5th Time Car is in Shop in 10 months, thoughts?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 3
C-300
5th Time Car is in Shop in 10 months, thoughts?
Hi All,
I want to love my C300. In fact, on most days I love it. But at this point I may be done with MB. A brief time line:
I want to love my C300. In fact, on most days I love it. But at this point I may be done with MB. A brief time line:
- Jan 2015 - Buy C300 - With 127 miles I find that the seats are bleeding plasticizer chemicals. In addition the rear bumper looks misaligned.
- Feb 2015 - After about 7 weeks with a loaner, MB finally caves and arranges to do an exchange for a brand new C300. It was hours of talking on the phone and being denied once, but MB does right by me on service.
- Summer 2015 - two more trips to MB for flat tires. Fine, whatever, that's on me. Not happy about it though.
- November 2015 - As I'm about to merge onto a highway I get a power steering malfunction. I'm amazed I somehow didn't get hit or hit someone. Its one thing for power steering to cut out upon start up. Its another thing while you are driving. 3 days in the shop. Steering shaft is replaced I believe.
- December 20 2015 (Today) - Once again while driving the power steering cuts out again. Come on man.
- Do you guys think I should just take my losses and move on?
- Is this car a dud?
- What sort of assistance should I ask for from MB USA?
- Do they buyback cars? If so, will it only be to assist with the purchase of another MB or can I just get some money back? How much in assistance can I ask for?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
You should do a trade assist and basically ask to pay nothing for your new car, option it out exactly as you want it but you'll pay the difference if you add more options than your current car
They do buyback cars and it takes patience and you need to stress the safety and that you'll take this to an attorney
I would friggen be done with that car and since steering is unmistakably linked to safety and your life and well being this should be a slam dunk if you play it right
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/515501-first-service-visit-rough-downshifting-2k14-e550-4matic.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/536898-new-e550-replacement-has-rough-downshifts-too-lovely.html
They bought back two 2014 e550's from me and I got back every red cent I paid
They do buyback cars and it takes patience and you need to stress the safety and that you'll take this to an attorney
I would friggen be done with that car and since steering is unmistakably linked to safety and your life and well being this should be a slam dunk if you play it right
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/515501-first-service-visit-rough-downshifting-2k14-e550-4matic.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/536898-new-e550-replacement-has-rough-downshifts-too-lovely.html
They bought back two 2014 e550's from me and I got back every red cent I paid
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 3
C-300
Thanks for the tips.
1) Basically, there is nothing I can do I decide to leave the MB family, correct? Very little options there?
2) My prior car was a purchase, but now I wonder given reliability issues if I should only be leasing these things with the option to buy? Do you think that will somehow disadvantage me if I want to make that transaction?
3) While I really like the C300 - I wouldn't mind having more power, a C450 or higher (c63) would be fun but at the same time I won't want to give the impression that I'm trying to make money off of this and this was somehow car buying remorse. If there were never any issues, I'd be perfectly content, but these were major safety issues...
1) Basically, there is nothing I can do I decide to leave the MB family, correct? Very little options there?
2) My prior car was a purchase, but now I wonder given reliability issues if I should only be leasing these things with the option to buy? Do you think that will somehow disadvantage me if I want to make that transaction?
3) While I really like the C300 - I wouldn't mind having more power, a C450 or higher (c63) would be fun but at the same time I won't want to give the impression that I'm trying to make money off of this and this was somehow car buying remorse. If there were never any issues, I'd be perfectly content, but these were major safety issues...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
It's closing in on lemon law territory. That's usually three repair attempts for the same defect or 30 total shop days for any combination of defects.
I doubt they'd want to wait for the 3rd steering failure.
Settlement options are a cash refund for your car less a mileage offset, or a replacement car. They're usually more amenable to the new car, and you can take that credit toward an up spec car and pay the difference. That's reasonable. You deserve something more fun for the hassle. Buying a new MB is supposed to be a rewarding experience.
Google [your state] lemon law and you'll find several lawyers who offer free online case evaluations. They get their fee paid by the manufacturer so their services are free to you.
Lease v buy, I lease often because the payment is low and I'll want something new in three years anyway. If you plan on keeping the car, I'd just buy it rather than paying on it for three years on the lease and then financing another three years to pay off the residual.
I doubt they'd want to wait for the 3rd steering failure.
Settlement options are a cash refund for your car less a mileage offset, or a replacement car. They're usually more amenable to the new car, and you can take that credit toward an up spec car and pay the difference. That's reasonable. You deserve something more fun for the hassle. Buying a new MB is supposed to be a rewarding experience.
Google [your state] lemon law and you'll find several lawyers who offer free online case evaluations. They get their fee paid by the manufacturer so their services are free to you.
Lease v buy, I lease often because the payment is low and I'll want something new in three years anyway. If you plan on keeping the car, I'd just buy it rather than paying on it for three years on the lease and then financing another three years to pay off the residual.
Last edited by Mike5215; Dec 20, 2015 at 04:58 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
If leaving the Benz family you should get your money back withOUT any cost to you to compensate for the mileage
It's negligible mileage and I didn't pay a dime for the 5500 miles I accrued on the first car or 1000 on the second
It's negligible mileage and I didn't pay a dime for the 5500 miles I accrued on the first car or 1000 on the second
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 3
C-300
Thanks. If I recall, NJ Lemon law was 3 attempts or 30 days in the shop. I actually spoke with NJ Consumer Affairs earlier this year on this with my plasticizer bleeding issue to figure out if I had a case or if I should wait for MB to make things right. Luckily MB did the right thing before it got to that point. We will see this time.
The way I look at it is I'm 36 and there is a lifetime value to a customer. I was never interested in MB before the new C300 (was always a BMW fan). At some point our X5 will need to be replaced and now MB gets to throw their name into the hat given how the C300 had changed my mind on the brand. Given my earnings trajectory I was also thinking perhaps in ten years time I will splurge and either get a true grand touring car and the AMG GT has quickly moved up into the short list for me. And further down the road there will be likely many more purchase including eventually cars for my kids. But this can all go away if this isn't handled well by MB. Not to mention there will be a lot of negative opinions from me to my (also well earning) co-workers when they are looking for cars.
The way I look at it is I'm 36 and there is a lifetime value to a customer. I was never interested in MB before the new C300 (was always a BMW fan). At some point our X5 will need to be replaced and now MB gets to throw their name into the hat given how the C300 had changed my mind on the brand. Given my earnings trajectory I was also thinking perhaps in ten years time I will splurge and either get a true grand touring car and the AMG GT has quickly moved up into the short list for me. And further down the road there will be likely many more purchase including eventually cars for my kids. But this can all go away if this isn't handled well by MB. Not to mention there will be a lot of negative opinions from me to my (also well earning) co-workers when they are looking for cars.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 399
Likes: 24
2017 C43 Sedan
LOL. That's normal. I have 12 times (with record) in the shop in less than 8 months.
Ok, mine was not safety issues though. Yours were more serious. It's time to ask them buy it back and move on...
Ok, mine was not safety issues though. Yours were more serious. It's time to ask them buy it back and move on...
Last edited by arnold0523; Dec 20, 2015 at 10:53 PM.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
I was seriously considering a 205. My loaner is fun to drive, interior is nice, can't beat the price. But doing a little research tonight and this car, at least the 2015s have been a bit of a nightmare. There are at least six fairly serious TSBs on the car, I believe 3 recalls, lots of complaints on other boards, and not nit picky stuff. Steering failures, engine rebuilds, turbo oil seal failures, sagging trim, bleeding MBTEX, a distinct buzz in the Burmester door speakers. Lots of owners with multiple repair attempts, lots of owners being brushed off by MBUSA.
The guys with the problem cars all say how much they love the car but the ownership experience has been ruined.
The car being built not in Stuttgart but in Alabama? That's like going to class your first day at Harvard and realizing your professor got his degree on the Internet from University Of Phoenix.
The guys with the problem cars all say how much they love the car but the ownership experience has been ruined.
The car being built not in Stuttgart but in Alabama? That's like going to class your first day at Harvard and realizing your professor got his degree on the Internet from University Of Phoenix.
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 333
From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
I was seriously considering a 205. My loaner is fun to drive, interior is nice, can't beat the price. But doing a little research tonight and this car, at least the 2015s have been a bit of a nightmare. There are at least six fairly serious TSBs on the car, I believe 3 recalls, lots of complaints on other boards, and not nit picky stuff. Steering failures, engine rebuilds, turbo oil seal failures, sagging trim, bleeding MBTEX, a distinct buzz in the Burmester door speakers. Lots of owners with multiple repair attempts, lots of owners being brushed off by MBUSA.
The guys with the problem cars all say how much they love the car but the ownership experience has been ruined.
The car being built not in Stuttgart but in Alabama? That's like going to class your first day at Harvard and realizing your professor got his degree on the Internet from University Of Phoenix.
The guys with the problem cars all say how much they love the car but the ownership experience has been ruined.
The car being built not in Stuttgart but in Alabama? That's like going to class your first day at Harvard and realizing your professor got his degree on the Internet from University Of Phoenix.
You know coming to internet forums is like visiting a hospital and making the assumption that the entire population must be sick.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
I dunno. When I go into a hospital I don't presume the entire town is sick, but I do feel sorry for the poor a-holes who are in there.
If it turned out they were all there for food poisoning and they all ate the Chicken Chimichanga at Ruby Tuesdays, I'd steer clear of Ruby Tuesday's Chicken Chimichanga.
If it turned out they were all there for food poisoning and they all ate the Chicken Chimichanga at Ruby Tuesdays, I'd steer clear of Ruby Tuesday's Chicken Chimichanga.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I dunno. When I go into a hospital I don't presume the entire town is sick, but I do feel sorry for the poor a-holes who are in there.
If it turned out they were all there for food poisoning and they all ate the Chicken Chimichanga at Ruby Tuesdays, I'd steer clear of Ruby Tuesday's Chicken Chimichanga.
If it turned out they were all there for food poisoning and they all ate the Chicken Chimichanga at Ruby Tuesdays, I'd steer clear of Ruby Tuesday's Chicken Chimichanga.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 787
Likes: 110
From: BNE, Australia
W205 C250BT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 333
From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
I dunno. When I go into a hospital I don't presume the entire town is sick, but I do feel sorry for the poor a-holes who are in there.
If it turned out they were all there for food poisoning and they all ate the Chicken Chimichanga at Ruby Tuesdays, I'd steer clear of Ruby Tuesday's Chicken Chimichanga.
If it turned out they were all there for food poisoning and they all ate the Chicken Chimichanga at Ruby Tuesdays, I'd steer clear of Ruby Tuesday's Chicken Chimichanga.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 333
From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
I dunno. When I go into a hospital I don't presume the entire town is sick, but I do feel sorry for the poor a-holes who are in there.
If it turned out they were all there for food poisoning and they all ate the Chicken Chimichanga at Ruby Tuesdays, I'd steer clear of Ruby Tuesday's Chicken Chimichanga.
If it turned out they were all there for food poisoning and they all ate the Chicken Chimichanga at Ruby Tuesdays, I'd steer clear of Ruby Tuesday's Chicken Chimichanga.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
I agree, but I think the percentage isn't nearly as small as it should be. I do think the 15 had an abnormally high incidence rate, particularly for a brand like MB.
But of course there will be a majority of owners who have no issues, and MB will clean it up quickly if past behavior is an indication.
But of course there will be a majority of owners who have no issues, and MB will clean it up quickly if past behavior is an indication.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I agree, but I think the percentage isn't nearly as small as it should be. I do think the 15 had an abnormally high incidence rate, particularly for a brand like MB.
But of course there will be a majority of owners who have no issues, and MB will clean it up quickly if past behavior is an indication.
But of course there will be a majority of owners who have no issues, and MB will clean it up quickly if past behavior is an indication.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 3
C-300
While I'm waiting to hear back from mbusa I got a call from my dealership that my car should be ready today. They said it was something about a ground wire issue but they wanted to keep it overnight to test it today (drive it 30 miles). Anyway do you think in terms negotiating with mbusa that I should refuse to take the car back or can I do so?
What are the major issues with the 3 series? Have they been worked out since it was release in 2012? I'm thinking of a 340i or m3 if mbusa doesn't rectify the situation.
What are the major issues with the 3 series? Have they been worked out since it was release in 2012? I'm thinking of a 340i or m3 if mbusa doesn't rectify the situation.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
You're under no obligation to take the car back, but you do need to return the service loaner if you have one. Before any tactical moves you need to minimally have your case evaluated by a lemon law attorney in your state.
As I mentioned earlier, they'll do the eval for free, usually by an online submission. Your submission does not create a representation agreement. There is no obligation on either side, and there is no fee.
If the attorney takes the case, you'll sign a contingency fee agreement stating that if you lose, you owe nothing and if you win, the attorney will be paid his fee by MB, independent of any settlement.
If you're going the buy back route, it's possible to make some tactical errors early on that might screw up the case for the lawyer. For example, if you claim you want the buy back because the car is unsafe to drive, and then put another couple thousand miles on it, it hurts your case.
If you plan on trying to get a buy back yourself, I'd let the car sit at the dealership if I could manage without it for several months, since that supports your claim and is a constant reminder to the dealership of the unresolved issue.
As I mentioned earlier, they'll do the eval for free, usually by an online submission. Your submission does not create a representation agreement. There is no obligation on either side, and there is no fee.
If the attorney takes the case, you'll sign a contingency fee agreement stating that if you lose, you owe nothing and if you win, the attorney will be paid his fee by MB, independent of any settlement.
If you're going the buy back route, it's possible to make some tactical errors early on that might screw up the case for the lawyer. For example, if you claim you want the buy back because the car is unsafe to drive, and then put another couple thousand miles on it, it hurts your case.
If you plan on trying to get a buy back yourself, I'd let the car sit at the dealership if I could manage without it for several months, since that supports your claim and is a constant reminder to the dealership of the unresolved issue.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 8
From: Boston 'burbs
2018 E300 Lux, 2006 Corvette Z51, 2015 Mercedes ML350 (wife's)
Mine is a later build '15 and the only real problem I've had is that an LED light handle went out. I'll have it replaced in the spring.
LOVE my C300, 4th MB I've owned and my favorite to date.
LOVE my C300, 4th MB I've owned and my favorite to date.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
What size wheels are you on and what Airmatic setting do you prefer?
