general problems of the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320

Three problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/16/2016

My battery keeps draining. When I look at the display screen it only states that the front right light is out. When I had two mechanics look at it and they stated that my battery is being drained due to my seat function not working properly. After not using my battery for hours it dies. I keep having to jump it. My battery has been replaced less than a month ago so I know the battery is not an issue. My display screen gives me a few different malfunctions and than one moment it displays no malfunctions. After charging my car and than leaving it a strange churping sound goes off in my car causing my battery to die again. There are times when my car has died in at night in strange areas and I have to alone and unsafely jump my car and sit until my jumper provides my battery with enough juice to start my car. When I am driving my functions stop working because my battery isn't strong enough to power the everything. This has happened on a number of occasions.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2014

The "multi function display" (mfd) screen in the dash fades with interior heat (in summer) and eventually fails over time. The mfd displays all critical vehicle operation information (such as coolant temperature warnings, electronic stability control activation, etc. ), and all notification of vehicle fault codes that occur. Without the information visible, the owner can't know if there is a safety problem. There are no mechanical gauges serving as back-up. Further, the vehicle odometer is only visible in the mfd. Without an operting mfd, the owner cannot view, or certify the correct odometer mileage, required by federal law when selling the vehicle to a dealer or subsequest owner. This is a well-known fault across several mercedes models. Dealers offer to replace the mfd, at considerable owner expense. However, because of the odometer issue, I believe that mercedes should fix the display at zero cost to the consumer.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2010

I had a few electrical problems but have now been resolved through many repair shop visits. I have 109,000 miles on the car. Now. The issue that kept occurring is the passenger door handle that keeps coming off. I already replaced it once and the part itself is $350. I can buy the whole door for $300 at the scrap yard. Not sure what to do. I feel like its the glue and maybe the hot humid weather is affecting it? I did have to replace a new battery and thought something was wrong with the car because it drained so quickly. I think the battery was just bad and its been fine ever since.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2001 Mercedes Benz C320



C320 Service Bulletins
C320 Defect Investigations