funny post. My car certainly had a part in this. Maybe it was a "monday morning" M-B. 
We made Forbes list !!!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
We made Forbes list !!!
Of the 10 most unreliable luxury cars in the market today, 4 are Benz (E, S, CLK, and SL). For my car (04 E320), except for a (known) problem with the command gateway which appeared 1 week after purchase, I have never had any problem since (knock knock). Car runs fine.
However, given what I've heard from other W211 and W220 owners, I'm not too suprise that these models made the list. The Bimmer 5 and 7 also make the list.
The biggest suprise is that I don't see American sedan (Cadillac & Lincon) on the list. Either they're no longer considered luxury cars, or build quality have improved substantially. I think it's the later case.
Well, at least we made the Forbes list !!!
However, given what I've heard from other W211 and W220 owners, I'm not too suprise that these models made the list. The Bimmer 5 and 7 also make the list.
The biggest suprise is that I don't see American sedan (Cadillac & Lincon) on the list. Either they're no longer considered luxury cars, or build quality have improved substantially. I think it's the later case.
Well, at least we made the Forbes list !!!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 581
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
11 W212 E350 Sport, sold 06 W211 E350
As a new and 1st time MB owner, hopefully we will see things improve, as these reports lag in time. I just purchased an 06 E350 with Appearance and Premium Packages and after 300 miles ( I know it is a short time frame to fully see what the car will be like) I am very impressed with the ride, solid build quality, fit and finish and features, including the previously problematic SBC brakes. Everything works as advertised and the brakes are responsive and have a nice feel. The new V6 engine is very quick, quiet and responsive. The 7 speed transmission is impressive - very seemless and smooth. Maybe they finally fixed some of the electronic and software glitches that have brought the brand down. We shall see!! I have an 02 BMW 5 series that was rock solid and handles great, but to be quite honest the Mercedes beats it in ride comfort/quietness, interior design and exterior design. The only area the BMW wins in is handling, but I wanted a plusher, quiet ride and a car with nice, solid handling....which I got with this car. It also feels very stable, secure and solidly built.
Last edited by sacguy; Jul 8, 2005 at 11:37 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, British Columbia
04 E55
I think they stated somewhere that they have started in 05 or 06 to start getting back into better craftsmanship and take a lost from 3billion to 1billion profit margin instead. I should of bought a 06 model....
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 163
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From: NY,NY
2005 E320
Forbes blows... I say that not cause I'm not wiling to admin flaws in mb, cause there certainly are... but I don't really value the reporting of Forbes..
they should rename it from "Forbes" to "Bunch-O-Biasly-Subjective-Lists"
jus my 0.02
they should rename it from "Forbes" to "Bunch-O-Biasly-Subjective-Lists"
jus my 0.02
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 24
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From: Seattle, WA
e500 2004
Better to be lucky than smart! My E500, '04 has had zero problems, knock on wood, and is an awesome car. I hope others will have same luck. It does seem MB has gotten the message. Buying Chrysler took eye off ball and lowered their standards. Time to let Chrysler built cheap cars and MB be the stud.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
I too read this article, but basically it relies on JB Power's BS survey which takes a lot of stupid stuff into account like how much brake dust are on the rims 
The real issue that MB today isn't what it was yesterday.. and this is due to the Americanization of the German corporate world.. Quarterly profits rule over long term company reputation, and all of them have fallen into this trap (even my model Train maker which hales from Germany).
I still believe the build quality of an MB is 95% better than everything else out there, but frankly it should be 100% as this IS after all an MB.. they need to de-plasticize the inside and re-introduce the nice wood/chrome/leather/quality vinyl that used to dominate their cars of past. They also need to let their cars run for a good 10 years between major re-models, which would give them more time for R&D and more time to work out bugs on production lines. The old SL ran from 1973-1986 with minor changes along the way, but no major re-design. Sales were great on that car till the end.
Also, they need to quit nickel and dime(ing) their customers... Sunroof, premium sound, leather and seat heaters should be standard on all but the lowest MB.. If it means making the price a few $1000 more, then do it!
Anyway, over all I still feel that this is a great car, and one damn safe car too.. but MB is the greatest, and there should be no doubt, or debate over it.. and the fact that there is, is a bit telling.
The real issue that MB today isn't what it was yesterday.. and this is due to the Americanization of the German corporate world.. Quarterly profits rule over long term company reputation, and all of them have fallen into this trap (even my model Train maker which hales from Germany).
I still believe the build quality of an MB is 95% better than everything else out there, but frankly it should be 100% as this IS after all an MB.. they need to de-plasticize the inside and re-introduce the nice wood/chrome/leather/quality vinyl that used to dominate their cars of past. They also need to let their cars run for a good 10 years between major re-models, which would give them more time for R&D and more time to work out bugs on production lines. The old SL ran from 1973-1986 with minor changes along the way, but no major re-design. Sales were great on that car till the end.
Also, they need to quit nickel and dime(ing) their customers... Sunroof, premium sound, leather and seat heaters should be standard on all but the lowest MB.. If it means making the price a few $1000 more, then do it!
Anyway, over all I still feel that this is a great car, and one damn safe car too.. but MB is the greatest, and there should be no doubt, or debate over it.. and the fact that there is, is a bit telling.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
BTW... I too read that the '05's and newer are going to be held to a much higher QC than before, and that this has cost the company $2 Billion so far to do.
So at least my '05 should be more reliable.
So at least my '05 should be more reliable.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: The Earth
Mercedes all the way!
well, my '03 has run without any problems until today except for a strange day 3 months into ownership when the CD changer cover failed to open -- it sorted itself out and has never been a problem until today. some rattles too, mostly due to my cousin crashing it into a curb, and then a friend crashing it into a stationary van (OUCH). van was crushed up to the rear wheels, W211 had a very slightly misaligned bumper 
i think merc started sorting materials and build quality with the W211, in 2002 -- it was widely reported then. the SBC problem was blown hugely out of proportion. a few taxi drivers had a problem with the system and suddenly everyone says it's unsafe and unreliable.
i always think opinion surveys like JD run more on cycles of public opinion than anything else. BMW are always placed high in TopGear surveys for e.g., yet place low on reports like Forbes'. then ADAC comes along and says Merc has the most reliable cars. all drivel methinks.
i think merc started sorting materials and build quality with the W211, in 2002 -- it was widely reported then. the SBC problem was blown hugely out of proportion. a few taxi drivers had a problem with the system and suddenly everyone says it's unsafe and unreliable.
i always think opinion surveys like JD run more on cycles of public opinion than anything else. BMW are always placed high in TopGear surveys for e.g., yet place low on reports like Forbes'. then ADAC comes along and says Merc has the most reliable cars. all drivel methinks.
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 12
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From: Washington, DC
2003 E320 Platinum Blue, 1998 SLK230 Black
Originally Posted by ruykava
i always think opinion surveys like JD run more on cycles of public opinion than anything else. BMW are always placed high in TopGear surveys for e.g., yet place low on reports like Forbes'. then ADAC comes along and says Merc has the most reliable cars. all drivel methinks.
For me it's just a car... nothing more... something to get me from point a to point b. I just want to be able to get in, turn the key, and go. I bought my E320 because I enjoy the refinement and quality of the car. That said, I anticipate things will go wrong on occasion. These are very complex machines.
