I'm going Audi next time I buy a sedan.

The newer era MB I have experience with are bad cars, I have owned several older MB cars, and three since 2001, the later ones have all been bad cars. I am impressed with the warranty services that have been provided and can not see how they stay in business. In my situation the dealer has put more parts and labor into my cars then they made from sales. Everyone of the newer cars has had transmission problems and suspension issues. And an engine in the C230 seized 50 miles after a full service. It was full of oil, no warning lights, just stopped dead.

Wise choice but avoid the first generation FSI equipped vehicles. The intake ports clog real bad because of no fuel injector to clean them. Fuel injects directly into the combustion chamber which is great for emissions control but someone didn't think it through with respect to longevity.

Audi has since returned to port injection/fsi hybrid I believe to resolve the issue of intake ports slowly choking shut with carbon.

To the chap laughing at a $45g VW: VW was very careful to enter this segment of pricing due to competing potentially with their own marques. You can get a lot of car if you are smart enough to look beyond the badge. For example, the Phaeton is an incredible amount of vehicle for the money when you consider the competition.

-Andrew

I've had amazing luck with 2003+ benz products. It does depend on which you buy. The m113 v8 and 722.6 trans in the e500 is literally truck heavy duty. Replace the transmission fluid and filter every 30k and don't worry about what they spec on that. I don't know about the 4matic transfer case but I'd changeout that fluid too.

The 722.6 is a pile of s**t.

How hard is it to design a tranny that doesnt fry the ECU for the whole car? How many design revisions?

Andrew,

I guess you'd have to know the pain Jake (who incidentally was the original poster) has suffered with his VWs. The last one should have been painted yellow.

Jake,

I knew you'd get a laugh out of that one. You wouldn't pay that kind of money for a VW if they threw in the Benz for free!

Best of luck with your search!

Les

I haven't had any issues nor have friends. Now I have heard of some issues (maybe conductor plate or computer you mention?) that arise if you don't replace that multi-pin plug on the transmission at some point. I replaced mine. With that these cars don't really have a whole car ECU in the traditional sense...no it is much worse...everything has its own ECU along with the whole car system. I had a door panel off and there was a door computer in there!!!

Amused at the replies here, a general discussion of MB's traits, while you've owned one already so you likely have a base of knowledge.

As to the 500 wagon, I'd kill for one, absent the gas you're likely to blow through it, a bit much in a dd for me, but that's a personal preference kind of thing.

Thanks for the advice. I won't be buying a sedan for another 3-4 years, though...so we'll see what's out by then. Currently, I have 3 2-seater vehicles and the wife has a minivan to haul all the kids in. I figure next time, I get the "family car" and let her have something small/sporty :)

My 2001 Mercedes (bought new) has been the most reliable car I've ever owned, by far.

Three time owner and I'll never buy one again after MBUSA's attitude of the customer can suck it.

This is a timely thread, as I am helping deliver my 911 to its next owner in a week or so, I have been thinking of picking up an older Benz wago to use as a DD.

I did find a 98 E320 with right at 100K on it that looks nice and is cheap.

Bill

sublime

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365901399.jpg

So.... How much was the speeding ticket? ;)

$300ish and a one hour search of the car, sniffer dog and everything

Damn good thing you left the coke at home.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365912872.jpg


Never had an issue with my ECU........At 63,000 miles - no more warranty.

Friend across town recently bought an MB SL about 4 years old..........Only been 2 months and horror stories.......Check engine light and those kind of issues......I wouldn't have anything newer than a late '80's 560 SL........

beautiful car!

This is my 3rd Benz, a '99e300d, an '03 c320 wagon and now the '04 e500 wagon. the two previous cars were fantastic (the c320 is going to my mommy), and I'm confident the e500 will be the same

it's a blast to drive though, hoo boy. Just needs some flowmasters or magnaflows

My 2012 c63 and ML 350 bluetec have been flawless. Yes, they are only a year or two old but have 28000 km and 51000 km respectively. My sons 2003 c230 is a bit different story and had numerous fuel delivery problems with more than its share of trips to the shop.

I don't think i would buy any older, higher mileage benz, bmw, audi for a daily driver unless you either have a good independent shop you can trust or can do some of the work/diagnostics yourself.

you lucky prick!