Buy-back. It's over. Sort of...
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 842
Likes: 64
From: Northern NJ
2015 E550 Coupe
So I'm guessing the '17 E400 coupe you were looking at would have been somewhere between $55K and $58K with the $5K discount MBUSA was offering and reasonably optioned out vehicle. About the right price range Rick? If so, not much of a discount beyond what would normally be expected if you just walked in off the street. Certainly not what one would expect after MBUSA said they wanted to retain you as a valued customer.
If you didn't sign any paperwork handing your car over to MB yet, you are certainly within your rights to take your E300 back. Then you can start checking out alternatives from either BMW or Audi. They certainly offer competitive solutions. May not have the nicest and newest interior look, but so what? At least you would get a vehicle that is actually fully functional and wouldn't be sitting in a dealer's service area for a third of the time you've had it.
Let us know what you end up getting to replace this problematic mess of a luxury vehicle.
If you didn't sign any paperwork handing your car over to MB yet, you are certainly within your rights to take your E300 back. Then you can start checking out alternatives from either BMW or Audi. They certainly offer competitive solutions. May not have the nicest and newest interior look, but so what? At least you would get a vehicle that is actually fully functional and wouldn't be sitting in a dealer's service area for a third of the time you've had it.
Let us know what you end up getting to replace this problematic mess of a luxury vehicle.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Houston, TX
2017 E400 Coupe
I've never been so miserable.
Might lease a C class or CLS - whatever the cheapest cheap *** car they sell on the lot. Suck it up for 3 years and then leave the turd back on their lot.
Might lease a C class or CLS - whatever the cheapest cheap *** car they sell on the lot. Suck it up for 3 years and then leave the turd back on their lot.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
Likes: 32
From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
So I'm guessing the '17 E400 coupe you were looking at would have been somewhere between $55K and $58K with the $5K discount MBUSA was offering and reasonably optioned out vehicle. About the right price range Rick? If so, not much of a discount beyond what would normally be expected if you just walked in off the street. Certainly not what one would expect after MBUSA said they wanted to retain you as a valued customer.
If you didn't sign any paperwork handing your car over to MB yet, you are certainly within your rights to take your E300 back. Then you can start checking out alternatives from either BMW or Audi. They certainly offer competitive solutions. May not have the nicest and newest interior look, but so what? At least you would get a vehicle that is actually fully functional and wouldn't be sitting in a dealer's service area for a third of the time you've had it.
Let us know what you end up getting to replace this problematic mess of a luxury vehicle.
If you didn't sign any paperwork handing your car over to MB yet, you are certainly within your rights to take your E300 back. Then you can start checking out alternatives from either BMW or Audi. They certainly offer competitive solutions. May not have the nicest and newest interior look, but so what? At least you would get a vehicle that is actually fully functional and wouldn't be sitting in a dealer's service area for a third of the time you've had it.
Let us know what you end up getting to replace this problematic mess of a luxury vehicle.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 746
Likes: 178
From: NorCal
2015 ML350+2025 E350
He seems to be making progress, albeit slowly and with much drama, so why not just stay the course and see what happens. Better price, free warranty or maintenance, complete release, whatever? I don't think we've heard the last of this.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 998
Likes: 136
From: VA
W212 E-class, W211 E-class, F10 5-Series
Joke of they day:
MB USA just came back and said they are offering me $5K off a 2017 E400 coupe (outgoing body style).
Woohoo!
Is that a joke? And Mercedes Benz USA say I'm the customer they want to keep? This is their offer to keep me in the family?
I told the salesman what he could do with that offer. I've sent a letter to MB USA asking / begging me to let me out of their claws and walk away. I no longer want to drive a Mercedes Benz.
MB USA just came back and said they are offering me $5K off a 2017 E400 coupe (outgoing body style).
Woohoo!
Is that a joke? And Mercedes Benz USA say I'm the customer they want to keep? This is their offer to keep me in the family?
I told the salesman what he could do with that offer. I've sent a letter to MB USA asking / begging me to let me out of their claws and walk away. I no longer want to drive a Mercedes Benz.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Lexus GS F
Is another E300, equipped like your original purchase not an option....
And just do a swap ?
It would be difficult to believe you would get another lemon....
Especially, as I am sure you would totally check it out before accepting it....
At this point, I would just want my $$ back, and go elsewhere, but apparently, that is not an option....
I feel your pain....
Shelly
And just do a swap ?
It would be difficult to believe you would get another lemon....
Especially, as I am sure you would totally check it out before accepting it....
At this point, I would just want my $$ back, and go elsewhere, but apparently, that is not an option....
I feel your pain....
Shelly
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 842
Likes: 64
From: Northern NJ
2015 E550 Coupe
If you're determined to lease another MB, at least try to get decent discount off the lease. Something for all the nonsense you've put up with for 3 months.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 842
Likes: 64
From: Northern NJ
2015 E550 Coupe
But see the problem is they don't care. None of the top marques care. Not Louis Vuitton, not Hermes, not Gucci, not Prada, not Mercedes, not BMW. None of them have given me stellar customer service and customer aftercare (well aside from maybe LV because they know how loyal my family is). They all sell you their product with the " you need us more than we need you" mentality, because it's a status symbol, then when it comes to the customer service and brand loyalty, they tell you to go suck it. Because they feel as if their face value and demand is more important than the small things. Unfortunately...
True. I have to agree with you. There is NO SUCH THING as brand loyalty anymore. That has been gone for years. It's all just about whatever the latest transaction is worth.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Houston, TX
2017 E400 Coupe
It's just hard to explain. I've been driving an E loaner for three weeks, now. Base model. It just has lost all special-ness.
When I got my first got both my E's before this - I felt a bit like I didn't deserve such a nice car. I just loved the experience.
This time around it's just an utter letdown. That's why I tried to at least have them find a dual screen so it would seem different, in some way.
MB USA puts their hand out and says, "We love you and want to have you stay." Then they designate my car a 'trade assist' instead of Lemon like they should so they can squeeze as much money out of it from the next guy. AND, FORCE ME TO BUY ANOTHER MERCEDES. WHAT KIND OF DEAL DO YOU THINK THE DEALERSHIP WILL OFFER IF THEY KNOW I HAVE TO BUY FROM THEM!!! They are making the rules and the rules are all in their favor.
I need to walk away from this. I'm really drained from being bent over today.
When I got my first got both my E's before this - I felt a bit like I didn't deserve such a nice car. I just loved the experience.
This time around it's just an utter letdown. That's why I tried to at least have them find a dual screen so it would seem different, in some way.
MB USA puts their hand out and says, "We love you and want to have you stay." Then they designate my car a 'trade assist' instead of Lemon like they should so they can squeeze as much money out of it from the next guy. AND, FORCE ME TO BUY ANOTHER MERCEDES. WHAT KIND OF DEAL DO YOU THINK THE DEALERSHIP WILL OFFER IF THEY KNOW I HAVE TO BUY FROM THEM!!! They are making the rules and the rules are all in their favor.
I need to walk away from this. I'm really drained from being bent over today.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 842
Likes: 64
From: Northern NJ
2015 E550 Coupe
Here's an idea. MBUSA offered you a $5K discount off the E400 coupe. While that is obviously an insult, since you can get that amount off just walking in off the street, see if they will apply the $5K discount to whatever you want to lease instead. Since you seem to want to stay with MB, at least for a few years, at least you should get something out of this situation. I know it is not much, but your only other alternative is to go the lemon law route which we have already discussed. Then you get to prolong this wonderful experience a bit longer and you'll also be out of pocket whatever the legal fees come to. It all depends on how much more you want to put up with from MBUSA. That's a personal decision only you can make. Try to decompress and take your mind off this issue for a while.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Houston, TX
2017 E400 Coupe
The dealership called a half hour ago.
They agreed to the coupe (if it's still available at the other dealership). He is trying to get the deal done by tomorrow.
Pictures coming soon.
Fingers crossed.
Thank you all for your support throughout this.
They agreed to the coupe (if it's still available at the other dealership). He is trying to get the deal done by tomorrow.
Pictures coming soon.
Fingers crossed.
Thank you all for your support throughout this.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 17
Audi Q5 Hybrid
Good job on keeping the pressure on them. If you're leasing don't let them mark up the money factor. Finance or lease, $5K discount applies. If you're eligible for fleet or USAA, another $2,500 off.
Look forward to seeing pictures of that coupe!
Look forward to seeing pictures of that coupe!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Houston, TX
2017 E400 Coupe
The new car is being flat-bedded from another dealership (thank you, Houston, for having more than one dealership). It will be detailed and ready to go tomorrow morning!
Pictures to follow. I'm a black car guy, but none to be found in Houston, so I'm trying something new. After all I've been through, I'm actually excited!
The salesman said, "there's an awfully lot of calls today between us and MB USA. They want to make sure you are happy. Are you happy?". You gotta love when the deal finally turns that corner and rounds for home and everyone hugs it out.
Pictures to follow. I'm a black car guy, but none to be found in Houston, so I'm trying something new. After all I've been through, I'm actually excited!
The salesman said, "there's an awfully lot of calls today between us and MB USA. They want to make sure you are happy. Are you happy?". You gotta love when the deal finally turns that corner and rounds for home and everyone hugs it out.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 28
Past 03 SL500,03 C240, 07 E350, 07 ML350, 10 ML350,11&14 E350 X2 2017 E300, 2017 C350e & 2000 S500
This makes me want to call MBUSA and get my car replaced as well. I didnt know rattle box feature came standard on my car.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 642
Likes: 227
From: Charlotte, NC
2024 E450 AT Wagon, 2024 EQS450+ / Had: 2021 E350, 2019 E300, 2021 + 20 GLE350, 2019 E450 Wagon(s)
Rick, that is great news. Keeping my fingers crossed that it works out and you get to enjoy your new car - finally.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Houston, TX
2017 E400 Coupe
The deal is done!
Here's the new ride. Yes, after a few minutes, all the bad has been washed away.
I love it. Weird though (this is not a complaint) it can't play flac files. Hopefully that's just an update to the media player. If not, I'll gladly transcode to mp3. I forgot how the smell of leather in a car is so fantastic.
And another sign from above this is the right car - I programmed Homelink to open my garage door!
Here's the new ride. Yes, after a few minutes, all the bad has been washed away.
I love it. Weird though (this is not a complaint) it can't play flac files. Hopefully that's just an update to the media player. If not, I'll gladly transcode to mp3. I forgot how the smell of leather in a car is so fantastic.
And another sign from above this is the right car - I programmed Homelink to open my garage door!
Last edited by RickInHouston; May 20, 2017 at 07:24 PM.
