J.D. Powers on the Mercedes

From the NY Times Business section, July 8, 2003:

The most surprising results came from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Since the 1998 acquisition of Chrysler by Daimler-Benz, the question often asked is whether the company that makes Mercedes could bring respectability to a struggling American icon.

But in the J.D. Power report, Mercedes-Benz is beaten by the Chrysler Group's Chrysler and Dodge brands and only narrowly edges out Jeep. Cumulatively, Mercedes averages 318 problems per 100 vehicles compared with

295 for Chrysler.

Particularly troublesome, according to J.D. Power, was the M-Class sport utility vehicle and the E-Class sedan, which starts just under $50,000 and can cost considerably more. The E-Class showed the highest rate of deterioration over three years, with 215 percent more problems than it had at three months.

"Look, it has nothing to do with Chrysler," said Donna Boland, a spokeswoman for Mercedes in the United States. "If we're coming in below industry average, we're troubled. But this is one measurement and our feeling is that quality is a more holistic thing that takes into account how owners feel at the end of the ownership experience. Do they stay with the brand or walk away?"

Ms. Boland asserts that Mercedes has one of the highest loyalty rates in the industry, and she added that many of the problems had already been fixed.

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I hope that more than "many of the problems have been fixed" before I decide to buy my new 2004 Wagon or E320 CDI Sedan!

Jack

Reply to
Nevada Jack
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These J.D. Powers reports are particularly troubling for me. I've been a Mercedes owner for 19 years and 6 cars. I've presently got two 124-body E-Class wagons and an SL. I'm looking for a newer wagon, but am reluctant to get into a 210-body, having read various opinions that the

210-body cars are "cheaper" in construction than the previous 124-body, and I've also read of rust problems on the 210's. Recent messages seem to indicate the 211-body E-class is of poorer construction than the 210.

It saddens me to think a highly esteemed and historic nameplate such as Mercedes would deteriorate to the level of Jeep in quality control. I love the styling, handling and ride of MB but I may be looking at Lexus for my next car. Reliability and fit/finish are important to me. Mercedes may have the highest level of loyalty for luxury autos, but one only has to look to Cadillac ("The Standard of the World") to see how far the mighty can fall. Actually, Cadillac seems to be making a comeback. When's it going to happen for Daimler Chrysler?

Reply to
jav

I hear you very clearly.

Been driving MB's since 1977 280E and had a wide variety through the years. Some of my last 3 have been wagons...'85 300TD, '90TE and now a '98 E320. Although the '98 is the best and smoothest running of the three, it is the least in MB feel and quality that I have grown used to through the years. I am a diesel freak and would love to have a 2004 wagon with the 320 CDI engine...but not to be, at least in 2004 with only the sedan to have one.

Reading this report causes me to consider waiting another year or as you say start to look at another vehicle. How could MB not be able to deliver the navigation unit for the 2003. And why is the 2003 so poorly constructed so it finishes below Chrysler?

With a new MB starting at less than $25,000 and the local dealer in Las Vegas advertising with a full page ad stating "we are overstocked and we are dealing".... I have to wonder, has the Mercedes Benz lost it's edge.? I hope not.

Jack

Reply to
Nevada Jack

"Nevada Jack" wrote:909@fed1read01...

Sadly, I think it is heading in that direction. I too have owned several in past years and currently own both a '95 C280 that I bought in 9/94 and an '01 E320. The latter of two is losing value faster than I can make the lease payments while the mark used to be highly regarded for its ability to retain value.

Something else I am noticing that is extremely discouraging and I believe is related to the new wave of lower priced cars is the level of service that once accompanied ownership. I used to look forward to taking my cars to the dealer for service but more and more often, it is turning into a task that I dread. The last time I took the C in for service, the appointment was mysteriously "lost" and it took 3 days to get the car back. Yesterday, I took the E320 in for warranty service, for which I had made an appointment a couple of weeks ago and, despite my having told them I needed a car, none was available. After waiting more than an hour and enduring a long ride to a rental lot stuffed in a small car with several other less than happy clients, I was given a Cavalier with over 55,000 miles on it as a replacement for my MB with about half that. The E class car that my salesman touted as a loaner for his customers has never been available. I consider service part of what I am paying for in the price of these cars and by now, I'm pretty much over it.

Keith Grossman D17016

Reply to
Keith Grossman

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