SL/R230: About the recall, we should face reality...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
About the recall, we should face reality...
I am one of those guys that absolutely love my 2005 SL600. Right now my car is driving great and it certainly looks great. This weekend I went down the coast and passed some cars on a straight road and I couldn't believe how fast and smooth this car got going. What an incredible machine.
Given all my love for Mercedes, I still do face reality. The reality is that their quality control is absolutely pathetic. This is a fact that can not be disputed.
To read an article where the head of Mercedes Benz is saying they have improved their quality control is also pathetic and I feel is a fraud against the general public.
Having bought Mercedes for over 20 years I have made friends and would never repeat on any forum some of the quality issues I know that go on at Mercedes.
Believe me, this company has its problems. Are other cars better? I have no idea but I can tell you for my $150,000 I expect much more quality control than they are presently providing.
I still say and feel that heaven help Mercedes the day another car manufacturer makes a comparable car with the same looks, engine and electronics. Why this hasn't happened yet I can't understand but Mercedes should count their blessings.
If they think they have improved their quality control they should start passing around whatever it is they are smoking.
Given all my love for Mercedes, I still do face reality. The reality is that their quality control is absolutely pathetic. This is a fact that can not be disputed.
To read an article where the head of Mercedes Benz is saying they have improved their quality control is also pathetic and I feel is a fraud against the general public.
Having bought Mercedes for over 20 years I have made friends and would never repeat on any forum some of the quality issues I know that go on at Mercedes.
Believe me, this company has its problems. Are other cars better? I have no idea but I can tell you for my $150,000 I expect much more quality control than they are presently providing.
I still say and feel that heaven help Mercedes the day another car manufacturer makes a comparable car with the same looks, engine and electronics. Why this hasn't happened yet I can't understand but Mercedes should count their blessings.
If they think they have improved their quality control they should start passing around whatever it is they are smoking.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 433
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
2007 CL600
I'm waiting for the day that an equally (or better) priced, good looking, and techically advanced car is produced. As it stands today (as much as I love the looks of my CL) my next car will probably not be a Mercedes (we'll probably keep the '05 SL600).
I drive my CL everyday and enjoy it immesely; however, the minor glitches in this $110000 car are driving me crazy. The marque continues to be watered down by bread and butter cars like the C-class (a Honda is far superior across the board for less money) and the new pesudo-luxury CLS (a mediocre car with nice clothes) We deserve better.
Mercedes is no longer a luxury car brand. They're a brand that happens to make a couple of luxury cars. Perhaps the SL and CL should be sold under the Maybach badge.
I drive my CL everyday and enjoy it immesely; however, the minor glitches in this $110000 car are driving me crazy. The marque continues to be watered down by bread and butter cars like the C-class (a Honda is far superior across the board for less money) and the new pesudo-luxury CLS (a mediocre car with nice clothes) We deserve better.
Mercedes is no longer a luxury car brand. They're a brand that happens to make a couple of luxury cars. Perhaps the SL and CL should be sold under the Maybach badge.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 1
none
I agree with you... My ordeal is proof MBs QC sucks.
However I think there problems mostly with their employess. If they dont care then the products produced will suffer. Plus with the dollar being so weak it just causes more problems.
It seems like all the German automakers are suffering too, BMW and Porsche are having their share of issues.
Whats ironic is the Chrysler side is doing so well. I know several people with 300c's and new Dodge trucks and they have no complaints.
I think in the future MB will consider building their cars elsewhere. The aura of German car quality is fading fast.
However I think there problems mostly with their employess. If they dont care then the products produced will suffer. Plus with the dollar being so weak it just causes more problems.
It seems like all the German automakers are suffering too, BMW and Porsche are having their share of issues.
Whats ironic is the Chrysler side is doing so well. I know several people with 300c's and new Dodge trucks and they have no complaints.
I think in the future MB will consider building their cars elsewhere. The aura of German car quality is fading fast.
Last edited by lorinserbenz; Apr 2, 2005 at 07:01 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
I must be more forgiving
I have owned 21 Mercedes. Certain 2003 models had a lot of problems, but I have no complaints because I was able to sell them without much of a loss. All cars since then have been trouble free for the most part.
I think our expectations go up when we spend more, but have you owned other vehicles in the price range that provide a better ownership experience? Should we criticize Mercedes because their drive dynamic seats make a funny noise in the trunk sometimes, when no other vehicle offers such a feature? Shouldn't we reward their willingness to try new technology even when it isn't problem free? What other automobile company offers an incredibly torquey turbodiesel, a supercharged V8 and a twin turbo V12 like Mercedes?
It is not like I have't tried other brands, I am sure you all have as well. I recently owned an Audi A8, a Bentley Continental GT, a BMW 645, a VW Phaeton, all cutting edge cars from great companies and none of them offered the combination of quality and performance at the same price as Mercedes.
Obviously they need to do better, but aren't we all here because we believe in the basic product?
I think our expectations go up when we spend more, but have you owned other vehicles in the price range that provide a better ownership experience? Should we criticize Mercedes because their drive dynamic seats make a funny noise in the trunk sometimes, when no other vehicle offers such a feature? Shouldn't we reward their willingness to try new technology even when it isn't problem free? What other automobile company offers an incredibly torquey turbodiesel, a supercharged V8 and a twin turbo V12 like Mercedes?
It is not like I have't tried other brands, I am sure you all have as well. I recently owned an Audi A8, a Bentley Continental GT, a BMW 645, a VW Phaeton, all cutting edge cars from great companies and none of them offered the combination of quality and performance at the same price as Mercedes.
Obviously they need to do better, but aren't we all here because we believe in the basic product?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Nope, I respectfully disagree...
Originally Posted by shoes
I have owned 21 Mercedes. Certain 2003 models had a lot of problems, but I have no complaints because I was able to sell them without much of a loss. All cars since then have been trouble free for the most part.
I think our expectations go up when we spend more, but have you owned other vehicles in the price range that provide a better ownership experience? Should we criticize Mercedes because their drive dynamic seats make a funny noise in the trunk sometimes, when no other vehicle offers such a feature? Shouldn't we reward their willingness to try new technology even when it isn't problem free? What other automobile company offers an incredibly torquey turbodiesel, a supercharged V8 and a twin turbo V12 like Mercedes?
It is not like I have't tried other brands, I am sure you all have as well. I recently owned an Audi A8, a Bentley Continental GT, a BMW 645, a VW Phaeton, all cutting edge cars from great companies and none of them offered the combination of quality and performance at the same price as Mercedes.
Obviously they need to do better, but aren't we all here because we believe in the basic product?
I think our expectations go up when we spend more, but have you owned other vehicles in the price range that provide a better ownership experience? Should we criticize Mercedes because their drive dynamic seats make a funny noise in the trunk sometimes, when no other vehicle offers such a feature? Shouldn't we reward their willingness to try new technology even when it isn't problem free? What other automobile company offers an incredibly torquey turbodiesel, a supercharged V8 and a twin turbo V12 like Mercedes?
It is not like I have't tried other brands, I am sure you all have as well. I recently owned an Audi A8, a Bentley Continental GT, a BMW 645, a VW Phaeton, all cutting edge cars from great companies and none of them offered the combination of quality and performance at the same price as Mercedes.
Obviously they need to do better, but aren't we all here because we believe in the basic product?
I have owned and know of many people that own cars for $30,000 that have less problems with the basic production of the car.
If you want to talk about electronics. Look at the Japanese cars. Mercedes is falling fast behind them in electronics but that is not even the point.
My point is Mercedes quality control is lacking on the very basics of the car, forget the fancy electronics.
If you have not had any quality control issues consider yourself a lucky man because you are in the very small minority.
Mercedes did not come in last in reliability in the lastest worldwide surveys by accident. It is because their reliabilty is lacking and that comes from poor quality control.
The facts speak for themselves and neither you nor I can argue them. We all have opinions but the fact is that they were dead last in reliability. That was worldwide. I think the latest US statistics had them 34 out of 36. I am not 100% sure of the exact numbers but I am close and you get the point.
I love my car but it doesn't make me blind to the brand or stupid enough to keep buying the car if a better alternative comes around.
Banned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
'04 S430 4 Matic and '05 997
Obviously I agree with the previous post. It's not (merely) that electronic "gadgets" are failing it's that 100+ K cars are being delivered with ill fitting roof panels, squeeks, rattles, defective paint, interior cosmetic blemishes etc. The kind of things that would be unacceptable to even the "near-luxury" market (30 - 40K) and should, by extension, be unacceptable in a vehicle in this price range.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Mercedes C400, BMW X3
Your name isn't LovinSL for nothing
I think you should go buy an Aston Martin DB9 and tell us about your $165,000 experience.
Tell me about another car that offers the performance and ownership satisfaction equal to a SL600 and I will be the first one to try it. I agree with your last words, "if a better alternative comes around."
There just isn't one.
Tell me about another car that offers the performance and ownership satisfaction equal to a SL600 and I will be the first one to try it. I agree with your last words, "if a better alternative comes around."
There just isn't one.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 433
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
2007 CL600
Originally Posted by shoes
I think you should go buy an Aston Martin DB9 and tell us about your $165,000 experience.
Tell me about another car that offers the performance and ownership satisfaction equal to a SL600 and I will be the first one to try it. I agree with your last words, "if a better alternative comes around."
There just isn't one.
Tell me about another car that offers the performance and ownership satisfaction equal to a SL600 and I will be the first one to try it. I agree with your last words, "if a better alternative comes around."
There just isn't one.
Where is the ownership satisfaction beyond the grunt of my V12? To me, satisfaction is realized only when the only time I go to the dealer is for an oil change or to reward them with another purchase. My CL has spent too much time in the shop while I've been stuck in a C-class. That's not satisfaction, that's frustration.
They took away the free service and have raised prices. I've been told that they took away the phones being included in base price of all 600s. I felt fortunate to get mine included. I spent amost $150,000 for my SL600, so did all of you. We deserve better. I love my SL, but I'm no MB apologist.
(In MB's defense, We've has only two problems with our '05 SL. Most of my issues are with my CL--then again, I drive the CL everyday and more apt to find problems)
Last edited by WIldcat465; Apr 2, 2005 at 10:38 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2007 Cooper S (I drive everything)
I have to agree with you that quality control has gone downhill. Although I've never owned a Mercedes, I have been professional detailer working at a very high level for 20 years now. I do mostly collection management now, and end up driving a number of all the latest and greatest automobiles to get serviced, fueled, sometimes simply to be excercised and broken in correctly and carefully. Yes, it's good work if you can get it 
The materials used, especially on interior surfaces, are not up to the standards of 10 or 15 years ago. Back then, I could say with confidence that Mercedes Benz was by far the best put together vehicle on the planet. No one came close. They are simply average now in that department when compared to the other Europeans. They also seem to need a lot more visits to the service departments for warranty and recall work. I pity the people who own these when they are no longer under warranty.
That said, they still are building some fantastic automobiles. The 65 series are some of the most powerful and exciting vehicles I have ever had the pleasure of driving, and I've driven them all.
Enjoy your cars, drive your cars, and have fun, and sell 'em before the warranty expires! Most people will never have the pleasure of driving such great cars.
Gar
The materials used, especially on interior surfaces, are not up to the standards of 10 or 15 years ago. Back then, I could say with confidence that Mercedes Benz was by far the best put together vehicle on the planet. No one came close. They are simply average now in that department when compared to the other Europeans. They also seem to need a lot more visits to the service departments for warranty and recall work. I pity the people who own these when they are no longer under warranty.
That said, they still are building some fantastic automobiles. The 65 series are some of the most powerful and exciting vehicles I have ever had the pleasure of driving, and I've driven them all.
Enjoy your cars, drive your cars, and have fun, and sell 'em before the warranty expires! Most people will never have the pleasure of driving such great cars.
Gar
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Hawaii
SL-500 (mine), Ferrari Spider convertible (was Husbands, mine now!)
Originally Posted by WIldcat465
the new pesudo-luxury CLS (a mediocre car with nice clothes) We deserve better.
Mercedes is no longer a luxury car brand. They're a brand that happens to make a couple of luxury cars. Perhaps the SL and CL should be sold under the Maybach badge.
Mercedes is no longer a luxury car brand. They're a brand that happens to make a couple of luxury cars. Perhaps the SL and CL should be sold under the Maybach badge.
You are right about Mercedes being a brand that hapens to make a couple of luxury cars. Remember MB in Euorpe is like GM in America and we happen to be driving the Caddilac's.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
2013 G63, 2015 S500, 2016 C63 coupe
our 03 SL500 SRS light comes on constantly. had it fixed last friday (again), this tuesday the light was back on.. sometimes the motor takes a while to switch on.. it just keeps whirling and whirling.. even after 1 hr of driving.
also our 01 S500 ugh... the battery always die, it's been in and out of the factory fixing the dead battery problem since the 2nd day we got it! some electrical problem which they cant seem to reslove.
also our 01 S500 ugh... the battery always die, it's been in and out of the factory fixing the dead battery problem since the 2nd day we got it! some electrical problem which they cant seem to reslove.
