Shameful Results...The LEAST reliable used car brand is...Mercedes Benz! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nhdoc · #1 03-07-2006, 03:28 PM

Read this month's consumer reports and you will find this on Page 15. MB is the least reliable used car for MY 2001 cars surveyed. It is truly shameful and explains why these cars depreciate so quickly compared to way the older models (known for their reliability) did.

Even Chrysler and Dodge did better!

Heads should roll at Daimler-Chrysler.

MattBelliveau · #2 03-07-2006, 03:31 PM

Truely sad...and beat out by GM in many instances...

yal · #3 03-07-2006, 04:52 PM

Yeah...just plain horrid!

But its just beating a dead horse unfortunately.

Hey at least if you count Acura and Honda as one and Lexus and Toyota as one that moves them up two spots LOL

TX76513 · #4 03-07-2006, 04:58 PM

OR.. is it a good deal for those of us who purchace these fine older models and understand them

skiier3_9 · #5 03-07-2006, 06:00 PM

Are you crazy? Most of the problems with the 01 and similar vinatage models are related to electronics ('-tronic' packaged) problems that are often difficult to diagnose, especially without the STAR diagnostic tool they have at the dealership.

I'd much rather replace the head gasket on my m104 engine than try to deal with the instrument cluster failure on the w220, or some other electronics related issue.

I must admit that I like the looks, refinement, and features of many of the newer MB models but the lack of quality and reliablitiy has me content to stay with my w124 for awhile.

Two560Two · #6 03-07-2006, 11:09 PM

The more electronics that go into a cars system, the more it is prone to failure. MB is not the only to have a bad record. I feel BMW is far worse than MB in electronically related failures. Both my brothers bought brand new Bimmers and Benzos. One C320 and the other a 330i. The one with the 330i got the car 3 months ago and has been sitting in the dealer service garage for weeks trying to solve a wierd fuel guage problem and suspension problem. Suspension is stiff hard and car looks dropped. My other bro with the C320, the radiator failed at 20k miles. Started to leak. All is fixed now and no problems at 43k miles. I really do feel that the older Benz's are much better than the newer ones.

86560SEL · #7 03-08-2006, 12:52 AM

Not to sound dreadfully rude, but they should feel quite ashamed.

Strife · #8 03-08-2006, 01:36 AM

I predict that you won't be seeing too many cars of the 1990-2005 era on the road 10-20 years from now, except for perhaps the simplest, cheapest cars (who cares), because the mfr's won't have or even be able to build replacement parts. There is a desparate need throughout the industry to standardize and modularize the electronics within each company's line with standard inputs and outputs on an expandable bus. Strangely, the US MFR's actually seem to be getting this. My nasty, but dead reliable 140K mi Taurus has every available electronic and electromechanical option, and nothing except lightbulbs has ever failed.

The car biz is crazy; I was reading that a perfectly rebuildable quite new car gets totalled because the airbag replacements would cost more than a car is worth. Considering the vast amounts of raw material, energy, and human labor it takes to build and ship a car and all it's parts. THIS is a crime against the environment far, far worse than driving an old "gas guzzler".

The sting would not be so bad if the replacement modules were MUCH less expensive, and if the mfr's (not just MB) would release the documentation after X number of years to interested rebuilders.

I work with two people with much newer and expensive MB's; one, with a 2002 S500, has had it in the shop for a month. When he brought it in, it couldn't keep the suspension up overnight; at last report, it couldn't keep the suspension up two hours. He has offered to trade it for my car straight up except he has small children. In a parking lot full of Lexi, this has become a running gag.

The other (2003 SL500), will not take me up on a bet on whose MB, his or mine, will be on the road under its own power 10 years from now (his wife's ML oil pan was eaten by the balancer, which he paid out of his pocket and he is in the process of recovering his money).

Ara T. · #9 03-08-2006, 02:49 AM

Interesting that the Lexuses are more "reliable" than their not as complicated brothers of the Toyota family.

1991 560 SEC · #10 03-08-2006, 03:53 AM

Horse Hockey!!!! My 1991 560SEC is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Our 2006 C280 4Matic is the next.

John

G-Benz · #11 03-08-2006, 07:38 AM

Now that my most recent purchase is the 2001, should I feel worried?

At least I can still wrench on the W124 with some degree of confidence...I'm staring at some tranny parts right now that I plan to tackle this weekend...

mbdoc · #12 03-08-2006, 08:13 AM

ONE of the items that has plagued MB over the last 10 years is system electronics!

That is really showing on the newer cars..the W220 S-class has had severe quality problems. The 2000-01 are terrible!

The 2001 W203 C-class are also low quality cars with MANY electronic glitches.

The MANY recalls & needed modifications on these models are un-believable for me...I have worked ON & with MB since 1972..totally unacceptable

BenzOnline · #13 03-08-2006, 09:25 AM

Wow thats enough to make me gag.

For real, does Mercedes see these results? Its been like this since 01 now!

And I just bought a used MB....however the last good one-W202.

lee polowczuk · #14 03-08-2006, 09:28 AM

I really don't know how i can buy past the 124 family...

I think electrical issues would do me in.

That said, I think the 124's are the perfect balance between parts cost, ease of repairs/maintenance, and styling/luxury.

I wouldn't mind an early 90's SEC, however. But not as a daily driver.

andmoon · #15 03-08-2006, 09:38 AM

Didn't even the 124s have the bio degrading wire harness?