C230 stalls in middle of road "lemon law" is needed. Please read!!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
C230 stalls in middle of road "lemon law" is needed. Please read!!
This is not good!!! My first MB and it stalls in on a 2 lane freeway while going 50 mph. I will write to MB tomorrow to explain the circumstances concerning why I will never buy another MB again. If I wasn't in the right hand side of the lane, I would have been nailed. Lucky!! I was going 50, the car just stalled and everything stopped working, barely able to get the car off the road and into a dirt ditch. I brought the car in to the dealer, they said 'yes' there is a problem and then offered me a rental car from Enterprise Rental agency. A red Chevy Malibu or Lumina, while taking my credit card imprint and telling me I had to pay for gas. This furthered my anger towards MB and will ensure that I never visit this dealer """Robert Larson MB of Tacoma"""""in Washington. My wife then drove 30 minutes to pick me up. Not a chance that I will take this car back and risk putting my family in it again. I am very dissapointed as I really was enjoying this car. But with this happening with only ___900___ miles on it....just isn't right. Beware out there for the 230 to shudder or stall in parking lots. Listen for a pinging noice when accelerating, as I heard this the past couple of weeks. Just an FYI for all of you guys.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 1
G
sucks...
rental cars and all depends on your dealership, some give camary's, some contract w/rental companies, some drive a benz to your door and take your car to service. But thats really disappointing, you should describe just as dramatic so they get the idea..
btw-this is the c32 amg forum
btw-this is the c32 amg forum
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
So many people buy MBs thinking they are reliable. They are great cars, fun to drive, great service and all but the last thing I would call any MB is realiable. Sure, it's probably better than Fiat or Renault but certainly not at the level of Jaguar, Ford, Honda or Toyota.
You don't have a lemon, you have a Mercedes. Enjoy!
You don't have a lemon, you have a Mercedes. Enjoy!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
From: On a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay
c230k, black, auto, c2 (let the sunshine in), Bose, leather, and CD
You don't qualify for the lemon law yet. I'm sorry that happened, it's so scary, I know. Give the dealer a chance to fix it, if it happens again, then get pissed. Cars break, MBs more than others.
Beth
Beth
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 11
From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
So many people buy MBs thinking they are reliable. They are great cars, fun to drive, great service and all but the last thing I would call any MB is realiable. Sure, it's probably better than Fiat or Renault but certainly not at the level of Jaguar, Ford, Honda or Toyota.
You don't have a lemon, you have a Mercedes. Enjoy!
So many people buy MBs thinking they are reliable. They are great cars, fun to drive, great service and all but the last thing I would call any MB is realiable. Sure, it's probably better than Fiat or Renault but certainly not at the level of Jaguar, Ford, Honda or Toyota.
You don't have a lemon, you have a Mercedes. Enjoy!
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Originally posted by AlBoston
you call jaguar and ford reliable. HAH!
you call jaguar and ford reliable. HAH!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
2007 BMW 328xi sedan
Claybourn,
Is you car an automatic or manual trans? Reason that I ask is because I have a manual and recently while driving along at 40 mph my car shut down completely for 2-3 seconds. Just prior to the shut down, all the idiot lights on the dash lit up like a christmas tree. It came back to life right away, first Christmas Tree, then 2-3 seconds everything went dark, but since I was still in gear with the key in position 2, it must have jump started and I was on my way again. This happened with 7k on the odo and has not happened since. I was just wondering if you had an Auto trans, thus you did not get the benefit of a jump start.
If I had to guess I would say the fault is in the EIS. I would love to hear if anyone has had a fix applied by a dealer after repeated failures. Based on the number of complaints I seen on this board, MB knows there is a problem, but are they are working on it?
Is you car an automatic or manual trans? Reason that I ask is because I have a manual and recently while driving along at 40 mph my car shut down completely for 2-3 seconds. Just prior to the shut down, all the idiot lights on the dash lit up like a christmas tree. It came back to life right away, first Christmas Tree, then 2-3 seconds everything went dark, but since I was still in gear with the key in position 2, it must have jump started and I was on my way again. This happened with 7k on the odo and has not happened since. I was just wondering if you had an Auto trans, thus you did not get the benefit of a jump start.
If I had to guess I would say the fault is in the EIS. I would love to hear if anyone has had a fix applied by a dealer after repeated failures. Based on the number of complaints I seen on this board, MB knows there is a problem, but are they are working on it?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
As has been said previously, a sample size of one is kind of small to generalize all of MB. I'm sorry that your car stalled, and I'm sure that you're frustrated, but let them take a look at it, and give it a second try. Hondas and Toyotas break down every so often also. No carmaker's perfect.
Sux about the rental, but that's your dealer problem, not MB overall.
As far as Ford quality, I don't know what Buell continues to smoke. The Focus has had many recalls in its short lifespan, and their other models haven't fared better.
Is #10 that bad in the grand scheme of things? Doesn't sound that bad to me.
Sux about the rental, but that's your dealer problem, not MB overall.
As far as Ford quality, I don't know what Buell continues to smoke. The Focus has had many recalls in its short lifespan, and their other models haven't fared better.
Is #10 that bad in the grand scheme of things? Doesn't sound that bad to me.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
Likes: 1
From: Obama Land
K Car
This may be dumb, but is it possible for the key to be turned to the off position while driving? I was noticing my other keys attached to the left side of the key ring when in the on position. If there is enough weight, and the car should hit a bump or something, would this be possible? Probably not what happened to you, but I was just thinking.... (always dangerous)
Agreed! I had a crappy Ford (Found On Road Dead) myself! Ended up having more mileage going up and down. And the Focus is having all sorts of Major problems!
I think the average was around #14, so 10 is still above average.
Originally posted by tommy
As far as Ford quality, I don't know what Buell continues to smoke. The Focus has had many recalls in its short lifespan, and their other models haven't fared better.
As far as Ford quality, I don't know what Buell continues to smoke. The Focus has had many recalls in its short lifespan, and their other models haven't fared better.
Is #10 that bad in the grand scheme of things? Doesn't sound that bad to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by tommy
... I don't know what Buell continues to smoke.
Is #10 that bad in the grand scheme of things? Doesn't sound that bad to me.
... I don't know what Buell continues to smoke.
Is #10 that bad in the grand scheme of things? Doesn't sound that bad to me.
On one hand, as we've said before, there are many definitions of "reliability". I wouldn't expect any car (of "normal" quality and properly maintained) to stall for no reason in the middle of the highway. That's a serious problem that needs to be diagnosed and corrected -- sounds like the dealer has identified something already.
On the other hand, there's overall reliability -- the absence of continual nagging problems. I think this is where Buellwinkle feels MB has let him down. I still can't remember all the problems he's had w/ his current M-B. I don't want to jinx my car, but it's going to be 1 year old in August, and I've had absolutely no problems with it, excecpt one BAS/ESP warning message which has never recurred.
For me, my C240 meets or exceeds all expectations I would have with any high-quality car. If I suddenly experience a lot of problems such as windows not working, keys not unlocking, sunroof rattles and the like, I will be disappointed, but it's a car, and I know down the line something will happen -- I'll rely on my dealer to identify and correct it. I just can't believe that all the owners of all the C's and E's I see around here just keep buying M-B's for the sake of M-B.
Until proven otherwise, by my own experiences, I will continue to regard M-B as one of the most reliable and high-quality luxury cars around and I'm looking forward to future purchases!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
From: On a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay
c230k, black, auto, c2 (let the sunshine in), Bose, leather, and CD
Wow,
How many times are we going to have this discussion! The whole thing sounds like a broken record to me on both sides.
How many times are we going to have this discussion! The whole thing sounds like a broken record to me on both sides.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: North Berkeley
C230 C-Coupe
If Ford is reliable then I will never buy another car again.
For those in the US.... Explorer?????
I had a Focus; the brakes and rotors went, internal electrics cut out, CD player broke, recalls kept on coming. In the first week the paint stripped off the front bonet, Squeeks, creeks, bumps galor all over the car at any speed. Brakes squeeked like you would not believe. The back windows were not fitted properly. Everytime the service centre had the car another minor problem would happen within two to three days.
One time back from the service centre a banging noice came from the front of the car. We found a wrench in bonet carpartment of the car that the service people left. I have tons of Ford stories but I think these get the point accross.
Ford are worse than any company for customer service and reliability. For me all the MB horror stories are like walks in the park compared to my 1 year and 5 month relationship with Ford USA.
Please stop using Ford as an example for reliability. If you do not believe me go to a forum about car complaints and you will see more postings for Ford than any other car.
Nathan
For those in the US.... Explorer?????
I had a Focus; the brakes and rotors went, internal electrics cut out, CD player broke, recalls kept on coming. In the first week the paint stripped off the front bonet, Squeeks, creeks, bumps galor all over the car at any speed. Brakes squeeked like you would not believe. The back windows were not fitted properly. Everytime the service centre had the car another minor problem would happen within two to three days.
One time back from the service centre a banging noice came from the front of the car. We found a wrench in bonet carpartment of the car that the service people left. I have tons of Ford stories but I think these get the point accross.
Ford are worse than any company for customer service and reliability. For me all the MB horror stories are like walks in the park compared to my 1 year and 5 month relationship with Ford USA.
Please stop using Ford as an example for reliability. If you do not believe me go to a forum about car complaints and you will see more postings for Ford than any other car.
Nathan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Vienna, Austria
Audi S4
Ford (fix or repair daily) is NOT a good example of a reliable car. I believe the new Explorer and Escape had like 5 recalls each, one of them was for a steering wheel that would come off! There's some quality control! One point to consider about the problems seen in this forum. A person who is having huge problems with their car is probably more likely to go seek out a forum to express their anger, but the average non-car enthusiast who is satisfied probably isnt going to searching all over the internet to find an MB forum to say how satisfied they are. BTW our 2000 C-Class is at 27,000 and the only problems were two blown fuses (my fault), one faulty indicator light, and a couple of rattles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
It's a Mercedes, it's going to break and it's going to break often. Why do you think they have such a good warrantte with free service and loaners? They have to, I never would have bought one without that safety net.
BTW, never buy a front wheel drive Ford. The rear wheel drive Fords are way better and more reliable. And also, Ford stands for First On Race Day (and not F_cked On Raw Deal, Fix Or Replace Daily, or Found On Roadside Dead).
BTW, never buy a front wheel drive Ford. The rear wheel drive Fords are way better and more reliable. And also, Ford stands for First On Race Day (and not F_cked On Raw Deal, Fix Or Replace Daily, or Found On Roadside Dead).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
And also, Ford stands for First On Race Day
And also, Ford stands for First On Race Day
It stands for F**ked On Race Day.
Best example: Jag in F1. Second biggest car company in the world - second slowest car in F1.
BT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
As far as Ford quality, I don't know what Buell continues to smoke. The Focus has had many recalls in its short lifespan, and their other models haven't fared better.
It tells me that the car was rushed out the door before being tested-or as we call it: "production prototypes".
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Vienna, Austria
Audi S4
Buell, the Mercedes CLRs flipped at Le Mans in 99 (98? 2000? I dont really know) and flew into the trees, and also back in the 50s a Mercedes flew into the stands (I think at Le Mans) in a fireball and killed like 85 people.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Originally posted by AndrewK
Buell, the Mercedes CLRs flipped at Le Mans in 99 (98? 2000? I dont really know) and flew into the trees, and also back in the 50s a Mercedes flew into the stands (I think at Le Mans) in a fireball and killed like 85 people.
Buell, the Mercedes CLRs flipped at Le Mans in 99 (98? 2000? I dont really know) and flew into the trees, and also back in the 50s a Mercedes flew into the stands (I think at Le Mans) in a fireball and killed like 85 people.
And Avlis, what do recalls have to do with reliability? My Buell had 39 Recalls/Service Bulletins at last check, some so severe they pulled all their bikes from showroom floors for months last year. Doesn't mean it's not reliable, just unsafe.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
Sure, slow but reliable
Wasn't MB whose cars kept flipping over in Grand Prix racing. They had to change to rules to keep MB from killing themselves.
Sure, slow but reliable
Wasn't MB whose cars kept flipping over in Grand Prix racing. They had to change to rules to keep MB from killing themselves.
Hoped no one would remember that.
It was actually at LeMans. It's not uncommon with this type of car either. Flat bottomed GTP cars become flying objects if too much air gets underneath the car. It happened also to Porsche in 1998 at the Petit LeMans in 1998 and an Audi test driver was killed in a similar incident last year. It also happened to the Sauber Mercedes in 86-87, as well. That time the car flipped at 350kph rotated though 360 degrees landed back on its wheels relatively undamaged. The driver, understandably shaken, slowly drove back to the pits and the car was immediately withdrawn.
Here's a picture of the Merc that flipped - notice that it's profile is essentially wing-shaped.
When air gets underneath of it, the rear wing continues to push down on the back of the car, this increases the aerodynamic force generated by the bottom of the car and it becomes lift. This lift pressure builds rapidly as the nose comes up. This pressure can result in a lift force of over 4000 lbs at 200 mph. That's twice the cars weight, so is therefore twice what is required to lift the car off the ground.
Now, here's a CFD analysis of a wing in ground effect (right). The red area represents high pressure. Notice how much red there is under the wing in ground effect. This illustrates that not only is it possible to develop a great deal of downforce with ground effects, but it is also possible to generate a great deal of lift.
Here's a movie of MB's 1999 incident. Yikes! (No one was hurt in this incident - except for some trees.)
MB flip - click on the top picture
Cheers, BT
Last edited by trench; Jun 27, 2002 at 01:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
See! Is that the car you want to be driving, one that flips over and kills 85 people?
See! Is that the car you want to be driving, one that flips over and kills 85 people?
A Jag suddenly slowed to make a pitstop on the 42nd lap without checking to make sure it was clear. This caused an Austin Healey driven by Lance Macklin to unexpectedly swerve into the path of Pierre Levegh's Mercedes 300 SLR which was then launched into the air by the ramp-like tail of the Austin. The Mercedes came down on the earthen bank serving as a spectator fence/enclosure at 240km/h, somersaulted and exploded, killing Levegh. The Merc's engine flew into the packed grandstand, killing 83 people and injuring more than 100.
The Mercedes of Juan Manuel Fangio, who was easily leading and would have likely won was withdrawn several hours later. The Jag team, being b*st*rds, continued on and won the race.
The race continued because of poor access to the track and to avoid the general chaos that would have resulted if the 250,000 spectaors suddenly left had the race been stopped. This would have hampered the emergency vehicles trying to aid the injured.
BT
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Lilburn, GA, USA
1998 ML320
The driver killed in the Audi last year was Michele Alboreto. He was actually a full-time factory driver, not a test driver, although he was indeed testing when the accident happened. His accident was later attributed to tire failure, not poor aerodynamics. This led Audi to install tire pressure sensors on all of their race cars (or at least the Le Mans-type race cars).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Wow Trench, you really know your race history. I can't even tell the difference between LeMans and Grand Prix except they were two Pontiacs, although I did have slot cars and hotwheels when I was a kid.
