W203 quality build vs. country
#51
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So, as with anything these days, it's a global effort, which as you say, generally tends to depend on the standards of the company, not necessarily country of origin, manufacture, assembly, whatever.
#53
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South African built cars are about 47% local content by weight - varies by model. So bodies, radiators, batteries, upholstery, exhaust, wheels, tyres, door panels, some suspension parts & some trim etc are local. The Engine, Drivetrain comes in a crate from Germany. With Benz, BMW, VW/Audi being so big here all with plants - many of the OEMS that supply them like Bosch, Continental & Behr etc. have local operations here as well to supply the industry. Same goes for Toyota, Nissan, Ford, GM etc. OE suppliers as well. MBSA is not a CKD operation.
#54
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2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
South African built cars are about 47% local content by weight - varies by model. So bodies, radiators, batteries, upholstery, exhaust, wheels, tyres, door panels, some suspension parts & some trim etc are local. The Engine, Drivetrain comes in a crate from Germany. With Benz, BMW, VW/Audi being so big here all with plants - many of the OEMS that supply them like Bosch, Continental & Behr etc. have local operations here as well to supply the industry. Same goes for Toyota, Nissan, Ford, GM etc. OE suppliers as well. MBSA is not a CKD operation.
#56
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c230
Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Egypt & Vietnam also built them. People claim that Indonesia & Malaysia also assembled them. I think this is wrong - I've been to those plants & never seen any 203's. US never built them at Tuscaloosa. W205 will be built at Tuscaloosa from late 2014.
Most RHD models were built in South Africa.
Best quality I've seen on the W203 was Vietnam & SA.
Most RHD models were built in South Africa.
Best quality I've seen on the W203 was Vietnam & SA.
My W203 mfg in 2007 was assembled in Indonesia. See pics attached.
Cheers
Sure1
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#58
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Thank you & interesting. Last time I was in the Indonesian plant was 2005 & they were building vans. I must now check Malaysia.
#59
I was in Penang, Malaysia in 2009 and there was Mercedes display at a higher end shopping mall, Gurney Plaza. The brochures for the C200K Elegance and C200K Avantgarde say they are locally assembled CKD or knock down kit models. They cost about double in US dollars what they would cost where I live in New York City. Probably more know since the Malaysian Ringit has risen against the US dollar. I plan to retire in Penang, but I would never buy a Mercedes there. I could probably get by on a Suzuki scooter like so many local residents do.
#60
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OK so they have a CKD plant there too now. Malaysia protects it's local car industry so imports are very expensive. Shows how quickly you get out of date when you retire ![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
I love Penang. Used to stay there when visiting Perwaja Steel. Big customer of ours.
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I love Penang. Used to stay there when visiting Perwaja Steel. Big customer of ours.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 01-30-2012 at 08:46 PM.
#61
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c230
Hey Jack, Penang is currently a great place to retire, comparing surrounding locations. We go there mostly during our winter(Oz). In the last few years, it has a new state govt. Streets are cleaner and law & order improved. Great choice, Jack, not that I am biased. I was born in Penang.
Glyn, Yes, Penang is a lovely place, even more so lately, with a new state govt. So you have known Dato Eric Chia uh!. Great man during the era of Tun Dr Mahatir (ex Prime Minister of Malaysia).
Cheers
Sure1
Glyn, Yes, Penang is a lovely place, even more so lately, with a new state govt. So you have known Dato Eric Chia uh!. Great man during the era of Tun Dr Mahatir (ex Prime Minister of Malaysia).
Cheers
Sure1
Last edited by sure1; 01-31-2012 at 12:56 AM.
#62
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Yes indeed ^
I've even had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Some might have disagreed with him on certain things but he did for Malaysia what Lee Kuan Yew did for Singapore.
Penang = great food!!!!! My good friend Gan Poh Tyan from KL knew all the good eating places where the locals go. Malaysia is a great country. Extremely well developed & had 100% employement in the days that I travelled there regularly.
I've even had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Some might have disagreed with him on certain things but he did for Malaysia what Lee Kuan Yew did for Singapore.
Penang = great food!!!!! My good friend Gan Poh Tyan from KL knew all the good eating places where the locals go. Malaysia is a great country. Extremely well developed & had 100% employement in the days that I travelled there regularly.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 01-31-2012 at 09:42 AM.