Hi. I read a sentiment here regarding the quality of the M class (and perhaps others) coming out of Alabama. I spent two hours today looking through these posts and they're older posts and it seems that all of these concerns may have been prior to a massive equipment and management upgrade.

So I'm starting a new topic to get some fresh thoughts.

I'm in this for the Diesel engine. Here in the US the only option currently available is a sedan. I would rather have an SUV but if I have to sacrifice quality, maybe I'll make a sedan work. Some have suggested I do that.

In 2007 there should be a CDI in the US in both the R class and the M class. Both of those are and will be made in the Alabama facility.

So have things gotten better? Will I have a "real" MB if it comes from there or not?

BTW, I looked at the R class. At first I dismissed it but the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. They should have called it the CMV for "crushed mini-van!" . . . but I don't mean that as a slam! That rear seat in the R is limo quality. Those rear doors are HUGE! Even the third row isn't bad. Five would stuff an M pretty tight where six wouldn't even phase the "CMV."

Thanks !!

 

I think ML quality is quite good--certainly light years ahead of the W163s. Time will tell, but on the surface they are screwed together right. All the engines and trannies, I believe, come from Germany.

 

I agree with Greg. My W164 has been flawless after almost 9 weeks of ownership not one discrepancy. By the time I had my 02 9 weeks I had over 15 items and 2 shop visits. Greatly improved, almost perfect.

 

I like what I'm hearing so far . . . .

However, such a former hot topic . . . seems odd to have only two replies.

If there are no more I'll assume that everyone now feels these are "real" Mercedes and the quality is on par with other models made in Germany and elsewhere.

Thanks !

 

Hmmmmm...

A 15 minute review hardly qualifies as "in-depth" but I took an ML350 out last night and I have to say I was not very impressed.

It didn't feel anywhere close to the solid, tightness of the E320 I had test driven the same way. It was very competent but it didn't feel any better than other, lesser SUV's.

I didn't expect an SUV to ride and handle as nice as a car . . . but I expected more than I got. I'm not sure if this would (or even SHOULD) matter but there were 5 people in it.

The dealer offered to let me take an ML350 service loaner out for a couple of days for a "real" test drive. I might do that. But if my opinion doesn't change, then I'm going to take a harder look at the R class or just go with the E class.

 

Frugal1,
We have had our ML 350 since april and so far, knock on wood, there has not been anything wrong with the car.
I owned a W163 ML55 before and quite frankly, owning it was like going through the twilight zone. The W164 is a totally different experience.
Although I agree with some of your concerns, it is very unfair to compare a E320 and a ML. I doubt that the quality control in the plants in Germany far outpaces the quality control of the Alabama plant. I am certain that the higher ups communicate as to whether what they could do to deliver quality vehicles at competetive prices.
I really suggest taking the dealer up on the test drive and you will see for yourself that you will be quite satisfied in the MLs performance.

 

to be perfectly honest, I was concerned when i learned that the ML's were going to be built in Alabama, my preference would have been that they be built in Germany. So far, 2 problems with my ML350 - a rattle/chatter sound from my center console and the liftgate doesn't close fully 1 out of 3 times. still, happy with my ML, i knew it wasn't going to be a Lexus in terms of quality and reliability, but chose it over the RX nevertheless.

 

If you wish theML to ride like an E Class, purchase one with the air suspension and try it in comfort mode. I have an 05 E Class and an ML500 and the ride of both is execelent but do not expect them to be identical. They are close, however.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I spent a few hours yesterday at my local dealer test driving everything. I drove the ML350 again, the R and the E again.

This time, the ML didn't seem that bad. The R was better but both still did not have a ride that would cause me to buy them, if that is all I was rating.

However, when I drove the E again, it spoke to me. I was looking to have all of my "boxes" checked with this purchase: value, logistics, etc. But the only one of the 3 to check the "heart" box was the E. This will be my first Mercedes, but the E was the only one that "felt" like a Mercedes. I'm sure you all know what I mean . . . even moreso than I do!!

So E it is. I'm in the process of shopping for one now.

Thanks again.

 

I have owned many MB's from 300's to 55's to 600's. I drove the ML 500 on Sunday and I was very impressed, so much so that I am going to buy one to replace my Escalade. I am going to drive one again tomorrow and if I like it as much as the first drive, deal is done. I think MB has done a great job with the W164!

 

So far no problems, and I believe that they made it a point to make sure to get all the bugs out of this car before it went into production, due to all the problems with the w163.

 

we have the same problem with the power liftgate. did you dealer fix that problem for you?