro]

Never say never!

[@thembamakofane8677]

Guys please u must be very careful if u think to by 205 mercedes because 274 s Renault engine the big problem water pump

[@albertpflugfelder8590]

C400

[@misafvful]

Someone throw ma boy some chap stick.

[@ryoichiwatanabe648]

Whoaa no kidding you Americans don't have the 4 cylinder c180 and c200..

[@fcpeuro]

We were not worthy of those 😞

[@darlenekelly7493]

Everyone please take it from a brand new purchase owner and I have had many cars in my life and my c-class 300 sports is one of the worse cars I have ever purchased..nor will I never buy another Mercedes Benz, before I can put 25 miles on my new car from out of no where the dame car cut off on me broke down I had to call the tow truck to have it tow back to Mercedes Benz of Coco Creek Florida dealer ship, they fix the problem, and before I put less than 100 miles on my car it broke down on me again the second time, I call the tow truck again to tow it back to the same dealer ship, they fix it again, and butter me up with fantastic gift, there after I never felt comfortable in my pretty car till this day, early this year I was driving my car and from out of no where my Panoramic roof just came off while driving on the highway, cause me over 4,000.00 dollars to get it fix, I keep up with my cars very well and clean freak, I am so afraid of my car I never drove it out of town, I have a brand new 2015 with only 27,000.00 miles today as I type this and have change my tires 4 times already, I will be going back into the Lexus family for sure, so peoples the car is pretty but please don’t purchase one, please.

[@edcrosbie4651]

Sooooo basically the c300 is a c200!!! Benz is just starting to play poser with their names now being as worthless as their cars! Not frikin impresed at the issues im having with mine