Authorized dealers began to import them new shortly after the fall of Communism - about 1992-1993. Second-hand examples(built between 1975-1990) had been already imported by the thousands from Western Europe, either by specialized companies or by private owners.

~Nautilus

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1990 260E Sportline (that's 300E 2.6 for our American friends) -> sold
2001 E320 4Matic Elegance -> my Dad's daily drive
2005 Seat Leon FR 1.8T

MBLife
Do you own a Benz? The M104 eng.has a headgasket problem on all engines. I had it changed by the dealer ($1,000) because it started to leak. We were about to take a trip to NC. I do not like to break down on the road. The wiring harness is a problem with all M104 eng and all W210 E320, 1996 mod. and others from what I have seen. The sway bar is something everyone should check. Look at the U-bracket attached to the bottom of the frame (front). Check for cracks on the back side of the U-bracket in the frame. It will eventuality pull out of the frame. (I have photos). I have owned this car for 3 years ,we only drove it 36,000mi.
Norm in FL

I am a new member of this forum and have learned a great deal since joining. One of these things is that I am not the only one who has semi-regular problems with my E320. Another is that someone else always seems to have a bigger problem than mine.

I have never owned a car longer than my '95 wagon and, despite the cost of keeping on the road (and in great condition) I still love owning and driving the thing. My very capable independent mechanic also loves me owning it as I have dropped over $5,000 with him over the past 12 months.

Having also owned and maintained BMWs, Volvos and other Benzes, I have to say that there comes a point where you either fish or cut bait. I haven't yet reached that point with my wagon. However, my last car buying decision was E430 versus Lexus GS430. Having one rock-solid reliable car is a must for my family (I am getting rid of my '98 Lexus post wreck) so buying another Lexus was an easy call.

Mercedes needs to do something about its reliability if it expects to keep owners like me coming back. I, for one, hope they get their act together.

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David

2010 E350 Coupe / 1K miles
2007 ML350 / 18k miles (Gone, gone, gone!)
1995 E320 Wagon / 170k miles
2008 Audi A6 4.2 / 12k miles
2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor / 25k miles

It is interesting to note that Lexus sells many re-badged Toyotas here in the USA but they don't sell well in Europe.

MB needs to get rid of pointless technology. Period.

THATS IT!

I HAVE SNAPPED!

I AM GOING TO BUY 10x 300Es for $4,000 each...! That way I will be set for life!

How do I go about storing my investments? LOL



P.S. I am probably going to become a mechanical engineer so I won't be able to afford a new car anyways! OLD CARS HERE I COME!!!

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2006 BMW M5 "Heidi" @ 109,000 miles
2005 MBZ C55 AMG "Lorelai" @ 165,000 miles
1991 MBZ 300E "Benzachino II" @ 165,000 miles
1990 MBZ 500SL "Shoshanna" @ 118,000 miles

(On the hunt for a good used M103 engine as of 6/10/23, PM me if you have one to sell!)

I hate to say this but let's not point to Chrysler as the problem with the current MB's. I am now driving one of three 1994 Dodge Rams that were bought new and it has 293,000 miles. It uses less than 1 quart of oil between oil changes. The only repairs have been, tune ups, brakes about every 35,000 miles, five or six sets of tires and an Oil pickup screen replacement at 195,000. All three had similar track records. 3 for 3 with great service records and over 200,000 miles.

The Chrysler 300 I believe it is, is the Car of The Year! Based on it's track record and current model. Many years and many Chryslers owned, I think your sentiment is misdirected!

If there are problems at MB, look to MB, I have been a long time Chryler stock holder and I believe they will learn form MB, Not change it. Any billion dollar investment will be pretty carefully managed not to destroy any one of their images by cost cutting by any corporation. (Unless your were AMF and your buying Harley Davidson, they were an exception to that rule!)

MB is still the worlds finest car but they too make mistakes in-house! Maybe the recent MB outsourcing to China for parts could cause some difficulties!

Besides, most of the car problems that spurred this post were on models made prior to the mergers. 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996??

e.g. "The wiring harness is a problem with all M104 eng and all W210 E320, 1996 mod."

I could go on. Maybe the quality failures at MB in the early 1990's is the reason they were a takeover target in 1998! Look for improvements at the plant. The dealerships are a lost cause however!

there is a good srticle in the latest issue of "automobile' magazine called "losing the luster" that addresses the decline of the quality of products made by a certain german auto manufacturer. indeed, the perception is that the germans build the finest cars in the world. the reality, however is quite different. a good article worth checking out.....

Daimler bought Chrysler, not the other way 'round. Bought it fairly cheap, from what I read. I've also read that most of the top Chrysler management has been replaced by krauts, too.

FWIW,

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Norm in NJ
Next oil change at 230,000miles

I've had my 1998 c230 for 2 years now an it really is a pleasure to drive. Smooth ride no rattles or squeeks and the engine sounds great. Unfortunately the rest of the car leaves a lot to be desired. My power windows are the most current problem. Why was it necessary to have them computer controled? I too will have to seriously think about buying another one.

Well, good ridance.......................Good by