- #497 of 693
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Re: 4-Matic [merc1]
by albell
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May 17, 2006 (2:27 am)
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Replying to: merc1 (May 16, 2006 10:21 pm)
I agree with much that you write, but I don't necessarily agree that the R isn't practical. If you listen to or read what owners say, they love it, by and large. At least for me, it is the most versatile vehicle I have owned. I think there is a market for it, perhaps not in as great a number as MB expected, but MB blew it by targeting it, and equiping/pricing it, for the wrong demographic -- this should not have been targeted to the S-Class set looking for additional seats, but to families who wanted something other than a minivan or SUV, but needed the functionality of both, plus the luxury, engineering and driving characteristics of Mercedes. I don't believe that there is a dearth of prospective buyers out there. But it may be that MB doesn't know how to reach them. 
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- #498 of 693
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Re: 4-Matic [albell]
by chirp
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May 17, 2006 (6:05 am)
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Replying to: albell (May 17, 2006 2:27 am)
I caved and bought an Odyssey Touring w/NAVI and Rear Entertainment System for my wife. $1500 under invoice and at $33,947 plus TTL, it's too good of a deal to pass up. Say what you want about that, but Mercedes blew it for me on the R. In 2012 I'll be out of the market for the R(and any minvan/SUV/people hauler for that matter). I honestly hope you all who have purchased an R-class don't get killed on resale/trade. Good motoring to you all and we'll see you on the highways! 
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- #499 of 693
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Re: 4-Matic [chirp]
by templeton3
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May 17, 2006 (9:53 am)
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Replying to: chirp (May 17, 2006 6:05 am)
The Odyssey is a great bang for the bucks. Great van, high on reliability, safety and resale. The only great thing about the R class is that leasing it is very cheap. If I had to pay cash for the car, I would buy the Honda because it retains it value. The value of the R Class goes down rapidly and is not as reliable as the Honda. We were able to lease a $54,000 car, 27 months, 15,000 miles per year at $499 plus tax a month is not a bad deal. By the way drive off was $1400.00.
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- #500 of 693
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Re: 4-Matic [albell]
by jabbahop
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May 17, 2006 (3:23 pm)
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Replying to: albell (May 17, 2006 2:27 am)
The R works for me. I've owned an ML with the 3rd row seats for 6 years and now my three boys are getting big enough that the back space is cramped. I have four requirements for the car...
1) I need space between the kids - this means three rows of seats. The "Will you stop touching me" episodes will lead to airbag deployment!
2) I need to have a full sized seats in the third row. My kids are growing daily and I don't want cramped quarters or I have more fights
3) It needs to be easy to get in the back.
4) It has to have 4 wheel drive.
I've looked at full sized SUVs but they are too hogish and it still isn't easy to access the back seat in many of them.
I've looked at minivans but only the Sienna has 4 wheel drive. At this point I can't bring myself to drive a minivan even though they are quite nice and incredibly functional.
I've looked at the R - for me it seems like the right set of features for us.
I am probably not typical but a Sports Family Hauler is a better term than Sport Tourer for us. Not sexy but I have to think that there are bunches of family that would love something more sexy than a van but with much of its practicality.
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- #501 of 693
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Re: 4-Matic [albell]
by merc1
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May 17, 2006 (8:39 pm)
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Replying to: albell (May 17, 2006 2:27 am)
I think there is a market for it, perhaps not in as great a number as MB expected, but MB blew it by targeting it, and equiping/pricing it, for the wrong demographic -- this should not have been targeted to the S-Class set looking for additional seats, but to families who wanted something other than a minivan or SUV, but needed the functionality of both, plus the luxury, engineering and driving characteristics of Mercedes. I don't believe that there is a dearth of prospective buyers out there. But it may be that MB doesn't know how to reach them.
This might have been the way to go, but then wouldn't price be a problem??
M
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- #502 of 693
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Re: 4-Matic [merc1]
by albell
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May 18, 2006 (2:25 am)
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Replying to: merc1 (May 17, 2006 8:39 pm)
Bingo. The pricing -- or rather perceived value for $$ -- IS the problem for the R, given its demographic sweet spot. On the other hand, MB doesnt seem to have any problems moving very well equipped M-Classes, and likely will sell a bunch of GL's, which again suggests that marketing muffed this punt.
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- #503 of 693
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Re: Windscreen too tight? [rclassfan]
by benzster
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May 18, 2006 (8:08 am)
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Replying to: rclassfan (May 15, 2006 3:25 pm)
Sorry about the late post. Mercedes glass is labeled, but the same glass is made on the same line as PPG. It won't be labeled MB and it may raise questions on trade in. That said, there is an issue with independents replacing glass and trying to reuse the sensors. Don't let them do it! Since this is through insurance, why would you not let MB do it? This is a structural part of the cabin and is glued in precisely. The glass through MB will have a new sensor area. If you don't go MB you can still buy the white sticker through parts.
I have seen very few issues like yours on the service drive. I have seen it though, if the impact was "near" the edge. In seven years I have witnessed only 2 stress fractures without impact. I have a loop just for this issue.
My suggestion is go to the Dealer or you might get your drains glued shut and inoperable rain sensor, interior lamps, dash lights to bright, questions raised at trade in due to red flags.
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