build quality

[silverarrow]

how is the build quality on 2004 and 2005 c class and e class

also how much warranty work and what is going wrong with them

 

[Mr E]

I've got a 6/04 E220 (build date April 04) - now done 42k miles with no problems at all. No warrenty work, just the latest recalls. No squeacks, rattles, rust, etc.....

 

[glojo]

I have found the build quality on our 2004 E-class to be exactly the same as Mr E's. The car is still like new with no squeaks, rattles or misaligned parts. Be aware though of corrosion to the alloy wheels.

There have been small problems with the electronics but it is quickly sorted out under the warranty, and most of us have had the option of a free courtesy car.

Regards,
John

 

[jgevers]

Hi,

Although the 211 seems to be a bit better than the 210, I have now seen 2 examples with rust on the doors? So it seems to like the rust problems are not completely resolved. The C clas seems to have a few more general problems like ball joints, springs, electronics etc.

Regards,

Job

 

[glojo]

Hi,

Although the 211 seems to be a bit better than the 210, I have now seen 2 examples with rust on the doors? So it seems to like the rust problems are not completely resolved. The C clas seems to have a few more general problems like ball joints, springs, electronics etc.

Regards,

Job

Hi Job,
Any chance of explaining in detail where we should be looking and what age were these vehicles?

The first sign of a 'bubble' will see my car being taken back to the dealer?

If memory serves me correctly, you are an excellent independant, are the owners of these cars using your fine facilities for servicing?

Regards,
John

 

[ddentrec]

C-Class, 20K miles, C180K Avantgarde estate, built in Sindelfingen Oct 2003. Bought new.

=Poorly-functioning rain wipers (wipe when dry, not when wet: 1 visit planned).
=Interior trim plastic changing shade from grey to yellow: parts replaced (1 visit, fixed, but other panels now affected. Dealer scratching head. More visits planned).
=Trim rattles (5 visits, most fixed)
=Paint defects: bonnet lacquer delaminated: needs respray-not stone chip-dealer accepts as manufacturing defect. (1 visit, not fixed).
=Non-operative parking brake: does not work at all (1 visit planned).
=Non-functioning CD player (took a bizarre 4 visits to get it replaced).
=Wind noise: all four door seals replaced (2 visits; noise now back after 20K miles).
=Chronic black smoke on cold start (1 visit; fault logged cleared. Not fixed—another visit planned).
=Door panel fit issues (1 visit, fixed).
=Poorly fitted carpet: bare wires and CAN bus cabling visible (1 visit planned).

Would I buy another: No.
Would I recommend to someone else: Only if they accept that the build quality is very average in my view. My 2002 Mondeo was better built. Honest. Or buy a W124.
Dealer Service: Variable. Some good. Some really awful.

 

[splang]

My c class has been in to the dealer over 14 times from new - guess how old it is!!


er, 17months old!!

It still has a nasty rattle too!!

I personally will not buy another C class, although I MIGHT buy another Mercedes...

 

[Shude]

I personally will not buy another C class, although I MIGHT buy another Mercedes...

Let's wait and see what the W204 is like

 

[1998K]

Let's wait and see what the W204 is like

Please do you know when is planned?

 

[Shude]

Please do you know when is planned?

2006/2007? Hopefully they won't rush it like they obviously did with some other models!

 

[1998K]

2006/2007? Hopefully they won't rush it like they obviously did with some other models!

ok thanks. So not very soon.

 

[jeremytaylor]

C-Class, 20K miles, C180K Avantgarde estate, built in Sindelfingen Oct 2003. Bought new.

=Poorly-functioning rain wipers (wipe when dry, not when wet: 1 visit planned).
=Interior trim plastic changing shade from grey to yellow: parts replaced (1 visit, fixed, but other panels now affected. Dealer scratching head. More visits planned).
=Trim rattles (5 visits, most fixed)
=Paint defects: bonnet lacquer delaminated: needs respray-not stone chip-dealer accepts as manufacturing defect. (1 visit, not fixed).
=Non-operative parking brake: does not work at all (1 visit planned).
=Non-functioning CD player (took a bizarre 4 visits to get it replaced).
=Wind noise: all four door seals replaced (2 visits; noise now back after 20K miles).
=Chronic black smoke on cold start (1 visit; fault logged cleared. Not fixed—another visit planned).
=Door panel fit issues (1 visit, fixed).
=Poorly fitted carpet: bare wires and CAN bus cabling visible (1 visit planned).

Would I buy another: No.
Would I recommend to someone else: Only if they accept that the build quality is very average in my view. My 2002 Mondeo was better built. Honest. Or buy a W124.
Dealer Service: Variable. Some good. Some really awful.

Oh dear, and I thought the German-built estates were supposed to be better than the South African saloons.

You've been very unlucky. My problems have been (so far, touch wood):
1. Front bushes replaced under warranty during service - parts in stock.
2. EGR valve replaced - 1 trip to dealer, parts in stock.
3. COMAND CD drive failed - replaced under warranty - 1 trip to dealer.

Would I buy another? Without a shadow of doubt, ideally a C320CDI!!

 

[splang]

to be honest..

One reason why I might buy another Merc would be this forum...

Seriously!
:bannana:

 

[RichardM]

Although the 211 seems to be a bit better than the 210, I have now seen 2 examples with rust on the doors?

How can plastic rust?

 

[RichardM]

to be honest..

One reason why I might buy another Merc would be this forum...

Seriously!
:bannana:

Same here!

 

[jgevers]

Hi Job,
Any chance of explaining in detail where we should be looking and what age were these vehicles?

The first sign of a 'bubble' will see my car being taken back to the dealer?

If memory serves me correctly, you are an excellent independant, are the owners of these cars using your fine facilities for servicing?

Regards,
John

Hi John,

I can't remember how old these were, but the rust was at the top of the door where the metal is folded over. The finish wasn't quite good enough, probably allowing moisture to sit in the seam.

Yes, these cars are serviced by my garage. Both cars are going back to the MB bodyshop for remedial work. I will let you know what MB will do. I would suggest door replacement. I would expect the problem to come back if it repaired.

Cheers,

Job

 

[glojo]

I would suggest door replacement. I would expect the problem to come back if it repaired.

Cheers,

Job

When our previous 210 had some accident repair damage, the authorised agent replaced the door skins! I wonder if this would still be a cheaper option as opposed to the complete door? As you know I have always been against trying to 'repair' rust area's and like you I feel this option is a short term remedy.

Thanks for the reply,
John

 

[silverarrow]

thanks all i think i am staying with lexus nothing wrong in 25k not a damn thing
oh they forgot to wash in at the last service i rang them and a valet was done for free at work
top dog topcar and cheap to run
honest look at the trade prices and mbz have a big problem that i do not think they will be able to fix soon
cars at mbz prices should be a1 not stuck on the a1 lol
thanks again for your info

 

[Flash]

W203 saloon is a good looking stylish car (a sporty baby S Class) exterior wise with bi xenon headlamps and right alloys BUT build quality could be improved by loads.

My car went back to Stealers for electrical faults and a suspension issue. Personally, I would not touch a used W211 unless 2005/factory ordered now due to the numerous saftety recalls and errors/faults. A friend of mine who is a techie at a Stealership says that all W211s are a nightmare and they hate working on them... - they new factory ones from 2005 onwards are ok according to him. According to my friend the W211 is suffering from rust issues as angry customers have been at his Stealership making claims...

 

[KillerHERTZ]

How can plastic rust?

erm, hes not taking about a Smart car