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Mercedes-Benz - Misc. Complaints

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Mercedes-Benz • c230 • c240 • c320 • CL500 • CLK320 • CLK55 • G55 AMG • ML320 • S55 • SLK230 • Odds 'n ends --- News • Mercedes Hopes to Buff Its Image

Scott of Pontiac IL (10/9/03):
We have 1997 E420 with 120,000 miles and when it broke a cam shaft (a $850 part) it completely trashed the whole engine and now needs a $10,000 rebuild or a $13,000 new motor. I bought this car for $13,000, and now because of one faulty part I need to invest $13,000 to keep my car running. I tried to get Mercedes to help work with the dealer to try and cut me a break, and they have refused. It just seems that Mercedes ought to be able to make an engine that if something like a cam shaft goes without warning it shouldn't take $10,000 to repair the whole engine. Or Mercedes ought to stand behind "their suppossed indestructable, high priced" engines a little better.

Daniel of Fairfield NJ (8/9/03):
Inhereent defect in air conditioning system. Leaking evaporators that are enclosed behind the engine compartment and inaccessable for easy replacement. The same problem has occurred with both my S320 1996 and S420 1995 models. I understand from talks with several dealer and factory techs that this is a "common" problem.

Damage Resulting: $3,500 repair bill.

Mack of Johnson City TN (8/1/03):
The wiring harness on my 1995 Mercedes Station Wagon E-320 became defective and is causing electrical problems. Benz Haus, Inc. explained that Mercedes made the vehicle recycleable and the wiring harness cover was made biodegradable. The plastic deteriorates over time from the heat of the engine and disentegrates causing major electrical problems.

Since I am not the original owner, Mercedes has refused to work with me on correcting the problem. However, it seems that if I had been the original owner, I would have received some assistance. According to Benz Haus this was an ongoing problem with all Mercedes manufactured in the early to mid 1990's. I feel that Mercedes should have had a recall on all these vehicles and corrected the problem.

The check-engine light came on as a result of the faulty wiring harness. Benz Haus said that the wiring harness would have to be replaced at a cost of $800-$900 before they could determine the extent of the damage. Should the computers and other electrical components have been damaged as a result of the faulty wiring harness then I could be looking at several thousand dollars in damages.

Devan of Brisbane, Australia (11/4/01):
I purchased a Merc e230 in 1997, and another cl200 coupe in Aug 2001. My e230 has had numerous problems to date and was fixed when under warranty with reluctance. After expiry of warranty the following faults appeared;

• Cracking dashboard Left brake light fitting panel melt down (rt side assembley fixed under warranty.
• Rear view Mirror � pivot assembly failure
• Cruise control switch failure
• Failure of illumination panel � passenger AC,Instrument panel,etc.

A Brief note of my experience to date:

• Untidy delivery � Mercedes Benz of Brisbane
• Re-assemble insecurely assembled Windscreen, Mercedes Benz of Brisbane
• Refitting of poorly assembled trims, alignment of doors etc., Mercedes Benz of Brisbane
• Repair of panel damage following above repairs, Mercedes Benz of Brisbane
• Replacement of windscreen washer reservoir, Mercedes Benz of Brisbane
• 15000 Km Service, Mercedes Benz of Brisbane, 3 Weeks after Service -- Total breakdown , stranded on Road side. MB after hour�s service &Centenary Classic Service Centre Loan vehicle after 24Hrs following complaining to Qld. Manager.
• Repair & Replacement of alternator etc., Centenary Classic Service Centre
• Repair & Replace right rear brake light fitting panel meltdown bulb holder, Centenary Classic Service Centre
• Separation of lamination observed on rear heated screen, requiring replacement Replacement of screen, Centenary Classic Service Centre
• Replace new front Windscreen as an insurance replacement following undue cracking, O�Brien Glass � Suncorp Insurance
• Repair scratch to body panel following service, Centenary Classic Service Centre
• Pronounced rust patch in Body panel.
• ABS Brake failure � Quoted $156.00 and charged $273, Centenary Classic.

My recent appeal to the GM resulted in an offer to trade my vehicle at a below market value or pay 50% of repair costs. ie Appro $2000.00.

I have since agreed to make the vehicle available for purchase at Aus.$45000.00 and also I have offerred to sell my new CL200e coupe at an agreed value. Consequences: loss of money due to loss of faith in the product, its Aus. administrators and the carers of the product. Emotionally our whole family have been streessed over the entire episode and now we are unable to trust any other carmaker as a result.

Ramin of Foothill Ranch CA (2/21/02):
My credit card account was charged $240.00 without notifing me (for Mercedes TelAid Service). I canceled the service with Mercedes Benz on 12/21/01, I made 8 phone call to get my money back and after promising 8 times that my account would be credited they have not done so. Per my conversation with the company they have mass complaints and the company is confirming that they would refund the customers. I am waiting over 2 months and nothing has happened.

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