I know how he feels.
I have owned Mercedes for 23 years and the service and quality have really gotten bed.
I finally sold the 99E300 and must say the posibility of buying another NEW ( a 72 280SE cabriolet is a possibility) Mercedes is remote. Poor service, Bad attitude from the dealers, and a lack of support from MBUSA have, after 23 years, made me realize that I no longer want the new Mercedes.
I do like my SL and TD. We will keep those and I will repair and maintain them.
Any new car will not be a Mercedes.
I am watching the Consumers Reports on auto reliability and any new car wil be a Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus
Mercedes needs to clean house and get back on a quality built path.

Dave

Heres my service history

glow plugs 3X
---1 had to clean glow plug holes, glow plugs OK
---2 had to replace 1 glow plug
---3 had to replace 2 more so they replaced them all
Transmision 4X
----Transmision control module replaced
----Transmission parking interlock cable connection replaced
----Transmission electrical connection seal replaced
----Transmission Pump replaced
Radio 7X (written up 7X)maybe its just me.
----keep losing the stereo depth that you hear with stereo
----they had it 3 weeks and I still hear it.
----radio replaced
----ant amp
----connections loose, tightened
----ant switch unit
Both front door panels caused by seat belts 1X
Seat belts, both front
3 sets of front brake pads, that seems about right through
Engine mounts 1X
Serpentine belt 1X, damaged caused by poor work 2X
Rear lights both replaced
Climate control 1X unit replaced due to a BURNT OUT BULB!!!!
Steering wheel 1X replaced, coming unraveled
Instrument dash panel replaced, glue comming through on it
Ash tray door inop/replaced
Cup holder door inop/replaced
Child seat sensor inop/replaced
Turn signal combo switch inop/replaced
Mass air flow sensor replaced
INJECTION PUMP replaced
Banjo bolt replaced
Volume air flow sensor replaced
Window ant amplifier replaced
Seat track cover replaced
C pillar replaced
Drivers seat adjuster replaced
I am amazed how many light bulbs burn out on this car compared to my others. We always drive with our lights on, In all our cars.
this one has gone through 3X as many bulbs as my other cars.

Serpentine belt replaced at 58,000 miles, done poorly, fan clutch bolt never torqued. The bolt loosened and cause damage.
Car towed to the dealer, It took 2 visits to the dealer to fix their poor service, replaced items. Serpentine belt, fan, fan shroud,shock mount, battery after leaving my lights on.


And the one that seems to happen most often
State inspection expires every year at the exact same time!!!!

I don't think this is the sign of a quality car.

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car