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Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2088 messages,  Last post on Jun 28, 2011 at 9:52 AM

You are in the Mercedes Benz S-Class Sedan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Car Leasing, Sedan

Messages Page 168 of 210

#1667 of 2088 Re: airmatic vs. abc [tendons1] by melodym

Dec 26, 2004 (11:53 pm)

Replying to: tendons1 (Apr 27, 2003 2:50 pm)
When it works I think it is the smoothest riding car available. I have my car in the shop (3 shops) now for 3 months for the suspension going out. I have a 2002 S-500 38k Miles. Started off brake value for aromatic had to be replaced. Two weeks later the car went to the shop for Service B, when I brought the car home 4 hours later the car was pointed down and it road very rough. They replace front struts. Two days later back struts had to be replaced. They kept giving me the car back and the suspension would keep getting worse. So I call around and found out the Technical Manufactor Service Protocol for shocks is Struts, Relay, Pump. Finally the second shop did this and the car beautiful again. I took the car through the car wash and the car with in four hours road very rough again. I took it back to dealership #2 they re calibrated the car returned it and it still drove rough and would not hold its calibration. I had it towed to dealership #3 where I bought the car, "Claridge". Gave everything to them in writing. Two weeks later they finally replace the Block and the car drove beautiful until it rained and went through the car wash, then and now it still rides rough. This is the best part Claridge in Fremont California calls out the Manufactor Rep, he tells me that new tires should solve the problem, when I have had the same tires the entire time... The Rep told me he did not want to replace the Block even though that is what has made the car drive beautiful each time. He said if they were to replace it and it were to break again that they would not replace it again and would not figure out why it keeps breaking - so I have car that rides very stiff and rough right now. Claridge told me they would fix the car or buy it back. Now they will not respond saying it is out of there and hands and at the same time Mercedes will not respond. I cannot in good faith sell this car to someone else knowing that the suspension continually gets worse especially when it is wet outside. I asked if I would write a check for them to fix the suspension, originally they said yes and then 2 hours later when I bounced driving the car home and called and said lets do it, I just need to have this car right, they did not call me back for 48 hours and then said I could not take the car to any other dealer and I could not pay cash to have the car worked on. At the same time they will not put anything in writing saying the car it fine. My personal opinion is they do not know how to fix it and do not want to pay for it and think that I will go away and I will not... I wish more than you know that the suspension would be fixed. It will cost me 25k to get out of this car and in to a new one. That is a lot of wasted money that I do not have just because Mercedes does not want to do the right thing and fix my car or buy it back.

#1668 of 2088 Re: Squeaks in Dash [relliott] by melodym

Dec 27, 2004 (12:15 am)

Replying to: relliott (Nov 05, 2000 6:58 pm)
How did you figure out that it was the Electronic Control box that had to be fixed? The problem with my suspension is. The car rides very rough and stiff. They have replaced all 4 struts, relay, block and brake value. When they replaced the Block is when the car drove great until the car got wet, then it would drive rough and stiff again. They replace the Block and the same thing happened again. Do you have any ideas what on what it needs to have to fix it. It has been in 3 shops for 3 months and they are blowing me off now and do not want to fix the car. I am in the warranty but that is not making a difference. Maybe it is because I live in Silicon Valley and they would rather save money than do the right thing. I am there 4 days a week. Any help you can give me I will definilty appreciate. Thank you..

#1669 of 2088 S430 Review by briham

Dec 27, 2004 (5:53 pm)

http://www.automedia.com/autoReviews/2005/Mercedes-Benz/S430/rts2- 0041201ms.asp?affid=edth

#1670 of 2088 2005 S500 by koiguy

Jan 02, 2005 (7:07 am)

My 2002 S430 is coming off lease, and I'm considering a 2005 S500.
 
Given the change in body style for the S-Class coming in 2006, does anyone know the last date MB will take an order for a build to order S500, as opposed to taking what's available off the lot?
 
Also, anyone have current experience on pricing of a 2 or 3 year lease on S500?

#1671 of 2088 S320/420/500 by corblimey

Jan 20, 2005 (10:52 am)

New to this board. Please excuse my ignorance, but what does W124/126/140 refer to exactly. I am assuming it is a reference to a particular time period when certain models were produced.
 
I am thinking of purchasing either a 1997-1999 S320 or S420 or S500. Any comments? I intend to have the car evaluated by an independent mechanic etc, etc.
 
From researching this board I get the impression that MB changed designed significantly for the 2000 models. I also get the impression that as far as the S series is concerned, models produced after 2000 were somewhat of a dissapointment for their owners.
 
Anyhow, any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
thanks
roger

#1672 of 2088 corblimey by merc1

Jan 20, 2005 (11:00 pm)

"New to this board. Please excuse my ignorance, but what does W124/126/140 refer to exactly. I am assuming it is a reference to a particular time period when certain models were produced."
 
Yes your guess is correct. The "W140" is the 1992-1999 "big body" S-Class that was so prized back in its day. The "W124" is the 1986-1995" E-Class, quite possibly my favorite Benz sedan of all time, and the "W126" is the 1981-1991 S-Class that many Benz folks say was the best. You know the old 560SEL, 420SEL, 300SEL models.
 
 
I think you have the basics covered about buying a W140 S-Class, as the car is very expensive to maintain and even more to repair if you get an ill-kept example. Other than that it is a fabulous car.
 
M

#1673 of 2088 by bobcatman

Jan 21, 2005 (1:07 pm)

Read these owner experiences and draw your own conclusions. http://www.mercedes-benz-usa.com/s_class.php

#1674 of 2088 by pat

Jan 21, 2005 (5:20 pm)

While you are evaluating others' reports, do keep in mind that those who have trouble are the ones who make the noise. Those who are happy probably don't even know that some of these places exist.
 
Not to defend the S-Class or any other vehicle, it's just I just hate to see people make a total judgment of any car based on anecdotal collections.
 
FWIW.

#1675 of 2088 reliability? by kevskies

Jan 22, 2005 (10:58 pm)

Hey guys, I've recently been interested in purchasing a preowned s430 of the current body style (as of yr 2000). I am concerned as to the reliability and astronomical maintenance costs of this vehicle. I understand that most happy owners of this vehicle won't complain and that the unhappy ones will be sounding their opinions - but do even the newer 03's and 04's seriously have such major problems? Reading over the experiences of the owners of this car, it worries me that brakes have been known to fail as well as suspensions collapsing. I have looked over the comments on this site (http://www.mercedes-benz-usa.com/s_class.php)and am flabbergasted that such a supposedly wonderful car is acting like the devil. If someone can give me some feedback, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

#1676 of 2088 Re: reliability? [kevskies] by georget3

Jan 23, 2005 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: kevskies (Jan 22, 2005 10:58 pm)
I bought a new 2001 S500 4 years ago. I have had my share of problems: suspension, noises, audio system problem...
 
I'm disappointed in my ownership experience. I'm just trying to drag it out until I find another car (not a MB) that convinces me worthwhile.
 
If reliability is high priority for you, MB is not the one.
 
Consumer Report's findings certainly are accurate in my view.

Messages Page 168 of 210

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