Useless Mercedes

MoneysavingQ

I bought a 5 yr old Mercedes last June from a Merc dealer which came with a one year warranty. This stupid car has given me nothing but trouble and I had to take it back to the garage for "fixing" a few times already. But at least it didn't cost me any money... up to now!!!:mad:
Anyway, last weekend saw some oil leak on the driveway so took the car back to the garage for fixing again as it has happened before. Anyway, they said it's to do with some valves and it's "wear & tear" hence not covered by warranty. They said last time was to do with the pump hence was covered.
So I have to fork out GBP400 for this!!!!!:mad: :mad:

Anyone know how I can claim any money back from Mercedes????????The only reason I bought a Merc was because it's suppose to be reliable...It's CERTAINLY NOT THAT and this will be the last Merc I'll ever buy:mad: :mad: :mad:

Riq

Unfortunately because they say wear and tear I don't think you would have a chance of getting any money back.

My uncle had a CLK for about 6 years it was nothing but happy driving for him, he changed recently to a Jaguar XKR and it has been nothing but trouble costing substantially more in repairs than £400!

I just think you have been unlucky.

Sorry I couldn't be any more helpful.

LandyAndy

MoneysavingQ wrote: »

Anyone know how I can claim any money back from Mercedes????????The only reason I bought a Merc was because it's suppose to be reliable...It's CERTAINLY NOT THAT and this will be the last Merc I'll ever buy:mad: :mad: :mad:

Actually, a bit of research would have told you that recent Mercedes products have a poor reputation for reliability. Its 15-20 years since they were built properly although they are improving again now.

See this from the 2004 JD Power survey. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/CARS/FEATURES/MAINTENANCE/JDPOWER/22427_22434.html

This probably relates tothe age of car you own.

Hintza

LandyAndy wrote: »

Its 15-20 years since they were built properly although they are improving again now.

Disagree slightly Andy, I reckon it was around 1993/4 tha it all went down hill. When the chairman said "That Mercedes were over engineered" and promptly started cutting costs. They are improving now as they have realised that the reason folk bought Mercedes was that they were over engineered.

I have driven (until a year ago) a 1990 230E and must say it was great to run. I looked at the newer model but risks associated with them were just too high.

As for the OP it might be worth getting the car inspected by AA/RAC?

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

MoneysavingQ wrote: »

I bought a 5 yr old Mercedes last June from a Merc dealer which came with a one year warranty. This stupid car has given me nothing but trouble and I had to take it back to the garage for "fixing" a few times already. But at least it didn't cost me any money... up to now!!!:mad:
Anyway, last weekend saw some oil leak on the driveway so took the car back to the garage for fixing again as it has happened before. Anyway, they said it's to do with some valves and it's "wear & tear" hence not covered by warranty. They said last time was to do with the pump hence was covered.
So I have to fork out GBP400 for this!!!!!:mad: :mad:

Anyone know how I can claim any money back from Mercedes????????The only reason I bought a Merc was because it's suppose to be reliable...It's CERTAINLY NOT THAT and this will be the last Merc I'll ever buy:mad: :mad: :mad:

Join this forum:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php

And ask there. You don't need to go to a dealer, find an independent specialist, plenty around, labour rate is half the dealer charge.

LandyAndy

Hintza wrote: »

Disagree slightly Andy, I reckon it was around 1993/4 tha it all went down hill. When the chairman said "That Mercedes were over engineered" and promptly started cutting costs. They are improving now as they have realised that the reason folk bought Mercedes was that they were over engineered.

I have driven (until a year ago) a 1990 230E and must say it was great to run. I looked at the newer model but risks associated with them were just too high.

As for the OP it might be worth getting the car inspected by AA/RAC?

2008 - 1993 = 15 years;) .

I quite fancy an E class estate but, like you, I'm just not prepared to risk a lemon.

Hintza

LandyAndy wrote: »

2008 - 1993 = 15 years;) .

I quite fancy an E class estate but, like you, I'm just not prepared to risk a lemon.

Don't know about estates but there were some 1996-7 old style 230 saloons coming out of Cyprus might be worth looking for.

Anyone want a tatty old 1990 230E?

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

I have a 1997 E-class, 3.0 turbo diesel. The main problem is rusting bodywork - in all other regards the car is as solid as a rock. There is a safety concern with rotting spring perches (they can come away from the body leading to a front suspension collapse) but the solution is simple and cheap. On the diesel models the fuel pipes around the fuel pump will eventually leak, again this is a simple job that anybody can do on their own.

I'd have another one any day. The later E-classes (W211 shape) had issues on some years with engine coolant leaking into the gearbox requiring torque converter replacement, but Mercedes will often foot the cost of that.

I reckon the engine on mine will easily last 400,000 miles. I'm half way there.

MoneysavingQ

Thanks guys for all the advice.
Things are getting worst...They delivered the car back today but just found that the oil leak is even worst than before!!!! So how can they return the car- have they not check it??? So I'll have to take it back tomorrow again!!!!! Another wasted morning & I've to go to work as well.

Anyone know anything about the Sale of Goods Act?? May be I can return the stupid car - but it's been 10 months - doubt they would change it........

vikingaero

I would cut my losses and sell the car. I've been a vociferous opponent of Mercedes and their perceived quality and goodwill. Mercedes cars after the W124 ( up to 1995) really suck and only the latest models have decent quality built in.

In the past you paid a premium for the Mercedes name, quality and goodwill. Then when the chairman, Norbert Haug(?), proclaimed them to be over-engineered the rot really set in. Warranty costs rose and Mercedes goodwill costs must have spiralled out of control so they started to cut back on those with the owners that would protest the least - the private owners as the fleets wouldn't put up with that treatment from Mercedes.

Brooker_Dave

MoneysavingQ wrote: »

I bought a 5 yr old Mercedes last June from a Merc dealer which came with a one year warranty. This stupid car has given me nothing but trouble and I had to take it back to the garage for "fixing" a few times already. But at least it didn't cost me any money... up to now!!!:mad:
Anyway, last weekend saw some oil leak on the driveway so took the car back to the garage for fixing again as it has happened before. Anyway, they said it's to do with some valves and it's "wear & tear" hence not covered by warranty. They said last time was to do with the pump hence was covered.
So I have to fork out GBP400 for this!!!!!:mad: :mad:

Anyone know how I can claim any money back from Mercedes????????The only reason I bought a Merc was because it's suppose to be reliable...It's CERTAINLY NOT THAT and this will be the last Merc I'll ever buy:mad: :mad: :mad:

That only works when you buy a new one.

5 year old cars do break down now and then...