Is my car a lemon / in self-destruct mode

[andylinney]

I have an 07 B180 CDi SE that I think could well be in self-destruct mode, I bought it in February this year hoping for a reliable, cheap-ish to run car. It has just 37k on the clock yet it drives and behaves like something more than twice its age.

So far the horns have failed, the aircon pump is failing, the wheel alignment has needed re-doing twice, the heat sheilds beneath the engine rattle like crazy and if tightened up become loose again in less than a week, the engine runs like a bag of spanners, the brake calipers had seized on one side killing a disc and set of pads and now the SRS/Airbag light has come on of it's own accord presumably wanting to be plugged into STAR to be reset.

Please tell me this isn't usual Merc ownership.

It's on seriously thin ice right now before I go and trade it in for something else.

 

[Scott_F]

So far the horns have failed, the aircon pump is failing, the wheel alignment has needed re-doing twice, the heat sheilds beneath the engine rattle like crazy and if tightened up become loose again in less than a week, the engine runs like a bag of spanners, the brake calipers had seized on one side killing a disc and set of pads and now the SRS/Airbag light has come on of it's own accord presumably wanting to be plugged into STAR to be reset.

But apart from that you're happy with it ??

 

[andylinney]

Ha ha, it does the job I guess but for what I'd hoped was a premium brand car I had a better experience with an old FIAT.

I guess I can't help but think what else is about to fail, is it about to spit its CVT gearbox out I wonder? It's starting to become a bit tiresome having to roll it into the garage once every few weeks for something that should be relatively reliable. Or at least I thought so.

 

[rhud]

I think this is unusual. Which? - who publish one of the most respected owner-based reliability indexes - rate the (post 2004) A Class and B Class highly for reliability,though I know they do have their detractors for other reasons. What was the car's history?

 

[bpsorrel]

On the rare occasions I get a car like that, I get rid as quick as possible. I just can't tolerate unreliable cars, or ones that try to wind me up!

 

[Red C220]

If it were me I'd get shot of it.

The problems are spoiling any enjoyment you have of the car, may as well get something else.

If your requirements are reliable and cheapish to run and you're not bothered about percieved "premium" brands go get a Honda or anything Japanese, failing that, a Skoda, Seat or any other percieved "non premium" brand.

Most of which will likely outperform the B class in most respects.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Mercedes but I'm starting to wonder if they are "worth" the money.

My neighbour has just taken delivery of a Hyundai i40 Tourer. Which is every bit as well put together as my C Class and half the price, really, it's half the price, with a 5 year warranty and less running costs.

It's also not unattractive.

A couple of years ago I wouldn't have dreamed of looking at a Hyundai, but Mercedes are becoming silly money for what you get. They aren't getting any worse, but their opposition is getting better, very quickly.

 

[bpsorrel]

A couple of years ago I wouldn't have dreamed of looking at a Hyundai, but Mercedes are becoming silly money for what you get. They aren't getting any worse, but their opposition is getting better, very quickly.

That's an interesting point you make. Rival cars do seem to be getting better don't they. A friend of mine has a new Renault Laguna coupe and I have to say, it's a cracking car! Looks great, seems well built and is amazingly good value!! When did Renualt get so nice??

I still love MB and the whole "engineering excellence" thing, but as you say, the others are getting closer and closer...

 

[trapperjohn]

B Class - Against the wall and shot. Put it through the block if you have too.

Try a nice 250TD Estate. Old and bold and with pots of space. Tin worm will be a feature but it should not let you down.

Sorry you have had the horrors with your B Class. Mercedes do do nice cars of course. Try to stay with the marque and the forum.

 

[Dieselman]

Ha ha, it does the job I guess but for what I'd hoped was a premium brand car I had a better experience with an old FIAT.

I guess I can't help but think what else is about to fail, is it about to spit its CVT gearbox out I wonder? It's starting to become a bit tiresome having to roll it into the garage once every few weeks for something that should be relatively reliable. Or at least I thought so.

This reminds me of a Volvo I had. The dealer service dept. and I were on first name terms after a short while...even giving me pre-launch cars to rock around in to see what I thought.