Hey.. You bought a 'C'. What did you expect?
I'm just joking.. Though it is known that the C-class doesn't quite live up to the standards of the older models. It's sad but true.
I understand your frustration. I have an '86 W124 300E - One of the strongest most well-built cars ever made. And it craps out on me all the time. I could have bought a nice Honda every 3 months for the $$ i put in this car.
I asked the authorized MB shop how they could justify charging $110/hour?
"They had to, to pay for all the fancy diagnostic computers for the new models.."
Well.. why do I have to pay for that? They won't be using it on my car!
So i DIY most of my repairs. And when not, my independant (MB-trained) mechanic charge me $32/hour.
Freestyler