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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 ...

Ken of Kentfield CA (01/17/08)
I discussed the price of a car listed on the internet with a sales associate and in great detail. I provided a time that I would arrive to purchase the vehicle the next day. On the day of, I called in the morning to confirm the time. 25 minutes before arriving, I called again to confirm. Upon arrival, I was told that the sales associate had left for the day, and was given a new sales person. The price of the vehicle offered by the second sales associate was wildly different and was informed that a mistake must have been made as the price the original sales associate had provided was clearly 'too good to be true'. Additionally I was informed that the car had undergone a comprehensive inspection. Unfortunately, this is not possible as the car's trouble indicator lights began going off within 125 miles, and the car had over 60 trouble codes in it's computer. The car has had no servicing whatsoever and had pretty significant issues that any mechanic would have identified by the naked eye (completely non-functional thermostat, severely bent tire-rod, etc.). I believe that this dealership made false representations about the inspections they perform on these vehicles, and as well used unethical sales practices to get me to drive 50 miles to visit their dealership. Additionally, when discussing the price, the sales person manipulated the terms of the deal (price and interest rate changes while holding the payment constant) and represented this as the exact same thing, I presume on the assumption that the same thing to him meant that as long as the payments were the same it makes no difference to a buyer. Quite possibly he was gaming his own commission system, but in any event the terms of these deals (sales price to be taxed on, interest rate over time) do affect buyers and by stating that it is the exact same thing is a misrepresentation that will possibly mislead a less than savvy buyer. In short, unethical sales process, false representations of inspections or service performed on the vehicle, misleading financial term negotiations.

Gary of Farmington, GA January 17, 2008

Gary of Farmington GA (01/17/08)
I have a two page letter written in Microsoft that I forwarded as an attachment to Mercedes. I cannot cut and paste it on this form. Please send an e-mail address for me to send it to or a physical address for me to mail it to. My 2003 C230K has been to the shop too many times for similar recurring problems, supposedly fixed under warranty. The four year warranty has expired and the last little bag of rubber gaskets and hoses cost me 1080. The car was in the shop for three days as parts were not in stock. One of the little hoses (crankcase ventilator hose) cost 15 and 460 to replace. Temperature sensor and thermostat cost about the same for labor to replace. The temperature sensor had been replaced under warranty about a year ago. I have many complaints about cheap plastic trim and accessories breaking and not repaired under warranty. From reading other complaints about this model, mine are quite similar. I doubt Mercedes will respond favorably to my note requesting the last bill to be refunded and covered by warranty. The problems were all pre-existing and not repaired or repaired with faulty parts prior to the warranty expiring. I am all for joining a class action suit.

Craig of Melbourne, FL December 4, 2007

Craig of Melbourne FL (12/04/07)
I have learned through two Mercedes ownership experiences never to buy or lease a Mercedes product ever again. I am currently being held hostage by what I can only describe as reprehensible customer service policies by a company that simply does not care about the people who buy the cars as ling as people buy them. The Mercedes brand was a valuable and impressive one and luckily for them, it does not die overnight, but I believe things are starting to catch up with current management. Mercedes refused to support me with a problem the local dealership was having in repairing my new Mercedes and was very clear in their hands off approach that they do not get involved at the dealership level. I was appalled at how little they cared and tried to call again just to see if it was a fluke and got the same response from a supervisor. I can't help you, was his closing line to me. Now I have a buyer who would like to take over one of my leased vehicles and has been approved and Mercedes wants to take 8 weeks to process as they do not deem this service as a priority to them. They get their money no matter what so why would they offer a service to a current and multi-car owner? I think the lack of support in multiple incidents with separate vehicles points to a serious problem that consumers must be made aware of. If the manufacturer is not going to support owners as they have clearly demonstrated, this should be public knowledge.

Philip of Rancho Cucamonga, CA November 13, 2007

Philip of Rancho Cucamonga CA (11/13/07)
Since I purchased the vehicle I have had problems all time. One in particular has occurred 3 to four times. the seat belt trim loosens and then it breaks. I have taken to fix but I still continue to have problems with it.

Raffeal of Laurel, MD September 27, 2007

Raffeal of Laurel MD (09/27/07)
On Saturday July 7th, approximately at 10:45pm or so, my Mercedes Benz CL 500 caught fire. I was on my way out for a night out in DC when suddenly on M St and Mass, I heard a pop or like something exploded. Immediately smoke started coming from the car but the strange thing was it was coming from both sides of my front fender wells and it was white as a cloud in the sky. I immediately pulled over, and was very upset because it just happened out of the blue; no warning.

At this time my light indicator came on and said ABC control.... drive carefully. I just pulled over. Not 5 minutes had gone by and I was calling AAA, a guy drove past me and stop at the light. He got out of his car and yelled, theres a fire under your car!! I WAS STILL IN THE CAR! I go out and look under the car, and there was some fire that fell to the ground. I immediately called the Fire Dept. By time they got there the whole front of the car was completely engulfed in flames. It was very embarrasssing because on a Saturday night in the middle of DC, there are plenty of people everywhere, and its not everyday you see a Benz like mine which was decked out on fire. I notified my isurance company that very night.

The following week I get a letter from Mercedes Benz in the mail. Its a recall letter stating that there is a defective part in my model care from a certain year to another and that it could possible cause a fire. well, IT WAS TO LATE! I immediately called my insurance company and faxed them this information. I haven't followed up with Mercedes Benz about this but I have been encouraged to do so because not only did I lose the car I loved, my insurance didn't cover the full cost of my vehicle, and I ended up paying 5000 to cover the rest of my car loan. So its a lose/lose for me. I'm currently gathering all my info and I will be sending the comany a letter along with all the info I can provide. I should be compensated somehow....

Dave of Solana Beach, DE September 5, 2007

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