Mercedes Quality vs Everyone Else
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Virginia
2005 CL65 AMG
Mercedes Quality vs Everyone Else
I've driven BMWs, Lexus', Acuras, Jaguars and none of them seem to compare with Mercedes' Quality. I am very impressed with the 1996 and newer Audi's and VW but they are still a ways off from a Mercedes.
What other car makes have simlar quality (parts, engineering, build, etc) as Mercedes Benz?
Regards,
Don
What other car makes have simlar quality (parts, engineering, build, etc) as Mercedes Benz?
Regards,
Don
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From: Long Island, NY
I don't know if this really counts, but I want to post it anyway 
My 2000 Cougar was a pile of cheap plastic glued together. I mean sitting inside, you could see the exterior color on the door jams because the seams didn't line up and it was classified as a sports car and had a recorded 0-60 of 9.4....also probably the smallest V6 out there....2.5L. By 25,000 miles these things had happened or were happening; the engine lifters ticked, blew blue smoke, transmission slipped, had an ongoing fuel delivery problem, hatchback leaked, coolant sensor broke, and the radio broke. BTW, don't tell this to the girl who bought it, lol.....I'm just kidding I had it all fixed under warranty before I sold it .......................BUT me and my boyfriend both agree, it had the NICEST damn leather seats I have ever seen or felt (Special Edition). My SLK doesn't even compare.....and the Ferrari 360 had nothing on it! 
lol
Funny enough, I am planning on buying another one.....but just for a project car...no Hondas here thank you. I think Cougars look awesome IMO
My 2000 Cougar was a pile of cheap plastic glued together. I mean sitting inside, you could see the exterior color on the door jams because the seams didn't line up and it was classified as a sports car and had a recorded 0-60 of 9.4....also probably the smallest V6 out there....2.5L. By 25,000 miles these things had happened or were happening; the engine lifters ticked, blew blue smoke, transmission slipped, had an ongoing fuel delivery problem, hatchback leaked, coolant sensor broke, and the radio broke. BTW, don't tell this to the girl who bought it, lol.....I'm just kidding I had it all fixed under warranty before I sold it .......................BUT me and my boyfriend both agree, it had the NICEST damn leather seats I have ever seen or felt (Special Edition). My SLK doesn't even compare.....and the Ferrari 360 had nothing on it! lolFunny enough, I am planning on buying another one.....but just for a project car...no Hondas here thank you. I think Cougars look awesome IMO
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I'll say that the Ford Explorer sucks. Big time. 7 recalls and 3 of them safety recalls in 4 years. Of course, Firestone told me that I don't have Firestones on my Explorer according to my VIN and asked me to produce the Firestone Wilderness tires AFTER I replaced all 4 of them during a cross country trip when one of them blew out at high speed (I was not hurt).
I will never buy a Ford ever again and will never allow my friends to buy a Ford.
I will never buy a Ford ever again and will never allow my friends to buy a Ford.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Detroit
95 ford escort
I have a 95 ford escort, it is one of the cheapest piece of matchboxes you can buy and call a car, so far it has 88,000 miles and not a single problem. good quality, but then on the spectrum, it has no reputation, people always think i am a bum, and toss a few dollars into my window when i stop at the light, i guess that is going towards my get a better car fund.
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From: Scottsdale, Arizonai
'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
Don, it's going to vary from model to model, year to year.
I know quite a few Passat/Jetta owners that are really unhappy with their cars. I know of one mechanical engineer in CA that gave up on his Passat (more time @ dealership than at home) that he turned it in and went with a Toyota Avalon and he's happy as all get up.
My brother in law in NJ had an ML 3 years ago, declared it was Plymouth in disguise and went to a X5 last year.
I know quite a few Passat/Jetta owners that are really unhappy with their cars. I know of one mechanical engineer in CA that gave up on his Passat (more time @ dealership than at home) that he turned it in and went with a Toyota Avalon and he's happy as all get up.
My brother in law in NJ had an ML 3 years ago, declared it was Plymouth in disguise and went to a X5 last year.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Chicago
Volvo V90 CC
Quality on my Benz is in no question, well built, well fit, etc.
But I must say, my 1996 Suburban is well made too, except for the visors everything is still holding very well and no ratling, suspension, engine working fine with no mchanical problems after 75k miles and 7 years.
I sold my 99 vette because it was a piece of crap!!! Kept braking one thing after another!
But I must say, my 1996 Suburban is well made too, except for the visors everything is still holding very well and no ratling, suspension, engine working fine with no mchanical problems after 75k miles and 7 years.
I sold my 99 vette because it was a piece of crap!!! Kept braking one thing after another!
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Joined: Oct 2002
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996 Turbo
While no quality complaints as such from our S I do have one complaint.
Tactile sensation Buttons are terrible everything from command to the steering wheel to the window buttons. Its too clicky.... hard to describe while not being cheap they totally missed the mark on that. I hate the way everything clicks instead of a smooth feel to them.
Tactile sensation Buttons are terrible everything from command to the steering wheel to the window buttons. Its too clicky.... hard to describe while not being cheap they totally missed the mark on that. I hate the way everything clicks instead of a smooth feel to them.
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Actually MB quality started downhill with the W126 cars, it wasn't bad for the W126 but it has gotten progressively worse for 2 reasons. One is weight savings to gain fuel efficiency and that is simple to understand - plastic stuff can break if you aren't VERY careful and it did and it does. Like plastic radiator necks and plastic outlet necks and plastic window regulator sliders..... Two is electronic gadjets. Fact is the Europeans just aren't in the same ballpark as the Japanese for electronic quality control and so you get those failures too. problem is Americans have to have all the junk and the cars suffer a lot of downtime. But don't take my word for it do your own research on the web.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Asheville, NC
Black 2001 Mustang GT
I've driven a ton of Mercedes, and have to say quality wise they're great, but the seats are awful IMHO. The new S-Class is the only exception to this I believe, and the last one I drove was a 2000.
My family has had a few Jaguars, before and after the Ford takeover....The difference there is amazing. The XJ12 my mother had for a few years ascetically was more appealing to me, but again, the quality was lesser than a Benz. I guess it's all just a matter of opinion.
My family has had a few Jaguars, before and after the Ford takeover....The difference there is amazing. The XJ12 my mother had for a few years ascetically was more appealing to me, but again, the quality was lesser than a Benz. I guess it's all just a matter of opinion.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
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I think that my Mercedes SL500 quality still has yet to reach my 8 year old LS400's. But then agian i've only had the Benz for a couple months now.
The only problem we've had is the wood trim glue coming undone, and that was like last month. So in 7 years, nothing.
The only problem we've had is the wood trim glue coming undone, and that was like last month. So in 7 years, nothing.
Senior Member
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Check out JD Power's long-term (5-year) reliability ratings and Mercedes is tied with Ford slightly below average. Electronic gremlins are only part of the problem. If you go to JD Power's web site and check model by model Mecedes is pretty bad too. The cost cutting has gone way too far. Mercedes' costs are out of control and the product suffers to make the "price point" needed to move the number of cars that the beancounters say have to be moved. IMO, the style of the cars is Mercedes' saving grace. That and reputation, which will eventually be sullied by inferior product.
Last edited by CRB; Mar 12, 2003 at 06:00 PM.
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From: Genoa, NV
2014 GLK250 BlueTec & 2009 ML320 BlueTec
Nothing wrong with Jeep's, I have had 7 including 2 AMC Eagle's.
All with the 4.0 liter 6 cylinder engine. What a work horse....I still have one 1999 Grand Cherokee Limited with 47,500 miles, no problems and looks like new.
All with the 4.0 liter 6 cylinder engine. What a work horse....I still have one 1999 Grand Cherokee Limited with 47,500 miles, no problems and looks like new.
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Munich, Germany
Schrempps C 32 AMG
I drove a jeep cherokee for one year and it was horrible. The car was every two weeks in the service center.
Then got a W202 230 kompressor. This car was very very nice Best quality, no problems for 3 years.
The next one was the C 43 AMG. Very nice too but I watched out for more power (like Tim tayler says in "tool time").
My actual C 32 AMG is fine - the quality is very good.
Then got a W202 230 kompressor. This car was very very nice
Best quality, no problems for 3 years.The next one was the C 43 AMG. Very nice too but I watched out for more power (like Tim tayler says in "tool time").
My actual C 32 AMG is fine - the quality is very good.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: New Hampshire, USA
2002 ML500
MB quality
I have had my '02 ML500 for a year, and the quality is good, but not what I've exerienced in previous Benzes. I have the Bose upgrade and have had the strangest problem with the automatic volume control, it would go from blaringly loud, to whisper quiet at the slightest provocation, and not just the radio, but also the nav voice. BTW, the woman on the Canadian disc is sooo much more pleasant to listen to than the American discs.
It was driving me crazy so I had the dealer shut it off. I had to go back three different times, they kept forgetting part of the program. Anyway, the volume still changes on its own(very frustrating). If anyone has any ideas, please reply before I go insane. Daimler-Chrysler, I have an opposable thumb, if I want my volume higher or lower, I can adjust it myself. Not a night goes by that I don't thank god that you can shut off the automatic rear view mirror dimmer(with 288bhp on tap, you need to be able to spot the cop behind you)
This has been the only problem I've had with my Benz, and love it otherwise. I even average over 21mpg on the highway(70-80 mph, cruise control) but with four others in my family's past that didn't have a problem this frustrating, I would gladly buy another. Just not another built in Alabama, please.
It was driving me crazy so I had the dealer shut it off. I had to go back three different times, they kept forgetting part of the program. Anyway, the volume still changes on its own(very frustrating). If anyone has any ideas, please reply before I go insane. Daimler-Chrysler, I have an opposable thumb, if I want my volume higher or lower, I can adjust it myself. Not a night goes by that I don't thank god that you can shut off the automatic rear view mirror dimmer(with 288bhp on tap, you need to be able to spot the cop behind you)
This has been the only problem I've had with my Benz, and love it otherwise. I even average over 21mpg on the highway(70-80 mph, cruise control) but with four others in my family's past that didn't have a problem this frustrating, I would gladly buy another. Just not another built in Alabama, please.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: clermont, Fl
97 E300
Quality comparisons are very subjective and depend on individual experiences. I spend a lot of time on preventative maintenance on all my cars. I overdo it with transmission fluid changes every 40 k miles , oil changes with Mobil 1 at 4k miles, proper replacement of other fluids, prompt repair which I do myself if I can. Several cars of different makes lasted well into 150k - 200k miles. My best to date is a Chrysler minvan 1993. I got 300k on the vehicle without any engine work. The original transmission lasted 180k miles. It did smoke a bit when I donated it to a shelter.
I intend to keep my 97 E class several 100k miles. Will it make it? who knows. Everything works but I have seen hints of cost driven engineering. I understand the 210 series was designed as a lower cost Mercedes to bring the price down to allow it to be affordable to a certain consumer bracket. There is evidence all over the car. First electrical, not electronics are suspect. My rear taillights, specifically connections are weak - both plastic and the copper alloy connections are subject to heat stress weakening. On my diesel, certain actuation devices are close to the exhaust manifold in the engine compartment.
EArlier Benzes would have heat shields, but MB saved $ and elected not to add them to the final product. In general the MB cars are getting smaller. Less material and less structural stength needed.
Don't read me wrong. I trully enjoy this car. But this is the answe to combatting inlation, especially in Germany.
I intend to keep my 97 E class several 100k miles. Will it make it? who knows. Everything works but I have seen hints of cost driven engineering. I understand the 210 series was designed as a lower cost Mercedes to bring the price down to allow it to be affordable to a certain consumer bracket. There is evidence all over the car. First electrical, not electronics are suspect. My rear taillights, specifically connections are weak - both plastic and the copper alloy connections are subject to heat stress weakening. On my diesel, certain actuation devices are close to the exhaust manifold in the engine compartment.
EArlier Benzes would have heat shields, but MB saved $ and elected not to add them to the final product. In general the MB cars are getting smaller. Less material and less structural stength needed.
Don't read me wrong. I trully enjoy this car. But this is the answe to combatting inlation, especially in Germany.
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From: San Antonio, Texas
2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport
I’ve gone through two cars so far: a fully loaded 1993 Nissan Maxima SE (was a member of maxima.org for a long time, they’re good people) and a 1995 2-door GMC YUKON SLT 4x4 (was a member of blazerowners.com for a while too, they’re also good people). Both cars were good. The Nissan gave me quite a bit of tranny trouble, but had an engine that wouldn’t quit. The YUKON had nothing go wrong with it, except an alternator, that I didn’t cause myself. All problems were promptly fixed usually without hassle. I will say this for the two of them: Nissan makes great cars but their service sucks (I say this cause they caused my tranny problems and I’ve dealt with more than one dealer) and GM makes the BEST trucks in the world, I will never own a foreign truck or SUV as long as I live. However, the exception is Ford. I might give Dodge a chance even though they’re Chrysler. We’ve owned a Ford and it was horrible. They couldn’t make a decent tranny if they’re lives depended on it (notice how the Mustang GT has a Getrag tranny in it and not the same or similar version of the LX’s). However, I will never own an American car. Now, for Mercedes-Benz. I say that Mercedes-Benz has betrayed itself and it’s drivers by merging with Chrysler. I say the only Benz worth owning now better say “AMG” or on it or it’s probably a Chrysler with a star on the front. Otherwise, you better have paid above $90,000 for it. I love Benz’s but I won’t buy above a 2000 model. JD Power & Associates also did a survey and found that the majority of Benz owners are dissatisfied with the quality and service since the merger.
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Posts: 1,415
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From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
Quality can be defined in two ways:
1) Lack of defects present in the delivered product. In this regard, MB is probably on par with several other manufacturers, yet lagging behind most Japanese brands. Reading through this forum, and others, there are many who have experienced problems with their Benzes.
2) Suitability for the task at hand. In this regard, MB is miles ahead of almost every other manufacturer.
Examples:
- Fog lights are true fog lights, illuminating the road low and to the sides - rather than simply appearance improvements (see any GM car) - Rear fog lights are truly a safety item, missing from all other Japanese/American brands
- Braking is phenominal. Hit the brakes hard, the car stops, QUICKLY. No drama, no worry, just serious stopping power
- Ride is comfortable and composed, yet the car handles better than most Japanese "sports" cars
- Paint/interior materials are simply superior to almost every other car made. Look at any 20 year old benz on the road, then compare to a 20 year old Japanese/American car (if you can find one)
- etc., etc., etc.
I will gladly endure minor glitches (ESP/BAS/ABS warnings, power window synchronization problems, broken cup holders, etc.) in order to drive a tool that is up to the task at hand.
I'm glad that there is still a company engineering/manufacturing automobiles that feels the same way.
(Before asking: past cars owned are Datsun, Acura, Nissan, Chevrolet, Jeep, Mazda, Ford, Honda, 2 x VW, now on 2nd Benz)
1) Lack of defects present in the delivered product. In this regard, MB is probably on par with several other manufacturers, yet lagging behind most Japanese brands. Reading through this forum, and others, there are many who have experienced problems with their Benzes.
2) Suitability for the task at hand. In this regard, MB is miles ahead of almost every other manufacturer.
Examples:
- Fog lights are true fog lights, illuminating the road low and to the sides - rather than simply appearance improvements (see any GM car) - Rear fog lights are truly a safety item, missing from all other Japanese/American brands
- Braking is phenominal. Hit the brakes hard, the car stops, QUICKLY. No drama, no worry, just serious stopping power
- Ride is comfortable and composed, yet the car handles better than most Japanese "sports" cars
- Paint/interior materials are simply superior to almost every other car made. Look at any 20 year old benz on the road, then compare to a 20 year old Japanese/American car (if you can find one)
- etc., etc., etc.
I will gladly endure minor glitches (ESP/BAS/ABS warnings, power window synchronization problems, broken cup holders, etc.) in order to drive a tool that is up to the task at hand.
I'm glad that there is still a company engineering/manufacturing automobiles that feels the same way.
(Before asking: past cars owned are Datsun, Acura, Nissan, Chevrolet, Jeep, Mazda, Ford, Honda, 2 x VW, now on 2nd Benz)
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 15
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From: Orange County, CA
1994 C280
In my opinion, comparing Mercedes of today with Mercedes of 10 years ago, the quality has gone down tremendously. I have a 94 C280 and my mom has a 2001 S430 and I feel like my car has a much better feeling in terms of the sturdyness of all the things inside.
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From: SFV, SoCal
2022 CLS450 AMG 4Matic
I have also owned a lot of vehicles (too many to name) and I must agree that the reliability and the overall sturdyness of my 97 E420 is incredible. My freind has a 2000 BMW 528 and his leather is already worn to the foam, his floor mats literally have holes in them, the suspension feels rickity and the car vibrates and only with 56,000 miles. My 97 E has 130,000 miles and looks and runs brand new compared to his. Of course I changed out the shocks and springs and added Carlsson 19's but before I did that, it still was very solid. I love my Benz even over my 98 M3 and if I was buying another vehicle in it's class, it would have to be a Mercedes again. Some people mentioned the quality of Mercedes on the decline and I must agree, that they have started using a bit more plastic and lighter parts to lesson the weight for the importing fees but this has also to do with the buy out from Chrysler. I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and although it was a nice SUV, it has a lot of cheap plastic in it. They have now used the same mentality on the newer benzes and I am hoping they realize this soon and up their standards again. I am still pro-Benz and would never change. Thanks for listening...Later...
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'98 Black E320 4matic Wagon
Re:
I've also owned a lot of different cars over my lifetime, although my E320 Black Beauty is my first luxury model. I have driven a number of caddies and they are very nice, but they are just not built to last like M's.
I will also add this: I spent every bit of nine months researching my purchase. My basic criteria was this: high-quality wagon, third-seat, awd, 97-forward and cargo space. As many of you know, there aren't many vehicles that meet this criteria - if you d/n want an SUV, which I did not want. Pretty much the only choices were: Volvo XC, Audi and Mercedes. Interestingly, I came very close to purchasing the Volvo XC, but backed off as I read more and more about the reliability issues with the XC. In addition, like the Audi, they just d/n have the same cargo space [with seats folded down] as the E320. Finally, I test drove the E320 and that was all she wrote. Love at first drive. I was so surprised how much better it felt, handled and responded compared to the Volvo, that I think I lost it and blushed like a freakin' school girl as I pulled back into the lot. Thankfully, the dealer pulled a bait 'n swith on me or I would have purchased an inferior one for more money than the one I ended up with. Now, some three months later, and I still enjoy every minute I am behind the wheel. I am not so naive to believe that this honeymoon will last forever, but this car feels good - real good. Only drawback is that I still feel a little guilty driving it b/c some believe people driving this vehicle are pretentious. But then I think about how good this car feels and I get over myself. Did I mention that I looove to drive this car?
I will also add this: I spent every bit of nine months researching my purchase. My basic criteria was this: high-quality wagon, third-seat, awd, 97-forward and cargo space. As many of you know, there aren't many vehicles that meet this criteria - if you d/n want an SUV, which I did not want. Pretty much the only choices were: Volvo XC, Audi and Mercedes. Interestingly, I came very close to purchasing the Volvo XC, but backed off as I read more and more about the reliability issues with the XC. In addition, like the Audi, they just d/n have the same cargo space [with seats folded down] as the E320. Finally, I test drove the E320 and that was all she wrote. Love at first drive. I was so surprised how much better it felt, handled and responded compared to the Volvo, that I think I lost it and blushed like a freakin' school girl as I pulled back into the lot. Thankfully, the dealer pulled a bait 'n swith on me or I would have purchased an inferior one for more money than the one I ended up with. Now, some three months later, and I still enjoy every minute I am behind the wheel. I am not so naive to believe that this honeymoon will last forever, but this car feels good - real good. Only drawback is that I still feel a little guilty driving it b/c some believe people driving this vehicle are pretentious. But then I think about how good this car feels and I get over myself. Did I mention that I looove to drive this car?
Last edited by Tim-BlackE320; Apr 17, 2003 at 07:13 PM.
