Three times this weekend I opened the Mercedes-Benz R500's rear power hatch, and three times it failed to close properly on the first try. Only one time did the rear hatch open warning display on the instrument panel. The other two times I realized something was wrong when the interior lights didn't go off, even after I started the car. It was like the hatch had latched enough to fool the warning sensor, but not tight enough to kill the interior lights.
Each time I opened and closed the rear door for the second time, it latched properly, so go figure...
If it continues, we'll see what the dealer has to say.
Kelly Toepke, Manager of Vehicle Testing at 17,905 miles
hondacura4 says:
03:59 PM, 01/15/07
My best friends 2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor Sport 6MT has had more than a few "issues" and it has under 20,000 miles under its belt. Keep in mind that he is not a spirited driver like myself.
His valvetrain had to be replaced at 15k, new passenger side airbag, and both LED signals in the mirrors stopped working. I admit ...its a great driving car, bank vault solid, and it looks very nice but its still fairly new and has this many issues already. For the money Id look beyond the 3 pointed star.
His parents are Mercedes owners too, they have a 2006 ML350, a 2005 SL500, a 1998 CL500, and an older (early 90s?) SL. Ive talked to them more than several times about thier cars and they have stated that the older ones they own are much more reliable and better built than Mercedes newer offerings. It looks as if Mercedes needs to further examine the quality of its vehicles.
LP
mercedesfan says:
09:24 PM, 01/15/07
I have to agree with hondacura4 to a certain extent, but new Mercedes-Benz vehicles are returning to the quality that they have lacked for the last six or seven years. The R500 is a perfect showcase, 18,000 miles of hard use and the only thing to go wrong is a power-rear liftgate that isn't closing the hatch all the way. I agree, in '90's generation Mercedes models it would have taken 180,000 miles for something like this to break, but it is a huge improvement. I don't think it will be long before Mercedes once again returns to its illustrious history of impeccable quality, but be prepared for prices to sky-rocket.
desmolicious says:
08:50 AM, 01/16/07
A defective latching rear latch after 20K miles is much better than grinding gears from new in various Hondas. And jerky, reflash fuel injection.
rsholland says:
02:38 PM, 01/16/07
"I don't think it will be long before Mercedes once again returns to its illustrious history of impeccable quality, but be prepared for prices to sky-rocket."
Sorry, but I have trouble with your logic. Why should prices skyrocket, as they're already stratospheric? For the entry price of a Benz—nothing should break—EVER!!!
Lexus makes equally complex if not more complex vehicles, and they rarely break—and model-for-model they're usually less expensive than a Mercedes. If Lexus can do it, so should Mercedes—and not charge a penny extra for that either.
desmolicious says:
03:54 PM, 01/16/07
Haven't some of the Lexus models had a bunch of problems with their transmissions, and sludge issues? Maybe someone else can chime in here.
rsholland says:
03:56 PM, 01/16/07
The problems Lexus has had is like drop in the bucket compared to those of Mercedes.
mercedesfan says:
05:44 PM, 01/16/07
Lexus has had problems but I am not going to go on a diatribe here because they have maintained excellent reliability for a very long time, even while adding complex electronics, something noble. But Mercedes-Benz vehicles are far more highly engineered (I say this because I know, I am a certified mechanical engineer), Lexus vehicles have problems that your average family sedan would have. Mercedes vehicles have complex problems. This is why electronics brake but in terms of engine, transmission, and body integrity there really isn't a better car on the road than a Mercedes. And yes Mercedes prices are high, it is for that reason that they are desired and exclusive, something a Lexus has never been nor will ever be.
desmolicious says:
09:58 PM, 01/16/07
The sludge issue wasn't a drop in the bucket. More like a gloopy blob which was the whole problem....
bdhicks says:
08:35 PM, 01/18/07
Having the lights stay on after all the doors are closed is a horrible design flaw, which also annoys me to no end on my own car. What if the door hadn't been closed properly, and then you walked away and didn't come back until tomorrow? Interior lights don't draw as much power as headlights, but on an older battery that could easily be a problem.
hondacura4 says:
08:59 AM, 01/20/07
Desmolicious, the Honda gears grinds are related to the crappy Honda MTF they put in at the factory. Simply drain and refill with the GM Synchromesh MTF fluid and it goes away completely. The DBW issue was dissapointing especially on a sporting car where response counts. Honda offered a reflash and although it didnt go away completely it made it a bit better. The DBW system on the NSX was fantastic so what happend Honda?
As far as Toyota/Lexus transmissions I think that was a software issue also, its just too slow to kick down. The tranny logic is all wrong for smooth daily driving as the logic is programed for fuel economy in mind so it shifts too early and when you goose the throttle it has to think for a moment............then it selects a gear. This is the story with other V6 powered Toyota/Lexus Camry derived products also, my grandmothers mint 1995 Camry V6 XLE (26,000 miles) has the annoying programming too. Please fix this Toyota!
In the end any car no matter the make or country of origin can break or have electrical or mechanical issues. But it seems like the Europeans have more than others.
LP