Is merecedes too troublesome ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ksing44 · #1 07-17-2007, 12:06 PM

I am starting to wonder what the posts are like on the 3-Series or 5-Series BMW forums. It seems they have been winning over the experts for years and years. I think as many as 3 generations of the 3-Series have been rated best, at least in terms of driving them. I wonder if they are problematic. My recollection is that they were problematic back in the day, but then improved dramatically, right around the time that Mercedes built the last W124.

I wonder...

itb76 · #2 07-18-2007, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksing44

I am starting to wonder what the posts are like on the 3-Series or 5-Series BMW forums. It seems they have been winning over the experts for years and years. I think as many as 3 generations of the 3-Series have been rated best, at least in terms of driving them. I wonder if they are problematic. My recollection is that they were problematic back in the day, but then improved dramatically, right around the time that Mercedes built the last W124.

I wonder...

Off and on I have been reading the 3-series forums, as I plan to get one in about two years/40,000 miles (the dub has to go to 200K). They have their problem areas but seem to be generally reliable. Some have said they're a genuine 300K car. I expect 300K from my Benz, even though it's an M-class. However the BMWs are more sporting, and available with a stick shift!

ksing44 · #3 07-19-2007, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itb76

Off and on I have been reading the 3-series forums, as I plan to get one in about two years/40,000 miles (the dub has to go to 200K). They have their problem areas but seem to be generally reliable. Some have said they're a genuine 300K car. I expect 300K from my Benz, even though it's an M-class. However the BMWs are more sporting, and available with a stick shift!

I am getting started over there on the BMW forums too. I think a slightly used 3-Series BMW may be in my future. It will be a little difficult to walk away from my car, but I think it might be the more sensible thing to do.

Johnson Chan · #4 05-20-2008, 05:57 AM

I know this is an old thread, but here is something I noticed...

A lot of the guys that say, "my mercedes never left me stranded before", "they are super reliable", "i never had any problems before", etc. If you click on there profile and "view other posts", they post, IN DETAIL, how to fix various problems and solutions that other members have. Hmm...

So what I want to know is how do THEY know this information if there Mercedes has "never let them down before", "never have problems", etc.? Hmmm....

A: they have had to perform the procedure themselves on there own car, but dont want to admit it.

B: they read other peoples posts on the forum and relay the information sounding like they are an "expert" but have never actually done it themselves before.

Just curious...

Hatterasguy · #5 05-20-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnson Chan

I know this is an old thread, but here is something I noticed...

A lot of the guys that say, "my mercedes never left me stranded before", "they are super reliable", "i never had any problems before", etc. If you click on there profile and "view other posts", they post, IN DETAIL, how to fix various problems and solutions that other members have. Hmm...

So what I want to know is how do THEY know this information if there Mercedes has "never let them down before", "never have problems", etc.? Hmmm....

A: they have had to perform the procedure themselves on there own car, but dont want to admit it.

B: they read other peoples posts on the forum and relay the information sounding like they are an "expert" but have never actually done it themselves before.

Just curious...

My MB has never let me down before. But I will be doing the left front wheel bearing this weekend, so that it won't let me down.

Cheap POS wheel bearing only lasted 21 years and 270k miles, what a POS. Its going to cost me like $40 to replace, junker off to buy a Toyota!

ksing44 · #6 05-20-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnson Chan

I know this is an old thread, but here is something I noticed...

A lot of the guys that say, "my mercedes never left me stranded before", "they are super reliable", "i never had any problems before", etc. If you click on there profile and "view other posts", they post, IN DETAIL, how to fix various problems and solutions that other members have. Hmm...

I have owned my 1995 E320 W124 for a little more than 12 years. I have had all kinds of things wrong for a few years now that I thought would have to be addressed, but the car just keeps on going. My head gasket leaks oil, front timing cover leaks oil, wiring harness is cracked and exposed in areas, the transmission has a shift flair, and there is a leak at the AC compressor, but the car just keeps on going.

Although I do lose a bit of oil over time, a fresh oil change and I am OK again. I also adjusted the vacuum modulator and Bowden cable to reduce the shift flair. I figure I will do the wiring harness when I finally have to do the head gasket and timing cover. The AC seems to work OK with a fresh charge each summer. My friend drove his 190E with oil in his coolant for 60 or 70K miles without incident. I don’t intend to do the same, but it really was remarkable.

It really does seem to be true that the cars can go and go, even when they do have some or even many issues. That is one very big reason to be careful if you buy a used W124. For me it may not be so bad to pay the money to fix so many expensive things, after 12 years of ownership. Can you imagine, however, how bad it would feel to buy a beautiful looking car like mine and then have to pay as much or more than you just paid for the car to fix everything. Buyers beware!

Doesn't look or feel broken, but it is.

Mistress · #7 05-20-2008, 04:18 PM

I bought mine because I wanted a well built solid car. I couldn't afford a new one and am now rejuvenating a 1990 420 SEL that I love- PO just added gas and changed the oil once in awhile....almost finished with the much needed repairs and its a grand car. I also purchased an 87' 560 SL from a fellow forum member who took meticulous care of the car and it shows. To answer your question yes they are out there but you have to check the service records for a good one.

itb76 · #8 02-17-2011, 08:36 PM

Got an e-mail stating there is a new post on this thread, but now that I'm here I can't see it. Good opportunity to say the old MeL just about has 220,000 miles on it. Still runs and drives like the day we got it, if it looks just a little worse for the wear. Well what do you expect for me driving it, and four kids riding around in it? Really in good shape, though the radio is acting up. Will install a new Pioneer headunit with an XM tuner and a subwoofer this weekend if I get to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksing44

I am starting to wonder what the posts are like on the 3-Series or 5-Series BMW forums. It seems they have been winning over the experts for years and years. I think as many as 3 generations of the 3-Series have been rated best, at least in terms of driving them. I wonder if they are problematic. My recollection is that they were problematic back in the day, but then improved dramatically, right around the time that Mercedes built the last W124.

I wonder...

Just got a 2004 545i to replace the (troublesome, rusty, old, noisy, yet still fun 221,000 mile) VW. The posts on the E60 forums are similar to the posts here--some people have problems, others do not, quite a few people want to modify theirs, as if they can improve upon such a well engineered car. I'm absolutely fascinated with this car! Perfect balance between sportiness and comfort, and wonderfully complex in certain ways. I wonder if this isn't the spiritual successor the W124, even if it isn't a Mercedes. Quietest car I'd even been in; quickest car I'd ever owned. Absolutely superb on snow and ice, except when the snow gets deep. Best of all, still available with a 6-speed manual transmission!