After getting rid of my lemon, a 2003 ML 500, I purchased a R350 and just encountered my first problems: Sunroof does not open or close the way it should, it closed when it is supposed to open, stops moving when the switch is still depressed etc. My dealer does not have the part, it is in Germany and I have to wait 3 weeks to bring my car into the dealership again.
Also, there is a thumping noise coming from the rear when I do a slow right turn going over a bump. The dealer knows about this, it has to do with the inside wheel cover.
Third, the fuel gauge is showing a much lower level than it should.
I cannot believe that cars are being sold without dealers having parts and I am disappointed about the problems with this car after having been 18 times in one year at my dealer with my old ML 500 to get it fixed. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, I just hope it will be dependable.
These sound like very minor problems..... I understand the trouble of having to bring it in... but I'd be more worried about engine/transmission troubles...
I did have a faulty part in mine that involved the electronic shifter that caused grief... but the part was replaced and no problem since.
Remember, this is the 1st year of this vehicle, and it might take them a little time to work the bugs out, but I agree that these seem like minor problems. I am taking mine in tomorrow (at work..haha) and having the 1,000 mile inspection done.
I only have a couple concerns.
I understand what you are saying, well, they finally fixed the sunroof, now I have a problem with the right rear shock - had to be flown in from Germany. I just got a call from the dealer that the part is in. Don't get me wrong, the car rides great and I see a big increase in quality over the M class, but I just want to drive the car and not have it sitting at a dealer:)
I'm a bit surprised that the shock was "flown in" from Germany, most R-Class parts come from the factory in Alabama, which, coincidentally, is where your old ML was made.
I'm a bit surprised that the shock was "flown in" from Germany, most R-Class parts come from the factory in Alabama, which, coincidentally, is where your old ML was made.
Some parts do come from Germany. I had glue, "flown in from Germany" for my doors. So I would not take it as a surprise that a shock may come from there as well.
I can tell you from my 2006 ML, it was the BIGGEST piece of junk i ever owned. The R and ML have much to be desired. I had my ML for a total of 6 months, until MB bought it back.
I'm a bit surprised that the shock was "flown in" from Germany, most R-Class parts come from the factory in Alabama, which, coincidentally, is where your old ML was made.
Some parts do come from Germany. I had glue, "flown in from Germany" for my doors. So I would not take it as a surprise that a shock may come from there as well.
I can tell you from my 2006 ML, it was the BIGGEST piece of junk i ever owned. The R and ML have much to be desired. I had my ML for a total of 6 months, until MB bought it back.
The glue, however, is a universal applicant, and generally most things come from Germany. I'm going to check on the shocks, now that my curiosity has been sparked a bit. So far in my experience with the 251 (which is actually quite limited as it's new), the only germany-sourced parts I've found are the headlamp washer nozzles, and if memory serves me right, it was a 251 part, but my memory isn't very accurate these days.
Well, the rear shock finally got here from Germany, it was replaced, as well as the inside cover of the wheel well, however, the noise is still there. The dealer told me that most R's have this problem. Mercedes is working on it, but have not found a solution. It has to do with the rear air suspension. I'll let you know when this is fixed. Other than that, the car is great.
I believe the engine and transmission come from Germany.
You are correct. Most parts are made in Germany, but built in AL; which I think is the downfall of the ML and R. MB is cutting costs to build them here since the majority of sales are US. I perfer my car being built in Aus.
To MBparts guy, so since my E was built in Aus, are you saying that my parts are also from Aus, and not Germany?
I can tell you for a fact that the E, S, AMG and others that are "German," are only built in Aus.
Sad to say, but I perfer a german or Aus to build my cars then someone from AL workforce. It's great that MB is giving jobs to a area of the country that needs these jobs, but you cannot compare the perfection.
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