Benz....wtf

[Fred]

Re: Benz....wtf

BMWs and benzes are fairly reliable if maintained. Relability is an often mis-used term. People complain when wear items like shocks, bushings, control arms, etc need to be replaced. But that isn't reliability. With an electronic-intensive car like BMW's and Benzes, electronic failures can be extremely annoying and disable the car. Annoying, yes. End of the world, no. If you have a good dealer who has experienced and has loaner cars its no big deal.

Actually, it's a big deal if you're a customer who has to shell out several hundred dollars per repair and have to bring your car to have repaired every 3 weeks. Bottom line, these cars have too many electronics that cause too many problems. There was an article in one of the MB dealer magazines that talked about how Mercedes is eliminating over 2000 electronic gizmos from their cars in the next few years and axing many features that people don't need, like electronic sunroofs that automatically change angles with speed to minimize wind noise. Dealers are complaining about reliability and it's the factory that has to eat the costs on the high number of electronic failures on cars under warranty. There's a reason why MB's reliability ratings have fallen every year, and I think they're below the industry average for 2004.

Customers who buy these cars new are usually high-end clientele who do not have the time nor the patience to bring the car in every few weeks for some BS. Studies show that many aren't brand loyal and will jump to Lexus, Audi, Jaguar, etc with their next purchase and that hurts the MB brand and image. Customers who buy MB's second and third hand are usually lower on the socioeconomic ladder and may have the time, but certainly not the money, to replace expensive computers or parts that always fail prematurely, like O2 and mass air sensors.

OT - Fred I haven't see your car since I was researching your motor build. The front is looking sick with the new bumpers!

Thanks George! Wait till ya see the new wheels ;).

[george graves]

Yea, that's amazing - but kinda think it a knee gerk reaction maby?- or maby they got in over their head - too much too quick.

But things like you mentioned (sunrroof changing angles at speed, ect) are AWESOME. Someday it will all work together(not yet....) - computers are the furture of cars.

Where ever there is a mechantical system, a computer can make it better.

[Schniddy]

shit if my mom only knew that....

[Schniddy]

well she broght it home and its offical.

2004 black c320 Kompressor with a black cloth intierior. It kinda looks like the Evo cloth so its pretty cool. Im going going to pick up a bottle of shit stuff to put on the baby to make it soking wet...... http://www.autopia-carcare.com/pin-312.html

I'll be getting pics as soon as im done detailing it.

[Z3Jonathan]

Re: Benz....wtf

BMWs and benzes are fairly reliable if maintained. Relability is an often mis-used term. People complain when wear items like shocks, bushings, control arms, etc need to be replaced. But that isn't reliability. With an electronic-intensive car like BMW's and Benzes, electronic failures can be extremely annoying and disable the car. Annoying, yes. End of the world, no. If you have a good dealer who has experienced and has loaner cars its no big deal.

Actually, it's a big deal if you're a customer who has to shell out several hundred dollars per repair and have to bring your car to have repaired every 3 weeks. Bottom line, these cars have too many electronics that cause too many problems. There was an article in one of the MB dealer magazines that talked about how Mercedes is eliminating over 2000 electronic gizmos from their cars in the next few years and axing many features that people don't need, like electronic sunroofs that automatically change angles with speed to minimize wind noise. Dealers are complaining about reliability and it's the factory that has to eat the costs on the high number of electronic failures on cars under warranty. There's a reason why MB's reliability ratings have fallen every year, and I think they're below the industry average for 2004.

Customers who buy these cars new are usually high-end clientele who do not have the time nor the patience to bring the car in every few weeks for some BS. Studies show that many aren't brand loyal and will jump to Lexus, Audi, Jaguar, etc with their next purchase and that hurts the MB brand and image. Customers who buy MB's second and third hand are usually lower on the socioeconomic ladder and may have the time, but certainly not the money, to replace expensive computers or parts that always fail prematurely, like O2 and mass air sensors.

OT - Fred I haven't see your car since I was researching your motor build. The front is looking sick with the new bumpers!

Thanks George! Wait till ya see the new wheels ;).

The points you bring up are a whole 'nother thread. I don't disagree with you at all. I cringe at what a basket case a used 7er would be. Although anyone ditching an MB or BMW for an Audi or Jaguar and hoping for greater reliabiity has something else coming to them....

But, we are talking about NEW 3er/C-classes, which on the scale of things are not exceedingly complex (compared to the iDrive disabled 7er), and have warranties (no out-of-pocket expenses for repairs, or even maintenance except tires).

[E30ownerwithanopinion]

I have a C320 4 Matic, its fucken awsome, it now has 6K miles on it and the only problem I have faced was the door for the cup holder was not closing all the way and they replaced it for free.

I think the C class is one of the hottest sedans out there right now. I dont know about the C240 but this thing has some balls, when you open it up it sounds amazing, how ever the seats and ride are not as sporty as I am used to but you know what? That was not the purpose of this car. It is ment to be a classy, comfortable car, which it totally is.

If you mom wants on I would say go for it.

[Schniddy]

nice she got the Sporty hatchback which looks sweet as hell but It remindes me of the Honda Hybrid for some odd reason lmao. I didnt ride in it yet but i did get to pull it in the garage. it was weird has hell cuase I wasnt even pressing the pedle and it was moving into the garage and it isnt on a slope at all!

She got the "sporty" automatic transmission so she can let it loose when she wants and still the the pleasures of an automatic so its all cool. What does the 4matic mean?

[87 325iS]

4Matic is full time AWD.

[E30ownerwithanopinion]

yea my friend has the hatchback its a nice car, he got the stick and its a fun little car to drive I wish your mom luck with the new ride.