I own a 2003 Mercedes C240 station wagon with about 42000 miles, a few days ago I observed some messages on dash which seem to indicate alternator problem. My vehicle has not been heavily used and I am surprised to learn that a new alternator may be needed, this because a friend with C class sedan has had the same issue just 2 weeks ago and cost him $1500 to replace the alternator & battery. I believe there may be many more folks that experienced the same situation and probably the C class Mercedes are outfitted with faulty alternators and investigation may be in order here.

- Queens Village, NY, USA

I am the owner of a C-230 4 door sedan VIN#[xxx]. I have an issue that I was looking into addressing when another major issue just arose that I need help from the manufacturer who I have contacted but not received a response. 1) last week I decided to quote insurance and make a change to allstate. Once they put in the VIN# major issues came. The price was way different then what I was paying with Mercury. To make this short, after talking to my broker at Mercury, it turns out my 4 door has the VIN# of a 2 door coupe. I called beverly hills ltd where I purchased the car new. They did nothing. I have the original temp registration from the day I purchased the car new, and the dealer typed coupe not four door and on the lease agreement. I did not notice this. Here are my issues. The coupe is more expensive on insurance - I have been overpaying since 2/2003. 2nd, am I paying a fair lease rate if the VIN# is for another body style. This car has been nothing but nightmare to deal with since the day I purchased it. It has been serviced 8 times, transmission work, 2 computers, camshaft, new radio, idle issues, brake system failed, and so on. It's a complete lemon. It is going in next week again. I have only 21,000 on the car, and drive my 2nd car more a 79 300sd Mercedes as it is more reliable then this new car. I need somewhere, someone to go to, any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, [xxx] - phone or email updated 07/18/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Marina Del Rey, CA, USA