Mercedes Quality - What Happened?!!

[hrothgar02]

Like many of you, I have been fortunate to own multiple Mercedes. I can't help but draw the conclusion that the 1998 "merger" of Chrysler and Mercedes severly effected the quality of Mercedes. Case in point: 1998 E320 (built in '97 pre merger) - absolutely no issues what so ever 1999 SLK230 - the worst MB I have ever driven; large uneven panel gaps, horrible interior (all the paint flaked off the center console), agricultural drivetrain, severe electrical issues (i.e the rear brake light not working) 2000 S500 - number of electrical issues; in and out of the shop too many times to count 2004 CLK55 - again a number of minor issues: replace driver side locking mechanism, replace blower regulator, strange noises that are deemed "normal" Dr. Z left Daimler to address the Mercedes quality issue during his tenure. I think (hope) they are on the right track. Any similar experiences?

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[MilitaryBenz]

you know....i was talking about this with my cousin, he used to own a 95-96 s series about 2 years ago and then went and upgraded to a 02 s430 and he wishes he woulda just kept his older one lol i remember the first month he bought it he had to take it in for sensors, then 4 months after the first ordeal his center console was turning off (lights, buttons not working etc.) lol effed up but hey what can you do

[DBLNICKL]

i've had to replace the door lock mechanism on the driver side as well...and to make matters worse, i cant lock the damn door with the key anymore, thanks to the "mechanic" who did the work...i have strange creeking noises that occur when pulling in and out of the driveway or any non flat surface @ slow speeds, i'm guessing shocks or springs being i'm no MB expert, but that sh!t is ANNOYING!...and i've replaced the transmission @ 71K miles...i could go on and on wit the annoying issues i've had and still have from time to time....i'm sure u folks have gone thru it as well...

[FatTony001]

I'm looking soon for a 2004 w209 55amg about 30,000 milles

The car is not that reliable??
The car is not that reliable??

too bad cause I really like the model...

Is the w209 55AMG worth the trouble of the electronic problems..???
Is the w209 55AMG worth the trouble of the electronic problems..???
Has to last 2 or 3 years (and will be alot modded)...

Do I have to look for a CPO absolutely?

[Act of God]

Are you Tony 2 times?

I'm gonna get the papers get the papers

[AMGOODNESS]

the chrysler & mercedes relationship has been terminated. mercedes now stands on their own and chrysler was bought by some investment group.

[mosesgolf]

Wife's 07 E350 driver side rear brake light is very dim when pressing the brake peddle. Brake pads are squealing BAD. A/C is very week compared to other cars we've had/have - M5, Acura MDX, X5 & Lexus GS400. This is the MRS. first MB and she doesn't want another one. She wants a BIMMER now. We've had the car barely 10 mos. Actually this my first MB as well and gotta say I'm disappointed. The car feels like a freaking Taurus compared to the BMW. Time for an AMG?

[iguess]

maybe its just my car, but everytime i try to break gradually in an attempt to get the car to stop as smooth as possible, the car jerks anyway. There is NO way to advoid this. It really annoys me, and never happened in any of my other cars. I took it to the dealer, the "took apart the brakes" which wasnt they said wasnt covered under warranty, and still the same problem.

[SoCalCLK]

Originally Posted by Act of God

Are you Tony 2 times?

I'm gonna get the papers get the papers

hahahahahaha, that ish is funny. He's like that cat in Goodfellas! LOL

[Improviz]

Originally Posted by mosesgolf

Wife's 07 E350 driver side rear brake light is very dim when pressing the brake peddle. Brake pads are squealing BAD. A/C is very week compared to other cars we've had/have - M5, Acura MDX, X5 & Lexus GS400. This is the MRS. first MB and she doesn't want another one. She wants a BIMMER now. We've had the car barely 10 mos. Actually this my first MB as well and gotta say I'm disappointed. The car feels like a freaking Taurus compared to the BMW. Time for an AMG?

Weird...my A/C kicks the hell out of our BMW's A/C; only way I can get comfortable in the BMW is to set the "auto" temp control setting to several degrees below where I actually want it.

Brake squeal is due to semi metallic pads, and can often be alleviated by doing a few rapid stops from 60-70 mph. If it's the rear brakes, try this: find a big, empty, deserted parking lot where you won't back into anything, then stop the car, put it in reverse, back up until you hit a decent speed, and hit the brakes hard. Try this 3-4 times, often works well for me.