Why has the quality of Mercedes plummeted?
04-21-2002, 01:47 PM
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2004 S 600
Why has the quality of Mercedes plummeted?
Started off with a 92 300E (great car) then a 99 E430 (some electrical glitches didn't have the classic Mercedes solid tank/staight line stability feel of 300E but everything else fine), then a 2001 S600 ( a major piece of junk mechanically, electrically, suspension, etc......been in shop 47 days since I bought the car in August of 2000).
Quite a number of my friends in neighborhood have varying S 220 series and all are having major problems. Most everyone is anxious to get rid of their Mercedes and get into a Lexus LS430. Most realize that the Lexus is not quite the car that a Mercedes is but would just rather not put up with the recurring problems.
It seems like Mercedes is "Designing" a lot off new models quickly and doing an excellent state-of-the-art design with each new model. Only problem is, they're Designed....no longer "engineered". Sort of like the Italian car maufacturer dymaxion.
BTW, in the 80's I owned a Maserati Quadroporte and an Alfa GTV 6.....both of these cars were more reliable and better engineered that the S600 I now have.
I'm not giving up just yet......does anyone have any idea if Mercedes in Germany knows what is going on and how much their brand is suffering right now......and if they do realize what is going on, is their any inside scoop as to what they may be actually doing to address their plummet in quality?
In Europe the JD Powers surveys just listed Mercedes as the poorest quality car in initial quality and ongoing quality......actually last on list beneath GM/Opel.....but never heard of any response from Mercedes corporate once this survey came out!
Quite a number of my friends in neighborhood have varying S 220 series and all are having major problems. Most everyone is anxious to get rid of their Mercedes and get into a Lexus LS430. Most realize that the Lexus is not quite the car that a Mercedes is but would just rather not put up with the recurring problems.
It seems like Mercedes is "Designing" a lot off new models quickly and doing an excellent state-of-the-art design with each new model. Only problem is, they're Designed....no longer "engineered". Sort of like the Italian car maufacturer dymaxion.
BTW, in the 80's I owned a Maserati Quadroporte and an Alfa GTV 6.....both of these cars were more reliable and better engineered that the S600 I now have.
I'm not giving up just yet......does anyone have any idea if Mercedes in Germany knows what is going on and how much their brand is suffering right now......and if they do realize what is going on, is their any inside scoop as to what they may be actually doing to address their plummet in quality?
In Europe the JD Powers surveys just listed Mercedes as the poorest quality car in initial quality and ongoing quality......actually last on list beneath GM/Opel.....but never heard of any response from Mercedes corporate once this survey came out!
04-21-2002, 02:17 PM
#2
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3 comments:
many people suffer from the "good old days" syndrome. which is to say that they have a skewed impression of how good things used to be, when actually, it kinda sucked - but they forget. i bet your 80's cars fit in there. (my apologies if they don't)
other companies have gotten better faster. (lexus)
mb had to make some cost cutting decisions.
- here's a funny story about pre-car days. many people complain about abandoned cars - especially in philadelphia. did you know that there were abandoned horses? when the horses died, people just left them there. not to mention all the horse **** (they tend to poop a lot) all over the place. so between the crap and dead horses, it was a smelly time... but people will collectively forget about that kind of stuff...
many people suffer from the "good old days" syndrome. which is to say that they have a skewed impression of how good things used to be, when actually, it kinda sucked - but they forget. i bet your 80's cars fit in there. (my apologies if they don't)
other companies have gotten better faster. (lexus)
mb had to make some cost cutting decisions.
- here's a funny story about pre-car days. many people complain about abandoned cars - especially in philadelphia. did you know that there were abandoned horses? when the horses died, people just left them there. not to mention all the horse **** (they tend to poop a lot) all over the place. so between the crap and dead horses, it was a smelly time... but people will collectively forget about that kind of stuff...
Last edited by young; 04-21-2002 at 02:20 PM.
04-24-2002, 01:14 PM
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2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
The quality of Mercedes has regrettlully plummeted:
Because of experiences like this from a Hong Kong CLK cabriolet owner, who does not post here anymore -- since January of this year:
25,000 kilometres on the clock.
1. Front passenger's seat adjustment controls fail.
2. Driver's seat adjustment controls fail - independent of 1. above.
3. Nearside wing mirror stops returning automatically to its normal position
after reversing.
4. Soft top locking mechanism goes out of adjustment and rattles.
5. Trunk lid very difficult to close, lock adjusted.
6. L/H front door speaker rattling and distorting, mountings tightened up.
7. Soft top refuses to open.
8. Trunk refuses to open remotely, although it works with mechanical key.
9. Tachometer needle jumps around wildly. Instrument cluster replaced.
10. Driver's seat control unit faulty, stored positions lost.
11. Severe brake fade, dealer checks and says pads and fluid OK.
12. Severe brake fade, dealer again says pads and fluid OK.
13. Brakes fail on a 1:6 downslope and approaching a hairpin bend with a 100
ft drop off the edge. Skill, training, experience get me out trouble
without a scratch. Dealer discovers fluid has chemically changed due to
overheating - fluid replaced. I cross a mountain pass almost every day,
1200 ft level change, average 1:8 gradients up then down again, hairpin
bends, etc. Dealer says problem is caused by my failure to use low gear on
downslope. However, with 40 yrs driving experience, I know to always use
low gear to take pressure off brakes and tell him so. I also point out that
my experience got me out of trouble when brakes failed avoiding a very big
accident and claim against MB and dealer from my dependents. Interestingly,
this problem has never recurred, despite regularly repeating that journey
with the same driving style for a further year. I wonder about the original
brake fluid.
14. Piston/spring inside trunk lid to push lid up when remotely opened,
falls off.
15. Rain sensor for windscreen wipers becomes erratic, often wiping fast
when almost no rain and wiping slow when rain heavier.
16. Fuel gauge fails - no reading. Tank sensors replaced.
17. After next tank refill, fuel gauge sticks in full position (62 litres),
tank sensors replaced again.
18. After next tank refill fuel gauge sticks in empty position (0 litres),
instrument cluster replaced.
19. Replacement of instrument cluster loses all stored data like ave. fuel
consumption since reset, distance to next service, etc. Dealer returns car
to me without correcting. Car returned for dealer to transfer data off old
instrument cluster.
20. Data transfer unsuccessful, dealer admits that new instrument cluster
requires revised software, must obtain from Germany. Software sent by snail
mail, takes 1 month to arrive. Data transfer successful.
21. Fuel gauge sticks in full position (62 litres) for approximately 100 km
after tank filled. Last 10-12 litres of fuel (according to readout) used
up in only 10 km, no gas station nearby, run out of fuel. Dealer admits he
can do no more. Get used to incorrect fuel gauge readings and always fill
up before display reads 15 litres.
22. After 6 month service, car returned with engine idle unsteady and fuel
consumption increased by some 50-60%. Engine management system adjusted and
fuel consumption improves by some 10-15%. Dealer denies any fuel
consumption problem caused by servicing, must be my driving style. Dealer
also claims that the current consumption is normal and refuses to believe I
ever obtained better figures prior to service. I show him MB brochure
which confirms my fuel consumption prior to service to be correct. Dealer
claims I must now be using the wrong fuel.
23. 1 month later throttle pedal sticks, very difficult to press down to
accelerate.
24. A further 1 month later, loss of engine power, management system
adjusted, spark plugs and airfilter replaced.
25. Driver's side window lifter adjusted when window would not close
properly.
26. Numerous rattles and creaks develop, soft top frame adjusted, door trims
removed and reinstalled, instrument panel removed and reinstalled, driver's
and rear seats removed, and reinstalled, door sill fixings adjusted.
27. Interior lamp fails.
28. Electronic ignition lock replaced after difficulty accepting ignition
key.
29. Outside temperature readout displays crazy numbers, instrument cluster
replaced.
30. Car returned to me with instrument cluster data corrupted, incorrect
readout of distance to next service etc. Returned for rectification.
31. Soft top gets stuck in half down position at beginning of journey.
Problem clears after 5 minutes with engine off, then opening can be
completed. At end of journey, soft top refuses to close, remains stuck
inside trunk compartment. On way to important business meeting, so have to
leave car in public carpark with top down.
32. Music system starts showing signs of distortion generally. Dealer
checks all speaker connections and mountings, reports no problem. I object
to no avail.
33. I foolishly try to open soft top at busy junction while lights at red to
impress new woman. Roof sticks in half down position and car refuses to
move, major traffic jam and redface. Engine off for 5 minutes clears
problem, temporarily. At least woman sees funny side of incident.
34. Trunk refuses to open even with mechanical key after return from
supermarket. Fresh milk and other perishables locked inside. Ambient
temperatures approx. 90 F. in shade. Dealer takes 4 hours to travel 10
miles for emergency repair. New trunk locking mechanism subsequently
required.
35. I travel in friend's ML320, hear his standard music system and wonder
why my Bose sound system upgrade sounds so much worse. Ask dealer to
confirm that Bose system is working properly. Dealer reports no problem.
36. After re-checking car manual and MB brochure, I wonder why volume of
sound system does not adjust itself with changing road speeds as described
by manual or in response to changing ambient noise levels as described by
brochure. Dealer's head office advises no such features exist or are
described in said documents, I must have misread them. Bear in mind he is
Chinese with poor English language skills and I am British with a law
degree. Irritated I go to MB website to check, speed-activated sound
control is advertised, ambient noise level function not mentioned.
37. I go back to dealer armed with copy of manual and print-out from website
and demand to see superior. He admits that the manual is correct and
speed-activated volume control is a standard feature. I demand he take out
the radio unit and show me the cables connecting the radio unit to some sort
of speed activation device. None exist. Dealer is surprised that MB failed
to install as its part of the standard system. I point out that MB brochure
claims the Bose system to have microcomputer which measures ambient noise
levels and automatically adjusts volume in response. Thus, the speed
activation would be superfluous and need not be fitted. Dealer refuses to
accept argument and agrees to connect the speed activation cable. I refuse
as I am concerned that this may affect the alleged Bose function.
38. Soft top sticks in half down position, after 5 minutes with engine off,
problem clears. At end of journey, I go to trunk to retrieve briefcase and
discover that the luggage cover has come apart. The cover consists of a
fabric section which rolls up when retracted and is attached to a hard
plastic section which locks into the upper part of the trunk. The fabric
and the plastic sections are now separated.
39. Driver's window lifter goes out of adjustment.
Had enough of problems - advertise car for sale.
40. CD changer in trunk starts giving problems. Laser head bounces around
causing loss of music and damage to CDs.
41. Write to dealer with copy of brochure I obtained prior to ordering car
and latest brochure available from dealer's showroom. Each states that Bose
sound system includes a computer which automatically adjusts music volume in
response to changing ambient noise levels so that driver does not need to do
so manually. I advise that Bose website states that the Bose sound system
was designed in conjunction with design of CLK and is fitted as standard to
all CLKs. I ask dealer why I had to pay for the Bose sound system as an
optional extra and why music volume is not adjusted as described in their
brochure. After senior management consideration, dealer confirms that Bose
sound system is standard equipment for the CLK and agrees to reimburse the
additional cost I paid. However, dealer admits that brochures are incorrect
and no computer adjusted volume control system was ever designed for the
CLK - only the S series. Dealer confirms that speed-activated volume
control is the only adjustment provided for the CLK and agrees to have this
installed.
42. Electronic ignition lock fails to accept key on 3 attempts, accepts on
4th, but turning key does nothing. Remove key, re-insert and turn, engine
starts but stalls when I release the key. Remove key, re-insert and turn,
engine starts and again stalls when I release the key. 3rd attempt
successful.
25,000 kilometres on the clock.
1. Front passenger's seat adjustment controls fail.
2. Driver's seat adjustment controls fail - independent of 1. above.
3. Nearside wing mirror stops returning automatically to its normal position
after reversing.
4. Soft top locking mechanism goes out of adjustment and rattles.
5. Trunk lid very difficult to close, lock adjusted.
6. L/H front door speaker rattling and distorting, mountings tightened up.
7. Soft top refuses to open.
8. Trunk refuses to open remotely, although it works with mechanical key.
9. Tachometer needle jumps around wildly. Instrument cluster replaced.
10. Driver's seat control unit faulty, stored positions lost.
11. Severe brake fade, dealer checks and says pads and fluid OK.
12. Severe brake fade, dealer again says pads and fluid OK.
13. Brakes fail on a 1:6 downslope and approaching a hairpin bend with a 100
ft drop off the edge. Skill, training, experience get me out trouble
without a scratch. Dealer discovers fluid has chemically changed due to
overheating - fluid replaced. I cross a mountain pass almost every day,
1200 ft level change, average 1:8 gradients up then down again, hairpin
bends, etc. Dealer says problem is caused by my failure to use low gear on
downslope. However, with 40 yrs driving experience, I know to always use
low gear to take pressure off brakes and tell him so. I also point out that
my experience got me out of trouble when brakes failed avoiding a very big
accident and claim against MB and dealer from my dependents. Interestingly,
this problem has never recurred, despite regularly repeating that journey
with the same driving style for a further year. I wonder about the original
brake fluid.
14. Piston/spring inside trunk lid to push lid up when remotely opened,
falls off.
15. Rain sensor for windscreen wipers becomes erratic, often wiping fast
when almost no rain and wiping slow when rain heavier.
16. Fuel gauge fails - no reading. Tank sensors replaced.
17. After next tank refill, fuel gauge sticks in full position (62 litres),
tank sensors replaced again.
18. After next tank refill fuel gauge sticks in empty position (0 litres),
instrument cluster replaced.
19. Replacement of instrument cluster loses all stored data like ave. fuel
consumption since reset, distance to next service, etc. Dealer returns car
to me without correcting. Car returned for dealer to transfer data off old
instrument cluster.
20. Data transfer unsuccessful, dealer admits that new instrument cluster
requires revised software, must obtain from Germany. Software sent by snail
mail, takes 1 month to arrive. Data transfer successful.
21. Fuel gauge sticks in full position (62 litres) for approximately 100 km
after tank filled. Last 10-12 litres of fuel (according to readout) used
up in only 10 km, no gas station nearby, run out of fuel. Dealer admits he
can do no more. Get used to incorrect fuel gauge readings and always fill
up before display reads 15 litres.
22. After 6 month service, car returned with engine idle unsteady and fuel
consumption increased by some 50-60%. Engine management system adjusted and
fuel consumption improves by some 10-15%. Dealer denies any fuel
consumption problem caused by servicing, must be my driving style. Dealer
also claims that the current consumption is normal and refuses to believe I
ever obtained better figures prior to service. I show him MB brochure
which confirms my fuel consumption prior to service to be correct. Dealer
claims I must now be using the wrong fuel.
23. 1 month later throttle pedal sticks, very difficult to press down to
accelerate.
24. A further 1 month later, loss of engine power, management system
adjusted, spark plugs and airfilter replaced.
25. Driver's side window lifter adjusted when window would not close
properly.
26. Numerous rattles and creaks develop, soft top frame adjusted, door trims
removed and reinstalled, instrument panel removed and reinstalled, driver's
and rear seats removed, and reinstalled, door sill fixings adjusted.
27. Interior lamp fails.
28. Electronic ignition lock replaced after difficulty accepting ignition
key.
29. Outside temperature readout displays crazy numbers, instrument cluster
replaced.
30. Car returned to me with instrument cluster data corrupted, incorrect
readout of distance to next service etc. Returned for rectification.
31. Soft top gets stuck in half down position at beginning of journey.
Problem clears after 5 minutes with engine off, then opening can be
completed. At end of journey, soft top refuses to close, remains stuck
inside trunk compartment. On way to important business meeting, so have to
leave car in public carpark with top down.
32. Music system starts showing signs of distortion generally. Dealer
checks all speaker connections and mountings, reports no problem. I object
to no avail.
33. I foolishly try to open soft top at busy junction while lights at red to
impress new woman. Roof sticks in half down position and car refuses to
move, major traffic jam and redface. Engine off for 5 minutes clears
problem, temporarily. At least woman sees funny side of incident.
34. Trunk refuses to open even with mechanical key after return from
supermarket. Fresh milk and other perishables locked inside. Ambient
temperatures approx. 90 F. in shade. Dealer takes 4 hours to travel 10
miles for emergency repair. New trunk locking mechanism subsequently
required.
35. I travel in friend's ML320, hear his standard music system and wonder
why my Bose sound system upgrade sounds so much worse. Ask dealer to
confirm that Bose system is working properly. Dealer reports no problem.
36. After re-checking car manual and MB brochure, I wonder why volume of
sound system does not adjust itself with changing road speeds as described
by manual or in response to changing ambient noise levels as described by
brochure. Dealer's head office advises no such features exist or are
described in said documents, I must have misread them. Bear in mind he is
Chinese with poor English language skills and I am British with a law
degree. Irritated I go to MB website to check, speed-activated sound
control is advertised, ambient noise level function not mentioned.
37. I go back to dealer armed with copy of manual and print-out from website
and demand to see superior. He admits that the manual is correct and
speed-activated volume control is a standard feature. I demand he take out
the radio unit and show me the cables connecting the radio unit to some sort
of speed activation device. None exist. Dealer is surprised that MB failed
to install as its part of the standard system. I point out that MB brochure
claims the Bose system to have microcomputer which measures ambient noise
levels and automatically adjusts volume in response. Thus, the speed
activation would be superfluous and need not be fitted. Dealer refuses to
accept argument and agrees to connect the speed activation cable. I refuse
as I am concerned that this may affect the alleged Bose function.
38. Soft top sticks in half down position, after 5 minutes with engine off,
problem clears. At end of journey, I go to trunk to retrieve briefcase and
discover that the luggage cover has come apart. The cover consists of a
fabric section which rolls up when retracted and is attached to a hard
plastic section which locks into the upper part of the trunk. The fabric
and the plastic sections are now separated.
39. Driver's window lifter goes out of adjustment.
Had enough of problems - advertise car for sale.
40. CD changer in trunk starts giving problems. Laser head bounces around
causing loss of music and damage to CDs.
41. Write to dealer with copy of brochure I obtained prior to ordering car
and latest brochure available from dealer's showroom. Each states that Bose
sound system includes a computer which automatically adjusts music volume in
response to changing ambient noise levels so that driver does not need to do
so manually. I advise that Bose website states that the Bose sound system
was designed in conjunction with design of CLK and is fitted as standard to
all CLKs. I ask dealer why I had to pay for the Bose sound system as an
optional extra and why music volume is not adjusted as described in their
brochure. After senior management consideration, dealer confirms that Bose
sound system is standard equipment for the CLK and agrees to reimburse the
additional cost I paid. However, dealer admits that brochures are incorrect
and no computer adjusted volume control system was ever designed for the
CLK - only the S series. Dealer confirms that speed-activated volume
control is the only adjustment provided for the CLK and agrees to have this
installed.
42. Electronic ignition lock fails to accept key on 3 attempts, accepts on
4th, but turning key does nothing. Remove key, re-insert and turn, engine
starts but stalls when I release the key. Remove key, re-insert and turn,
engine starts and again stalls when I release the key. 3rd attempt
successful.
04-24-2002, 04:53 PM
#4
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CLK 430
karl
sorry for all that trouble....boy that was the list of lists....
don't know why your particular clk has had so many problems and a lot of them i've noticed are reoccuring problems....perhaps you should take the car to another dealer....maybe they are better at addressing your problems....
or better yet....sell the damn car and get another one....after this many problems i wouldn't blame you if you went with bmw on your next purchase....hell i would if i had half of the problems you did....
sorry for all that trouble....boy that was the list of lists....
don't know why your particular clk has had so many problems and a lot of them i've noticed are reoccuring problems....perhaps you should take the car to another dealer....maybe they are better at addressing your problems....
or better yet....sell the damn car and get another one....after this many problems i wouldn't blame you if you went with bmw on your next purchase....hell i would if i had half of the problems you did....
04-24-2002, 06:16 PM
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2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Angel Dust:
1. Thanks god its not my car. You read too fast.
This was Graham from Hong Kong as I stated up front:
Because of experiences like this from a Hong Kong CLK cabriolet owner, who does
not post here anymore -- since January of this year:
25,000 kilometres on the clock.
Graham sold his car in January and I asked him WHY? The new owner has to address the MB CLK problems.
2. I love my 2002 CLK AMG, even though it is in the MB shop for the forth time because of sunshade/sunroof adjustment problems, which might trigger a lemon buy-back, if it is still not fixed properly this time - after four shop visits, rental cars all on the MB nickel and my time.
Clearly, quality control is a major issue w/MB!
1. Thanks god its not my car. You read too fast.
This was Graham from Hong Kong as I stated up front:
Because of experiences like this from a Hong Kong CLK cabriolet owner, who does
not post here anymore -- since January of this year:
25,000 kilometres on the clock.
Graham sold his car in January and I asked him WHY? The new owner has to address the MB CLK problems.
2. I love my 2002 CLK AMG, even though it is in the MB shop for the forth time because of sunshade/sunroof adjustment problems, which might trigger a lemon buy-back, if it is still not fixed properly this time - after four shop visits, rental cars all on the MB nickel and my time.
Clearly, quality control is a major issue w/MB!
04-24-2002, 06:41 PM
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CLK 430
my bad karl....i guess i was reading too fast......
but yes i must agree with you.....MB definitely needs to tighten up its quality control.....at first i thought the problems would solve itself over time because MB decided to increase its model lineup so quickly that inevitably some quality control issues would arise....but even today the problems are still there....had a friend that bought a 2002 s-class and it too has some creaks and rattles although not as bad as my clk used to have before i had it all fixed up....
don't know how bmw is but porsche also has numerous creaks and rattles....bought a 2002 boxster s and it too has those problems....but the car is such a blast to drive i forget about those issues once the top is down and the wind is in my hair....
but yes i must agree with you.....MB definitely needs to tighten up its quality control.....at first i thought the problems would solve itself over time because MB decided to increase its model lineup so quickly that inevitably some quality control issues would arise....but even today the problems are still there....had a friend that bought a 2002 s-class and it too has some creaks and rattles although not as bad as my clk used to have before i had it all fixed up....
don't know how bmw is but porsche also has numerous creaks and rattles....bought a 2002 boxster s and it too has those problems....but the car is such a blast to drive i forget about those issues once the top is down and the wind is in my hair....
04-25-2002, 12:07 AM
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2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Angel_Dust:
Your Porsche comments are of interest, since I have been eyeing a 2002 996/911 C2.
However, when I read about $ 4,000.- Clutch replacement & flywheel resurfacing at 20,000 miles, not covered by the warranty, - I think twice and almost loose interest.
From the rennlist forum:
http://forums.rennlist.com/
quote: I'm paying $2,500 labor (very experienced Porsche mechanic in GA) So my guess is that if the procedure is the same plus pulling the pressure plate, flywheel resurfacing, parts etc. etc. you're looking at $3,500 to $4000.
unquote
Angel_Dust,
what is your Porsche clutch experience? How many miles have you driven the 2002 boxster s? tnx
Your Porsche comments are of interest, since I have been eyeing a 2002 996/911 C2.
However, when I read about $ 4,000.- Clutch replacement & flywheel resurfacing at 20,000 miles, not covered by the warranty, - I think twice and almost loose interest.
From the rennlist forum:
http://forums.rennlist.com/
quote: I'm paying $2,500 labor (very experienced Porsche mechanic in GA) So my guess is that if the procedure is the same plus pulling the pressure plate, flywheel resurfacing, parts etc. etc. you're looking at $3,500 to $4000.
unquote
Angel_Dust,
what is your Porsche clutch experience? How many miles have you driven the 2002 boxster s? tnx
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04-25-2002, 12:30 PM
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CLK 430
karl...
i have a 2002 boxster s with tiptronic (i know i know i should have gotten the stick but with southern cali traffic i figured it would be a lot easier to drive around just pressing buttons)...anyways i only have around 2300 miles on it since i only drive it during the weekends....i drive the clk to work....but i wouldn't know how much it would cost to fix a clutch problem....i thought it would be covered under warranty.....i guess not from what you are saying.....
other than the occasional squeaks and rattles the car is a blast to drive....my only complaint is the premium bose sound system is worse than the MB counterpart.....and when the top is down the wind is still pretty strong even though i have that wind stopper device.....
i have a 2002 boxster s with tiptronic (i know i know i should have gotten the stick but with southern cali traffic i figured it would be a lot easier to drive around just pressing buttons)...anyways i only have around 2300 miles on it since i only drive it during the weekends....i drive the clk to work....but i wouldn't know how much it would cost to fix a clutch problem....i thought it would be covered under warranty.....i guess not from what you are saying.....
other than the occasional squeaks and rattles the car is a blast to drive....my only complaint is the premium bose sound system is worse than the MB counterpart.....and when the top is down the wind is still pretty strong even though i have that wind stopper device.....
05-20-2013, 11:24 AM
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sl 55
Merc problems
MB needs to address their problematic quality. My 2002 SL55 is just not a pleasure at all. I mean this was an expensive car UD$ 170k. Problems and trouble. suspension collapsed at 60000km, US$ 8000.00 to fix. 90000km it happened again. I will never own a Merc again. More electronics, More problems. this is not my first merc and they all caused more problems than a Lexus.
