An evaluative assessment of the C350 OM642-powered S204/W204

[Workerat]

I would like to provide some input for prospective purchasers of the OM642-engined S204/W204.

Favourable:


Approaches the intermediate speed of a '55' AMG, sufficiently rapid for road use and enjoyable.

Pleasant resonance from the subdued V6 engine. Not silent, but in comparison to the canal boat ambiance of the four-cylinder Mercedes engine, this was akin to the Silver Ghost standard.

Exceptional chassis dynamics, navigates corners akin to a 3 Series.

Favourable fuel efficiency for extended journeys at or below 70 mph, namely 38-40 mpg contingent on conditions (but consistently at least 10% more optimistic than the displayed readout).

Mine had approximately 120,000 miles and was dependable during the 20,000 miles I owned it.

Attractive vehicle despite its age.

Compact dimensions, practical for transporting loads, yet easy to manoeuvre in parking situations.

A 12-year-old Mercedes devoid of corrosion is remarkable!

It was nearly ideal for my needs, except for the steering.

For prospective purchasers: ensure that it does not have a persistent tendency to veer left consistently.

Unsatisfactory:

Severe design defect related to steering, which prompted my decision to sell it. It exhibited significant sensitivity to road camber. It veered left predominantly because to the leftward camber of the roadway, namely on the left side of the road crown. Consequently, while on holiday overseas, it veered to the right when driving on the right side of the road. On level ground, it did not exhibit pulling; hence, I do not consider this to be an alignment issue. I am not referring to a standard moderate drift; rather, this was an immediate and persistent pull to the left (or right when driving on the right). It infuriated me.

Note Kindly refrain from directing me to the WheelsInMotion sticky topic. With with respect, it is illogical to adjust caster and camber to prevent a Mercedes from veering left, only to induce a rightward pull on level surfaces or during international driving. Particularly since the majority of vehicles do not require this 'oval racing' type of asymmetrical configuration. Furthermore, I had the wheel alignment performed at Micheldelver Protyre, which resulted in minimal improvement. Furthermore, I currently possess a BMW that consistently maintains a straight trajectory, regardless of the road's camber.

Research indicates that this issue only affects W204 models from around 2012, while other models remain unaffected. Strange and bothersome (at least from my perspective - many on this site disagree). Had the alignment assessed at Micheldelver Protyre, who, after charging over £300 and adjusting the caster/camber to create a staggered configuration, stated, “all resolved now, sir.” I observed that it remained unfixed within a distance of 200 feet. I returned and remarked, “Excuse me, this is scarcely different from when I submitted it,” to which the mechanic replied, “They are all similar; very difficult to repair.” That information would have been more appropriately conveyed prior to the expenditure of over 300 pounds.

Additionally, other minor grievances:

Annoying little rattles and squeaks. I addressed most issues by the judicious application of anti-squeak tape and wedges, but the primary source of the buzzing sound was the seatbelt tensioner, which I remedied by inserting sponges beneath the trim. In my opinion, it is inappropriate to be making these repairs on a luxury vehicle.

The dashboard gauges: Lexus gauges exemplify the ideal appearance for Mercedes gauges. In contrast, contemporary Mercedes vehicles appear as though the dials were conceived by Amstrad, characterised by geometric lines and excessive intricacy, lacking clarity and sophistication.

My 40-mile round trip to the office during winter yielded 34 miles per gallon when driving with utmost caution, and perhaps 36-38 miles per gallon on extended journeys. The performance was satisfactory, but it warrants attention.

Severe suspension and low-profile tires. It was aesthetically pleasing; nevertheless, on southern highways characterised by poor surfaces composed of small stones rather than gravel, it frequently proved uncomfortable and noisy. Indeed, I believe that tyre noise was a factor that detracted from its performance.

The seats were neither uncomfortable nor exceptionally comfortable.

The central dash illumination activated only at a certain period, rather than in conjunction with the headlights. If the day was overcast and the headlights were activated, the central dashboard would remain unilluminated. Unusual design defect.

It is evident that, had it not been for the peculiar steering, this would have been a valuable acquisition. That is just unfortunate.

[AmericaMonster]

It is unfortunate that the camber issue has dissuaded you from the vehicle.I have operated several 204 models and have not experienced anything beyond the typical camber drift observed when releasing the steering wheel, which is common in most vehicles.

I concur with your assessment of the engine; even in my heavier 212, it possesses ample power. The 540 Nm of torque at 1600-2400 rpm rivals that of significantly more powerful vehicles, and it is torque that is perceptible when accelerating, rather than horsepower. My vehicle has accumulated 100,000 miles. It produces an appealing sound when accelerated! I achieve marginally superior miles per gallon on the freeway (measured)...perhaps I own a lighter foot...or possibly the gearing on the E differs.

[Workerat]

We must define 'typical camber runoff.' In the W204, if I release the steering wheel on a motorway with minimal road camber, it will veer into another lane within around two seconds. My BMW 5 Series maintains a steadfast trajectory when moving forward. On a more cambered road, such as a quality A road, the Mercedes may achieve a curb manoeuvre in approximately one second, whilst the BMW could take around ten seconds.

[Workerat]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=bmw+5+series&_sacat=9801&_dmpt=Automobiles_UK&_odkw=&_osacat=9801&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338181132&toolid=10001&customid=2518X1570512Xf5dfb5ba64df728430779e8747395189&subId2=15

[AmericaMonster]

Appears somewhat harsh.I typically do not remove my hands from the steering wheel.However, if I drive on an A road, it will rapidly conform to the camber, however there is no discernible pull while my hands are on the wheel. On level motorways, the duration would be significantly extended. Gravity is insurmountable; any object in motion will inherently seek the route of least resistance (the slope) unless one exerts a modest upward steering force to counteract this tendency.

[Bitxx]

Thank you for the engaging review. I possess a similar vehicle (2012 W204) equipped with the M276 3.5-liter petrol engine. The positive aspects align with your report, except the engine operates even more quietly throughout cruising; I conducted a direct comparison with the CDI before to purchasing the vehicle new.

I possess the dynamic handling package, but I only use it while exerting maximum performance on rural roads, as the regular handling is already exceptional. I do not perceive the stock setup to be harsh at all with the 18-inch rims. Different tires may be required. I have utilised several various tires since acquiring the car new. The Pirelli All Season tires now fitted are exceptionally quiet.


The comfort ventilated seats, as opposed to the normal sports seats, are exceptionally comfy. Regardless of the journey's duration. I have frequently driven over 300 miles continuously without a pause.

Based on my frequent readings, I appear fortunate to not experience any squeaks or rattles within the vehicle. Alternatively, I may be experiencing hearing loss!

I appreciate the dials, especially the well-integrated COMAND system for navigation, radio, and other functions, in contrast to the somewhat haphazard designs of older and later versions.

Fuel usage appears comparable to that of the diesel variant. An indicated >40 mpg is typical throughout a journey, unless I am indulging in the power! However, during a one-mile winter journey to Tesco and back, it struggles to reach 20 mph.

I have scarcely observed any camber sensitivity, both in the UK and in the five European countries where I have driven. I have operated numerous vehicles, hence I am aware of the poor quality of certain models. Aside from rare extreme cambers, I have never needed to exert more than a single finger on the steering wheel of the C350 to maintain a straight trajectory.

I may have simply been fortunate with my current 13-year-old W204. I have not encountered anything I would prefer to substitute it with.

[Workerat]

I must respectfully disagree: my prior vehicles have not exhibited this behaviour, and my current 5 Series steering scarcely registers road camber. Camber run-off is predominantly associated with extreme sports cars, which appears incongruous on a family vehicle, in my humble opinion.

[Workerat]

Perhaps you could sell it to me when you upgrade! 👍

[AmericaMonster]

From a specialist in alignment....


Is adhering to the road's camber customary?


Indeed, it is typical for a vehicle to veer or "drift" marginally towards the lower side of a road's camber. This is attributable to the design of roadways for drainage, a characteristic referred to as road crown.


Reasons for Vehicles Adhering to Camber
Roads are deliberately constructed with a little curvature, known as a "crown," where the centre is the apex, facilitating water drainage towards the gutters. A vehicle inherently follows this incline due to gravitational forces and its alignment specifications.

Normal Drift: On standard roadways, which are frequently sloped to the left for drainage in right-hand drive nations such as the UK, a vehicle will subtly veer in that direction. A slight, continual steering correction will be automatically implemented to maintain the car's straight trajectory without conscious thought.
Differential Sensitivity: Certain vehicles exhibit greater sensitivity to road camber than others, influenced by elements such as suspension architecture, steering mechanism, tire dimensions, and alignment parameters (e.g., caster and toe).
Adverse Camber: When navigating a road with an atypical or opposing camber (e.g., on the incorrect side of the roadway or an elevated curve), one will observe the vehicle veering in the opposite direction, indicating that the road's slope, rather than a defect in the vehicle, is the source of the issue.


When to Express Concern
A mild drift is typical; however, a strong, continuous, or exhausting drag indicates a potential problem that necessitates examination. A professional inspection of your vehicle is advisable if you encounter:
A notable force exerted even on ostensibly level or opposing-cambered roads.
Irregular or accelerated tyre degradation.
A steering wheel that remains perpetually misaligned while driving straight on a flat road.
The issue manifested abruptly following contact with a pothole or curb.
A professional four-wheel alignment by an expert may guarantee that your vehicle's geometry adheres to the manufacturer's guidelines, thereby reducing the impact of road camber to a normal, manageable level.