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Buying guide

Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG W205 (2015 to 2021): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG W205 was built from 2015 to 2021 as a sedan, wagon, coupe or convertible, with an automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis codes: W205, S205, C205 and A205. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2015 to 2021
Chassis codes
W205, S205, C205, A205
Body types
Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, Convertible
Gearboxes
Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Mercedes Benz C-Class W205 (2014 to 2021). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Diesel emissions parts

    The diesel particulate filter, NOx sensors and AdBlue system are problem areas, and the diesels do not take well to short trips.

    Where to look
    The DPF, NOx sensors and AdBlue tank and warnings on a diesel
    How to test
    Watch for emissions or AdBlue warnings on the dash and ask how the car has been used.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost DPF, sensors or AdBlue parts

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. Air suspension and front control arms

    Air suspension, often fitted, is costly to fix, and the lower front control arms wear.

    Where to look
    The ride height at each corner, the air suspension warnings and the front lower control arms
    How to test
    See the car before it has been driven if you can and check it sits level. Look for uneven front tyre wear and feel for vibration or pulling.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost air springs, compressor or control arms

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  3. Power steering

    There are numerous reported power steering issues and several recalls.

    Where to look
    The steering, felt lock to lock, and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Turn lock to lock and feel for smooth assistance with no vibration or odd noises. Ask a dealer to confirm the steering recalls.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost steering rack or recall work

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Cooling system and thermostat

    Plastic cooling parts can fail with age, and thermostats are prone to failure on some engines; the part is cheap but the labour is not.

    Where to look
    The plastic coolant pipes and housings in the engine bay, and the temperature display
    How to test
    Watch the coolant temperature on the drive and look for coolant crust round the plastic parts.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost labour heavy cooling repairs

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. C200 fuel smell

    A petrol smell on the C200 is probably a fuel line at the fuel pump, and it is worse when cold.

    Where to look
    The fuel pump area and lines under the rear seat
    How to test
    Arrive before the car has been warmed up and sniff round the car and cabin for petrol.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a fuel line

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  6. Crankcase ventilation and intake parts

    Crankcase ventilation valves are a weak point, usually flagged by a dash warning, plastic air inlets can crack and cam position sensors can go out of adjustment.

    Where to look
    The crankcase breather valve and plastic intake pipes, and the dash warnings
    How to test
    Watch for engine warnings and feel for a poor idle or rough running.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost valves, pipes or sensors

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  7. Brakes

    Squealing brakes and premature pad wear are commonly reported.

    Where to look
    The brake pads and discs
    How to test
    Listen for squeals on the drive and look at pad thickness through the wheels.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost pads and discs

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  8. Electronics and interior

    Electronic glitches feature in owner reports, the touchpad and centre console switches are weak points, and seat covers can split and the headlining sag.

    Where to look
    The infotainment screen and touchpad, centre console switches, seats and headlining
    How to test
    Run through the screen, touchpad, climate, power seats and cruise control, and look at the seat covers and headlining.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost switches, screens or trim

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Which engine is it, and is it petrol or diesel?
  • Does it have air suspension?
  • Have all recalls been done, including the steering recalls?
  • Has the thermostat been replaced?
  • Is there a complete Mercedes service history?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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