Mercedes C-Class: How Long Does It Last? (Research Results)
The Mercedes C-Class has been popular for years, but how long can you expect to drive it before needing a replacement?
A Mercedes C-Class can last over 280,000 miles with good maintenance. In general, the longest-lasting Mercedes C-Class trims are the C300 petrol or C220d diesel.
Keep reading to find out more about the durability of the Mercedes C-Class!
Overview: How long does a Mercedes C-Class last?
To find out how long a Mercedes C-Class lasts, we collected real-world data on how long people kept their C-Class from Auto Trader UK and Edmunds.
These are two of the largest platforms in the United Kingdom and the United States with used car listings.
Get a free car valuation in seconds with Auto Trader UK.
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If you want to quickly get a better understanding of how long a C-Class lasts, here is an overview of our main results:
| Mercedes C-Class generation | Fuel type | Avg. of 5 highest-mileage cars on sale | Highest mileage |
| W205 (2014-2020) | Petrol | 177,800 miles | 201,824 miles |
| W205 (2014-2020) | Diesel | 187,600 miles | 195,000 miles |
| W204 (2007-2014) | Petrol | 220,000 miles | 281,395 miles |
| W204 (2007-2014) | Diesel | 200,800 miles | 207,519 miles |
| W203 (2000-2007) | Petrol | 228,800 miles | 247,905 miles |
| W203 (2000-2007) | Diesel | 214,400 miles | 246,650 miles |
From these results, it can be concluded that the Mercedes C-Class can last over 280,000 miles. However, how long a Mercedes C-Class lasts mainly depends on the quality of maintenance it receives during its life.
Note: We excluded the latest generation C-Class (W206) made from 2021 onwards in our study. This is because there are few high-mileage W206 C-Class models on the market because it is such a new model.
W205 Mercedes C-Class (2014-2020): how long does it last?
The W205 Mercedes C-Class was produced between 2014 and 2020.
Compared to its predecessor, the W204, the W205 C-Class was built on an entirely new platform, which was lighter and stiffer.
We collected data on the longest-lasting W205 Mercedes C-Class models, resulting in the following:
The W205 Mercedes C-Class, produced between 2014 and 2020, has proved to last at least 200,000 miles. The longest-lasting trims are the C300 sedan and the C220d sedan.
However, since it’s a relatively new model, we expect it can last longer, similar to the older generations of the C-Class.
Here’s a summary of the data we found:
| W205 Mercedes C-Class (2014-2020) | Avg. of 5 highest-mileage cars | Highest mileage | Most common trim |
| Petrol | 177,800 miles | 201,824 miles | C300 sedan |
| Diesel | 187,600 miles | 195,000 miles | C220d sedan |
Related article: The 10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models And Years
Tip: Did you know that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on the C-Class in 2019? However, if you have an earlier model, there are ways to add it after-market.
W204 Mercedes C-Class (2007-2014): how long does it last?
The W204 Mercedes C-Class was produced between 2007 and 2014 and is the third generation of the C-Class.
At the time, the W204 C-Class was Mercedes’ best-selling car, with more than 2.4 million units sold. It was available as a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle.
The W204 Mercedes C-Class, produced between 2007 and 2014, has proved to last at least 280,000 miles. The longest-lasting trims are the C300 sedan and the C220 CDI.
A C300 sedan reached 281,395 miles in the US and is listed for sale on Edmunds. This is the highest-mileage C-Class we found during our search.
Here’s a summary of the data we found:
| W204 Mercedes C-Class (2007-2014) | Avg. of 5 highest-mileage cars | Highest mileage | Most common trim |
| Petrol | 220,000 miles | 281,395 miles | C300 sedan |
| Diesel | 200,800 miles | 207,519 miles | C220 CDI |
Learn more: Should You Buy A Used Mercedes-Benz? (Read This First)
W203 Mercedes C-Class (2000-2007): how long does it last?
The W203 is the second generation of the Mercedes C-Class.
On release, it was quite a big difference design-wise compared to its predecessor. The design had fewer sharp elements and now looked like a smaller S-Class.
Even though the W203 is a relatively old model now, we found plenty of models on sale, which is good when you’re concerned about how long it lasts.
The W203 Mercedes C-Class, produced between 2000 and 2007, has proved to last 245,000 miles. The longest-lasting trims are the C240 sedan and C220 CDI.
Another exciting thing is that both the petrol- and diesel-engined W203 C-Class models seem to last over 210,000 miles easily.
Here’s a summary of the data we found:
| W203 Mercedes C-Class (2000-2007) | Avg. of 5 highest-mileage cars | Highest mileage | Most common trim |
| Petrol | 228,800 miles | 247,905 miles | C240 sedan |
| Diesel | 214,400 miles | 246,650 miles | C220 CDI |
Is a Mercedes C-Class reliable?
One of the most important things to do before purchasing a car is to ensure it’s reliable.
In our article studying the reliability of the Mercedes C-Class, we gathered reliability scores and complaints from C-Class owners based on data from J.D. Power and CarComplaints.com.
Here is an infographic of our results:
The results?
Overall, the Mercedes C-Class is a very reliable car, but reliability can vary between model years – some being better than others. For example, a 2014 C-Class is more reliable than a 2015 C-Class.
We found the following Mercedes C-Class models to be the most reliable:
In contrast, the Mercedes C-Class models you should avoid include the following:
Overall, though, a Mercedes C-Class built between 2019 and 2021 is one of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz models.
You can find an overview of Mercedes C-Class models to avoid, including their main complaints, in the table below:
| C-Class Model Year | Generation | Main Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | W205 (pre-facelift) | – Broken pistons – Clogged PCV valves – Creaking dash or suspension |
| 2012 | W204 (facelift) | – Rattling noise on startup – Engine failures – Engines caught fire |
| 2013 | W204 (facelift) | – Faulty camshaft adjuster sensor – Engine running roughly – Breaking door handles |
For more information about the most & least reliable Mercedes C-Class models, check out our research article here!
Did you know? Some models of the C-Class are equipped with a Renault engine. You can learn more about which exact models in this article of ours!
How do you make your Mercedes C-Class last longer?
Any car owner knows that regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting vehicle.
When it comes to ensuring your Mercedes C-Class lasts for years to come, there are a few key maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Maintenance schedule. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. The most important job is regular oil changes, which will help keep the engine running for as long as possible.
- Timely fixes. If something breaks on your car, don’t hesitate to take it to a qualified mechanic to fix it. Don’t wait too long; otherwise, the problem will only become bigger and bigger!
- Tire pressure. Regularly monitor your tire pressures, as underinflated reduce safety and fuel efficiency.
- Don’t overstress the car too often. Regularly bearing excess weight or frequently towing a heavy caravan or trailer with your C-Class can reduce the car’s life span.
- Cleaning. Frequently cleaning your interior and using lubricants, polishes, and waxes on the exterior is also important to maintain the car’s condition. We recommend using products from the Chemical Guys for car care.
- Protection. Parking your Mercedes C-Class in a garage or using a high-quality car cover will also help protect the car from the elements and prolong its life.
If you take care of your Mercedes C-Class, it will take care of you in return!
FAQs about the durability of a Mercedes C-Class
Do you have any more questions about the durability of your Mercedes C-Class? If so, check out the frequently asked questions below:
How long do the brakes of a Mercedes C-Class last?
The brakes of a Mercedes C-Class last between 40,000 and 80,000 miles. The life span of the brakes depends on the brake pad type and the driver’s driving style.
How long does the transmission of a Mercedes C-Class last?
The transmission of a Mercedes C-Class will last over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The lifespan of the transmission can be extended by replacing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
How long does a spark plug of a Mercedes C-Class last?
The spark plug of a Mercedes C-Class can last up to 100,000 miles. However, the best practice is to replace the spark plugs every 30,000 miles.
Can a Mercedes C-Class last 300k miles?
A Mercedes C-Class should be able to last 300k miles with proper maintenance. However, we haven’t found any C-Class on sale with at least 300k miles on the odometer. So, it is not common.
Conclusion
The Mercedes C-Class is a pretty solid investment if you’re looking for a car that will last.
You can expect your C-Class to run for about 200,000 miles, with some models reaching over 280,000 miles.
If you want your Mercedes C-Class to really last, though, make sure to keep up with maintenance and don’t neglect any small issues that come up.
How long did your Mercedes C-Class last? Let us know in the comments below!
And if you aren’t sure whether the C-Class is the right pick for you, maybe a BMW 3 Series would be a better fit. Take a look at how long a BMW 3 Series lasts in this article!
