Used Guide: 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Back in 2015, Russell Purcell said that the 2015 Mercedes C400 offered a “very appealing package” that was finished to a high level, and served up no shortage of luxury equipment more commonly found in expensive premium automobiles.

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For its fourth generation (dubbed W205), Mercedes improved their luxury sedan to give shoppers a stronger-than-ever taste of the motoring high-life promised by the badge on the hood.

Just behind that badge were several engine options designed to suit a wide range of driver preferences. The C 300 and C 300d were powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, one burning gas, the other, diesel.

For an extra performance kick, the C 450 AMG ran a jacked-up twin-turbo gasoline V6 engine that drinks more fuel, but makes more power.

Two additional higher-performing versions were available (C 63 and C 63 S), but these are very much their own beasts — and we’ll cover them in a future feature. For the purposes of this one, we’re focusing on the mainstream versions of the C-Class produced for model years 2015-2021 inclusive.

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Remember — the C-Class is a family of vehicles and includes coupe, sedan, wagon, and cabriolet body styles to choose from.

Follow the related links for more information, specs, pricing, news and reviews on the Mercedes C-Class over the years, and read on for 5 tips to help you find the best used Mercedes C-Class you can for your dollar.

Tip #1: Check for Wind Noise

Numerous owners have reported a higher-than-expected level of wind noise at speed from their C-Class; many have not. On your test drive, be sure to quiet the cabin and spend some time at highway cruising speed. Listen closely for any hissing, whistling, or the sound of rushing air.

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If you detect any, the fix may require adjustment or replacement of weather seals around the doors, mirrors, windows and sunroof, and/or adjustment of the fitment of some of these parts. This work is best carried out in a dealer setting by a professional.

Tip #2: Central Command Check

Carefully check the central command interface in the C-Class you’re considering for proper operation. Pair your smartphone, plug in a USB drive to listen to some tunes, plot a course in the navigation system, and otherwise try as many functions and commands as possible, as many times as possible.

In the process, be on the lookout for crashing, lagging, hesitation, or general non-functionality of certain features. Some owners have reported problems with the system that can be fixed with a simple software update, while others have had trouble that required hardware replacement under warranty. Most have not.

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Spend some time with this important check on your test drive. If the central command system in your used C-Class isn’t working properly, it could cost you time and money.

Ensuring that the C-Class you’re considering is running a fresh and healthy battery can help fend off problems with vehicle electronics, too.

Tip #3: Run the Recalls

Many cars are subjected to recalls, which involve applying fixes or updates in a dealer setting to address latent safety defects.

Recall work is performed free of charge, and is meant to ensure your car is as safe as possible. Some recalls affect all examples of a car produced in a given time frame, while others affect only a few of those cars.

Often, cars have a short list of recalls. The C-Class isn’t one of them.

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With some two dozen recalls listed by Transport Canada, it’s likely the C-Class you’re considering is affected. To check, head to this website with the vehicle’s VIN in hand. If any recall work is outstanding, talk to your local dealership about having it completed as soon as possible.

If the C-Class you’re considering is from a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, or has been regularly dealer serviced, outstanding recall work is likely to have been completed already, but be sure to check.

Tip #4: Brake Check

Some drivers have complained of unwanted noises from the C-Class’s braking system, especially on higher-performing models. Most have not.

On your test drive, quiet the car’s cabin and perform a few tests to fish out any trouble signs. Drive in reverse for an extended period, both with and without brakes applied. Lightly touch and hold the brakes in reverse, then release them.

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Lightly ride the brakes with minimal to light pressure, then release, and repeat.

Repeat this test again, while driving forwards, perhaps at 50 km/h. Listen closely for a squealing, screeching or grinding sound, or any unwanted vibrations.

In some situations, the braking system components fitted to high-performing models like the C 450 may be noisier because of their design. In others, unwanted noises may be a sign of wear and tear, or that some braking system maintenance and cleaning is required.

Braking system noise is normal in a few situations, but remains a cause for caution in most others. Remember that a throbbing or vibrating sensation at the brake pedal is a sign of trouble.

If in doubt, have the braking system checked out.

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Tip #5: Blast some Tunes

The C-Class was available with a high-performing stereo system from Burmeister. Some owners have reported problems with this stereo system, relating to frustrating buzzing or crackling sounds that may appear steadily, or intermittently.

In some reported cases, the fix involved replacing the speakers with new units, which can be pricey outside of warranty. In other cases, the solution requires some adjustment or replacement of speaker covers or speaker mounts.

On your test drive, be sure play a variety of different audio at a variety of volume levels, listening closely for poor playback quality. According to the owners’ community, test-driving shoppers should perform this test while playing back audio from all possible sources, too.

Final Thought

These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test-drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Mercedes C-Class.