The curse of the Audi outside of Warranty

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by berettafan

What's the story on the GLE450? Saw one of those the other day....pretty damned sexy hips on that thing.

I don’t know much about the new sexy ones, our budget keeps us in the rebranded ML mom-SUV looking ones.

I am very Mercedes biased, my daughter’s current GLK is at 105k with zero issues. Her first one sacrificed itself when she got rear ended hard when sitting at a red light. My wife’s now sold E63 went to 120k, all I did outside of book maintenance was an HVAC blower motor.

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I don’t know much about the new sexy ones, our budget keeps us in the rebranded ML mom-SUV looking ones.

I am very Mercedes biased, my daughter’s current GLK is at 105k with zero issues. Her first one sacrificed itself when she got rear ended hard when sitting at a red light. My wife’s now sold E63 went to 120k, all I did outside of book maintenance was an HVAC blower motor.

And that's the "problematic" 6.3.

My wagon (e320) saved the life of an infant when the guy I gave it to was rearended while stopped by a fullsized pickup going 35.

Shaun's 320 likely is the reason he's here....

[berettafan]

watched some vids today on the GLE450. not terribly encouraging.

[onewhippedpuppy]

As usual the conversation here has caused some reflection on my part, so thanks for that. I am very likely doing what I usually do with cars, and imposing what I would want (performance) onto someone that really could care less (daughter). I very strongly suspect that she would be perfectly happy with a GLC300 as compared to a GLC43, and I can get her something much newer with lower miles for the same money. Regarding the Audi, even without me finding a lot of big common issues online, it’s definitely giving me pause. She’ll be driving this 2.5 hours routinely between college and home, typically alone, and I don’t want her stranded on the side of I35. So, I think we’ll find a GLC300 for us to test drive. Maybe a GLA250 as well since they’re in the same price range.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Well, spoke too soon. 2020-2022 A, GLA, and GLB cylinder heads in the M260 4-cylinder are so prone to failure via leaking exhaust valves that they extended the warranty to 15 years, 150k. Seems the M264 in the GLC300 is less prone but still has issues and they haven’t extended that warranty. YGBSM.

[Alan A]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

As usual the conversation here has caused some reflection on my part, so thanks for that. I am very likely doing what I usually do with cars, and imposing what I would want (performance) onto someone that really could care less (daughter). I very strongly suspect that she would be perfectly happy with a GLC300 as compared to a GLC43, and I can get her something much newer with lower miles for the same money. Regarding the Audi, even without me finding a lot of big common issues online, it’s definitely giving me pause. She’ll be driving this 2.5 hours routinely between college and home, typically alone, and I don’t want her stranded on the side of I35. So, I think we’ll find a GLC300 for us to test drive. Maybe a GLA250 as well since they’re in the same price range.

just get a subaru forester. or a mazda cx5. and sleep at night.

[ryans65]

Yes, there's plenty of info out there. Seems like it's the beginning of a widening issue on those though. Starts with a very light ticking noise and progresses from there.

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Pretty much. I’ve read a lot of concerning stuff about the Macan, way more than the SQ5. My first choice would be the Mercedes GLC43, they are pretty rock solid but there aren’t many out there. We have had amazing luck with Mercedes products.



3.0 V6 turbo? Don’t believe I’ve read about that issue.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Alan A

just get a subaru forester. or a mazda cx5. and sleep at night.

Maybe a CX5, not a fan of modern Subaru products though.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Well, spoke too soon. 2020-2022 A, GLA, and GLB cylinder heads in the M260 4-cylinder are so prone to failure via leaking exhaust valves that they extended the warranty to 15 years, 150k. Seems the M264 in the GLC300 is less prone but still has issues and they haven’t extended that warranty. YGBSM.

The GLC is a much nicer driving, quieter car. Nicely refreshed with a mild hybrid driveline in 2023.

[Gus Berges]

I currently own a 2010 Q5 2.0T since 2013 and besides a $3K bill for a new mechatronic and AOS at the dealer, all other maintenance costs I consider regular as they are mostly consumables. Bought it with 5K miles on it and currently has ±60K miles. It's a pocket rocket too...

I also own a 2011 Q5 2.0T that I purchased 2 years ago from the mechanic that services the 2010 Q5 and it had 27K miles when I got it and now has ±55K miles on it. That thing is "cursed"..... It's been in three "fender benders" (all 3rd party faults), but... it has been through: AC condenser and compresor, steering rack reseal, front axels, dual mass flywheel, battery, catalyc converters, radiator and fans, mechatronic, rear wheel bearings, and HID bulbs. I've spent more on repairs than what I purchased the vehicle for... "Good thing" (sarcasm...) that the accidents have somewhat paid for mostly all of the unexpected repairs (besides the ones caused by the accidents), but at the end of the day, what am I supposed to do? Sell it and lose my shirt, or buy something else for the price thaat I get for the sale and then run the risk of having to do similar repairs to a quasi-unknown history vehicle?

I've heard of similar horror stories on used cars regardless of brand, Toyota/Honda/Lexus included. In my opinion, price into consideration, I don't think you can do a lot better than a first generation Q5 and that is why both of my twin boys drive one each. My mother currently owns a 2023 MB GLC with a 2.0T motor in it and truth be told, I'd take either of my much older Q5s over that MB.....

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by greglepore

And that's the "problematic" 6.3.

My wagon (e320) saved the life of an infant when the guy I gave it to was rearended while stopped by a fullsized pickup going 35.

Shaun's 320 likely is the reason he's here....

Forgot to respond to this, I think the M156 6.2L V8 is one of the greatest engines ever made. All three of mine were pre-2012 in the head bolt danger zone and all were excellent. I monitored mine via oil analysis but you can pretty easily DIY replace the bolts one at a time. The way they sound, the low end torque, and the way they rev is epic for an NA V8. I will absolutely own another at some point.

[Alan A]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Maybe a CX5, not a fan of modern Subaru products though.

Leased a CX70 in February. Surprisingly good vehicle for 50k.

If I end up needing a smaller vehicle for puttering around it’s 99% certain to be a loaded CX50 (want surround view) - if I can find a green one.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by greglepore

And that's the "problematic" 6.3.

My wagon (e320) saved the life of an infant when the guy I gave it to was rearended while stopped by a fullsized pickup going 35.

Shaun's 320 likely is the reason he's here....

Why am I here?

[Deschodt]

The love for the Mercs here surprises me.. I recently rented 2, a CLA sedan last week and an SUV earlier.
The CLA was *garbage*, classic small 4cyl turbo but near impossible to drive smoothly, Dubai disco interior, shaking, not great steering... we returned it the same day and got an Audi A5 - 2.0T also but so much nicer. The SUV (don't recall #) was a tad better but both wife and I came away unimpressed with Mercedes overall, design inside too flashy and outside rather ugly. All show, lights, screens but not great to drive nor that comfortable...

So I was wrong. Took the Q7 a mechanic relative in the end, not a specialist at all, and he found out the water pump was repaired properly, but harm has been done to our car Pre-CPO from Audi - mystery because it was under warranty and we never had it serviced elsewhere since, until now.
One of the Supercharger bolts was missing - WTH ? and a crossover pipe that feeds one of the heads of the 6 was leaking. The bolt thread was damaged and the pipe was leaking because clearly someone was scared of tightening it too much - was good initially and started weeping more and more. It was retapped, and resealed, and it's holding well to high pressure. No more leaks. We Should get rid of the car NOW (famous last words) - but the dealer offered absolutely ridiculous $ (admittedly my wife is a little rough on car cosmetics) where it's worth keeping it and drive it in the ground and not be slave to a new lease/loan, as I am not sure what the future holds residence wise (considering retiring abroad) and don't wanna be tied to a loan. I hope we don't regret it but new cooling system, new brakes, tires, we'll see..

[onewhippedpuppy]

In my experience with MB products, you don’t want anything less than a C-class based platform. The entry level products are cheap and feel the part. I had a C300 that was a solid car except for mice damage from the PO. C63 that was absolutely epic. E63 that was probably the best car we have owned. GLK350 that my teenage daughter has driven to 106k without skipping a beat. SL63 that is one of my all time favorites. C36 that was a classic Mercedes tank. As someone that does everything DIY I think Mercedes quality is only matched by pre-VAG Porsche, they have all been excellent cars. Working on a modern Audi or BMW is terrible in comparison.

[RANDY P]

Have a 2020 C300 AMG in the garage (GF's) . I read the warnings, heard the rumors, I thought "How bad can it be?" Had it since 41K then @44K , it ate some rare coolant hose.

I'm sorry but this day and age IMHO things like that (a hose failure) on a low miles, perfectly maintained car are pretty much inexcusable-right up there with a broken window regulators.

Last time things like that were issues on cars Polio was a thing..Is this Germany these days?

EDIT: It was also a CPO car (which got it's inspection pencil-whipped by the local friendly but useless Benz dealer)

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

In my experience with MB products, you don’t want anything less than a C-class based platform. The entry level products are cheap and feel the part. I had a C300 that was a solid car except for mice damage from the PO. C63 that was absolutely epic. E63 that was probably the best car we have owned. GLK350 that my teenage daughter has driven to 106k without skipping a beat. SL63 that is one of my all time favorites. C36 that was a classic Mercedes tank. As someone that does everything DIY I think Mercedes quality is only matched by pre-VAG Porsche, they have all been excellent cars. Working on a modern Audi or BMW is terrible in comparison.

I would agree with all of that.. The under -C class I've driven was junk, but the older C43/63 of a previous gen I drove were pretty nice... That is why I was shocked Mercedes would put their badge on these CLA things. Not gonna argue on the work on Audi/BMW, we have one of each and both have been a pain. I have a laptop dedicated to my E46 M3, an entire LAPTOP for pete's sake... I reflash the DME more often than my wife flashes me ! (amazing motor, **** ride, crap electronics)

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951

My next car will be a camry.

Kind of my way these days- an all-in-one car usually winds up being more of a maintenance problem than having several dedicated purpose cars.

I no longer have any desire to own a high-performance luxury German car. I got cars for different moods now- Japanese and 'Merican.

rjp

[onewhippedpuppy]

The problem is that all the Japanese models are so underpowered and meh to drive. Nearly all of the crossovers are a 4-cylinder turbo and are absolute dogs, particularly coming from something with some displacement. We do a lot of two lane drives to the lake and visiting family and some of these cars are borderline unsafe to pass with. With the exception of Mazda I think they are all ugly and the interiors feel cheap. I travel a lot for work and am always in rental cars, my typical sentiment is “who would buy this POS?”

[berettafan]

It's almost as if Japanese cars have gone back to square one. Regressed terribly. Underpowered ugly and cheap feeling.

It's precisely why i went GTI over Civic Si.