Another complaint
Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 100
Likes: 73
From: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
2021 S 580
For what it’s worth, I just got back from a 3000 road trip - San Diego - Santa Fe - Aspen - and the car was a dream to drive. No issues, just pure comfort and performance. Compared to the 2020 Tesla S I traded in, my new S580 is superior in every way. Better sound system, better a/c and just built better.And it rivals Tesla in tech, which was the main reason I bought the Tesla, which now costs almost the same as MBZ.
Sure, there are a few new car glitches, but I feel they will be corrected in the next few months. (I do want the missing front head rest pillows and am hoping MBZ will supply them through parts departments soon)
But I just feel good in the car! And just a note: after having the car for just 5 days, I blew a tire on a pothole driving at night on one of San Diego’s many “in need of repair” streets. Had the car towed to a MBZ dealer. They didn’t have a 21” replacement anywhere in the State. A day later I get a call from Service telling me my car was ready. They had a tire flown in from the East Coast. I was not billed for anything!
Sure, there are a few new car glitches, but I feel they will be corrected in the next few months. (I do want the missing front head rest pillows and am hoping MBZ will supply them through parts departments soon)
But I just feel good in the car! And just a note: after having the car for just 5 days, I blew a tire on a pothole driving at night on one of San Diego’s many “in need of repair” streets. Had the car towed to a MBZ dealer. They didn’t have a 21” replacement anywhere in the State. A day later I get a call from Service telling me my car was ready. They had a tire flown in from the East Coast. I was not billed for anything!
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 228
Likes: 90
S580
Other small complaints are that the backup camera when in reverse image is not too clear or bright. The center screen shares 2 views and the rear view is a bit dark even though the settings have the screen at it's brightest. The center screen also shows all of the fingerprints. The 2021 GLE that I traded in did not show them as much because of the screen angle. I also get the steering wheel message if I move my hand to the top of the wheel. I should be able to change positions to the top or 10 and 2 without the car complaining.
The car is beautiful inside and out. The 20" AMG wheels look good. I really like the car, but there are a few things they could have done better.
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2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
It's really nice to see some owners have had no issues especially with harsh shifting of the 9G (I too like this trans as mine shifted very smoothly but when matted to awd the new hardware created other issues), yet others have issues with chronic shift quality, which is troubling and reflects the JD #'s, MB really needs to work on positive consistency.
Last edited by RJC; Sep 24, 2021 at 11:48 PM.
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From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
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.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I agree with KellyP. These types of quality issues are completely unacceptable in a car of this price range. The old wife's tales of a "first year build" are nonsense in the technologically advanced age in which we live.
I've had several significant issues with the electronics on my 2021 S Class, including the active advanced ambient lighting feature, pre-safe side impulse, not to mention the fact the car alarm went off with a family member just sitting inside the car at the local shopping center, a yellow check engine light, a wireless charging pad that doesn't work, the intermittent door handles that occasionally present when you go near the car with the key, and the constant messages that the 12 volt battery is critical and the car should be run immediately or it may not start. This car is not ready for prime time.
In addition to the above, my car sat outside in the elements for 5 months and when I went to pick it up, it was extremely damaged due to bird droppings etching the clear coat in the paint. I spent 13 hours correcting the paint before I took the car to be Xpel wrapped.
To be fair the dealership told me to bring the car back and they would work on it to correct the paint, but after waiting a year for the car, I just did it on my own.
I'm taking the car to the dealership this Wednesday to be looked at and I'm hoping they can correct these many issues.
This is my third and probably last S Class. The way the car was rolled out, lack of communication from MBUSA, as well as the corporate parent, and the quality issues, even with the new factory 56 is a major fail. Can you say dumpster fire!
Daimler AG should focus on customer satisfaction ahead of corporate profit and shareholder value, but that is another discussion for another day.
I've had several significant issues with the electronics on my 2021 S Class, including the active advanced ambient lighting feature, pre-safe side impulse, not to mention the fact the car alarm went off with a family member just sitting inside the car at the local shopping center, a yellow check engine light, a wireless charging pad that doesn't work, the intermittent door handles that occasionally present when you go near the car with the key, and the constant messages that the 12 volt battery is critical and the car should be run immediately or it may not start. This car is not ready for prime time.
In addition to the above, my car sat outside in the elements for 5 months and when I went to pick it up, it was extremely damaged due to bird droppings etching the clear coat in the paint. I spent 13 hours correcting the paint before I took the car to be Xpel wrapped.
To be fair the dealership told me to bring the car back and they would work on it to correct the paint, but after waiting a year for the car, I just did it on my own.
I'm taking the car to the dealership this Wednesday to be looked at and I'm hoping they can correct these many issues.
This is my third and probably last S Class. The way the car was rolled out, lack of communication from MBUSA, as well as the corporate parent, and the quality issues, even with the new factory 56 is a major fail. Can you say dumpster fire!
Daimler AG should focus on customer satisfaction ahead of corporate profit and shareholder value, but that is another discussion for another day.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Here’s MB’s take, although I’ve never been a Schrempp fan…
https://www.daimler.com/company/trad...1995-2007.html
https://www.daimler.com/company/trad...1995-2007.html
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1991 190E 2.3
I disagree with you. Japanese carmakers don't seem to have this problem. When Audi launched the A8 in 2019, there were almost none of these on major forums. Look at the LS500, Audi A8 forums. They're dead. Sure, they don't sell nearly as well, combined, as the S but that statement just isn't true.
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1991 190E 2.3
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
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From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
The MB quality decline started before the Chrysler debacle as in the mid 1990s. Increasing competition from Asia with their lower priced cars combined with a CEO Jurgen Schremp, determined to buy up businesses totally unrelated to automobiles caused there to be little money left for quality components and further research and development. Cars now are built to a price, not a standard..
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From: Florida
The W210? Uh, you sure you don't mean the W124? The W210 is by far the worst E-Class of them all, especially from a quality and reliability standpoint, not to mention they turned into rust buckets within the warranty period.
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
I agree to some extent. I live in Alabama and was proud that MB decided to put an automotive plant in Vance/Tuscaloosa Alabama. I drive by it almost twice a week. That being said, the ML series was the first pitiful vehicle to come out with an MB star badge which makes your point valid (I forgot about that). The quality was terrible and it took over a decade to improve them. They are better now but I will never own one , perhaps a lease only but I even doubt that. That being said, the W140 and the E classes that ushered in the new millennium were some of Mercedes' finest quality and engineered vehicles.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Last edited by MBNUT1; Sep 28, 2021 at 10:48 AM.
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From: San Diego, CA
2024 EQE 500
I have a neighbor that parks a 124 and 126 on the street, both diesels and drives them regularly. They are in decent shape, especially considering the age. I still see the occasional 123. I see a few 126's on my way to work on Coronado. It tells me those cars were built to a standard that I'm not sure any make does today.
I think that it is hard to truly appreciate Mercedes quality it you haven't owned one of their cars that was introduced prior to the mid-90's. I know some people on the board will respond that the cars weren't so great back then and certainly there has been improvements in safety fuel economy, power delivery and emissions (but these things are true for the whole industry) and sure there were flaws in the old cars but they were not due to a lack of commitment to quality.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I have a neighbor that parks a 124 and 126 on the street, both diesels and drives them regularly. They are in decent shape, especially considering the age. I still see the occasional 123. I see a few 126's on my way to work on Coronado. It tells me those cars were built to a standard that I'm not sure any make does today.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,995
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1991 190E 2.3
I think that it is hard to truly appreciate Mercedes quality it you haven't owned one of their cars that was introduced prior to the mid-90's. I know some people on the board will respond that the cars weren't so great back then and certainly there has been improvements in safety fuel economy, power delivery and emissions (but these things are true for the whole industry) and sure there were flaws in the old cars but they were not due to a lack of commitment to quality.
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
This forum has mostly MB owners, some are fans, some are fanatic. I'm one somewhere from a fan towards a fanatic but I don't consider myself "blind" as some clearly here are.
I have owned a W123, not that sturdy as my W124. The wife used to have a 190E (all cars from new to reasonable mileage). The W124 is an icon but it would not sell if it was available as new today! True that the industry has moved to lower cost and quality is compromised but who is a baby benz driver to compare it with the modern models if he/she has never owned any more modern Mercedes. I bet these persons are mostly those blind fanatics who see their current car the one and only acceptable model. Other cars are either too old or too new. Next day when these guys go and buy another MB, their opinion remains 100% the same, the car they previously owned is too old, newer cars are too new. I have a lot of sympathy to baby benzes and their owners but I hate blind fanatics, be it a baby benz or a W223.
I don't think these comparisons with a W124 or a W201 belong to this thread. Not a single W223 buyer would consider those cars as an alternative. This comparison may be very useful and interesting but belongs to generic sub-forums.
I have owned a W123, not that sturdy as my W124. The wife used to have a 190E (all cars from new to reasonable mileage). The W124 is an icon but it would not sell if it was available as new today! True that the industry has moved to lower cost and quality is compromised but who is a baby benz driver to compare it with the modern models if he/she has never owned any more modern Mercedes. I bet these persons are mostly those blind fanatics who see their current car the one and only acceptable model. Other cars are either too old or too new. Next day when these guys go and buy another MB, their opinion remains 100% the same, the car they previously owned is too old, newer cars are too new. I have a lot of sympathy to baby benzes and their owners but I hate blind fanatics, be it a baby benz or a W223.
I don't think these comparisons with a W124 or a W201 belong to this thread. Not a single W223 buyer would consider those cars as an alternative. This comparison may be very useful and interesting but belongs to generic sub-forums.
Last edited by Diesel Benz; Sep 29, 2021 at 12:50 PM. Reason: spelling
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 14
Likes: 22
S Class
I am the OP, for anyone interested In knowing If this is resolved....no. My car has been escalated to German engineers because according to MBUSA theirs couldn't figure out the distronic brake problem. Very disconcerting. The dealership has now had my car 2 weeks, 1 longer than I did.
Are there good things to say about this car as well? Too many to list, ( I do have massage seats) but they all dim from memory when your driving a loaner basic E with the stiff and ridiculous "faux leather" and a giant dealership sticker on the back window.
Are there good things to say about this car as well? Too many to list, ( I do have massage seats) but they all dim from memory when your driving a loaner basic E with the stiff and ridiculous "faux leather" and a giant dealership sticker on the back window.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 349
From: Huntington NY
S560
This forum has mostly MB owners, some are fans, some are fanatic. I'm one somewhere from a fan towards a fanatic but I don't consider myself "blind" as some clearly here are.
I have owned a W123, not that study as my W124. The wife used to have a 190E (all cars from new to reasonable mileage). The W124 is an icon but it would not sell if it was available as new today! True that the industry has moved to lower cost and quality is compromised but who is a baby benz driver to compare it with the modern models if he/she has never owned any more modern Mercedes. I bet these persons are mostly those blind fanatics who see their current car the one and only acceptable model. Other cars are either too old or too new. Next day when these guys go and buy another MB, their opinion remains 100% the same, the car they previously owned is too old, newer cars are too new. I have a lot of sympathy to baby benzes and their owners but I hate blind fanatics, be it a baby benz or a W223.
I don't think these comparisons with a W124 or a W201 belong to this thread. Not a single W223 buyer would consider those cars as an alternative. This comparison may be very useful and interesting but belongs to generic sub-forums.
I have owned a W123, not that study as my W124. The wife used to have a 190E (all cars from new to reasonable mileage). The W124 is an icon but it would not sell if it was available as new today! True that the industry has moved to lower cost and quality is compromised but who is a baby benz driver to compare it with the modern models if he/she has never owned any more modern Mercedes. I bet these persons are mostly those blind fanatics who see their current car the one and only acceptable model. Other cars are either too old or too new. Next day when these guys go and buy another MB, their opinion remains 100% the same, the car they previously owned is too old, newer cars are too new. I have a lot of sympathy to baby benzes and their owners but I hate blind fanatics, be it a baby benz or a W223.
I don't think these comparisons with a W124 or a W201 belong to this thread. Not a single W223 buyer would consider those cars as an alternative. This comparison may be very useful and interesting but belongs to generic sub-forums.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 394
1991 190E 2.3
This forum has mostly MB owners, some are fans, some are fanatic. I'm one somewhere from a fan towards a fanatic but I don't consider myself "blind" as some clearly here are.
I have owned a W123, not that sturdy as my W124. The wife used to have a 190E (all cars from new to reasonable mileage). The W124 is an icon but it would not sell if it was available as new today! True that the industry has moved to lower cost and quality is compromised but who is a baby benz driver to compare it with the modern models if he/she has never owned any more modern Mercedes. I bet these persons are mostly those blind fanatics who see their current car the one and only acceptable model. Other cars are either too old or too new. Next day when these guys go and buy another MB, their opinion remains 100% the same, the car they previously owned is too old, newer cars are too new. I have a lot of sympathy to baby benzes and their owners but I hate blind fanatics, be it a baby benz or a W223.
I don't think these comparisons with a W124 or a W201 belong to this thread. Not a single W223 buyer would consider those cars as an alternative. This comparison may be very useful and interesting but belongs to generic sub-forums.
I have owned a W123, not that sturdy as my W124. The wife used to have a 190E (all cars from new to reasonable mileage). The W124 is an icon but it would not sell if it was available as new today! True that the industry has moved to lower cost and quality is compromised but who is a baby benz driver to compare it with the modern models if he/she has never owned any more modern Mercedes. I bet these persons are mostly those blind fanatics who see their current car the one and only acceptable model. Other cars are either too old or too new. Next day when these guys go and buy another MB, their opinion remains 100% the same, the car they previously owned is too old, newer cars are too new. I have a lot of sympathy to baby benzes and their owners but I hate blind fanatics, be it a baby benz or a W223.
I don't think these comparisons with a W124 or a W201 belong to this thread. Not a single W223 buyer would consider those cars as an alternative. This comparison may be very useful and interesting but belongs to generic sub-forums.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,051
Likes: 4,557
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Part of it too is that emphasis has shifted. If you look at those old Benzes, all they had was solidity and build quality. They had very little technology or comfort features to speak of, were built from a function first form second standpoint. They didnt even have cupholders. Look at all the tech in a W223...when you consider that the product is delivered with all of that tech at a price adjusted for inflation which if anything is LESS than those old Benzes...something had to give.
