Car Rant

[Diamonds4Me]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place. I just have to RANT!!!!

DH2B gave me a Mercedes C230 Kommpressor for my bday. I absolutely loved it until just recently. The car isn''t even a year old yet and already its giving me fits!!!

I took it in a while back for its first tire rotation. They told me that they did it, signed the little maintenance book and I was on my way. WooHoo! Then, as I''m driving down the highway several weeks later, I hear the strangest rumbling sound coming from it. H2B looked at it when I got home and said that the front wheels are cantered.......sooooo, I take my happy little self back up to the Mercedes dealership and they tell me that only ONE tire is off a little and that its MY fault because I hit a pot hole! WHAT?!?!
First off, BOTH front tires are the issue. Its quite easy to spot because the inside of the driver side wheel is worn down flat and the outside of the passenger side wheel is also worn down flat. If that was my fault, that must have been SOME pot hole! More like a sink hole!!

I think I would have remembered hitting something that big, don''t you??? Oh, then he tells me that they DIDN''T rotate the tires because the rear tires are larger than the front so they just checked them. Um, well..I didn''t KNOW that they were different sizes. And why would you tell me you did something when in fact you did not??? Oh, and that they''ll fix it but it isn''t covered under warranty because its "Normal Wear and Tear" and that it will self correct after 6,000 miles. If that''s the case, the tires will be bald! I did not let them touch it because I was so mad. Plus I didn''t want to sit there for four hours or more with nothing to do and they wouldn''t give me a loaner because I didn''t arrange for one a week in advance?!

(The 13,000 mile oil change is coming up in 12 days and H2B is taking it himself to have a "chat" with them

).

Two weeks later, this past Friday, I am leaving to come home. I get about five seconds down the road and the little message indicator comes on and tells me that the left license plate light is burned out. I can deal with that a little, its just annoying that it comes on everytime you start the car. Funny, its hardly ever driven at night and the only time the lights are burned is when its raining....

THEN TODAY! I leave the house to go to the store. Radio, CD player and the CD Changer ALL WORK FINE. I leave the store to come home....NOTHING! No sound. Not a PEEP! The Radio display and CD display are working fine. Go to hit the CD Changer and it says "No CDC". Checked...just as I thought..its still there. Took it out and put it back. Still "No CDC". Still NO SOUND.

I immediately closed the sunroof for fear that it would get stuck in the open position!

I am so ANGRY! I will NEVER own another MB.

For anyone out there that owns one, do you have trouble like this??????

I am seriously close to pushing it into the lake.

 

[Blue824]

Well, I know absolutely nothing about cars however, when I had weird problems with my radio and windows one time it was the alternator but that was like 4 years into owning the car and the first time when it was not even a year old it was a computer problem.

Do you have a mechanic you really trust? We''d always have our stuff checked out by ours before we took it to the dealer to get things fixed when it was still under warranty. He really helped me make sure everything was done right. A great mechanic is priceless. We had issues with the VW dealership telling me something with in the first week of driving was wear and tear and it was really frustrating. I love my car but I knew I didnt hit a pot hole that they said caused it. I guess since there was no proff I didn''t that''s how they were able to say that and get away with not paying for it. (even though first they told us this was a problem in about one in every 200 jettas blahblahblah and then strangely changed their mind).

Anyhow good luck. I know how frustrating that stuff is!

 

[Kaleigh]

OMG, I feel your pain. Mine is in the shop as we speak. It''s a 2003 s430 4matic and it was fine until recently. Everything went wrong all at once. It''s still under warranty, so I don''t have to shell out any money thank god. But this is my 4th Fing one, and my last. The owners of the dealership are very close friends of ours, and that''s why I have tried to stick it out, but you can stick a fork in me cause I''m DONE!!!!!

 

[MissAva]

Yup! I had a SLK 230...there was always something and it cost an arm and a leg to fix.

The first time I took it in I called ahead and they said the check was part of the warrenty. I waited (for just over 5hours, for a routine 2500mile check

) with my car and then they present me with a bill for just over a thousand dollars!

I had to call my parents for their CC number becuase at 17 who has that much money? I was so upset, it cost soemthing like 85$ to have windex put in...I was really put off. The cars are lovely but I will never buy another one. MB and BMW are not what they were 20-30 years ago the quality just is not there anymore and neither is the service.

 

[Diamonds4Me]

Good grief!! I had no idea...

I want my Corvette back

13 years old and never a problem.

 

[Diamonds4Me]

Date: 7/17/2005 4:49:19 PM
Author: Feydakin
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Kompressor.. It''s a great car until you have a problem, and there are quite a few unhappy people in the car forums when it comes to this car..

As for the tires, I don''t recall the Kompressor stats, but it''s not uncommon for newer sports cars to have different front and rear tires, and even have uni-directional tires.. The most that can be done is to swap the fronts and rears side to side.. As for you problem, my ''guess'' is that for both fronts to be worn on the right side (inside on one - outside on the other) is that something was hit to knock the front end over.. So I''m with the mechanic on this one..

As for the other stuff, you will soon be on a first name basis with your dealer service department.. Best of luck..

To knock the front end over on a car that much...wouldn''t it have to hit something really hard? I am just so frustrated and just can''t understand what I could have hit to cause that much of a lean. I am the only one that ever drives it and I just can''t figure it out.

 

[Diamonds4Me]

Kaleigh, Matatora...that sucks! I''m beginning to worry if I''ll be able to get rid of it now. He''s going to have every thing on it checked and fixed and after that we''re through. I haven''t figured out what I want yet..but you can bet it won''t be another MB or a BMW. We have a few friends that have the newer Cadillacs. They seem to really love them and haven''t had any problems with them (yet)...so, I''m considering one of those. I never thought I would hear myself say this..but I can''t wait to get rid of it!!

Maybe if I put as much effort into researching cars as I do diamonds..I probably wouldn''t have this problem right now.

(It just isn''t as fun as PS!)

Feydakin, how do I find these car forums??

 

[Dancing Fire]

my wife''s 10 yr old 540i bmw (POS) with only 89k, had all kinds of problems.

especially electrical,6 months ago it needed a trans rebuilt ($4k) before that repair, there was water pump,radiator,oil leaks,etc,etc...i think, i paid more for repairs than for the car itself.

no doubt the german cars of today are well behind the japaness in quality,no wonder the consumer report rank them so low. when i can afford another car,it will definitely be a Lexus.

 

[Jennifer5973]

Date: 7/17/2005 5:25:48 PM
Author: Matatora
Yup! I had a SLK 230...there was always something and it cost an arm and a leg to fix.

The first time I took it in I called ahead and they said the check was part of the warrenty. I waited (for just over 5hours, for a routine 2500mile check

) with my car and then they present me with a bill for just over a thousand dollars!

I had to call my parents for their CC number becuase at 17 who has that much money? I was so upset, it cost soemthing like 85$ to have windex put in...I was really put off. The cars are lovely but I will never buy another one. MB and BMW are not what they were 20-30 years ago the quality just is not there anymore and neither is the service.

That's what I have heard...and when I tested the BMW 3 I wasn't too impressed.I felt like I was in a cheap knock-off, a "clarity enhanced' version, if you will.

No one can believe what I ended up with--A loaded Cadillac CTS...and I adore it.

People are just amazed by it in terms of how beautiful and elegant, yet sporty it is and how well it rides. I am thrilled.

And for the record, my experience at the Cadillac dealer was 2,000% more pleasant than at BMW or Lexus, where I felt like they were doing me a "favor" just talking to me...uh, hello--big mistake. The Lexus dealer wouldn't even quote me a price until I "made a commitment to buy the product..." Uh, what????

Should this car continue to perform over the long haul (3 yrs), I am inclined to sail right into another one. The only other one I might consider is the higher-end Lexus LS sedan or convertible. The ES looked like a Camry to me.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 7/17/2005 5:25:48 PM
Author: Matatora
Yup! I had a SLK 230...there was always something and it cost an arm and a leg to fix.

The first time I took it in I called ahead and they said the check was part of the warrenty. I waited (for just over 5hours, for a routine 2500mile check

) with my car and then they present me with a bill for just over a thousand dollars!

I had to call my parents for their CC number becuase at 17 who has that much money? I was so upset, it cost soemthing like 85$ to have windex put in...I was really put off. The cars are lovely but I will never buy another one. MB and BMW are not what they were 20-30 years ago the quality just is not there anymore and neither is the service.

agree 100%.plus.... the service department (biggest rip off) will always tell you your car needs this and that because, service rep gets a bonus % on how much they rip off the customer.

 

[Kaleigh]

Jenn,
Your new car sounds great!!!! No more MB''s for moi!!!!!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 7/17/2005 6:09:01 PM
Author: Jennifer5973

Date: 7/17/2005 5:25:48 PM
Author: Matatora
Yup! I had a SLK 230...there was always something and it cost an arm and a leg to fix.

The first time I took it in I called ahead and they said the check was part of the warrenty. I waited (for just over 5hours, for a routine 2500mile check

) with my car and then they present me with a bill for just over a thousand dollars!

I had to call my parents for their CC number becuase at 17 who has that much money? I was so upset, it cost soemthing like 85$ to have windex put in...I was really put off. The cars are lovely but I will never buy another one. MB and BMW are not what they were 20-30 years ago the quality just is not there anymore and neither is the service.

Should this car continue to perform over the long haul (3 yrs), I am inclined to sail right into another one. The only other one I might consider is the higher-end Lexus sedan or convertible. The ES looked like a Camry to me.

that is a Camry with a Lexus price tag. yep...a Lexus LS 430 would make me very happy but for you young Jenn if you ever buy a Lexus, go with the convertible.

 

[Munchkin]

Our 2003 MB has developed a fun little "tic." Yet 2 visits to the dealership have told us that "there is nothing wrong."

In our model, the driver side seat self-adjusts to a preset which correlates with the key that starts the car. Does that make sense? So, turn on the ignition, drivers seat pulls itself forward and up. The problem is that it periodically simply does not move into place. Plus, the alternative, (pushing the electric button to move the seat), won''t work either. For most people, this wouldn''t be too great of a hardship. Unfortunately, I am a whopping 4''11". I absolutely can NOT drive the car if the seat won''t move forward.

Thank goodness it isn''t my primary car! Yet, the primary driver herself is only 5''2".

We have found that basic service is generally good, but anything extra you want looked at or fixed is a big hassle. Requests made when making an appointment don''t get to the "paint guy" or "transmission person," etc. Seeing as their great warranty is no more, this is probably the last MB this household will buy.

Munchkin

 

[Kaleigh]

Yes, my car has a weird tic too. The passenger seat headrests, go up and down without anyone sitting in the seat. I am beginning that this car is posessed!!!!!

 

[Diamonds4Me]

Date: 7/17/2005 6:09:01 PM
Author: Jennifer5973

Date: 7/17/2005 5:25:48 PM
Author: Matatora
Yup! I had a SLK 230...there was always something and it cost an arm and a leg to fix.

The first time I took it in I called ahead and they said the check was part of the warrenty. I waited (for just over 5hours, for a routine 2500mile check

) with my car and then they present me with a bill for just over a thousand dollars!

I had to call my parents for their CC number becuase at 17 who has that much money? I was so upset, it cost soemthing like 85$ to have windex put in...I was really put off. The cars are lovely but I will never buy another one. MB and BMW are not what they were 20-30 years ago the quality just is not there anymore and neither is the service.

That''s what I have heard...and when I tested the BMW 3 I wasn''t too impressed.I felt like I was in a cheap knock-off, a ''clarity enhanced'' version, if you will.

No one can believe what I ended up with--A loaded Cadillac CTS...and I adore it.

People are just amazed by it in terms of how beautiful and elegant, yet sporty it is and how well it rides. I am thrilled.

And for the record, my experience at the Cadillac dealer was 2,000% more pleasant than at BMW or Lexus, where I felt like they were doing me a ''favor'' just talking to me...uh, hello--big mistake. The Lexus dealer wouldn''t even quote me a price until I ''made a commitment to buy the product...'' Uh, what????

Should this car continue to perform over the long haul (3 yrs), I am inclined to sail right into another one. The only other one I might consider is the higher-end Lexus LS sedan or convertible. The ES looked like a Camry to me.

Jennifer, I am seriously considering a Cadillac CTS. I did a bunch of searching on MB forums and after reading all the negative press about it I''m a little worried that another dealership will be hesitant to even take it.

I am just sick over this now.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 7/17/2005 6:09:01 PM
Author: Jennifer5973

Date: 7/17/2005 5:25:48 PM
Author: Matatora
Yup! I had a SLK 230...there was always something and it cost an arm and a leg to fix.

The first time I took it in I called ahead and they said the check was part of the warrenty. I waited (for just over 5hours, for a routine 2500mile check

) with my car and then they present me with a bill for just over a thousand dollars!

I had to call my parents for their CC number becuase at 17 who has that much money? I was so upset, it cost soemthing like 85$ to have windex put in...I was really put off. The cars are lovely but I will never buy another one. MB and BMW are not what they were 20-30 years ago the quality just is not there anymore and neither is the service.

That's what I have heard...and when I tested the BMW 3 I wasn't too impressed.I felt like I was in a cheap knock-off, a 'clarity enhanced' version, if you will.

A recent newspaper article mentioned that the quality of BMWs has been lowered along with the price tag specifically to appeal to younger markets. I forget which models are involved as I'm not familiar with all the different ones, BUT, most models discussed were around $30-40K. . .I wouldn't be surprised if even the more expensive ones are made with inferior parts too because people assume - just like they do w/Tiffany & Co. - that because the car is a specific brand that it'll be better than the rest and therefore will buy without checking out the vehicle.

From experience, I've had EXCELLENT luck with Japanese cars and plan to keep purchasing these. (I did have an Explorer for a few years, but it REALLY went downhill in the end - one of our mechanics warned us to trade it in THAT DAY, rather than risk driving it as the whole thing was about to fall apart!)

 

[Diamonds4Me]

Date: 7/17/2005 5:53:00 PM
Author: Dancing Fire
my wife''s 10 yr old 540i bmw (POS) with only 89k, had all kinds of problems.

especially electrical,6 months ago it needed a trans rebuilt ($4k) before that repair, there was water pump,radiator,oil leaks,etc,etc...i think, i paid more for repairs than for the car itself.

no doubt the german cars of today are well behind the japaness in quality,no wonder the consumer report rank them so low. when i can afford another car,it will definitely be a Lexus.

I almost went with a BMW but I''m starting to hear a bunch of negative things about them as well. My cousin just bought one in January..I wonder how he''s fairing with his purchase!

I even thought about a newer Jaguar...I haven''t read up on them yet but now I''m a little scared too! I think I''ll just stay away from it all together.

Oh, and our neighbor had a Lexus. He absolutely LOVED that car. I don''t really know why he got rid of it but he traded it in on a Nissan. He seems to really love his choice but he says he still misses his Lexus.

 

[Diamonds4Me]

Date: 7/17/2005 7:26:04 PM
Author: Feydakin

Date: 7/17/2005 5:45:43 PM
Author: Diamonds4Me
To knock the front end over on a car that much...wouldn't it have to hit something really hard? I am just so frustrated and just can't understand what I could have hit to cause that much of a lean. I am the only one that ever drives it and I just can't figure it out.

Nope.. Everything up front these days is aluminum.. Hitting a speed bump hard could do it.. Hitting a pot hole squarely could do it.. A buddy of mine had a 'fender bender' with his new Lotus Elise.. In a parking garage a Jeep hit him at less than 10mph (no airbags deployed) and it looks like the insurance company will total the car because it will cost roughly 20 grand to fix the bumper

..

BTW, I love my vette and wouldn't trade it for anything..

OMG! That's terrible!!! What a pickle this is. Ooohhh, I want my vette back so bad I can't stand it!!!!

Munchkin- that's terrible, too! After all the reading I've done so far it seems that this is just the start of it. I guess h2b and I are in for a bumpy ride here on out.

 

[Diamonds4Me]

Date: 7/17/2005 7:42:48 PM
Author: Feydakin
Mmmm, corvette...............

Or you could go with a new C6

You''re evil

...but I actually thought about one of those, too. I''m going to dig up a photo of it here in a minute.

 

[Kaleigh]

Oh Steve, I just fell in love!!!!!

 

[Jennifer5973]

Date: 7/17/2005 7:26:43 PM
Author: Diamonds4Me

Jennifer, I am seriously considering a Cadillac CTS. I did a bunch of searching on MB forums and after reading all the negative press about it I''m a little worried that another dealership will be hesitant to even take it.

I am just sick over this now.

D4M, I never even THOUGHT about Cadillac (I had thought Cadillac = big giant cars for old people!

) but during my car search, I was driving in town and saw this sharp car with a young girl driving and was shocked to see itwas a CTS! Well, between how beautiful the car turned out to be and how pleasant (think no pressure, no hassle, straightfoward best price) the experience at the dealer was, I was sold! I''ve had it one month and I adore it--people love it and can''t belive it is a "Cadillac"... Plus, I like being a little different. Everyone in my peer group has a 3 series BMW ("leatherette" in a $40,000 car--give me a BREAK!) or a glorified Camry, uh, I mean Lexus ES

, and their mouths pop open when they see mine! I have to admit it--I love that!

I have the black exterior/taupe leather interior with the luxury wood package and all the hoopla, half of which I don''t even use.

The car has its own phone number and OnStar--they''ll even order dinner for you so it''s there when you get home!

Plus, GM has the "pull ahead" program..after about 3 years, they''ll invite me back to trade this one in for a brand new one at a great price, no money down. I like driving a new car--it is important to me. This is perfect!

have you seen the Caddy hard-top convertible???

But at $70,000+, I may have to wait a few more rounds!

This is *my* car.

 

[Diamonds4Me]

Date: 7/17/2005 8:32:06 PM
Author: Jennifer5973

Date: 7/17/2005 7:26:43 PM
Author: Diamonds4Me


Jennifer, I am seriously considering a Cadillac CTS. I did a bunch of searching on MB forums and after reading all the negative press about it I''m a little worried that another dealership will be hesitant to even take it.

I am just sick over this now.

D4M, I never even THOUGHT about Cadillac (I had thought Cadillac = big giant cars for old people!

) but during my car search, I was driving in town and saw this sharp car with a young girl driving and was shocked to see itwas a CTS! Well, between how beautiful the car turned out to be and how pleasant (think no pressure, no hassle, straightfoward best price) the experience at the dealer was, I was sold! I''ve had it one month and I adore it--people love it and can''t belive it is a ''Cadillac''... Plus, I like being a little different. Everyone in my peer group has a 3 series BMW (''leatherette'' in a $40,000 car--give me a BREAK!) or a glorified Camry, uh, I mean Lexus ES

, and their mouths pop open when they see mine! I have to admit it--I love that!

I have the black exterior/taupe leather interior with the luxury wood package and all the hoopla, half of which I don''t even use.

The car has its own phone number and OnStar--they''ll even order dinner for you so it''s there when you get home!

Plus, GM has the ''pull ahead'' program..after about 3 years, they''ll invite me back to trade this one in for a brand new one at a great price, no money down. I like driving a new car--it is important to me. This is perfect!

have you seen the Caddy hard-top convertible???

But at $70,000+, I may have to wait a few more rounds!

This is *my* car.

Wow, that''s beautiful! I also had the same "thoughts" about them until our friends started looking into them. The more I think about it the more I''m leaning towards the CTS.

Steve..here''s the first pic of the vette.

 

[Diamonds4Me]

#2 (Don''t let the color fool ya! It wasn''t a lemon!)

 

[Diamonds4Me]

This, however, should be the color of THIS car.....

 

[Libster]

Diamonds4Me,
I love your car and am really sorry you''re having such trouble with it. I''m in the minority and have a BMW that I just LOVE! My car has two different size tires on the front and back so I know how frustrating it can be with the wear patterns and how quickly you might need to get new tires. I have a 2001 BMW M Roadster with only 25,000 miles, each one by me

I guess I''m lucky as the leather is real, and not leatherette like Jennifer had mentioned some of the newer 3 Series have. I just have to share pics so here is 1 of 2

 

[Libster]

Sorry the photo is so HUGE. Hopefully this will be smaller

Again, I guess I''m lucky and maybe have problems to look forward to once the mileage increases.... For now, I couldn''t be happier when I get behind the wheel and ZOOOMMMM down the road!

 

[Jennifer5973]

Libster, that''s one hot ride!

And your Beemer is nothing like the cheapo 3 series they crank out now.

Cars are very personal choices. I have my opinion based on what I have seen and what I prefer, and others have theirs. I have friends who toot around in their "leatherette" 3s thinking I am a nuts for driving an "American" car. Whatever!

 

[Libster]

I know Lop and I have the same car, and as far as I know she is just as thrilled with hers and hasn''t had any trouble.

Lop, I would love to see pics of yours!

 

[Libster]

Date: 7/17/2005 10:20:25 PM
Author: Jennifer5973
Libster, that''s one hot ride!

And your Beemer is nothing like the cheapo 3 series they crank out now.

Cars are very personal choices. I have my opinion based on what I have seen and what I prefer, and others have theirs. I have friends who toot around in their ''leatherette'' 3s thinking I am a nuts for driving an ''American'' car. Whatever!

By the way....LOVE your new ride! I''ve seen a couple of those while driving and had to do a double take as I couldn''t believe it was a cadillac! It''s quite stylish.

Hubby has tried to get me to trade my car for a 4 seater 3 series and I just can''t do it, and I have to agree that the interior just isn''t up to par for the price. I just keep telling him to "Stay Away" from my car, I''ll get rid of it the day I can''t physically get in it anymore

 

[Jennifer5973]

Date: 7/17/2005 10:25:29 PM
Author: Libster

Date: 7/17/2005 10:20:25 PM
Author: Jennifer5973
Libster, that''s one hot ride!

And your Beemer is nothing like the cheapo 3 series they crank out now.

Cars are very personal choices. I have my opinion based on what I have seen and what I prefer, and others have theirs. I have friends who toot around in their ''leatherette'' 3s thinking I am a nuts for driving an ''American'' car. Whatever!

By the way....LOVE your new ride! I''ve seen a couple of those while driving and had to do a double take as I couldn''t believe it was a cadillac! It''s quite stylish.

Hubby has tried to get me to trade my car for a 4 seater 3 series and I just can''t do it, and I have to agree that the interior just isn''t up to par for the price. I just keep telling him to ''Stay Away'' from my car, I''ll get rid of it the day I can''t physically get in it anymore

Libster, if you get another Beemer, the 330 convertible was nice or the 7 sedan... but I have to say the regular 3 just won''t do for you after that roadster!

PS My husband just walked by and wants to know what kind of "mutant" is in your avatar (we use that word VERY affectionately about our doggies! I know-we are nuts

).