E350 Cdi Coupe (W212) Interior quality problems - anyone else?

[Dazza993]

I have a E350 Cdi Coupe that I purchased in May 2010. Whilst I think it's a fabulous looking that the drives really well I can't believe the amount of niggly build quality problems I've experienced, for a car with just over 10k miles on it.

Is there anyone else out there with the same car that's experiencing the same issues, or was I just unlucky enough to get a Monday morning/Friday afternoon car?

Problems to date include
Squeaking wing mirrors when folding in (2 attempts to fix)
Sicking fuel filler cap (1 attempt to fix)
Dashboard rattle (instrument binnacle) (4 attempts and still present)
Panoramic sunroof squeaking (4 attempts and still not fixed)
Creaks & clicks from the drivers seat (2 attempts & still not fixed - new parts on order though).

What's odd is that the mechanical bits of the car (engine + gearbox) are superb - it recently had a recall that updated the engine management software and it's improved it further still.

If anyone else has had similar problems I be interested to hear them.

I've had it back to my local dealer (whom didn't supply the car) at least half a dozen times, though I've yet to inform the supplying dealer how disappointed I am with the interior build quality.

I've spoken with Mercedes Benz UK customer support who seem very disinterested and want to let the dealers sort it out.

Any advice on what actions I should take next would be greatfully appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[television]

Sadly we have heard of these things before, who is the dealer that has tried to fix the things

 

[Dazza993]

The dealer I've been using to 'try' to fix the problems is Newcastle Mercedes, which I believe is part of the Sytner group.

The people in the service department are helpful and willing, but I'm getting very hacked off that a car costing in excess of £42k has such problems.

I've always bought premium German brands under the impression that you got something far superior to other manufactures, and up until this car, my theory was accurate. This is my 4th MB and given the track record of this one, definitely my last.

My biggest bug bear is the squeaking panoramic roof - easily audible over the radio (sounds like an old creaking floorboard).

They've lubed the seals a couple of times and recently adjusted the sunroof, but the fix only seems to last a day or so, then the squeak returns.

I'm sure the dealer is sick of the sight of me, but I'd rather not be trekking back there on a weekly basis either.

The senior technician from the dealer has indeed agreed that the sunroof should not squeak as it does, so I feel they're 'engaged' but it's a pain in the rear all the same.

 

[television]

That is one group that we do not get good reports on sadly.

Wait till the morning when more read you post, and yes not very good for what they cost

 

[whitenemesis]

They aren't called Pano-rattle roofs for no reason, sadly

 

[jberks]

Seems they've never sorted the pano roof then. I remember similar complaints about the ones in the 211.
Squeaking mirrors the same - mine have always squeaked. I've grown to quite like it! I use it in lieu of a alarm bleep.
As for the rest - keep banging it back until the sort it.

 

[stumpy]

Seems they've never sorted the pano roof then. I remember similar complaints about the ones in the 211.
Squeaking mirrors the same - mine have always squeaked. I've grown to quite like it! I use it in lieu of a alarm bleep.
As for the rest - keep banging it back until the sort it.

Interestingly the pan roof in the 221s gives no trouble

 

[S500 Pete]

Seems they've never sorted the pano roof then. I remember similar complaints about the ones in the 211.
Squeaking mirrors the same - mine have always squeaked. I've grown to quite like it! I use it in lieu of a alarm bleep.
As for the rest - keep banging it back until the sort it.

My pano roof is absolutly silent but I do have the squeeky mirrors (more of a groan than a squeek really)

Can't say that the mirrors really bother me either, although I have tried various lubricants with no success

 

[SSR S500]

Trying to fix the problem various times without success says something about the knowledge and ability of some mercedes meachanics. Have they not tried to take the sunroof off and refit?

 

[television]

Trying to fix the problem various times without success says something about the knowledge and ability of some mercedes meachanics. Have they not tried to take the sunroof off and refit?

Sadly they are fitters that follow WIS,,if it is not in WIS they are not allowed to do anything

 

[shaggy]

Is there anyone else out there with the same car that's experiencing the same issues, or was I just unlucky enough to get a Monday morning/Friday afternoon car?


Dashboard rattle (instrument binnacle) (4 attempts and still present)




If anyone else has had similar problems I be interested to hear them.



Any advice on what actions I should take next would be greatfully appreciated.

Cheers.

yes i had the dash rattle
Mercedes York put a new set of clocks in and they told me the part number was superceded so Mercedes know about the problem which i was told is the actual clocks creaking.

put it in with York or Harrogate and see if they can sort it out
if you book in advance they will lend you a car while they sort it
they all have to do what Mercedes UK say but getting some help from the dealer goes a long way imo

 

[Dazza993]

Trying to fix the problem various times without success says something about the knowledge and ability of some mercedes meachanics. Have they not tried to take the sunroof off and refit?

My local MB dealer has attempted to adjust the sunroof as they though it might be either too tight or too slack in one area - hence the noises. Unfortunately their adjustments only cured the problem for a day or so.

By strange co-incidence my supplying dealer called me on Thursday to ask how I was getting on with the car. So after telling them my tale of woe, they're collecting it early in the new year to have a go a fixing the problem themselves.

I mentioned to the salesman that called that I'd seen the new ML which is due next year, but at the moment I couldn't consider another MB until my current car is sorted. The chance of selling me another car may make them strive to fix my problems (fingers crossed).

I'm off to test drive a couple of other cars later today. If these problems can't be sorted, I'll probably switch manufactuers earlier than my usual 3 year stint with a car.

 

[shaggy]

any news on this at all?

 

[Dazza993]

No further updates from dealers or MB as yet.

My car is booked into Bells of Coldstream on 4-Jan. Lets see what they make of it.

I thought the dash rattle had been cured, but it made an appearance yesterday. I'll mention to Bells the problem with the dash rattle and see if they can tackle at the same time as the sunroof. I'll highlight to them that there's a replacement set of clocks available.

I've got some video footage the shows the dash rattle & the sunroof squeak, so hopefully neither a dealer nor MB can dismiss it?

I went to test drive an Audi A7 at the weekend and I'll be taking a look at the revised A5 Sportback and new 3-Series when they arrive, cos my MB ownership may come to an end sooner rather than later.

What strikes me as odd is that the Mercedes latest catch phase is "The best or nothing at all". I suspect Karl & Gottlieb would turn in their graves if this is the "best" that Mercedes can do.

 

[shaggy]

i went to Audi and couldn't settle so went back into a Mercedes but with a different dealer
without the help of the dealer you are shaffted imho

 

[Peter De La Mare]

What was your impression of the A7?

 

[Dazza993]

I did indeed like the A7 (so did my wife who doesn't drive incidentally)

Spacious, well designed, didn't feel that fast, though I didn't give it 'the full beans' as the salesman was present. Needed to make a brisk getaway from a busy roundabout and the quattro drivetrain helped on wet roads i.e. zero wheel spin.

Being a 4 door it would be more practical and the boot is huge (based on the A6 floor plan I believe)

I tried a the S-line, which has black everything inside - a bit too sombre & oppressive for me. I've asked the dealer to give me a call if they get hold of an A7 with a non-black interior

I did expect the s-tronic dual clutch gearbox to be better than it was. Not bad but no better (maybe a smudge clunkier even) than the 7G box in my E350. Flicking up & down the gears with the paddles was a damn site quicker than the 7G box though.

What caught my eye with the A7 was that year old cars are own in the low £30k's - which to me seemed quite a drop. (only 2wd with CVT boxes though )

I also tried the RR Evoque on the same day. Beautifully finished on the inside, but I'm certain I heard a couple of rattles from the dash whilst on the test drive, plus my daughter felt car sick after the test drive too. My wife did say that it did indeed feel 'choppy' in the back of the Evoque.

I hope the a dealer can sort my E350, 'cos when it's not squeaking/rattling, it does drive very nicely, damn quick and a handsome car.

An A7 is an option but they're big (4.97m) - so would necessitate a re-jig of the garage. I've asked my local Audi dealer to get in touch when the latest A5 sportbacks arrive.

 

[Mcobinad]

I did indeed like the A7 (so did my wife who doesn't drive incidentally)

Spacious, well designed, didn't feel that fast, though I didn't give it 'the full beans' as the salesman was present. Needed to make a brisk getaway from a busy roundabout and the quattro drivetrain helped on wet roads i.e. zero wheel spin.

Being a 4 door it would be more practical and the boot is huge (based on the A6 floor plan I believe)

I tried a the S-line, which has black everything inside - a bit too sombre & oppressive for me. I've asked the dealer to give me a call if they get hold of an A7 with a non-black interior

I did expect the s-tronic dual clutch gearbox to be better than it was. Not bad but no better (maybe a smudge clunkier even) than the 7G box in my E350. Flicking up & down the gears with the paddles was a damn site quicker than the 7G box though.

What caught my eye with the A7 was that year old cars are own in the low £30k's - which to me seemed quite a drop. (only 2wd with CVT boxes though )

I also tried the RR Evoque on the same day. Beautifully finished on the inside, but I'm certain I heard a couple of rattles from the dash whilst on the test drive, plus my daughter felt car sick after the test drive too. My wife did say that it did indeed feel 'choppy' in the back of the Evoque.

I hope the a dealer can sort my E350, 'cos when it's not squeaking/rattling, it does drive very nicely, damn quick and a handsome car.

An A7 is an option but they're big (4.97m) - so would necessitate a re-jig of the garage. I've asked my local Audi dealer to get in touch when the latest A5 sportbacks arrive.

It's a big pain when you buy a car in the 40 figures and still get issues emanating from build quality. This is why it is good to wait for new cars to be sorted of their bugs before buying.

Anyway, Audi's are great cars. I have driven only Audi vehicles before i came to Mercedes. I currently drive the A8 D3 4.2 V8 2006 and love it so much and the car is even faster than my CLS

500. The interior build quality cannot be compromised. The Bose sound system is a bonus and i think the Harman Kardon in my CLS is a big joke. Regarding the A7, it has a pronounced presence

from the front end but the rear does not do it for me. It's too sleek from the back and doesn't have the masculine rear of the A8. But it was designed to compete with the CLS but CLS is still miles

ahead even with the first generation coupé.


Nonetheless, this is the first attempt by Audi and let's see what the future holds in place for the A7. Anyway, to each his taste but all in all, they are good quality for money, reliable and the

Quattro is a +. Be mindful as Audi's are too expensive to maintain & fix. They cost too much for what they have to offer. When my vehicle ran out of warranty, i resorted to using an Independent

Specialist who does the same job as Audi but for a pittance compared to the £120 (inclu VAT) Per hour. That's ludicrous !

 

[n4vdh]

Annoyin rattle

I bought my E350 in july, since purchased iv had the annoyin rattling sound from the dash, it has been in to the dealers 5 times and been kept in for a equivlnt of 2 mnths. When the car returns i always get told it has been resolved we have changes this panel and that panel on the dash, it drives rattle free for a few days afta its returnd but the problem comes back.

 

[Dazza993]

Update on one of the problems - clicking seat.

Car was in my local dealer this week to have the headrest guides replace, which was duly done. I was then informed that whilst the seat was apart the technician figured that a weld in the seat frame had given up, hence the clicking noise when 'under stress'.

When the seat was rebuilt, the clicking noise wasn't evident so as yet they're holding back from replacing the seat frame, though they will do if the clicking returns. They also informed me that if they have to replace the seat frame, they'll also have to replace the headrest guides again, because they have to be broken to remove them. I find it hard to believe that MB would design something so poorly.

Car goes into the supplying dealer on Thursday to have the sunroof creaks and dash rattle looked at. I'll post a further update when I get the car back.