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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 ...

Robert of Memphis TN (02/26/09)
I own a ml320 Mercedes 2003 when i start it up in the morning or afternoon It has this loud whining noise, I have own the suv for the last Three years and try not to drive it much because the noise is very loud I have to drive for about half and hour for the noise to go away. Was there ever a recall for this problem something to do with the power steering.

Aaron of Coquitlam, BC February 25, 2009

Aaron of Coquitlam BC (02/25/09)
I purchased a used 2003 Mercedes Benz C230K two years ago. It had regular maintenance before I purchased it and regular maintenance after I purchased it... although not through the dealership but by my licensed mechanic. On Wednsday February 18th it started to run very rough for no reason so I took it in for an oil change which had been done 3 months previously. After no improvement I drove straight home, parked it and called my mechanic and made arrangements to drop it off Thursday morning.

I had called the dealership to make arrangements to have them look at it but they were booked for the next month which didn't help me at all. On Thursday morning I got into the car and tried to start it to take it to the mechanic. However the it did not turn over and had to have the car towed to my mechanic who in turn discovered that the engine dropped a valve into the cylinder. This is gross mechanical failure resulting from some defect within the engine itself. There was no reason for this to happen at all!

I wrote two emails to Mercedes Benz Canada explaining the situation and their response was that because I did not have regular maintenance performed at a dealership they are absolved of all responsibility. The repair cost for a good used engine to replace mine is about 5000.

Mitch of Northfield, IL February 23, 2009

Mitch of Northfield IL (02/23/09)
I have a 2007 CLS 63 AMG. The wheels seem to have been made out of butter. Every time I hit a bump, of any kind, the wheel bends and has to be replaced. I do city driving, nothing out of the ordinary, mainly on city streets and interstate highways. I've had to replace seven or eight wheels in less than two years.

I've replacedso many wheels and tires that I am now buying new, non-Mercedes, wheels. IT's cost me at least 10,000.00 so far.

Joe of Lady Lake, FL February 22, 2009

Joe of Lady Lake FL (02/22/09)
Bought '=C230 in 3/02, automatic trans, no sunroofs. As of 2/22/09, put 66,000 miles on it. Car is trouble-free, only replaced front brake pads & 2 oil/filter chnges myself. Console cup holder broke, and drivers side sunvisor mirror flap fell off and digital dash LED read-outs are dim and 2 brake light bulbs failed. 17 7 spoke alloy rims are soft metal and bend easily if you touch a curb. NOTHING else. VERY happy with build quality and performance of the car. Car runs strong, brakes very well and handles superbly. (I own other sports cars) We intend keeping it as long as it runs well and doesn't fall apart. May never sell it.

Kim of San Francisco, CA February 13, 2009

Kim of San Francisco CA (02/13/09)
I was charged 610.00 for an oil change on an 06 E350 with 52,000 miles on it.

I will never buy another MB again-ever. Instead of keeping current customers happy and satisfied, they continue to charge inflated prices in a down market.

Ali of Chantilly, VA February 3, 2009

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