C-Class (W205) First week with my 2015 W205 C300

[Tarek]

Just out of curiosity,what's so different in manufacturing tech between USA and Germany plants? or it's just the suppliers? and if so why MB is dealing with such shitty shit companies?

 

[alexschoen]

Just out of curiosity,what's so different in manufacturing tech between USA and Germany plants? or it's just the suppliers? and if so why MB is dealing with such shitty shit companies?

A couple of factors in play:
- new assembly techniques on the W205 (aluminum body sheets, hybrid aluminum / high-tensile steel chassis) never tried in the US plant
- challenging capability ramp up for factory workers in Alabama
- cost pressure on suppliers, to compensate for significant new content and more expensive materials/powertrains
- challenged MBUSI supplier quality control having to work with global suppliers trying to manage simultaneous production launch across four global plants
- global MB quality management changes while working on the most important product launches
- etc.

I would assume though that within a couple of months, the quality level of the German assembly plants will be reached

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Very interesting Alex. At the end of the day though, this should have all been dealt with prior to volume production. They should not have shipped sub standard cars.

 

[alexschoen]

Very interesting Alex. At the end of the day though, this should have all been dealt with prior to volume production. They should not have shipped sub standard cars.

Can't agree more. I would personally always prefer a vehicle made in Sindelfingen or Bremen over any other plant in the world

 

[dtd]

A couple of factors in play:
- new assembly techniques on the W205 (aluminum body sheets, hybrid aluminum / high-tensile steel chassis) never tried in the US plant
- challenging capability ramp up for factory workers in Alabama
- cost pressure on suppliers, to compensate for significant new content and more expensive materials/powertrains
- challenged MBUSI supplier quality control having to work with global suppliers trying to manage simultaneous production launch across four global plants
- global MB quality management changes while working on the most important product launches
- etc.

I would assume though that within a couple of months, the quality level of the German assembly plants will be reached

It seems to me everything should be ironed out in the 2016 MY.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/302384/2015-mercedes-benz-c-class-coming-from-south-africa/

According to the news, after the initial shipment, all W205 sedan will be from South Africa

Dealer told me some are coming from SA and some are coming from Germany now.

 

[KiwiRob]

Wait, so the dealer is just replacing the seat covers? I would ask them to replace the entire seat under warranty. Heck, you can probably invoke lemon law and get an entire new car at this point.

For once I'll agree with Sunny, with the number of problems you have had with the car I would return it and invoke the lemon law.

I've never had as many issues with all the new cars I've bought than you have had with this one.

 

[StanNH]

For once I'll agree with Sunny, with the number of problems you have had with the car I would return it and invoke the lemon law.

I've never had as many issues with all the new cars I've bought than you have had with this one.

The Lemon Law here requires three failed attempts by the dealer to fix a warranty defect, or 30 cumulative days out of service. My car has been out of service for about 12 days and has had every defect fixed so far. Also, the dealer has picked up and delivered my car at my home, and has left a 2015 C-Class or SUV as a loaner. I may not be happy ... and quite frustrated ... but it's not yet a Lemon Law case and I certainly can't blame my dealer for not trying to resolve the issues.

 

[fortuner]

At least your dealer is trying to sort out the mess made by Mercedes I wish they gave you a new car.

 

[StanNH]

My car is back. The new seat covers and headrests look completely original and fit fine. The dealer also shimmed the rear bumper which now fits perfectly. That unsightly "step" is gone, and the two panels line up like they should have when the car left the factory.

 

[alexschoen]

Really glad to hear they fixed it properly. It's indeed the dealer who can make a big difference whether you stay loyal to the brand or not, especially when you face issues like you did. I hope this is now the beginning of a long satisfying friendship with your great C300!

 

[StanNH]

Really glad to hear they fixed it properly. It's indeed the dealer who can make a big difference whether you stay loyal to the brand or not, especially when you face issues like you did. I hope this is now the beginning of a long satisfying friendship with your great C300!

Thank you. My dealer was really good. They had my car for 2 1/2 weeks, and went over every inch of it to make sure it came back perfect. It was fully detailed when I got it back ... even better looking than when I first picked it up.

 

[tennmb]

Absolutely shocked to see these problems.
We have at least 15 new C300s in our service fleet and we haven't experienced anything like this.

 

[PHYBENZ]

I was at my dealer last friday and the tail light alignment and upper bumper part alignment is horrible and inconsistent. I don't think I found one C to have the rear lights flush with the bumper.

Can't believe they can leave the factory like that. What I also found in the interior on at least one model, is when I pushed the radio or nav button on the center console, the whole thing creaked. Was so disappointing.

I also noticed on the CLAs the center ON button on the radio, the "on" was off center.

 

[StanNH]

Absolutely shocked to see these problems.
We have at least 15 new C300s in our service fleet and we haven't experienced anything like this.

Where are these cars made? I'm guessing the cars are not US builds. The MB-Tex issue is unique to US cars in cold regions, and the rear bumper fit problem is most common in the US made cars.

 

[PHYBENZ]

I was regretting at one point that I settled for the CLA instead of waiting for the C. I picked my CLA up in July. I am now really glad I did. Build quality on my CLA is much better, though I did have some rattles, but the dealer fixed it. I'll wait to upgrade to the C when my lease is up and hopefully they have worked out the problems.

 

[StanNH]

Here's an interesting follow up. This morning I found the rear seat side bolsters and the section under the rear armrest covered with that same oily residue, which later changed to the white evaporate. After the seat fix, and 2 1/2 weeks at the dealer, I have the same issue with the back seats. Just incredible!

I later found out that the repair kit that MB-USA is sending out to their dealers has no replacement parts for the two rear bolsters and that piece under the armrest. Four days back from the dealer, and the problem is right back again, albeit in a more limited area, because the repair kit isn't complete. This is absolutely unbelievable! What is wrong with these people?

 

[DblPen]

That is just beyond ridiculous

 

[martinbo]

I'm sorry to hear about your frustrating ownership experience @StanNH - new car ownership just shouldn't be this way.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

@StanNH I feel so frustrated and I don't even own your C-Klasse. This is quite an ordeal you're going through. I'd let your dealer write a letter to MB USA and MB Germany. This car should be replaced for a completely new one.