Mercedes - Can you believe the poor quality!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

euronatura · #1 08-05-2004, 11:33 PM

For the reputation that Mercedes has, can you believe that the radiator on my 1988 190e, only lasted 15 years - 155,000 miles. With this type of quality, all I can say is that I am better off purchasing an American made vehicle.

Iggy

PS - The new Behr radiator cost me US$300 here in Guatemala (Out of stock here had to bring it in from El Salvador) - the cost per mile for the radiator that failed is US$0.0019 per mile - OUTRAGOUS!!!

#2 08-06-2004, 12:19 AM

- that the new MB's will now last the way your old MB does!

elau · #3 08-06-2004, 09:58 AM

Well, I have over 300K miles on my 87 300E. The radiator is still original. As are most parts on the car.

MB did not manufacture radiators, they sub those components out to other manufacturers. Thus they have no control over how well the component lasts/functions. Unfortunately, perception is reality, people blame MB for all little failed parts, in which, most of them are beyond MB's control.

On the other hand, if it is workmanships and design, then MB is to be blamed.

DslBnz · #4 08-06-2004, 10:02 AM

How did the radiator fail? The plastic neckpiece? If it was, it was a design flaw. Over time the plastic gets brittle and cracks open. The new Behr's are reinforced with a steel surrounding.

PC Dave · #5 08-06-2004, 10:47 AM

Irony - look it up, folks!:p

G-Benz · #6 08-06-2004, 10:47 AM

Am I the only one thinking this thread is being taken too seriously?

Can't imagine anyone complaining of parts failures after 15 years of service...

Most American car owners think of getting rid of their vehicles after logging 60K miles!

rickg · #7 08-06-2004, 11:29 AM

Yes Virginia, he's being sarastic.
I always say something like that when I have to fix my SD. "Damn old Mecedes. Just don't hold up. Only 300,000 miles on it, and it needs a new ________!"

euronatura · #8 08-06-2004, 11:51 AM

Boy, it a little bit for some of you get the irony in this!!!!

Iggy

G-Benz · #9 08-06-2004, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by euronatura
Boy, it a little bit for some of you get the irony in this!!!!

Iggy

Too many political threads...folks are edgy during an election year!

And darn my old W124...after 144K miles, I had to break down and get new spark plugs and get the fluids changed!

I thought Mercedes oil was supposed to last 200K miles! I must've replaced the oil 40 times since new! Isn't there a recall notice on this?!!!

BenzOnline · #10 08-06-2004, 02:16 PM

ya man these cars are so damn cheapo that I need a new tie rod at 310 000 miles!

nglitz · #11 08-15-2004, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elau

MB did not manufacture radiators, they sub those components out to other manufacturers. Thus they have no control over how well the component lasts/functions. Unfortunately, perception is reality, people blame MB for all little failed parts, in which, most of them are beyond MB's control.

I work for a manufacturing company who buys parts from subcontractors. I assure you we have control over the quality of their parts supllied to us. The good suppliers get rewarded with new purchase orders and the bad ones get their crap returned until they get it right or we get a different supplier. I cannot imagine MB being any different.

elau · #12 08-15-2004, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nglitz

I work for a manufacturing company who buys parts from subcontractors. I assure you we have control over the quality of their parts supllied to us. The good suppliers get rewarded with new purchase orders and the bad ones get their crap returned until they get it right or we get a different supplier. I cannot imagine MB being any different.

Dude, look at his post. It is a 15 year old car!! Even I don't built like I was 15 years ago. So what do I do? Go complain to Mom and Dad and tell them I want my money back?

I can understand when people ***** about quality when the car is 3-4 years old. But for anything over 7 years and 100K miles? That is just facts of life. Get a grip, nothing last forever.

hill · #13 08-16-2004, 02:34 AM

Yeah you folks are right. The quality sucks. Just six years ago I had to change some subframe bushings and last year the front lower A arms. Now I see the rears will need it to. When will these constant repairs end?