I have been looking into buying a new MB. Either an E Class or the C Class. I have heard so many bad things about the new cars on here. The CL looks like a honda? I think the new style is attractive and is a break from the same styles offered for many years. I'm sure internet rumors aren't anything to go by, but I am just curious on if the new MB's are really that bad?

I have heard these statements about the new ones being junk since the introduction of the 123. There always seems to be an undercurrent of naysayers that proclaim the new cars to be junk.

So far, IMHO, these claims have turned out to be false. I heard this about the 123 and I bought one anyway in '77. It turned out to be an incredible car, I replaced it with a late 123 and it was even better.

Then when the 124 came out many people again gave it the old: "they just don't make them like they used to." The 124 is now legendary.

When I bought my 210 car, several said they were just another car, the MB quality was gone. These cars have proven out to be solid.

I was one of the first in line in October 2000 for a 203 C Class. In spite of the same old claims of "the new ones are junk," it is a superb car. It is a little different with electric locks and thin doors to get weight down, it still is proving itself with me.

I am totally perplexed about why these claims are always heard. I don't know if they come chiefly from those who like their old cars and want to support their decision to keep them, or maybe from those who secretly want to see the newest cars fail. It's a total mystery to me.

When I see a model that indeed does turn out to be "junk" I will start taking these claims a little more seriously, until then I consider them automotive myth.

My $0.02,

My reading of the subject suggests that the SUV's (ML) were the ones that everyone had a problem with.

I guess one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.

__________________
R. Downs
1985 500SEL (260,000 miles) SOLD!
1974 280 SOLD!
1994 Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon (Yuppie Ice Sled)

"I know I have a Benz and they know it too." If you start bragging about it or shoving in people's face, you then become a Wally; especially to the girls.

(it seems all i'm doing lately is posting links - hopefully, they're helping.)

anyway, check the following and read up on the various problems people have been experiencing. some of the problems sound legitimate, some of them sound like they're coming from whiners...

- http://mbspy.bacosys.be/mbquality.htm (be sure to check the rest of his site, http://mbspy.bacosys.be/index2.html )

- http://www.mercedesproblems.com (check the problems with the MLs)

- http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&group=alt.auto.mercedes

Why someone would view a newer MB as "junk" I don't know, but they certianly aren't being very objective. I own a w123, and while its a nice car, even considered "legendary" by some, it certianly isn't the greatest thing on the road. I can think of lots of drawbacks (horrible seats, mediocre HVAC, lots of cabin noise, poor handling, miserable gearing for highway cruising, etc.) Sure, the w123 is a great car FOR THE ERA, but its drawbacks are why the company improves the design and markets newer, better cars.

That said - I have read a few places that the S-class cars starting in '93 are some of the best Mercedes made (as far as interior material quality, fit and finish, ride quality, etc.). I believe they are the w140 series? Possibly a little biased, but one such article was in Mercedes Enthusiast magazine over the summer. Sure, they frequently blow a/c evaporators and are more technically complicated, but every car will have its problems.

Greg
'84 300D

210's are good cars providing, just like anything else, they have been serviced. 2001 up 220's are nice, 129's and 202's are also quality products. The 203's seem ok but, I'd stray away from the first run of them. Other than gumming up due to dino oil, balancers coming apart and misfire codes, overall the benz line up is pretty good stuff.

Just like anyone else the marque has suffered from attempts to get technology out before everyone else making some "growing pains" become a thorn in concumers sides. However, the second run normally straightens things out.


Joe

__________________
Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon
Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque?
Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible
Acme Automotive Inc.
Raleigh NC
919-881-0364

I still love my C240. Most of my problems have been with a dealership that doesn't seem to understand how to establish and maintain a long-term customer commitment. I'll definitely buy another Benz, just not from my current dealer.

__________________
Eric M. Isselhardt, Ph.D.
Headmaster, Norbel School
"Educating for a Difference"
Mercedes C240
Kawasaki ZRX1200 (the faster green one)

Thanks for all of the replys. I really didn't want to think that benz's were "junk" I own two (a 84 190 and a 1996 C Class) they are wonderful cars. I was just skeptical about buying an new one cause everyone says they are "junk". I don't believe that and I'm most likely going to go for a new one.