Terminator2029

It turns on the night vision mode provided by "Night View Assist PLUS" special order option (code 610, MSRP $1780). I'm yet to try it out.

EVOII_Racer

I am extremely happy to Read that the Mb dealer Will find a solution:-)

It's all their fault and logical they fix the issue they created but it wasn't looking like that at some point
Looking forward hearing soon, It's all fixed so you can enjoy your ml63

allenjdmb

from front to back, I'm glad to see you may get some satisfaction.
But the reality is this: this is the world we live in. Much like Honda and other crafty companies, MB now relies on the history and credibility of the previous generation products to sell their new ones. Unfortunately, the quality and attention to detail is nothing like the old ones. MB, like just about every other car company, is a company whose MAIN FOCUS IS NOW UNITS. Is it still better than most? Probably, but not totally. Their logic is, why should we offer a "10" product, when we can sell just as much, or more, with an "8.1" product? These aren't designed to last like the old ones--they are only designed to last thru the warranty period and one certification. And for customers coming from a "lesser" brand (mb's thoughts, not mine), they figure, ahh, they'll be so happy they won't notice.
So sad but true. Glad my father and his father didn't live to see it. In the future, do NOT accept delivery until you're fully satisfied, or at least placed the seller on notice. All that being said, still a great truck.

Chasvs

Are you privy to MB Corporate Strategy documents to be making these statements which you say are " sad but true"?

allenjdmb

No. Do you really think they exist and are available for public consumption?
I have worked in and around the industry for over 35 years, represent MB dealers as well as other brands. It is a great product. But anyone with a flashlight, a lift, and a paint meter can confirm that this is not the product that is used to be.
Why the mad rush to 100k+ units for USA? Is that really necessary? Who do you think benefits from this, the dealer? Hardly. The increased costs and expectations make it more difficult than ever to satisfy customers. The FACTORY is the only entity left with substantial profits. The CLA? The B class? Really? If you doubt my thoughts, which you certainly should, try asking a Mercedes wrench, or service director at a franchised dealer, who is over 40 years old. See what they have to say.
Again, a great product. Just not the product that it used to be. As a business entity, they are obligated to maximize profit. I don't blame them, it's just a bit sad to lose that old dedication to quality and pride in a push towards units.
Go ahead.

buckeyewalt

Being somewhat related in the automotive field, I can attest to the fact that quality would be a third perception after units sold, and brand name. They need the units sold told boost the name brand to sell the units, what takes third place is quality. New products(CLA) are just are just to fill in a void where they don't have any unit sales. Everything is (most that is) designed to be a replaceable model. Very few items are built to "last". Go into any dealership and look around, you will see some kind of a scoring board to see how many units each sales person sold. Most dealer salesmen will say anything, as long as you sign on the dotted line, service after the sale from the salesman, very few will step up and offer any help, they just refer you to their service department.

Terminator2029

Happy New Year, everyone!

Update on my journey with getting all outstanding issues resolved.

1. Received a letter signed by William Vetter with an apology for the engine cover substitution. No ETA was given for the replacement though. Likely February/March.
2. The dealer has arranged for the interior repair specialist to come to my place - he was able to fix the damage on the inner door panel. See attached.
3. Asked the dealer to order a new panel for the passenger door.
4. Scratches and rock chips were repaired at my own expense before installing clear bra protection.

Things are moving into the positive direction.

In the meantime – 20% front window tint, AMG door pins and OEM valve caps were installed. I know it’s minor, mostly cosmetic improvements, however they do indeed make a difference.

Also applied for a cool personalized number plate with a combination of letters in true AMG fanatic’s style. Now nobody can blame me for not showing a decent amount of respect to the brand.

ChrisMclass

Great to hear your issues are being resolved!
Just curious did you post on the AMG lounge about your issues? I haven't been on it in a few weeks and wondering if that's how William Vetter got involved...

Terminator2029

No, I didn't have any luck with AMG Private Lounge registration as their system doesn't recognize my VIN.

Mr Vetter's involvement was the result of my dealership working directly with the MBUSA corporate office. At some point, the matter got escalated to the AMG leadership team.

Nanook

Nice to hear some positive results..
On another note our brains must think alike,,I did the valve caps a few weeks ago and got my door pins today...costly little buggers from the stealer..$65 each..ouch
Lookin good

Terminator2029

I purchased mine from getmercedesparts.com for $32 each. I ended up making a mistake and ordered 2 front (p/n AA0007660228) and 2 rear pins (p/n AA0007660328). It turns out that all 4 door pins are identical on the ML, so only front pins are in fact compatible.

As a word of warning:

Attention M-Class users replacing door pins with their AMG version: DO NOT order AA0007660328. You will only need AA0007660228.

sack5000

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a 2014 ML63 AMG. Thanks for your posts. I will definitely do a detailed visual inspection before hammering down.

sack5000

Anyone interested in my pristine E63 AMG 40,000 mile?

Terminator2029

Unfortunately, I’m not looking for anything with less than 12 cylinders. I do however have to admit that I’m totally sold on how you look after your car, especially the beautiful "not driven under the rain" remark. Well done!

mbloyalowner698

that sinks - I haven't had any problems with mine - I'm intrested in what the dealer is going to do for you. Please keep us posted, good luck !

Terminator2029

My less-than-desired first-time MB customer experience has finally reached the logical conclusion and its happy ending. The local dealership has leveraged direct channels into MBUSA and AMG HQ and they have been able to expedite the shipment of the carbon fiber engine cover along with a new door armrest. These have been installed yesterday by one of their best and most experienced engineers.

It was a good lesson learned. As demonstrated by experience, being open and honest, reasonable and sensible, responsible and accountable is the key to any challenging situations. I’m fully satisfied with the outcome.

Hope all of you who are taking deliveries would be able to extract your own lessons and draw your own conclusions. Whether you are getting an entry level vehicle or go high-end, please do invest a few minutes of your time and share your experiences, and not ignoring to post a few pictures of your shiny new "toys".

Nanook

Good on ya Termi..just too bad we have to jump hoops because of individuals that don't live up to responsibilities..

natta_ns

I agree that new ML build quality is worse than previous generations.
Not just ML-Class but most new Mercedes-Benz models build quality are worse than thier predecessor.

27T

Are you talking about build quality, material quality or reliability?

BTW, the first gen ML was famous for being a piece of junk in every respect. The third gen ML is light years better.

dk10438

are u kidding?
W166 is a turdball. Mine is back in the shop again! Non stop problems on this car. I've changed dealerships and the car still goes back. I'm going on about 40 days in the shop in the first 14 months which is laughable.

darylrouserealt

HI, I live in Australia, and after purchasing a 2014 build, 2014 model ML63, I realised after 1 day, the carbon fibre engine cover was missing, this comes with he performance pack in Au. The dealers response was inept at best, not even realising it was part of the pack, it had now been over 6 weeks, and still noting but excuses, I have also tried to confirm the engine has the extra power, wanted it in writing, nothing. The kicker came when, after 2 weeks, I looked at the compliance plate and realised it was a 2013 build. The dealers response, again, pretty much nothing. MB Au, called me for a survey and I told them how disappointed I am (this is my 3rd MB), the lady asked if I wanted to discuss this with MB Au, I said absolutely, 2 weeks later - nothing. I now have a list of 8 QC issues. They are forcing me to take legal action, which I will do, as In AU, the ML 63 is, wait for it .... $207K, this is with the performance pack.

Nanook

Search the vin number at the top of this page and review the option codes...should identify P30 package..does it have the red calipers, steering wheel ?

Terminator2029

Hi darylrouserealt,

Sorry to hear about the mess-up with engine cover and quality issues. Let me suggest the following action plan for you:

1. Ping Valvestud who is a long-standing member on this forum, and provide your VIN. He will help you get what’s called a data card for your vehicle.
2. Look through the data card and locate option code 923 OUTPUT INCREASE OF ENGINES. If you find it, your engine does indeed have the additional power as per P30 package.
3. Document all quality issues and collect evidence (take pictures). You may want to post these pictures on this forum for us to discuss and give you feedback as to next steps.
4. Register yourself on the AMG Private Lounge. This is what I haven’t done in a timely manner after purchasing my ML63, and regretted it.
5. Post a summary of all issues in the class-specific forum on the AMG Private Lounge. The MB product management is following these posts, and they may react and offer corrective actions much faster than your dealer.

Keep up informed on your progress as there might be other ways to rectify the mess depending on the direction in which the initial actions take you to.

Nanook

Hey how's it going Termi !! Long time ! How's your ML treating you ?..Get that Max in ? Get that tune yet ?...

Terminator2029

Hi buddy!

I was too busy recently, and didn't even have a chance to install the ESCORT thingy. I still have 305 miles on the clock, and need to get at least through the break-in period to give the beast a Renntech treat.

I have been to the service department twice to date: they replaced a damaged door handle (one of the defects from day #1), and also activated SplitView which has not been enabled at delivery.

Other than that, the car doesn't stop to impress me. It will soon get a new friend with AMG DNA.