I have been pondering this question for a while now and I have my own opinions but want to here the facts from the owners.

In your honest opinions..............Has the Build Quality, Materials of Construction and Fit and Finish changed in the recent Mercedes (1995 and Newer).

Would love to hear specific examples of why or why not.

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Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

placo1 - don't forget style.

at this point in time, i like the solid looks of the 126, 124 and 201. And the 123 is a classic.

but the 202 is starting to grow on me (talk about timeless design!).

I think the fit an finish of my '95 E420 is as good as the '86 420SEL I used to own. The new car has the benefits of technical imporvements and developments. I get 35% more power from the same size engine and am averaging almost 40% better gas mileage. I absolutely love the '95 and think it is pure Benz. That being said I still miss the 420SEL. There's something about your first Benz.

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

Yes and no. It depends on where you look. But overall, I would say that the cars quality has degraded in recent years. The trend started with the W202 C-class and has gotten worse. I mean, the cars are overall reliable and acceptable to most, but the craftsmanship is not there. MB is also making more parts as assemblies, specifcally, the W202 window switches in the front console are made as a complete assembly with the rest of the switches and even the wood...that is STUPID, I mean I want to buy just the part I need, and then the wood won't even match if I had to replace it. Another thing, the W210 MY 2002 has velour material covering the sunvisors, the 1996 E-class had MB-Tex, which doesn't soil, and felt more functional than the new design. And another thing...the new FSS (Flexible Service System), no way am I trusting a gauge with my oil, and what IDIOT made the car with no dipstick.
Don't get me wrong, I still like the new cars, I just thing MB needs to go back to the basics. Somewhere along the line (Jurgen Shremp) they figure they could sell more cars if they lowere the price...this is true, but you can make the same money by raising the price. They have focused too much on market share! MB is only able to cash in now, due to the fact they have a good reputation...if this new way of business continues, they can only use their reputation for so long.

I hate to rant on, you guys see the same stuff I do. Of course, I still wouldn't be with out a Benz in my garage anyday!

If you search there was a post a while back I started about this got pretty long to

Before I bought my 240D, all I knew I wanted was a diesel Mercedes. After getting an older one, I truly appreciate the simplicity of the older cars. This equates to inherent reliabiilty with the lack of gadgets, toys, and gizmos to fail. Plus, I like the looks of the older cars. Once I am finished restoring this one, I'm planning on buying a 1960's vintage 190D to restore.

Well...
my dad's first MB I believe was the W123 280E. There was no way for me to appreciate it. I remember carrying a Ferrari Testarossa model in my hands when he took me around car dealers, etc to look for a W123. I hated the W123 for its old look. I was especially turned off by the wheel covers, even the bundt wheels looked ugly to me.

I didn't remember much of it, because I never paid attention to it.

It was then sold for a W124 230E. It's still with the family. It's an awesome car, and even though it breaks something every now and then, the big things (body, trans, engine, drivetrain in general) seem to last forever. It's a very well built car IMO.

He was then handed over a W210 E320 and I must admit it was an awesome car. It was very quiet, the AC was very cold, the engine was just amazing! However, I do miss the 'harshness' of the W124.

Now, I have another W123... a diesel! I must admit the MB's get better with time, but the W123 is just amazing for its age! I love its interior, classic and looks well built. No one has said anything bad about the interior.. But, the one thing that MB's of the '80s seem to have that others (BMW,etc) do not is nice interior. That is just my opinion I saw a mint 5-series of the same generation and inside it just didn't look quite like a W123.

The newest MB that I'd love to have is definitely the G500.. next would be the E500.

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

I think MB quality control has declined slightly on the newer cars, probably due to the sheer number they are trying to produce now, and they are trying to keep the prices within reach of more customers. Many other manufacturers have greatly improved their quality control, so the gap has been closed considerably. These things combine to lessen the "way ahead of the pack" reputation that MB used to have.

I also agree with dieselpower about the simplicity of the older models. The more gadgetry you incorporate and rely on in a car, the more failures and headaches you will have when it ages.

Mike

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1979 300 SD
350,000 miles
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1982 300D-gone---sold to a buddy
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1985 300TD
270,000 miles
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1994 E320
not my favorite, but the wife wanted it

www.myspace.com/mikemover
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True the older MB's are simple but in there time they were advanced. Like my 500 had ABS (only on front), Front and rear heated and reclining seats which back then was something no cars seemed to have. And the option list was plentyfull with self levling suspension airbag etc. Simple now yes but back then MB pump millions into the development of the w126.
My 2 cents

I think that the 123, 126 cars of the '80s were probably the last of the overbuilt Mercedes 'Drive-forever' cars.
That said, the newest models I've owned are my 1972, 114 body, 250 and 250C. But I've really enjoyed driving 'Miss Daisy', my recently accqired, 1960 220S finback. Despite the lack of modern amenities like disc brakes and power steering, the handling is amazing for a 42 year old car and it's smoother and quieter than my, well worn 250s. I do worry about Mercedes continued parts support for the older cars.

Happy Motoring, Mark

(Modern cars have computers and airbags but mine has a tube radio and tailfins!)

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DrDKW