Getting somewhat discouraged with MB cars
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
Likes: 50
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
Getting somewhat discouraged with MB cars
Although I like the build quality, safety features and performance, I am discouraged by
1. The steep depreciation of MB cars, especially AMG's
2. Because they are so costly to repair, I would not own a MB without factory warranty, which is probably why they depreciate so fast after warranty expires
3. Their out of date telemetrics, especially navigation, and their seemingly inability to fix it quickly
Am I being just to picky?
Not ready to leave the brand, just discouraged...
1. The steep depreciation of MB cars, especially AMG's
2. Because they are so costly to repair, I would not own a MB without factory warranty, which is probably why they depreciate so fast after warranty expires
3. Their out of date telemetrics, especially navigation, and their seemingly inability to fix it quickly
Am I being just to picky?
Not ready to leave the brand, just discouraged...
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'19 G63 Ed 1,'18 M5, '16 G63,'12 458 , '11 E63, Brabus SL55-K8, '10 S63, '94 E500 "Wolf", '91 560SEC
+1 BMW build quality has surpassed Merc. Excluding the new S, Merc is behind atleast one generation in tech compared to BMW.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
never tried BMW......I like my cls because of the style, the power......hell I never even use the 'tech' crap.......just the gas pedal, the brakes and the CD player.......sometimes I open the sunroof too.......btw: if cost affects you: try some DIY stuff, find and indy shop, shop around.........the deals are out there.......have to be resourceful....
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
Likes: 50
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
never tried BMW......I like my cls because of the style, the power......hell I never even use the 'tech' crap.......just the gas pedal, the brakes and the CD player.......sometimes I open the sunroof too.......btw: if cost affects you: try some DIY stuff, find and indy shop, shop around.........the deals are out there.......have to be resourceful....
the telemetrics should be stellar and they should truly be made to last, including the electronics, I mean how hard can it be? most new cars on the road have the latest telemetrics. The MB nav is useless compared to my iPhone or Garmin, COMAND is a joke in my opinion.
the reason you can buy an older model S600 for pennies on the dollar is because they cost a fortune to fix, as do most MB's, especially AMG's. AMG's lead the way among cars with the worst depreciation. MB should fix that by addressing the cost and frequency of repairs, maybe allow owners to purchase factory warranty for older cars...
BMW's just don't appeal to me anesthetically but I'm sure they are great cars to drive
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I have been wondering if MB knows something other car makers don't: why are they doing these pop up screen config's on all their newer cars?
to me it's very un-cool, maybe the younger up and comers like this new trend.....makes them seem like tablets or computer screens??
I haven't once depended on COMMAND for anything but being annoying
to me it's very un-cool, maybe the younger up and comers like this new trend.....makes them seem like tablets or computer screens??
I haven't once depended on COMMAND for anything but being annoying
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
I participate in MB advisors, according to MB the general public preference is to not incorporate or build the screen in dash, much like our flat screen TV's at home, however I don't care for the look at all
"the best or nothing" should include their telemetrics and other issues in this thread, when someone spends over 100k for a car with MB emblem on it, they expect the best, however MB has not entirely delivered in my opinion
"the best or nothing" should include their telemetrics and other issues in this thread, when someone spends over 100k for a car with MB emblem on it, they expect the best, however MB has not entirely delivered in my opinion
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2013 Bentley Continental GTC
I'm getting a bit discouraged from reading about these issues and I don't even own one yet! I've been annoyed for years with Bentley's electronics and A/C controls and am considering the 2015 CLS63, but after reading so many complaints, and after seeing the butt-ugly, free-standing COMAND unit with its huge black border, I'm starting to get buyer's remorse even before becoming a buyer. I guess every car has its own idiosyncrasies so I don't know how bothered I'll be by the CLS63's.
There aren't a lot of cars that compete, IMO: The Audi RS7 has the same electronic interface as the Q5 we just got rid of and which we absolutely despised and I don't think it looks anywhere near as good as the CLS63, and the M6 Gran Coupe doesn't have AWD and I cannot abide blue brake calipers. Maybe I should just keep my Bentley GTC or get a GTC Speed, but lovely as they are, they cost twice as much as the CLS63 and are a lot slower, even with a 0-60 in 4.1 secs. Plus, I already know going in that I hate their electronics and the A/C controls. Compromises, compromises. Very much a first-world problem so I guess I shouldn't complain so much.
There aren't a lot of cars that compete, IMO: The Audi RS7 has the same electronic interface as the Q5 we just got rid of and which we absolutely despised and I don't think it looks anywhere near as good as the CLS63, and the M6 Gran Coupe doesn't have AWD and I cannot abide blue brake calipers. Maybe I should just keep my Bentley GTC or get a GTC Speed, but lovely as they are, they cost twice as much as the CLS63 and are a lot slower, even with a 0-60 in 4.1 secs. Plus, I already know going in that I hate their electronics and the A/C controls. Compromises, compromises. Very much a first-world problem so I guess I shouldn't complain so much.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
Likes: 50
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
I'm getting a bit discouraged from reading about these issues and I don't even own one yet! I've been annoyed for years with Bentley's electronics and A/C controls and am considering the 2015 CLS63, but after reading so many complaints, and after seeing the butt-ugly, free-standing COMAND unit with its huge black border, I'm starting to get buyer's remorse even before becoming a buyer. I guess every car has its own idiosyncrasies so I don't know how bothered I'll be by the CLS63's.
There aren't a lot of cars that compete, IMO: The Audi RS7 has the same electronic interface as the Q5 we just got rid of and which we absolutely despised and I don't think it looks anywhere near as good as the CLS63, and the M6 Gran Coupe doesn't have AWD and I cannot abide blue brake calipers. Maybe I should just keep my Bentley GTC or get a GTC Speed, but lovely as they are, they cost twice as much as the CLS63 and are a lot slower, even with a 0-60 in 4.1 secs. Plus, I already know going in that I hate their electronics and the A/C controls. Compromises, compromises. Very much a first-world problem so I guess I shouldn't complain so much.
There aren't a lot of cars that compete, IMO: The Audi RS7 has the same electronic interface as the Q5 we just got rid of and which we absolutely despised and I don't think it looks anywhere near as good as the CLS63, and the M6 Gran Coupe doesn't have AWD and I cannot abide blue brake calipers. Maybe I should just keep my Bentley GTC or get a GTC Speed, but lovely as they are, they cost twice as much as the CLS63 and are a lot slower, even with a 0-60 in 4.1 secs. Plus, I already know going in that I hate their electronics and the A/C controls. Compromises, compromises. Very much a first-world problem so I guess I shouldn't complain so much.
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2013 Bentley Continental GTC
Let me put my "somewhat discouraged" into perspective. My ClS63 is the best overall car I've ever owned with regards to looks, acceleration/speed, safety and being a four passenger car. What I don't get is why their telemetrics is behind the competition. My dealer says it's because they are so focused on safety and engineering, that their R&D dollars are consumed in this regard. However I'm told the 2015 models with have up to date telemetrics including Garmin integrated navigation, so it should be good. Bottom line, I LOVE this CLS63 and will trade for another one in due time.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
I don't care for the look of that large screen in the pictures however the feel inside the car is often much different than a static picture. I bet it's perfectly fine behind the wheel, probably much better functionally as well, which is what drives MB's R&D
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Dallas, TX
SL63
I'm getting discouraged as they're all starting to look the same. Each model used to have a distinct look you wouldn't confuse with another. Now though? Can't tell a CLA from an E or an SLK from an SL or any of the SUVs except the G unless you look real close. The next C will look like an S. The new front end looks like a fish they're sticking on all the cars is just ugly too. They're going downmarket all over the place and skimping on design by copying everything over and over with different sizes.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
I'm getting discouraged as they're all starting to look the same. Each model used to have a distinct look you wouldn't confuse with another. Now though? Can't tell a CLA from an E or an SLK from an SL or any of the SUVs except the G unless you look real close. The next C will look like an S. The new front end looks like a fish they're sticking on all the cars is just ugly too. They're going downmarket all over the place and skimping on design by copying everything over and over with different sizes.
btw, how do you like your '13SL63? I'm considering buying one, however I'm concerned the suspension is too stiff. How does your suspension compare to the CLS63 suspension in terms of stiffness and ride quality (speed bumps)?
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Dallas, TX
SL63
I agree, too much duplication of product lines
btw, how do you like your '13SL63? I'm considering buying one, however I'm concerned the suspension is too stiff. How does your suspension compare to the CLS63 suspension in terms of stiffness and ride quality (speed bumps)?
btw, how do you like your '13SL63? I'm considering buying one, however I'm concerned the suspension is too stiff. How does your suspension compare to the CLS63 suspension in terms of stiffness and ride quality (speed bumps)?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,277
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I'm getting discouraged as they're all starting to look the same. Each model used to have a distinct look you wouldn't confuse with another. Now though? Can't tell a CLA from an E or an SLK from an SL or any of the SUVs except the G unless you look real close. The next C will look like an S. The new front end looks like a fish they're sticking on all the cars is just ugly too. They're going downmarket all over the place and skimping on design by copying everything over and over with different sizes.
Love it. Kind of an ugly car though, at least on the outside. The suspension is great. Not stiff at all. In fact it could be a little stiffer I think. Soaks up bumps better than the CLS. Yet it handles a lot better than the CLS. The ABC system in it works really well. The CLS and the M5 both feel heavy, but the SL feels playful in the corners and you can really toss it around without giving up any comfort. They did a really good job with it. The old generation SL was a great cruiser, but this one is all that and they made it feel sporty too.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Dallas, TX
SL63
It's about a foot shorter and a few inches wider than the CLS as well as a few hundred pounds lighter. The pervious SL was a smaller car too, but it didn't handle well at all. A lot of it has to do with the much improved suspension. The old one bounced around like an S class.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
It's about a foot shorter and a few inches wider than the CLS as well as a few hundred pounds lighter. The pervious SL was a smaller car too, but it didn't handle well at all. A lot of it has to do with the much improved suspension. The old one bounced around like an S class.
a lot of people think it's ugly but I don't at all, I like the looks of it
Last edited by Steinhart; Jun 25, 2014 at 03:52 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
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From: Dallas, TX
SL63
so I'm looking at a '13SL63 with the optional "performance suspension", a $1500 option, that apparently makes the suspension 30% stiffer with different springs/shocks, would you still like your car if it were 30% stiffer? I would guess it would be equivalent to the sport mode on a regular '13SL63 suspension.
a lot of people think it's ugly but I don't at all, I like the looks of it
a lot of people think it's ugly but I don't at all, I like the looks of it
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
I wished I could have gotten the performance suspension without the performance pack. 30% stiffer would of been perfect. Mine is just standard suspension and I drive around in sport suspension mode all the time and it's fine. I imagine that would be the equivalent of comfort with the performance suspension.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
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From: Dallas, TX
SL63
Have to have the performance pack if you want the performance suspension as MB won't let you get it otherwise. I didn't want the performance pack and therefore had to pass on the performance suspension. Wish I could have gotten just the suspension.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
I'm getting a bit discouraged from reading about these issues and I don't even own one yet! I've been annoyed for years with Bentley's electronics and A/C controls and am considering the 2015 CLS63, but after reading so many complaints, and after seeing the butt-ugly, free-standing COMAND unit with its huge black border, I'm starting to get buyer's remorse even before becoming a buyer. I guess every car has its own idiosyncrasies so I don't know how bothered I'll be by the CLS63's.
There aren't a lot of cars that compete, IMO: The Audi RS7 has the same electronic interface as the Q5 we just got rid of and which we absolutely despised and I don't think it looks anywhere near as good as the CLS63, and the M6 Gran Coupe doesn't have AWD and I cannot abide blue brake calipers. Maybe I should just keep my Bentley GTC or get a GTC Speed, but lovely as they are, they cost twice as much as the CLS63 and are a lot slower, even with a 0-60 in 4.1 secs. Plus, I already know going in that I hate their electronics and the A/C controls. Compromises, compromises. Very much a first-world problem so I guess I shouldn't complain so much.
There aren't a lot of cars that compete, IMO: The Audi RS7 has the same electronic interface as the Q5 we just got rid of and which we absolutely despised and I don't think it looks anywhere near as good as the CLS63, and the M6 Gran Coupe doesn't have AWD and I cannot abide blue brake calipers. Maybe I should just keep my Bentley GTC or get a GTC Speed, but lovely as they are, they cost twice as much as the CLS63 and are a lot slower, even with a 0-60 in 4.1 secs. Plus, I already know going in that I hate their electronics and the A/C controls. Compromises, compromises. Very much a first-world problem so I guess I shouldn't complain so much.
M6 performance with AWD.
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From: Naples FL
2021 Porsche TTS
Agree on 1 and 2. Was looking at trading my 2013CLS63 and $35K in 1.5 years is a tough pill to swallow (Yes I know, I am comparing MSRP and trade in value).
I agree that the telemetrics may not be "the best or nothing" but they are still very good and once you learn how to use COMMAND, it is actually very user friendly.
This small issue quickly disappear once you look at the overall package (power, power, did I mention power, comfort, and style). Plus MB seems to be in the minority with offering a matte paint option for a very reasonable amount and it simply makes the car look extremely special.
I agree that the telemetrics may not be "the best or nothing" but they are still very good and once you learn how to use COMMAND, it is actually very user friendly.
This small issue quickly disappear once you look at the overall package (power, power, did I mention power, comfort, and style). Plus MB seems to be in the minority with offering a matte paint option for a very reasonable amount and it simply makes the car look extremely special.
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2013 Bentley Continental GTC
