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Mercedes-Benz

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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

For many, the Mercedes-Benz represents the height of automotive engineering, or something. For many others, it's a status symbol. The latter it most certainly is. The former some of our readers aren't so sure about.

One reason for the recent spate of complaints may have to do with the growing reliance on electronics in today's cars and porked-up SUVs. European cars have always been known for, shall we say, delicate electrical systems. Adding gadgets of the complexity now common in the Benz is a recipe for big trouble -- and very big repair bills.

Here are a few of the more recent complaints ...

Richard of Salem MA (06/12/08)
We were loyal MB customers who bought 7 and leased 1 of their cars from 1976-2005. All were diesels save the chintzy 2006 E350 (lease). The diesels were something to behold, built to standards that epitomized Mercedes Benz in the eyes of the world and earned them the reputation they have chosen to throw away. Our travails begain when the badly designed 603.970 6 cylinder diesel engine gave out on our 1991 350SDL. Research proves that MB knew since the beginning about the defects in 30-50% of these engines, but kept it a secret as the dealers waltzed the customer with this and that explanation for 1 quart/500 mile oil consumption. When the warranty expired, MB swiftly told the customer where he or she could go. When we contacted MB USA, one Ron St. Pierre, the NE Manager, said MB couldnt help us as news of that could get around?. We wrote to the company in Germany and got an impertinent letter from one of their little minions at MBUSA named Lisa Tognetti. She told us that she was happy to deny our request for assistance and thanked us? for the opportunity our letter had afforded the little twit to confirm MBs corporate position. Ill ride a large dog before I buy another Mercedes. The design and quality of their post-1998 cars has declined appallingly. Anyone thinking of doing business with them should know that Daimler Benz and MB USA have the morals of opium dealers. Buy a Mercedes at your peril.

Nizam of Titusville, FL June 2, 2008

Nizam of Titusville FL (06/02/08)
I bought a Mercedes C240 and now it just sits in my garage and looks good. I cant drive it because the check engine light is on. I took it to a technition and the said I needed new plugs after running the test. 400 dollars and a day later, the light is back on. Now they tell me the car needs a new computer box. I work hard to pay for this car and I cant afford to fix it. With the gas prices going up every day, I think I will just let the bank take it back. For now it will make me look good in the neighbourhood

Haysha of El Centro, CA April 1, 2008

Haysha of El Centro CA (04/01/08)
I went on:oct/30/07 to this dealer and ask for a oil change and a tune-up, they told me that they will perfome this services with service named b or c something like it,they even told me that it wasnt call like that anymore(since am a woman)so i agree on their promises believing on them. i came back the next day to pick up my vehicle and the guy who perfom the service told me that he only did a oil change on it, so i went inside and talk to criss and he told me that after i sign the agreement there was nothing else to do with it and that they couln't refound me anymore, so i left and next day i calld the manager asking him to refound me for the tune-up that wasn't made but it was charged up to a total 285.70 dlls he told me same,this was my first experience going to this dealer and for sure the last one. I couln gone to this other place on west covina,ca that charge me 75 dlls for oil change instead i opted to go to this dealer since i was planning on them to do my tune-up,and i dont wanted to get mess-up. I will very pleased if someone please can help me out on this matter, this was too pricie for the poor service they did. Thank you one again.

Trung of Coon Rapids, MN March 24, 2008

Trung of Coon Rapids MN (03/24/08)
Car C320 2001. Too many things wrong with this vehicle. Thing break as soon as 2 week of driving. Signal and head light goes out. EPS system does not work. Fuel Pump break after one year. Rear window curtain fail after two year of rarely use. Care seat control computer keep draning the battery if left car off for 24 hours.

Zoraida of Miami, FL February 20, 2008

Zoraida of Miami FL (02/20/08)
In the 2002 C320 (Sedan/Wagon)and later models, there is a command module under the seat which controls multiple functions including the SRS (Supplemental Restrain System/air bags), plus power seats, mirrors, etc. The modules appear to fail after 40-50K miles. They begin to draw current and drain the battery. This impacts other sub-systems causing the vehicle to issue multiple failures. Lossing power and jump starting the vehicle can also damage several sensitive convenience features. These can only de diagnosed, reset,reprogrammed or repaired at the costly MB dealer. A command module repair itself costs well over 600.00 and there are two of them (left/right)under the front seats. Although every Mercedes Benz service shop and Technician I have contacted is aware of the issue, MB will not recall the part. This is a safety issue plain and simple and I cannnot understand why it would be ignored. Our family owns/owned multiple Mercedes Benz models over the years; CLK's, E's SLK's and we still believe them to be safe, well engineered cars. Unfortunately, Mercedes Benz reliability is now well below the mark throughout the entire line. Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura clearly surpassed them long ago. I have been told to ask for the factory representative at my local dealership and argue the issue. They may agree to a 50/50 compromise. However, would you want to take a 50/50 chance with your life or the lives of your loved ones?

Sharad of Yorktown, VA February 5, 2008

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