To say that Audi, as a brand, is problematic is plain wrong. Perhaps the Audi owners complaining are like the MB or BMW owners that voice their disappointments. Or maybe these particular Audi owners are like you...acccept flaws as part of the purchase of a German engineered car.

I owned an Audi Coupe GT and clocked 227,000 miles without a major problem. I replaced the clutch once and two CV joints. I have a friend that only buys Audi's (2 coupe Quattros, and RS6 and 2 S4's). I highly doubt he would continue to buy these cars if they were half as bad as you say.

 

Thank god someone here has a grip on reality instead of trying to justify the flaws of their beloved Mercedes.

 

Let the debate continue!

http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Stor...oo&siteid=yhoo

VW at the bottom!!

 

I m driving 2002 C320, and its already out of warranty. My car recently bothers me alot. The car vibrates pretty harshly when the car comes to a complete stop at the traffic light after certain amount of local driving. Then the car hesitates to accelerate for 2 or 3 seconds and back to normal afterward. I sent my car to euro car mechanic shop, they are having a hard time locating the problem. The computer scanner couldnt find any error code. They are suspecting might be the crank sensor??? i was guessing fuel pump, but the pressure is right.

Please advise, anyone?? Thanks guys!!!!

 

make sure you use 91 or more gas octane

 

Thanks for the info. Let me try to use 91 today. I normally use 89.

 

Ok so I just got back from the dealer today to fix my drivers xenon headlight. They said it was a faulty ignition module. Also, my "grab bar" up in the headliner fell out which they had to special order a part. When I pulled in..my SA noticed my car was kind of loud..and it turns out my A/C compressor needs to be replaced...... so here's a list of the issues i've had in the past year and 8 months...

1. Tranny leak
2. Replace right headlight
3. Firmware upgrade to the stereo
4. Fix glovebox light (went in 3 times)
5. Rattle in rear speaker (went in 3 times..still ongoing)
6. Rattle from seat belt height adjustor.
7. Light switch replaced (interior one)
8. Failure of brake bulb
9. Failure of drivers headlight
10. Armrest fell off (was human error on that one)
11. Replace left headlight
12. Grab handle fell off
13. CURRENT: Awaiting replacement of A/C compressor

Also my armrest is peeling and the chrome strip inside the cupholder is peeling..but I can live with that.

As I've said in a prior post...I really love the car.. great looks, good gas mileage, drives pretty good despite the lack of power..but it is adeqaute....just the quality is very poor.

 

2002 C230 Sport Coupe-27000 km currently--only owner--ALL problems resolved. With exception of last item all at MB cost with no hassles. Last three items were "Goodwill" after warranty expired after 26500km due to time(4 years).

Mileage(km)---- Problem:--resolution
140km----- Chattering blades--Both wiper blades replaced
3293km---- Drivers leather seat cushion separated--Leather replaced
3293km---- Rt rear window glass distorted--window glass replaced
---- Sunshade falls out of track--repaired OK
---- Lt side Drivers sill step cover not secure--replaced
7097km---- ALL dash warning lights came on then off--never happened again
---- BAS/ESP light on intermittently--replaced ESP cable
8287km---- CD displays Mag Empty when its not--Replaced CD changer
8339km---- CD displays Mag Empty AND door won't open--Replaced CD changer
12665km---- Front suspension noisy--replaced both front stabilizer bar connecting links--also replaced both front stabilizer bar rubber bushings
---- Noise from Panoramic roof--lubed and tested OK
---- Smearing wipers--replaced both wiper blades
13365km---- Check engine light on--replaced O2 sensor
---- Coolant light on--Tested but nothing found
---- Smearing wipers--replaced both wiper blades
---- Rt Front Pass Seat squeaking--sublet job--still perfect
13402km---- Coolant light on--replaced engine cooling fan assembly, suction fan and control assembly
---- Engine hood won't open--replaced upper engine hood catch
16249km---- Smearing wiper blades--replaced both wiper blades
---- Excessive brake squeal--all discs resurfaced, all new pads replaced under warranty
---- Rear tailgate not staying up--replaced both tailgate shocks
20239km---- Headlight switch will not move to extreme left for l/s Parking light--replaced headlamp switch
---- Noise when turning--replaced steering hydraulic pump
---- Very little bass from BOSE--replaced rear subwoofer
26288km---- Both front sill plates bubbling--replaced both
---- Hood won't open--lubed and adjusted
---- Whining noise while turning--nothing done this time
---- Cabin vibration when slowing--nothing done at this time
---- Parking Brake warning on dash after reversing--adjusted parking brake shoes
---- Rear tailgate not staying open--replaced both tailgate support cylinders
---- Corrosion on all wheel bolts--all 20 bolts replaced
26561km---- Front turn signals inoperative at times--Replaced both light sockets and lamps with pigtail style
---- Whining noise and cabin vibration--replaced left front tie rod, wheel alignment
27292km---- Whining noise and cabin vibration--replaced both link rods for front stabilizer
---- Missing caps, rad support--replaced rad support cowl caps, and rad support pin
27563km---- Cabin vibration--replaced badly corroded brake discs(my cost this time but problem finally resolved).

Do I get a prize for the most and craziest problems?? Window glass must be worth something--lol

 

2004 ‘54 Reg’ MB C170 Kompressor Avantgarde

The only problem I have faced to date on a 2004 (new face as they arrived here earlier in the UK thank in the US), is the alarm siren and the rear seat trimming.

I tried to set off the alarm purposely to make sure all was in order but when it sounded it was a tiny noise coming off and on. A trip to my dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Hertford replaced the siren under warranty.

The second issue is the rear seat base trimming came lose and showed the under carriage when looking at the seat from the side with the rear passenger door opened. My dealer had some trouble with this as they said it had to be completely removed and refitted to get the seat base back into place. Again this was covered under warranty.

I have to say that despite these problems and problems with my a-class before I just love Mercedes-Benz and it’s a pleasure to own and drive one.

 

car: 2001 C240
Miles: 91,000
Problems:
-Rear left window would bounce down when auto close was pullled- not fixed
-Air conditioner not cold- fixed, replaced sensor/plug
-various lights burining out faster then they were supposed to- changed bulbs, problem went away
-SRS light came on randomly- not fixed
- Trunk and locks opened/locked and unlocked rapidly on freeway- could not replicate (dealer said it was a short), never happened again

No probs with the engine, acceleration or the transmission.
Pretty happy!

 

07 c230 2,000mi.
problems:
1, springs on trunk gave out, when you held the trunk button, it only popped a little

2, Left rear brake squeals when backing up

fixed:
trunk springs replaced, now it may be a little... too powerful.

after 2 visits to the dealership they finally replaced the entire brake caliper

 

my car has been great bought it used and owned it since the summer theres a bunch of squeaks but other than thats its a good car. Most of them i think i created b/c of my system. I was havin trouble with the stock radio before b/c i had it connected to a amp and sub but i quickly realized that the only way to fix the problem was to put in a new headunit b/c the fiber optic doesnt like bein hooked up to a amp and a sub....

 

My list would be longer than yours, but I'm too lazy to transcribe it all.
I'd like to believe that I've finally got all the bugs out.
But perhaps I'm just delusionary.

Just passed 100K miles.

 

My car pulls slightly-no big deal. I hear a creak comming from the front when I corner at any speed- alittle worrying but I will get it looked at. An annoying noise like a loose screw in the centre console, or mabey in the dash, but only when accelerating hard-not a big deal just annoying. Ciggarette lighter stuck in- Same happened in my W202, must have bad luck! Chrome gearshift surround never sits in properly-No big deal just annoying.
A leaf stuck in the fan vent-This I cant comprehend. I havn't seen this since the Isuzu Gemini's of the late 70's-not happy Dont think this one is built as well as the old one, but I guess thats the market trend as consumers expect more and more for the price compared to older models IMHO.

 

2004 C230k Sedan: TOO many problems to list, bought back by MB.
Three steering pumps, three steering racks, sunroof broke twice, trunk opened randomly on the 405 spewing all of my belongings onto the road, cupholder was constantly in a state of disrepair, suspension made horrible cracking noises not sure what was replaced, new auto transmission (would not come out of park), center console lid fell off multiple times, the subwoofer would always rattle very loudly, theres more but I can't remember..

2007 E350: Been in the shop twice car has less than 600miles on the clock. Car was delivered with a broken navigation, suspension makes a lot of noise - dealer couldnt fix it.

2004 E320: Sunroof is currently broken - other than this the car has been very reliable.

I love Mercedes but the reliability is very poor. I would never own one out of warranty.

 

Because I think vehicle reliability information could be much better than we have today, a year ago I started collecting my own. The main stat will be "trips to the shop," for easy comparisons from car to car.

Haven't started collecting data on the C-Class because not enough are signed up, though. Most I have is 17 for the 2005, following by 12 each for the 2003 and 2006. I start collecting data when 25 are signed up.

Among competitors, I've been collecting data on various years of the A4, 3-Series (where I have 44 2006s), and G35. About to start with the CTS.

To encourage participation, those who help out will have full access to all results free of charge.

Details: Vehicle reliability research

No minimum sample is required for a recently launched, related survey that collects repair histories. Results for that one will be posted soon.

Comments and questions welcome.

 

Good idea, but even better idea would be just to go to consumer report

 

The more you look into how CR collects and reports their information, the more you'll realize how much a better approach is needed. You can read my main editorials on the problems with their methods here:

http://www.truedelta.com/pieces/shortcomings.php

http://www.truedelta.com/pieces/cr_survey.php

 

Damn, another gas filler cover missing the label. In case anyone's interested you can buy 100 octane unleaded here (LV) for $4.99 per gallon, but 91 octane only costs 9cents per gallon more than 89 octane on average

Humor aside, 2004 C320 Wagon, 31,000 Miles, due a B service in 300 miles. No significant problems other than that damned computer module and bad transmission sender that caused problems in first 3000 miles, and a grille that started delaminating and a lesson in how to lubricate the sunroof guides, all has been perfect.

 

so far
only the stepper motor need to be replaced.

my car has 45k miles

 

Well I think my Kompressor Supercharger is having problems. Possibly loss of power.

 

Where have I heard that before ???

for our soon to be friend from Delaware, this thread should read:
How many problems with your BRAIN ?

 

03 C320 4matic SS 49K
sunroof express didnt work fixed under warranty
passenger side foglight sagging fixed under warranty
alternator failed fixed under warranty
Blew a tire on jamaica ave in the summer i had to replace

 

On the CR question, I guess I could say a bit more here...

Reducing everything to black and red dots obscures at least as much as it reveals. For example, if one car is "average," and another is "better than average," then how much difference is there between the two over a three year period? One repair trip? Two? Five?

Based on the information CR releases, it is not possible to answer this question. I think we'll find that the absolute differences are much smaller than many people think they are.

Here's how I intend to report results once I have sufficient data:

Future format for reliability results

I believe this will be far more useful than a bunch of dots, which I my I'm doing what I'm doing.

Currently I have small samples on a few dozen models/model years, so I'm just doing this:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

Of course, if you think that CR tells Mercedes shoppers all they need to know about the marque's cars, you're welcome to that opinion.

Still looking for more C-Class owners.

 

I am a Consumer Reports subscriber. However, I recognize there are limitations to their reliability reports. The results are only as good as the people responding to the surveys.

Example: A person considering the purchase of a Mercedes C230 SS is unlikely to also be considering the purchase of a Buick Park Avenue. Likewise the person buying a Camry or Accord (Cam/cord?) is likely to be different yet. Therefore, stereo quality, as well as squeeks and rattles, won't bother a person who wears dual hearing aids. And a pillowy ride won't appeal to a person who wants a sports car.

If you are on this board, chances are you are a car enthusiast, and don't view your car as a transportation appliance.

In my opinion, the Mercedes C-Class is vastly superior to the Buick or Cam/cord. But this is not reflected in the reliability reports at CR. My C230k still feels very solid at 30k miles. Buicks and Accords squeek and rattle by that time.