Quote:
Originally Posted by BrazBenz
This is a fascinating theme!
I'd try to put in different terms:
When compared to the INDUSTRY leaders how do the current MBs versus the old ones?
In other words: are we still the best ?
How about the solutions proposed by the new kids on the block ?
Jorge
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So far as safety, performance, handling and economy, I think the newer Mercedes are better built.
In terms of quality of materials and craftsmanship, like the type of wood, leather, and chrome interiors seen on the '50s - '60s cars, no.
In terms of reliability, Mercedes has over the past 10 - 15 years been rated pretty low compared with leaders such as Honda or Toyota, due to things like wiring harnesses that biodegrade, harmonic balancers that fly apart, Spring perches that dissintegrate, or power steering hoses that blow off the radiator because some engineer forgot that brass fittings for rubber hoses should have a barb or bead made onto the tip!
I have heard rumors that, perhaps, Mercedes reliability has started to improve on the latest models.
As for the excuse I've heard that one should expect teething troubles with cutting edge technolgy - I say a customer who pays the price to own a Mercedes, shouldn't expect to be the test driver for the carmaker.
And if we are to compare durability of recent Mercedes, to those of 30 or 40 years ago, perhaps we should hear from people that owned those past Mercedes when they were new.
Finally, as someone already mentioned, I believe it's going to be tough to keep much of todays overly complex electronic technology working when it gets to be 20 - 30 years old, regardless of whether it's a Mercedes or a Toyota.
Happy Motoring, Mark