Soooo, Merc's build quality has not decreased?

[jon_s]

The evidence is mounting against them:

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/a61d0dba-29...00e2511c8.html

"Mercedes has been beset by product-quality problems, necessitating costly actions to prevent further harm to its brand image," she wrote in a report to bondholders. "Nevertheless, S&P assumes - based on management's ongoing initiatives - that this division will return to its previous position of strength within the medium term."

"Analysts said Mercedes' quality had suffered from the seconding of many of its engineers to work on Chrysler's problems in Detroit, something the company denies. The division has also endured management turmoil for much of the year."

On top of that, Merc used to be the number 1 most reliable car from 1990 to 1995, but since 2000, they dropped from being 3rd to 28th! - JD Power Surveys

[bmwmpower]

they had quality problems , thats true, but they can fit it,
great image can heal all problems

[RC45]

Well - 2 of my associates have left MB and are never going back - and all because they could not adequately manage the quality issues and fix some rather complex electronics based problems.

Both these guys are the demographic MB wants - younger folks with ever expanding incomes... and they both excitedly bought into new top of the line Benz's and traded out a year later rather disappointed.

MB needs to stop the bleeding - and quickly.

[ZfrkS62]

I've seen alot of issues coming out the Mercede's side of the shop.

I just found out that the new E and SL classes have a 95% electronic brake system. the fail safe is a 5% front hydraulic system only. And there is a recall on them because the control units are at risk for failing. One went out on one of the techs as he pulled it into the shop and he almost went through a wall.

not to mention the crank pulleys that like coming apart and destroy the upper oil pan

i see more Mercedes in the shop for campaigns than service.

on a side note, Mercedes uses a touch screen diagnostic computer and the only way MB will warranty the screen is if you tell them you punched it :roll:

[evoWalo]

I do hope they improve their quality problem. I had so many problems with my '01 C class. Power windows refused to work, computer error msgs, rear lights went kapoot, weird gas tank errors, stereo went on the fritz and works when you tap it, side mirrors refused to open/close, batteries died and these are the problems I remember. To top it all off they have bad customer service. So bad that they had to pirate the customer care representative from BMW.

I was even forced to email Mercedes Benz in Germany to try to get a proper response and treatment from the local reps here. I still ended up paying for the repairs cause it was "out of warranty". Rather convenient when there isnt enough people with Cs to complain.

I like the SL55 and all but I wouldnt want to buy a potential "problem". I hope the E90 they bring in is a diesel. That would be so sweet.

[bmwmpower]

well, those problems cant break mercedes image,
but i prefer Bmw,

[jon_s]

If they manage to sort it out then yes, their image will help hide the problems. If it continues however, they will have problems. We are not talking about a company like TVR where reliability problems are (were) almost part of the charm. People who buy a Merc want reliability, infact, they demand reliability. Band loyality will only carry them so far.

[BADMIHAI]

God damn Mercedes. I used to love their cars. But all this quality decreasing talk has made me lose my respect for the company.