What's all this about "unreliable"?

[TC22]

I apologize if the question has been asked (numerous times) before, but I'm just not feeling this whole Consumer Reports-led charge on how unreliable just about every Merc class is. Some of these outlets and publications paint Mercedes as literally the worst auto brand in the industry, which I just won't believe.

I've never owned a Mercedes (2000 Lexus ES300 w/109,000 miles - absolutely no problems) but no matter what I've became interested in (BMW, Audi, upgrade to Lexus LS) it always, always comes back to the Benz. I imagine that if I had a choice between a Ferrari F430 or Merc S65 AMG, I'd still chose the sedan. I happen to think they are the most gorgeous vehicles ever put into production and I love what they've done in the last seven years with their AMG peformance arm (basically giving the backhand to every other marquee trying to compete with them), BUT... this whole reliability aspect scares me. I don't mind a few bugs here and there, but its at least got to be a little more than livable.

What's the real Truth?

 

[jberks]

reliability is relative. Merc have an image (or had) that their cars were fault free, totally relaible and unimpeachable. Ignoring the fact that this has never really been true, (we had a 1980 model from new and it broke down 3 times) they got this image by the fact that comapred to other manufacturers where getting out with the damp start every morning was normal, they were utterly reliable. Thats not to say they were perfect but they were pretty good.
Then between 1998 and 2004 the quality slipped and technology got away from them. So, whilst they rarely broke down and weren't unreliable in the Alfa Romeo sense, they did suffer from a fair few gremlins. Electronic modules draining batteries, sensor failures, dodgy radiators and the like. Not normally all on the one car, but spread across the range, Merc owners suddenly found themselves having to return to the workshop between services and this combined with a plummet in dealer service and skill levels meant that they weren't necessarily fixed first time.

Since 2002 they've been working to put things right and by late 2004 things were a lot better. I've had the odd niggle on mine but nothing that couldn't wait for a service. There are very few reports of any real problems at all with 2006-> cars and the surveys reflect this. Mercs are crawling back up the JD Power ladder again and are starting to win awards.

NO a Merc is probably not as reliable as a Lexus, (though I've been hearing worrying stories about Lexus recently), but as you find, Lexus and friends just don't have the same charisma as a merc.
Follow your heart and relax, If you want one, buy one.

 

[Richard Moakes]

I agree with jberks, the legendary reliability in the 80's came from a combination of good design, quality components, well trained technicians who could fault find and thorough servicing.

IMHO some corners started to be cut in component quality, the dealers stopped spending so much on training mechanics and started to use electronic aids instead of good old fashioned fault finding skills.

Shame really, but its really good news that they finally realized the damage being done and that things have started to improve in recent years.

Mind you, I am biased, I am bewitched by W124/W126/R129 series cars, and I can forgive them any fault, no matter how minor or major ;-)