Deceived and angry ex MB fan

[Urak]

Mercedes: Progress in backwards
Here is the story:

With the new CLK 500 (delivered in Paris/France in August 2004), selecting from the steering wheel the 10 pre-registered radio stations wasn't working, (despite the information in the user's manual). In my former CLK 320 (same design), it was working perfectly.

Mercedes France told me that they were going to handle the problem.

Two months later, after my 2 letters and numerous phone calls, now they inform me officially (by letter) that they have the solution (coming from Germany): providing me, (in the future), with another user's manual, not mentioning the pre-selection from the steering wheel.

Voila! Bravo Mercedes managers and shame on you!
With people of your mentality, I wonder how long can resist the wonderful image of best car in the world.
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[Arnie]

Unfortunately, there have been many problems with the new integrated audio/COMAND systems. They work with new software and a new data-bus and regrettably the software is not yet fully debugged. There are hundreds of similar posts on the US forums. The dealers are mostly trying to be helpful, but the information on how to fix the problems and the new software updates required are taking too long to come from Germany.

I always say not to buy any new car (especially with totally new systems on board) until at least 2-years after the launch, as most development these days tends to be done at the expense of the consumer.

 

[maybach]

Not a Bug

This is not a "bug" M.B have deleated the option to set the steering wheel control for preset or scan earlier this year. It sounds like the french boys gave you duff information. Enjoy the CLK

 

[johnmc]

I'm not totally surprised. Cars are all about software and electronics
now with even the gearshift depending on it. I totally agree with Arnie's
comment about leaving new products for a year or two until the bugs
are ironed out. My friend works at a local Vauxhall dealership and makes
as many software updates to fix problems now as he changes parts.
The other nightmare is keeping revisions of the handbooks for different countries in sync with the software releases.

Ho hum! But that's the high tech future for you.

Seems like the fault is pretty minor to put you off Merc, they're problems are well beyond only forgetting the odd bit of functionality.....! Some of the cars seem to falling apart. I see that the new CLK has worse quality than the old one (JD Power) and both are on a par Fiat and Peugeot.

John

 

[Urak]

I also agree for not to buy immediately and wait at least 2 years. In fact it was a love at first sight when I saw the new design newly presented (spring 2002). It was difficult to wait, so I signed the check for a CLK 320. Two years later, to get rid of electronic and other problems (GPS, whistling when over 110 KM, etc.) I thought it was time to buy a new one exempt of problems. The seller explained that the Comand screen was larger and there were 12 speakers instead of 10 and the problems with GPS were over. Of course, no more whistling and 6 gears instead of 5, etc, etc.
If one should wait for two years for every new stuff added, there just cannot be purchasing.

Regarding Maybach's's kind remark, which coincides with MB's answer, sorry but nobody would buy it. The best, this (their official answer) could be qualified as a Gag! (as done in the Auto Journal by the editor, commenting my letter). I would like to precise that the MB technicians in Germany also confirmed that they've discovered the problem lately and were looking for a solution. This information was given on the phone in the very beginning of my quest.

Thank you also for the recommendation. I'm doing my best to enjoy the car. But my following car probably wont be anymore MB (despite the last 4 ones).

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Thank you Urak....my next car will not be a Mercedes either. I too do not like the dishonesty shown by Mercedes. Any other manufacturer will at least try to sort out a problem, Mercedes simply try to fool the customer with lies. I refuse to buy another, not because of trouble, but because of how Mercedes handle their problems.

Congratulations J D Power for showing Mercedes up for what they are.

There is a big problem with braek failures at the moment and they are trying to hush it up. Mine failed twice in 5months. Wear and tear according to Mercedes.