USA Today article on M-B quality problems
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
USA Today article on M-B quality problems
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...8/mercedes.htm
Interesting article, but frustratingly short on specifics.
Interesting article, but frustratingly short on specifics.
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Texas
500 SEC
Yeah, it looks like the "C" class is the probelm. We should stay away from the entry level stuff and stay with what we do best, QUALITY CARS.
The S stands for SUPER, the original thought was that the S would be the BEST CAR EVER MADE. It is, and continues to be, no quality problems there. Sure it costs $$$,$$$ but you get what you pay for. When the first S came out finaly after years of work, the comment was that is was expensive. Tops in quality but who could afford it. Well we (MB) should stay there tops in quality and you pay for it.
We (MB) keeps messing around in the category of the Accord or some entry level car and we get beat up. Besides it takes up production base. Hey we got Chrysler for that right! Let the US factories make some entry level cars and keep the MB brand off of them.
The S stands for SUPER, the original thought was that the S would be the BEST CAR EVER MADE. It is, and continues to be, no quality problems there. Sure it costs $$$,$$$ but you get what you pay for. When the first S came out finaly after years of work, the comment was that is was expensive. Tops in quality but who could afford it. Well we (MB) should stay there tops in quality and you pay for it.
We (MB) keeps messing around in the category of the Accord or some entry level car and we get beat up. Besides it takes up production base. Hey we got Chrysler for that right! Let the US factories make some entry level cars and keep the MB brand off of them.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
M3
Originally posted by Ski Guru
Yeah, it looks like the "C" class is the probelm. We should stay away from the entry level stuff and stay with what we do best, QUALITY CARS.
The S stands for SUPER, the original thought was that the S would be the BEST CAR EVER MADE. It is, and continues to be, no quality problems there. Sure it costs $$$,$$$ but you get what you pay for. When the first S came out finaly after years of work, the comment was that is was expensive. Tops in quality but who could afford it. Well we (MB) should stay there tops in quality and you pay for it.
Yeah, it looks like the "C" class is the probelm. We should stay away from the entry level stuff and stay with what we do best, QUALITY CARS.
The S stands for SUPER, the original thought was that the S would be the BEST CAR EVER MADE. It is, and continues to be, no quality problems there. Sure it costs $$$,$$$ but you get what you pay for. When the first S came out finaly after years of work, the comment was that is was expensive. Tops in quality but who could afford it. Well we (MB) should stay there tops in quality and you pay for it.
My dad has a new S500 and it is NOT perfect. It had a few minor problems and one MAJOR one. (Car would shudder and pull to one side like it was driving on a flat tire).
The seat warmers came on in the summer once and could not be turned off.
There were any few minor problems as well. But they are all fixed now.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
quality survey
I note that this survey lists "problems" with cars, without giving specifics on whether they are safety-related, cause breakdowns, or maybe are just annoyances.
The other thing is that we know there have been updated parts introduced since the first C-s were released, such as ignition keys etc.
So I wonder if M-B has a handle on most of the problems that are being reported in this survey.
That is why I'm frustrated by the article - not enough details
The other thing is that we know there have been updated parts introduced since the first C-s were released, such as ignition keys etc.
So I wonder if M-B has a handle on most of the problems that are being reported in this survey.
That is why I'm frustrated by the article - not enough details
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
The one common issue I see raised by any and all that write about Mercedes is that the ergonomics "aren't as well thought as the Japanese competition"...referring specifically to the cruise control lever and window controls.
My opinion, for what it's worth, is that these creature comforts take some acclimation...or getting used to. That's all.
Journalists drive hundreds of different vehicles, so do they ever really 'get used to' anything? Probably not. Additionally, when they can't find a problem...they tend to nit-pick and blow things completely out of proportion.
As for quality or reliability issues? Hmm...I read a lot of car-rags and have only come across one (1) problematic MB story...the American built/marketed ML.
My opinion, for what it's worth, is that these creature comforts take some acclimation...or getting used to. That's all.
Journalists drive hundreds of different vehicles, so do they ever really 'get used to' anything? Probably not. Additionally, when they can't find a problem...they tend to nit-pick and blow things completely out of proportion.
As for quality or reliability issues? Hmm...I read a lot of car-rags and have only come across one (1) problematic MB story...the American built/marketed ML.
Trending Topics
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Originally posted by Rick
the cruise control lever and window controls
the cruise control lever and window controls
Anyway, you can't be saying that you actually LIKE the position of the window switches, can you? I still think that the position is horrible, and I've had this car 6 months already! I don't think that I'll ever get acclimated to them, tolerate maybe, but acclimated? Don't think so.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
C32 AMG
From the WSJ article, they talked about how MB has focused more on volume, than in quality. What has carried them is the brand name (because quality is associated with MB). The materials also came into question, especially in the C-class where more and more plastic parts are being used.
Admin Alumni
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 19
See Garage
Originally posted by Rick
The one common issue I see raised by any and all that write about Mercedes is that the ergonomics "aren't as well thought as the Japanese competition"...referring specifically to the cruise control lever and window controls.
As for quality or reliability issues? Hmm...I read a lot of car-rags and have only come across one (1) problematic MB story...the American built/marketed ML.
The one common issue I see raised by any and all that write about Mercedes is that the ergonomics "aren't as well thought as the Japanese competition"...referring specifically to the cruise control lever and window controls.
As for quality or reliability issues? Hmm...I read a lot of car-rags and have only come across one (1) problematic MB story...the American built/marketed ML.
And I agree with tommy... the ergonomics, especially the window switches, are neanderthal, compared with most Japanese iron where switchgear must come readily to hand. (I recently sat in a Hyundai Elantra with better window switch placement, for cryin out loud.)
However, I took my C320 in for service this morning, and was presented with a brand new (285 mi) loaner... A Chevy Malibu. I have no problems with the quality in my Mercedes-Benz.
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
Actually, when I was buying my car, I looked at every reliability survey out there. The biggest surprise was the E-class which got the lowest of the low in reliability (behind every, and I mean every American car out there). If 0% is average relability, it came it at -95%.
Tommy, I could not agree with you more about those window switches...what was MB thinking?
Tommy, I could not agree with you more about those window switches...what was MB thinking?
Last edited by galaxygrrl; Mar 18, 2002 at 06:42 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
Likes: 1
From: Obama Land
K Car
Originally posted by tommy
Anyway, you can't be saying that you actually LIKE the position of the window switches, can you? I still think that the position is horrible, and I've had this car 6 months already! I don't think that I'll ever get acclimated to them, tolerate maybe, but acclimated? Don't think so.
Anyway, you can't be saying that you actually LIKE the position of the window switches, can you? I still think that the position is horrible, and I've had this car 6 months already! I don't think that I'll ever get acclimated to them, tolerate maybe, but acclimated? Don't think so.
Originally posted by MB-BOB
However, I took my C320 in for service this morning, and was presented with a brand new (285 mi) loaner... A Chevy Malibu. I have no problems with the quality in my Mercedes-Benz.
However, I took my C320 in for service this morning, and was presented with a brand new (285 mi) loaner... A Chevy Malibu. I have no problems with the quality in my Mercedes-Benz.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 1
From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
Originally posted by galaxygrrl
Actually, when I was buying my car, I looked at every reliability survey out there. The biggest surprise was the E-class which got the lowest of the low in reliability (behind every, and I mean every American car out there). If 0% is average relability, it came it at -95%.
Actually, when I was buying my car, I looked at every reliability survey out there. The biggest surprise was the E-class which got the lowest of the low in reliability (behind every, and I mean every American car out there). If 0% is average relability, it came it at -95%.
i remember that the WSJ article concluded that the new E would be the big test on whether or not MB can salvage their reputation. if it has as much reliability problems as the c or worse, the ML, then it does not bode well for MB. and that it would erode the confidence of even the diehard MB fans.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by Boo2
From the WSJ article, they talked about how MB has focused more on volume, than in quality. What has carried them is the brand name (because quality is associated with MB). The materials also came into question, especially in the C-class where more and more plastic parts are being used.
From the WSJ article, they talked about how MB has focused more on volume, than in quality. What has carried them is the brand name (because quality is associated with MB). The materials also came into question, especially in the C-class where more and more plastic parts are being used.
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
It's the annual Consumer Report's survey that comes out every year. It's really cool. They look at about 10 major element of every car (engine, suspension, air conditioning, electrical, etc) and then look at what breaks down in each car, element-by-element, year over year. Consumers did recommend the c-class, but just barely.
If you are buying a car, it’s pretty powerful data. Across the board, MB did poorly on electronics and fine on other things. You can go to www.consumerreports.org. It cost about 4 bucks a month to view it, but you can just view it and then cancel your membership. I would not buy a car without looking at it (of course, CR did not recommend my VW, and look what happened
).
CR is also great if you are buying things like a DVD player or TV.
(Geezzz, this sounds like Beth’s helpful shopping tips now)
If you are buying a car, it’s pretty powerful data. Across the board, MB did poorly on electronics and fine on other things. You can go to www.consumerreports.org. It cost about 4 bucks a month to view it, but you can just view it and then cancel your membership. I would not buy a car without looking at it (of course, CR did not recommend my VW, and look what happened
). CR is also great if you are buying things like a DVD player or TV.
(Geezzz, this sounds like Beth’s helpful shopping tips now)
Last edited by galaxygrrl; Mar 18, 2002 at 07:02 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: D/FW Texas
C230K
The biggest disappointment of my Merc ownership has been the reliability.
So far we have had three incidences of the car cutting out for absolutely no reason at various speeds, MB have replaced the trunk SAM and fuel pump assembly, we'll see how that works out.
There has been a plethora of other problems, ranging from irritating to infuriating, some of them still unresolved.
There are also a lot of bugs in the electronics, as well as some U-boat logic, for example, you can get your car to beep when you lock and unlock the car remotely, but then the alarm will not sound when the car is violated? Do they not have car theft in Norway? This is simply stupid software design. I am an embedded software and hardware engineer, and I can tell you that if I shipped equipment with as many bugs as there are in the C230K, I would get my butt kicked until my nose started bleeding. These guys must use Microsoft for their development.
As far as quality goes, I think it's better than anything else I've ever experienced, wish I could say the same for the quality control.
The best part of our Merc experience has been the dealership - they may not be able to fix things, but they sure are nice to deal with. I also get to drive the various MB models as loaners - only a few more visits and I should get an SL loaner, and their coffee is as good as Starbucks'.
Cheers
Raymond
So far we have had three incidences of the car cutting out for absolutely no reason at various speeds, MB have replaced the trunk SAM and fuel pump assembly, we'll see how that works out.
There has been a plethora of other problems, ranging from irritating to infuriating, some of them still unresolved.
There are also a lot of bugs in the electronics, as well as some U-boat logic, for example, you can get your car to beep when you lock and unlock the car remotely, but then the alarm will not sound when the car is violated? Do they not have car theft in Norway? This is simply stupid software design. I am an embedded software and hardware engineer, and I can tell you that if I shipped equipment with as many bugs as there are in the C230K, I would get my butt kicked until my nose started bleeding. These guys must use Microsoft for their development.
As far as quality goes, I think it's better than anything else I've ever experienced, wish I could say the same for the quality control.
The best part of our Merc experience has been the dealership - they may not be able to fix things, but they sure are nice to deal with. I also get to drive the various MB models as loaners - only a few more visits and I should get an SL loaner, and their coffee is as good as Starbucks'.
Cheers
Raymond
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 1
From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
here's the summary from the current issue of Consumer Reports:
best = full red circle
worst = full black circle
FR=Full red, HR=half red, W=white, HB=half black, FB=full black
R=reliability, S=satisfaction, D=depreciation
<b>C R=W, S=HR, D=HR (Recommended)</b>
"A 2001 redesign transformed MB's stolid C-Class sedan into a more convincing rival for the best-in-class BMW 3-Series."
<b>CLK R=FB, S=HR, D=FR</b>
"With its superior handling, four-door practicality, and lower price, the C320 weakens the case for the CLK."
<b>E R=W, S=FR, D=HR (Recommended)</b>
"The sedan and the all-wheel-drive E320 Wagon are among the best cars we've tested."
<b>M R=FB, S=W, D=HR</b>
"Reliability problems keep the competent M-Class from being one of our recommended SUVs."
<b>S/CL R=HB, S=HR, D=W</b>
"Introduced for 2000, the current S-Class is as stately and advanced as it gets."
<b>SLK R=W, S=HR, D=HR</b>
"Many innovative features add up to a unique rear-wheel-drive roadster."
compare those to Lexus where they're mostly FR across the board (unless too new to be rated yet).
best = full red circle
worst = full black circle
FR=Full red, HR=half red, W=white, HB=half black, FB=full black
R=reliability, S=satisfaction, D=depreciation
<b>C R=W, S=HR, D=HR (Recommended)</b>
"A 2001 redesign transformed MB's stolid C-Class sedan into a more convincing rival for the best-in-class BMW 3-Series."
<b>CLK R=FB
, S=HR, D=FR</b>"With its superior handling, four-door practicality, and lower price, the C320 weakens the case for the CLK."
<b>E R=W, S=FR, D=HR (Recommended)</b>
"The sedan and the all-wheel-drive E320 Wagon are among the best cars we've tested."
<b>M R=FB
, S=W, D=HR</b>"Reliability problems keep the competent M-Class from being one of our recommended SUVs."
<b>S/CL R=HB
, S=HR, D=W</b>"Introduced for 2000, the current S-Class is as stately and advanced as it gets."
<b>SLK R=W, S=HR, D=HR</b>
"Many innovative features add up to a unique rear-wheel-drive roadster."
compare those to Lexus where they're mostly FR across the board (unless too new to be rated yet).
Last edited by young; Mar 18, 2002 at 08:18 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed
Originally posted by galaxygrrl
Tommy, I could not agree with you more about those window switches...what was MB thinking?
Tommy, I could not agree with you more about those window switches...what was MB thinking?
Although the driver seldom open/close the passenger side windows, but have to go around the shifter to reach the switches is just very annoying.
My guess is that back then it's cheaper to put all the wiring and control switches at one place. Saved the extra switch on the front passenger door.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: NJ
'05 c240 4matic wagon
Originally posted by tommy
I actually like the cruise control - it's like being in a video game. MMM ... Halo ...
Anyway, you can't be saying that you actually LIKE the position of the window switches, can you? I still think that the position is horrible, and I've had this car 6 months already! I don't think that I'll ever get acclimated to them, tolerate maybe, but acclimated? Don't think so.
I actually like the cruise control - it's like being in a video game. MMM ... Halo ...
Anyway, you can't be saying that you actually LIKE the position of the window switches, can you? I still think that the position is horrible, and I've had this car 6 months already! I don't think that I'll ever get acclimated to them, tolerate maybe, but acclimated? Don't think so.
