Another complaint
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,529
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
I think it's clear than MB does not develop cars with the intention of shelf life. Break in periods used to start north of 70K miles, some would argue 100K, remember? No longer the case. Lease, flip and repeat. Reliability not a priority. Priority is to have an MB product in every driveway in the universe thus diluting the brand.
These cars are loaded with tech, overwhelming really. People shouldn't be surprised by these year one failures.
These cars are loaded with tech, overwhelming really. People shouldn't be surprised by these year one failures.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 398
1991 190E 2.3
@190Efan Thanks for the comment. It seems like you make your way around this site to several other sections/models. That's good. You will see the hit-or-miss experience many owners have with new MBs. And the poor medium term reliability of MBs.
As many have said in support of the brand, "but all manufacturers have problems." This statement suggests MB is no different than other brands.
Why, then, are people paying MB prices, when the kindergarten-level fails from MB can be had with other brands at a fraction of the investment?
As many have said in support of the brand, "but all manufacturers have problems." This statement suggests MB is no different than other brands.
Why, then, are people paying MB prices, when the kindergarten-level fails from MB can be had with other brands at a fraction of the investment?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 398
1991 190E 2.3
I think it's clear than MB does not develop cars with the intention of shelf life. Break in periods used to start north of 70K miles, some would argue 100K, remember? No longer the case. Lease, flip and repeat. Reliability not a priority. Priority is to have an MB product in every driveway in the universe thus diluting the brand.
These cars are loaded with tech, overwhelming really. People shouldn't be surprised by these year one failures.
These cars are loaded with tech, overwhelming really. People shouldn't be surprised by these year one failures.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,279
Likes: 3,917
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Having been raised by an engineer with German ancestry, I have a different perspective. Actual facts and data matter when coming to an overall conclusion. You seem to not recognize the reality that it's the people who are having problems who are the most likely to post about their difficulties. It's not possible to know what the percentage of problems to the total number of owners actually is so on that basis, it's wrong to make such blanket overall statements about MB especially given your forum status. There are just as likely a bigger number of owners who experience no issues with their MBs and are very happy with them and that's why they keep buying/leasing them..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Very sobering news, while others improve (even considering any anomalies like with Dodge), MB is well below the industry avg well below most of their direct competitors, and dropping; one can only rest on their laurels for so long...
2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) | J.D. Power (jdpower.com)
2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) | J.D. Power (jdpower.com)
Last edited by RJC; Sep 20, 2021 at 03:47 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 1,601
From: Florida
Very sobering news, while others improve (even considering any anomalies like with Dodge), MB is well below the industry avg and dropping; one can only rest on their laurels for so long...
2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) | J.D. Power (jdpower.com)
2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) | J.D. Power (jdpower.com)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
My guess would be more electronics, as Audi was one of the first to go full touch screen dashes. I for one like Audi's and our17 Q7 has been solid save for one or two minor items and its awesome tactile switchgear was pre T/S as is the super smooth supercharged V6 vs the newer rough (compd to the supercharged) idling turbo set up.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,529
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,529
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
I do think there's been a change since the marketing department now runs the company instead of the engineers during the era when 100K was considered break-in mileage but having said that, there are members of this forum who've driven their newer MBs for hundreds of thousands of miles and absolutely love them, Maintenance is more crucial then ever on the newer cars and not everyone is good about keeping up their maintenance and then try to blame the car.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,634
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
IMHO since 2003 MBUSA (even with an engineer at the helm in Stuttgart at that time) shifted from purchase to lease clients for the most part equip & build them to last through the factory warranty period after that, not to worry they’ll (clients) be back to do it all over again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,529
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
IMHO since 2003 MBUSA (even with an engineer at the helm in Stuttgart at that time) shifted from purchase to lease clients for the most part equip & build them to last through the factory warranty period after that, not to worry they’ll (clients) be back to do it all over again.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 485
Likes: 74
From: Marina Del Rey, CA
2015 MBZ S 550
So you think breaking up the brand and confusing everyone and the cost of doing separate dealerships are the answer lol? Terrible idea. Two classes of Mercedes would kill the brand for sure and if they focused on quality there would be no need to do a smoke screen like separate dealerships for the same brand of car. No car is perfect, and Mercedes is no different. That said, this car like the W222 when it arrived is going to have issues. They were pretty good in sorting it out last time around after the first (2014) model year. There is no such thing as a car with zero quality or reliability issues.
M
M
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 146
Likes: 134
From: Southern California
2022 S500
The slow discovery of items missing, beyond the massage seats; constant reminders to relocate steering column and driver’s seat to an uncomfortable position; doors which took 3.5 seconds to open; center vent reflections on windshield; frequent eyes off road necessary to accomplish digging deep into various screens to access my choices; delayed haptic seat controls….and more.
I truly got to despise this car….such a disappointment, having owned so many S class vehicles….and having waited 10 months for this unit to appear. Dealership unwound me….all funds returned on the proviso that I purchase an in stock Benz at invoice, currently on the lot. Very limited choice. Took a GLC and immediately traded for Cayenne.. Fits me well, works well.
I truly got to despise this car….such a disappointment, having owned so many S class vehicles….and having waited 10 months for this unit to appear. Dealership unwound me….all funds returned on the proviso that I purchase an in stock Benz at invoice, currently on the lot. Very limited choice. Took a GLC and immediately traded for Cayenne.. Fits me well, works well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
More JD Power data, previous one I posted was for was initial quality...in this survey MB is still below industry average, with an all time high occurring in dependability for many other brands.
I think this survey is more of an overall accurate representation than the initial quality one.
2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) | J.D. Power (jdpower.com)
I think this survey is more of an overall accurate representation than the initial quality one.
2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) | J.D. Power (jdpower.com)
Last edited by RJC; Sep 20, 2021 at 07:06 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,279
Likes: 3,917
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
The slow discovery of items missing, beyond the massage seats; constant reminders to relocate steering column and driver’s seat to an uncomfortable position; doors which took 3.5 seconds to open; center vent reflections on windshield; frequent eyes off road necessary to accomplish digging deep into various screens to access my choices; delayed haptic seat controls….and more.
I truly got to despise this car….such a disappointment, having owned so many S class vehicles….and having waited 10 months for this unit to appear. Dealership unwound me….all funds returned on the proviso that I purchase an in stock Benz at invoice, currently on the lot. Very limited choice. Took a GLC and immediately traded for Cayenne.. Fits me well, works well.
I truly got to despise this car….such a disappointment, having owned so many S class vehicles….and having waited 10 months for this unit to appear. Dealership unwound me….all funds returned on the proviso that I purchase an in stock Benz at invoice, currently on the lot. Very limited choice. Took a GLC and immediately traded for Cayenne.. Fits me well, works well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
The slow discovery of items missing, beyond the massage seats; constant reminders to relocate steering column and driver’s seat to an uncomfortable position; doors which took 3.5 seconds to open; center vent reflections on windshield; frequent eyes off road necessary to accomplish digging deep into various screens to access my choices; delayed haptic seat controls….and more.
I truly got to despise this car….such a disappointment, having owned so many S class vehicles….and having waited 10 months for this unit to appear. Dealership unwound me….all funds returned on the proviso that I purchase an in stock Benz at invoice, currently on the lot. Very limited choice. Took a GLC and immediately traded for Cayenne.. Fits me well, works well.
I truly got to despise this car….such a disappointment, having owned so many S class vehicles….and having waited 10 months for this unit to appear. Dealership unwound me….all funds returned on the proviso that I purchase an in stock Benz at invoice, currently on the lot. Very limited choice. Took a GLC and immediately traded for Cayenne.. Fits me well, works well.
Isn't a GLC to replace a Cayenne a bit of a major step down so to speak, what did you replace the S with?
Last edited by RJC; Sep 20, 2021 at 07:25 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 146
Likes: 134
From: Southern California
2022 S500
RJC….pls reread my posting. As I mentioned, the only way out of the S without losing $$ was to purchase another Benz at Invoice. And I really wanted to bolt. Chose a GLC300, knowing that I’d trade it immediately for the Porsche. Used car market is strong now. I lost the tax, plus $1,000 switching out with a few hundred miles on the GLC. It was a lousy situation that I was able to correct.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 41
Likes: 48
S580
I am sorry to hear people are having issues. So far I have had mine for 6 weeks and have had no issues. I absolutely love it! I can’t be the only one with no issues. You guys are making it out that Mercedes are junk and that has not been my experience. My wife has had 3 gl / gls with no issues. My father has had several recent S classes with no issues. If I read these posts and didn’t know from my own experience I would be terrified to purchase one.
Yes you can see the reflection of air vents in the windshield. I had the same issue with my 2016 750 except it was the speaker in the center of the dash.
As for the interior, sometimes change is difficult to accept. I have embraced it and find the interior to be a beautiful space. The seats are amazingly comfortable. You can set up favorites which you can access via the steering wheel which makes everything easy to access. For people who don’t like the looks; don’t buy it.
My point is some of us are very happy with these cars.
Yes you can see the reflection of air vents in the windshield. I had the same issue with my 2016 750 except it was the speaker in the center of the dash.
As for the interior, sometimes change is difficult to accept. I have embraced it and find the interior to be a beautiful space. The seats are amazingly comfortable. You can set up favorites which you can access via the steering wheel which makes everything easy to access. For people who don’t like the looks; don’t buy it.
My point is some of us are very happy with these cars.
Last edited by Martsman; Sep 20, 2021 at 07:35 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
OK, fine. You got me. How about I rephrase: $130K+ S Class, “Flagship” models should arrive at dealerships 100% sorted out, with AS CLOSE TO zero quality & reliability issues AS POSSIBLE.
Of course, “no car is perfect,” but WAY too many new vehicles coming from our beloved brand are being delivered with WAY too many issues, in my honest opinion.
Of course, “no car is perfect,” but WAY too many new vehicles coming from our beloved brand are being delivered with WAY too many issues, in my honest opinion.
M
Last edited by Germancar1; Sep 20, 2021 at 07:36 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
I am sorry to hear people are having issues. So far I have had mine for 6 weeks and have had no issues. I absolutely love it! I can’t be the only one with no issues. You guys are making it out that Mercedes are junk and that has not been my experience. My wife has had 3 gl / gls with no issues. My father has had several recent S classes with no issues. If I read these posts and didn’t know from my own experience I would be terrified to purchase one.
Yes you can see the reflection of air vents in the windshield. I had the same issue with my 2016 750 except it was the speaker in the center of the dash.
As for the interior, sometimes change is difficult to accept. I have embraced it and find the interior to be a beautiful space. The seats are amazingly comfortable. You can set up favorites which you can access via the steering wheel which m akes everything easy to access. For people who don’t like the looks; don’t buy it. For people who say they don’t like the interior, that’s your opinion.
My point is Some of us out there are very happy with these cars.
Yes you can see the reflection of air vents in the windshield. I had the same issue with my 2016 750 except it was the speaker in the center of the dash.
As for the interior, sometimes change is difficult to accept. I have embraced it and find the interior to be a beautiful space. The seats are amazingly comfortable. You can set up favorites which you can access via the steering wheel which m akes everything easy to access. For people who don’t like the looks; don’t buy it. For people who say they don’t like the interior, that’s your opinion.
My point is Some of us out there are very happy with these cars.
M
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 485
Likes: 74
From: Marina Del Rey, CA
2015 MBZ S 550
The slow discovery of items missing, beyond the massage seats; constant reminders to relocate steering column and driver’s seat to an uncomfortable position; doors which took 3.5 seconds to open; center vent reflections on windshield; frequent eyes off road necessary to accomplish digging deep into various screens to access my choices; delayed haptic seat controls….and more.
I truly got to despise this car….such a disappointment, having owned so many S class vehicles….and having waited 10 months for this unit to appear. Dealership unwound me….all funds returned on the proviso that I purchase an in stock Benz at invoice, currently on the lot. Very limited choice. Took a GLC and immediately traded for Cayenne.. Fits me well, works well.
I truly got to despise this car….such a disappointment, having owned so many S class vehicles….and having waited 10 months for this unit to appear. Dealership unwound me….all funds returned on the proviso that I purchase an in stock Benz at invoice, currently on the lot. Very limited choice. Took a GLC and immediately traded for Cayenne.. Fits me well, works well.
Why were there reminders to relocate steering column and drivers seat? Why uncomfortable position? Did you not use the memory feature?
Is 3.5 seconds a long time to open a door? I have no idea as I’ve never timed it. I’m curious why this was an issue and why you thought it took so long?
My 2015 has a very simple “ favorite” button that allows you to access screens of your choice with 1 push of a button? Does the 2021 not offer this feature?
What “more”? please elaborate.
Thank you in advance for enlightening us!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
RJC….pls reread my posting. As I mentioned, the only way out of the S without losing $$ was to purchase another Benz at Invoice. And I really wanted to bolt. Chose a GLC300, knowing that I’d trade it immediately for the Porsche. Used car market is strong now. I lost the tax, plus $1,000 switching out with a few hundred miles on the GLC. It was a lousy situation that I was able to correct.
