MBZ Called From Germany to Survey How I Liked My New ML
I have owned a series of MBZs over the years.
3 months ago I upgraded to a 2006 ML350 [I opted for a slightly used model since it's essentially the same as the 2007, however, I was able to save $13K - that's right, 25%]. After my purchase I called MBUSA to upgrade factory ownership info [for recalls, etc.].
About a month ago I received a letter from Germany congratulating me on my purchase and advising that within the next several weeks I would be contacted by someone from MBZ to conduct a satisfaction survey [this is the first time anything like this has happened to me, and I was wondering if it has happened to other new owners on this forum?].
I pretty much passed off the letter [right, like they're really going to contact me from Germany] until yesterday when I received the call. Some fellow purportedly calling from Germany who spoke very good English wanted to ask me a bunch of questions.
Anyhow, I submitted to survey - mostly how do you rate this particular feature [like handling, styling] on a scale of 1 to 6. I figured if the survey were for real, I'd really share the problems in the hope MBZ would actually listen.
The fellow who called stated that anytime I answered 4 or higher, he had to secure more particulars as to why the answer wasn't closer to 1. Also, he said he was recording the interview so his people would hear my actual responses rather than simply look at answers on a piece of paper.
Well I'm generally very happy with the vehicle - it's a big, big improvement over the W163 - something I never thought actually would be the case. However, I do have a couple of complaints - some have even been voiced on this forum. So when it came to those problem areas, I intentionally rated them at 4 and then explained.
What were my complaints?
1. Jerky Transmission - yes, I have the problem but it's not enough of a problem to get me into the shop until the next service. But it's still not right.
2. Cheap Interior - I have the leather interior so it's not me. We all know the factory interior is cheap - and that's the description I use. I called the dash and door panels "simulated plastic."
3. Cargo Space - Actually, I think the cargo area volume of my W164 is larger than my W163 which is a good thing. But the roof is not high enough to accommodate our bicycles. In contrast the roof of my old W163 was! It's kind of neat being able to mount a couple of bikes in the rear cargo area - I miss the convenience given the "S" in SUV is supposed to stand for "sport."
4. Fuel Mileage - This is another area where the W164 is better than the W163. But it's still not enough with premium fuel prices recently topping out at $3.79/gallon. I am NOT a fan of diesel and besides in California, it still hasn't been certified as a power train meeting our emission requirements. We all know MBZ can do a whole lot better and I wanted it to hear that if it wants to continue selling oversize vehicles in the U.S. with fuel prices approaching $4.00/gallon, it really has to do a much better job [whether hybrid or otherwise].
Other than these items, this vehicle may be the best one I've ever owned. With a few simple changes, in my mind it could actually be perfect.
Anyhow, I hope MBZ was really listening! And I hope if any of you get a similar call, you'll do as I did in the hope someone actually listens.
Thats interesting, particularly with a used vehicle. I have purchased 11 MB's new including now 3 ML's and have never received a call from Germany. Perhaps the call was from MB USA doing some sort of a survey but more likely it was from a market research firm hired by MB to call new owners of used vehicles.
Vehicle: 2006 SLK 55 AMG Obsidian Black w/Black,Red interior and 2007 ML 63 AMG ObsidianBlk/Blk interior
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 5
I rec'd a call (wasn't home) also from MBZ and it was from Germany - at least according to the CID. They never called back so I didn't get to speak with them. I did not get a call when I bought my 2006 SLK 55 however. I wonder if they are following up on MLs specifically
Good to hear. I've done a lot of work in Germany and excellent English is pretty common, so that's no so strange. It is interesting that it's a used vehicle. The new MLs have been a depressant of MB's JD Power initial quality surveys, so perhaps that why they're focused on this. The gas mileage isn't that different but the new ML has more HP (esp. if comparing to an ML320) and is heavier.
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