Why Not to buy a Mercedes... - Page 10 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Diesel Fan · #**136** 03-16-2006, 05:26 PM

“Now, go ahead and rage on. I am not going to do anything more to keep this sorry thread alive.”

I thought you were going away?

“Here's a budgeting scenario for you. Paid $11K CDN for my Benz used.”

Ok, pay attention. First, no one is condemning your car so take a deep breath. Second, we’re not even talking about your car. If you’re a true believer then can I ask why you’re driving a relic? If your faith in the brand is not shaken, why not move up about a decade. We’ll see if you sing the same tune after paying a few thousand dollars in repairs. Also, I know many American trucks that have been as long lived as yours and more and some with nothing but brakes, tires, and oil. Not a replacement starter or alternator. Not a single replaced gasket.

Zeus · #**137** 03-16-2006, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Fan

Ok, pay attention. First, no one is condemning your car so take a deep breath. Second, we’re not even talking about your car. If you’re a true believer then can I ask why you’re driving a relic? If your faith in the brand is not shaken, why not move up about a decade. We’ll see if you sing the same tune after paying a few thousand dollars in repairs. Also, I know many American trucks that have been as long lived as yours and more and some with nothing but brakes, tires, and oil. Not a replacement starter or alternator. Not a single replaced gasket.

Well, since you asked so politely...

First off, American trucks are simple compared to the engineering in a Benz. Apples to oranges and off topic. Second, I addressed later model Mercedes in my post, did you read it entirely? I do not consider my car a relic, with many 70s and earlier models still on the road today. Why haven't I upgraded? Simple. BUDGETING. I own the car. How many people actually own their new model Mercedes? Not many, I'd wager. I'll drive my car until it dies - to maximize my investment into the car in the first place. Cars are a crappy 'investment' at best and I'll squeeze every cent I can out of it.

That, and I'd like one of those little gold badges on the front grille...

My point is I'm sure you can find just as many owners of new BMWs, Lexus, etc. who all whine and complain about problems with their new model cars. The design issues of the new 3 series Bimmers merits entire forums to that topic alone. None of the newer models can hold up to the way the earlier cars were made. What is the point of bashing that subject?

Diesel Fan · #**138** 03-16-2006, 08:40 PM

Well, actually it was polite if not a bit direct.

You careened off an interesting point when you mentioned engineering. What good is ANY engineering if it’s not reliable? This is a typical answer by affecianados when their brand is being skewered. If Mercedes engineered the wing on the airplane you’re flying would you be concerned? Sure, it can produce .0000003% more lift at any given speed and reduces drag by .00000001%. That’s all great but would you let your family fly on the plane when you know all the engineering is put together with factory crews who only care about their upcoming vacations and assembled with wing root bolts prone to RUST FAILURE because some bean counter could save 50 cents by not treating the bolt correctly. That’s a much better analogy.

I remember playing with some air cooled VW’s from the 60’s. My flasher failed. The one at the parts store for an American sedan was $1.50 and the one for the Ghia or Beetle was $19.95. And it had little to do with supply and demand. The German flasher weighed three times as much and looked like a relay but all it did was flash the turn signal. Both made the light blink on and off. Which was better engineered? The windows go up and down on my American sedan or truck. Thousands of times. On my German sedan I remain concerned if it will be a one way trip. If my American sedan ceases production of cooled and dried air, it’ll cost me a couple of hundred dollars to repair. My german sedan will run into the thousands. Which is better engineered? I haven’t been concerned with rust since my Dad’s 1965 Galaxy 500 rusted in all the wheel wells. Just like all the others on the road I would see. Today, it’s an item an owner must inspect for diligently so the body doesn’t rust and the front suspension components don’t fall out at highway speed. Do any of your friends driving American or Japanese cars do the same? Who’s got better engineering?

Sorry, but the word is not offensive to me. Your car is a relic. It may not be an antique but it’s almost 18 years old. I’m glad it still runs well. I’m sure that will continue. I have an American sedan that’s almost twice that old and it’s never left me stranded although it’s now driven infrequently. It is an antique but it is sincerely more reliable then my MB. Sorry if that hurts anyone’s feelings. It’s also true that complaints are heard more on the net then praise. It stands to reason that few will sing the praises of a machine that is merely doing what it’s supposed to. I assume anyone studying a marque specific site for purchase information will already filter that when doing his research.

BENZ-LGB · #**139** 03-17-2006, 01:00 AM

Here's a budgeting scenario for you. Paid $11K CDN for my Benz used. I've put roughly $1,500 a YEAR into it for maintenance. Car has 320,000+ Kms on it, 140,000 of which I have put on. Engine is completely original - I haven't even changed the valve stem seals. I've basically changed the oil and that's it. A few parts have been changed - alternator, water pump, nothing critical.

How many other cars can produce those numbers and still offer a luxurious, excellent ride and safety?

I was rear-ended in this car pretty hard - the other (newer) car was a write-off, mine was back on the road and looks like new a year later.

True, newer models seem more problematic, but that's a symptom of many new car models in general as the tech race escalates. BMW and Lexus are not immune to these issues.

Your remarks seem emotionally charged rather than rational.

Zeus, don't waste your time trying to use logic with these guys. I am sure that they are both trolls from the ricer boards.

My ownership and maintenance experience have been similar to yours. In fact, maintenance costs for both of my newer Benzes, the 1998 E320 and the 2002 C320 Sports Wagon have been lower than $1,000.00 a year.

My daughter was in a major accident while driving the '89 300TE and she walked away without as much as a scratch. The car was fixed and now it is my daily driver. BTW, did you see the article on the april ediito of Automobile magazine? It lists the W124 sedan as one of the most important cars in the magazine's history. It is on page 62.

Continue enjoying your car and forget about the whining crybabies. Think about it, if anyone was stupid enough to spend $1,000.00/month in maintenance costs for an old car, when they could buy/lease a new one for far less, then they deserve to get the screwing they get.

Some people do nothing but whine and ***** and moan and groan and cry and wallow in self-pity. That's their sorry lot in life. Too bad for them.

Diesel Fan · #**140** 03-17-2006, 08:01 AM

"“Now, go ahead and rage on. I am not going to do anything more to keep this sorry thread alive.”

Helllloooooo!?!?!?

190Blacksmoke · #**141** 03-17-2006, 06:02 PM

Everyone says in other posts that the 190e's are the worst designed Mercedes ever. <-- taken from some magazines. I had to laugh when I read it. My 1987 190e 16V had a bunk rear suspension when I bought it and the front suspension had a few balljoints that needed to be replaced recently. Total cost for rear(including rear hydraulic shocks) 400 bucks US. The front cost me 300 because I changed the front shocks at the same time. That is now in almost 4 years of ownership. Pretty impressive. My friends have had way bigger repairs on their Hondas and Cavaliers. So add it up, 400+300=700 bucks. That equals 175 bucks a years in needed repairs. Of course I am not including any oil changes or lubing of parts because every vehicle needs those. Oh I forgot to add my clutch that finally went after some hard driving by my brother. Shattered the disc lol. That was 350 bucks canadian. So, I dont know about anyone else, but that seems to be a good value. If you got stuck with a bad Benz, it probably wasnt cared for by the previous owner. Although, I have agreed that new Benzs have had electrical problems.

BENZ-LGB · #**142** 03-17-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thulkkonen

Everyone says in other posts that the 190e's are the worst designed Mercedes ever. <-- taken from some magazines. I had to laugh when I read it. My 1987 190e 16V had a bunk rear suspension when I bought it and the front suspension had a few balljoints that needed to be replaced recently. Total cost for rear(including rear hydraulic shocks) 400 bucks US. The front cost me 300 because I changed the front shocks at the same time. That is now in almost 4 years of ownership. Pretty impressive. My friends have had way bigger repairs on their Hondas and Cavaliers. So add it up, 400+300=700 bucks. That equals 175 bucks a years in needed repairs. Of course I am not including any oil changes or lubing of parts because every vehicle needs those. Oh I forgot to add my clutch that finally went after some hard driving by my brother. Shattered the disc lol. That was 350 bucks canadian. So, I dont know about anyone else, but that seems to be a good value. If you got stuck with a bad Benz, it probably wasnt cared for by the previous owner. Although, I have agreed that new Benzs have had electrical problems.

I am glad that you had a good experience with your Benz and that your experience confirms what most of us already know.

Hold on to your Benz. It may become a classic, at least that is what the writers at THE STAR magazine (Mercedes Benz Club of America) think. tehre was a nice story featuring your car model.

Good luck.

trueog · #**143** 03-19-2006, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

Well, since you asked so politely...

First off, American trucks are simple compared to the engineering in a Benz. Apples to oranges and off topic. Second, I addressed later model Mercedes in my post, did you read it entirely? I do not consider my car a relic, with many 70s and earlier models still on the road today. Why haven't I upgraded? Simple. BUDGETING. I own the car. How many people actually own their new model Mercedes? Not many, I'd wager. I'll drive my car until it dies - to maximize my investment into the car in the first place. Cars are a crappy 'investment' at best and I'll squeeze every cent I can out of it.

That, and I'd like one of those little gold badges on the front grille...

My point is I'm sure you can find just as many owners of new BMWs, Lexus, etc. who all whine and complain about problems with their new model cars. The design issues of the new 3 series Bimmers merits entire forums to that topic alone. None of the newer models can hold up to the way the earlier cars were made. What is the point of bashing that subject?

1) I agree that older german car's were built much better then the new ones, but at the same time, that's like saying don't buy the new ones in its own sense. Face it, when the old one dies, you have to upgrade to a new one, and I wonder how you'll like that...

2) I don't know anyone that's owned a lexus and not loved it to death, and been amazed at its resale value. I know many lexus owners that have been shocked after owning their car for 10 years how much they still re-sell for.

3) I've never had problems with my bmw. Flawless Manual 5 series.... However I have heard of transmission nightmares of Auto- 5 Series models.

4) Many people do own their newer mercedes. My Mercedes was paid in full the second it left North Van Mercedes. What else would I expect from my car??? My 5 series BMW was also paid off the second it left the dealership. SO I wouldn't wage money on people not owning them outright when they buy them.

Have fun...

trueog · #**144** 03-19-2006, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Fan

Well, actually it was polite if not a bit direct.

You careened off an interesting point when you mentioned engineering. What good is ANY engineering if it’s not reliable? This is a typical answer by affecianados when their brand is being skewered. If Mercedes engineered the wing on the airplane you’re flying would you be concerned? Sure, it can produce .0000003% more lift at any given speed and reduces drag by .00000001%. That’s all great but would you let your family fly on the plane when you know all the engineering is put together with factory crews who only care about their upcoming vacations and assembled with wing root bolts prone to RUST FAILURE because some bean counter could save 50 cents by not treating the bolt correctly. That’s a much better analogy.

I remember playing with some air cooled VW’s from the 60’s. My flasher failed. The one at the parts store for an American sedan was $1.50 and the one for the Ghia or Beetle was $19.95. And it had little to do with supply and demand. The German flasher weighed three times as much and looked like a relay but all it did was flash the turn signal. Both made the light blink on and off. Which was better engineered? The windows go up and down on my American sedan or truck. Thousands of times. On my German sedan I remain concerned if it will be a one way trip. If my American sedan ceases production of cooled and dried air, it’ll cost me a couple of hundred dollars to repair. My german sedan will run into the thousands. Which is better engineered? I haven’t been concerned with rust since my Dad’s 1965 Galaxy 500 rusted in all the wheel wells. Just like all the others on the road I would see. Today, it’s an item an owner must inspect for diligently so the body doesn’t rust and the front suspension components don’t fall out at highway speed. Do any of your friends driving American or Japanese cars do the same? Who’s got better engineering?

Sorry, but the word is not offensive to me. Your car is a relic. It may not be an antique but it’s almost 18 years old. I’m glad it still runs well. I’m sure that will continue. I have an American sedan that’s almost twice that old and it’s never left me stranded although it’s now driven infrequently. It is an antique but it is sincerely more reliable then my MB. Sorry if that hurts anyone’s feelings. It’s also true that complaints are heard more on the net then praise. It stands to reason that few will sing the praises of a machine that is merely doing what it’s supposed to. I assume anyone studying a marque specific site for purchase information will already filter that when doing his research.

----STANDING OVATION ------ That peice was brilliant and so true. My Toyota truck has been very trustable and reliable with maintance I do when I want to. The Mercedes has been babied by the deal since day one, and it's the only car that I fear taking on long trips. It's broken down on me so many times, I have tow truck numbers in different area codes on speed dial in my cell. Also I have no faith in my car, I refuse to let my wife take it anywhere, I don't want her being left stranded somewhere. When I bought this car, I thought it was the best quality car on the market. Its a car I would not trust to go on a vacation with.....ever...i know 10 people are gonna think i'm insane. Come over to my house, drink some tea, and i'll show you towing bills from the $300-400 dollar ranges. This P.O.S has broken down many times in rural BC.....if anyone knows mercedes techs in 100 mile house, make sure you message me...

trueog · #**145** 03-19-2006, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

Here's a budgeting scenario for you. Paid $11K CDN for my Benz used. I've put roughly $1,500 a YEAR into it for maintenance. Car has 320,000+ Kms on it, 140,000 of which I have put on. Engine is completely original - I haven't even changed the valve stem seals. I've basically changed the oil and that's it. A few parts have been changed - alternator, water pump, nothing critical.

How many other cars can produce those numbers and still offer a luxurious, excellent ride and safety?

I was rear-ended in this car pretty hard - the other (newer) car was a write-off, mine was back on the road and looks like new a year later.

True, newer models seem more problematic, but that's a symptom of many new car models in general as the tech race escalates. BMW and Lexus are not immune to these issues.

Your remarks seem emotionally charged rather than rational.

Zeus, don't waste your time trying to use logic with these guys. I am sure that they are both trolls from the ricer boards.

My ownership and maintenance experience have been similar to yours. In fact, maintenance costs for both of my newer Benzes, the 1998 E320 and the 2002 C320 Sports Wagon have been lower than $1,000.00 a year.

My daughter was in a major accident while driving the '89 300TE and she walked away without as much as a scratch. The car was fixed and now it is my daily driver. BTW, did you see the article on the april ediito of Automobile magazine? It lists the W124 sedan as one of the most important cars in the magazine's history. It is on page 62.

Continue enjoying your car and forget about the whining crybabies. Think about it, if anyone was stupid enough to spend $1,000.00/month in maintenance costs for an old car, when they could buy/lease a new one for far less, then they deserve to get the screwing they get.

Some people do nothing but whine and ***** and moan and groan and cry and wallow in self-pity. That's their sorry lot in life. Too bad for them.

1) Me from a Ricer board? haha, man that's a joke. I've mostly owned German car's all my life, and I think you're special mercedes was built in korea for thinking I drive ricers....and it explains why you'res never breaks down.

Here's a flashback on me... I bought a brand new ML320 in 1998. Cost me in the 60's. It broke down the very first week, the Fuel Pump. During the warrenty period, Mercedes quite possibly replaced half the truck.

1) Fuel Pump
2) Sunroof
3) head Light harness
4) Engine - Died at 15 000km
5) Some bushings, wheels were shaking when stopping
6) Rear Window smashed with Defrost on (wasn't covered under warrenty - mercedes claims first case, talked to ford dealer - told me it happens very rarly)
7) Stereo died and was fully replaced
8) Driver side power seat failure....

just some of what i remember.

Some repairs weren't covered, some were. The transmission started acting up, and I was told it would go within 5 000 km. Warrenty had just expired on it. Also it needed new brake pads and rotors all around, and a major tune up. I dumped a bunch of Lucas Transmission Conditioner in it, got it detailed to look brand new and sold it to some old widow for $25 000, at the time $2000 more then dealers had it listed for.

Now I wonder how happy she is.
First she overpaid for the truck. Then once the transmission died on her, she was probobly in that truck for more then 5000 dollars compared to the ones dealers were selling. Then when they did her transmission they probobly told her she needs to do a major tune up, and OMG you have NEXT TO NO BRAKES!!! and tire tread for another 6 months....new tires! But I know everyone out their is going to call it maintance, but sometimes I feel sorry for the old lady that bought my truck, but atleast she knows she's driving a mercedes and it won't break down on her....

Alex Vantu · #**146** 03-19-2006, 10:46 AM

Went from a 2.3-16 to a 528 5 spd has been headache free and very enjoyable life for me in the last 3 years, but I can see why people still love their Benz because I still looking at Benz every time I see them

.

The bottom line for me is whatever it is that you drive and if you like it then it is worth it for you irregardless of the cost to maintain. We all have a different of oppinion on car base on the experiences that we encountered in our life and the people around us.

However, I would not pick a car for my family unless it has ABS, traction control, air bags and of course some high performance.

And here are my list of of prefference BMW, LEXUS,AUDI,TOYOTA,HONDA,MERCEDES,VOLKSWAGON.

trueog · #**147** 03-19-2006, 10:52 PM

I think manual BMW's are great car's also. I've driven the Six Speed M3's, and its amazing. I just wish mercedes had a bigger manual line up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Vantu

Went from a 2.3-16 to a 528 5 spd has been headache free and very enjoyable life for me in the last 3 years, but I can see why people still love their Benz because I still looking at Benz every time I see them

.

The bottom line for me is whatever it is that you drive and if you like it then it is worth it for you irregardless of the cost to maintain. We all have a different of oppinion on car base on the experiences that we encountered in our life and the people around us.

However, I would not pick a car for my family unless it has ABS, traction control, air bags and of course some high performance.

And here are my list of of prefference BMW, LEXUS,AUDI,TOYOTA,HONDA,MERCEDES,VOLKSWAGON.

Alex Vantu · #**148** 03-20-2006, 10:47 AM

The biggest reason why I went to BMW because I could not find a Mid size sport sedan with manual trans from Mercedes. I'm glad I found BMW because let me tell you they have such a big range of manual trans on their sport sedan for instance the M5 6-speed this car is the beast of modern day sport sedan, it would take your breath away by the time you hit third gear at 110mph. The 540i 6-speed this is my future car, but I need to convince the wife yet. Anyway, just to name a few from my favorite list of BMW car, so wake up Mercedes! Let see if you can win me back, how about puting 6-speed in all your E, and CLK, and occationally S series, just wishfull thinking.

manny · #**149** 03-20-2006, 01:03 PM

Wow........another Marketing Genius!

Even the die-hard clutch pedal people in Europe are switching to automatic/semi-automatic vehicles.
The demand for manual transmission cars has been in a decline for the last 10 years, especially since the advent of clutchless automatics, and the new 7-speed automatics with tiptronic etc.
So, if you're that smart, go & run BMW.
Glad you don't run MY company.

Hatterasguy · #**150** 03-20-2006, 01:10 PM

Even Ferrari is going to the F1 style gear box. Much faster shifts, and you get that cool throttle blip. I think the new S550 has a similer feature I am pretty sure it has buttons on the wheel that let you row through the 7 gears.