Yet Another Perspective on Mercedes-Benz's Currient Situation

[Merc1]

Pretty Decent Article

This right says it all I think:

Mercedes once was famous for its over-engineered vehicles. But a new, “leaner” engineering philosophy was introduced by then Mercedes chief Juergen Hubbert and DaimlerChrysler Corp. CEO Dieter Zetsche, who at the time was head of Mercedes research and development.

Their goal was to help Mercedes cut cost while meeting the challenge of competition — particularly from the supremely efficient Japanese.

The new system cut as much as two years from the previously unhurried 7-year development process for any all-new Mercedes model. At the same time, the auto maker added a raft of niche models and greatly expanded the range at both ends.

What followed was a shift from an engineering-dominated product-development process and culture to a marketing-driven environment that resulted in the disappointing W210 E-Class, controversial A-Class and the quality-challenged, U.S.-built, M-Class SUV.

What do you all think?

M

 

[Mr. Chigga_Chan]

I like the "disapointing W210 E-Class", seeing as how they've sold so many, atleast in the US and it was the bread and butter of the Modern Volume Selling MB, that and we drive one...

 

[cawimmer430]

I don't think the W210 E-Class was that bad, it just had a cheap interior and didn't feel as durable as previous or even current Mercedes-Benzes. It was overall a decent car, but it didn't entirely live up to the MB name.

I agree that Mercedes from the mid 1990s were pretty horrible. Cars like the first generation SLK and A-Classes were just crap, and so was the W203 C-Class before the facelift. Cheap materials inside and out and flimsy build quality feel characterized those cars in my experience (I've driven them all). But in my experience, the newer MB's feel solid once again and actually feel like premium cars. I was particularly impressed with the facelifted W203 C-Class, it's amazing how this car has quickly risen to become one of my favorite Mercedes models at the moment. And I hated the W203 C-Class in the beginning...

 

[Merc1]

You feel the same way I do about the C-Class. While I liked the exterior design I couldn't stand that interior. That gauge cluster was the worst thing I've ever seen. Cheap, ugly and hard to read. I just think Mercedes should have facelifted the C before the 5th model year because the car was wiped off of a lot of buyers lists here in the U.S because it gained a 4-year rep as being a cheap car. I just wish MB had brought the new engines out with the facelift because the C320 and especially C240 were grossly underpowered.

That said I think MB has learned their lesson about cheap build quality. The S, CLS and SLK all have proper Benz interiors. I'm still not convinced about the ML, R, and upcoming G. My problem with the M/R so far is that their interior don't look like up to the price of the vehicle. They look as though they're design for ease of assembly and made from the same stuff that some American companies use for their cars. Why doesn't MB just bring over the same suppliers from the Germany that they use for the German build Mercedes I'll never understand. While not nearly as cheap as before, the new ML still doesn't have an interior as good as the Range Rover Sport, LR3/Discovery or VW Touareg. Not sure about what they have in Europe, but the base ML350 has the little ugliest wheels currently on a Benz. Mercedes has got to start thinking "premium" on all their cars, not just some of them. If the E500 and CLS500 have airmatic standard than the R 500 and ML500 should too. Mercedes needs to build in more standard features, people expect this and despite all the negative press about Mercedes in the last 4-5 years, still don't mind paying more for a Benz.

Mercedes is slowly getting back, but they need to take off the gloves and play dirty, react faster to customer complaints/wishes and most of all build a superior product that shows this superiority from the moment you drive it.

M

 

[SDNR]

I think you and I had already come to those same conclusions in the past Merc1 - I can't argue with them, they're all true IMO.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

You said it Merc 1.

I feel the REAL turning point for MB started with the S-class. The CLS, R, ML and SLK while big improvements, are still not MB at their best. Unfortunatley, we'll have to wait for another vehicle generation for that to happen.

It's gonne be a long haul!

 

[Deutsch]

You said it Merc 1.

I feel the REAL turning point for MB started with the S-class. The CLS, R, ML and SLK while big improvements, are still not MB at their best. Unfortunatley, we'll have to wait for another vehicle generation for that to happen.

It's gonne be a long haul!

What do you mean these cars do not repersent MB at its' best?

 

[cawimmer430]

@ MrMerc

The C320 wasn't really underpowered, the engine was just old and outdated when the competitors launched newer engines. I don't really think a C320 owner would care too much about blisstering performance. Most MB customers aren't the types to streetrace at the light. The C240 IMO wasn't a good engine. It's very rough for a 6-cylinder and it was short on power. You think the C240 was bad, try an E240!


I agree about the M-Class interior. However, it is a quality interior but it's not class leading. I've said it many times that the competition has better interiors, but at least the M-Class interior looks genuinely upscale and of a good quality. And yes, MB needs to offer more standard equipment. The 1970s are over and competition has forced MB to change some of its ways. Especially in markets like North America where MB has the most competition.

PS: I wanted to quote you but I keep getting some weird "The message entered is too short, please lengthen by 1 character" crap message...

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

What do you mean these cars do not repersent MB at its' best?

I think they are still slightly compromised and didn't benefit 100% from the new focus MB now has.

The SLK is really really really good, but not outstanding and the interior still shows signs of cheapness.

A Mercedes should have class leading interiors, and the M-class definitely doesn't, though its a big improvement. As with Merc1, I feel it may have somthing to do witht the suppliers in the US. The materials in the M-class feel different to other benz's, cheaper. The R I would suspect to be the same. And the new G has the same interior as the ML. WTF. This car has to compete with the Range Rover.

The CLS seems to have inherited many of the E-class nigling little electronic problem. How the hell did they let that happen!

The S on the other had seems to scream quality from its every crevice. Lets hope the reality reflects that.

@ MrMerc

I think you mean Merc1

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

@ MrMerc
The C240 IMO wasn't a good engine. It's very rough for a 6-cylinder and it was short on power. You think the C240 was bad, try an E240!

Really? Our CLK240's engine on the go is very noticebly smoother than our E320. The E320 actually feels slightly harsh. The 240 is a lethargic engine though, but once on the go, its all good.

MB simply took too long to update their engines this time around. I haven't had the opportunity to drive one of the new sixes yet.

 

[cawimmer430]

Really? Our CLK240's engine on the go is very noticebly smoother than our E320. The E320 actually feels slightly harsh. The 240 is a lethargic engine though, but once on the go, its all good.

MB simply took too long to update their engines this time around. I haven't had the opportunity to drive one of the new sixes yet.

I've driven the CLK240 as well and the 2.6-l V6 was smooth and refined here. But I feel that in cars like the E240, the engine struggles and looses its charme. Never driven a C240 but I assume the engine works well in that car, it's only that many people feel the C240 is "too slow".

Yeah, got your name mixed up!

 

[Merc1]

I think they are still slightly compromised and didn't benefit 100% from the new focus MB now has.

The SLK is really really really good, but not outstanding and the interior still shows signs of cheapness.

A Mercedes should have class leading interiors, and the M-class definitely doesn't, though its a big improvement. As with Merc1, I feel it may have somthing to do witht the suppliers in the US. The materials in the M-class feel different to other benz's, cheaper. The R I would suspect to be the same. And the new G has the same interior as the ML. WTF. This car has to compete with the Range Rover.

The CLS seems to have inherited many of the E-class nigling little electronic problem. How the hell did they let that happen!

The S on the other had seems to scream quality from its every crevice. Lets hope the reality reflects that.

I think you mean Merc1

This is really correct I think. These are my same concerns about the R,M and upcoming G. Here in the U.S. Land Rover sets the bar for SUV interiors and Mercedes falls short. Then you have Lexus and VW, the GX/LX and the Touareg respectively, they have very good interior. Ok the Lexus interior is kinda gaudy/tacky, but its supremely well built. The M and R just don't impart the same feeling. The M/R/G are and will be priced like the E/CLS and S so they should have that level of interior imo. In the November issue of CAR there is a comparo of the ML/Disco/XC90 and the ML comes in second mainly because of its interior not being up to par, and I agree.

M

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

It's a real shame that some of these new Mercedes interiors still dont cut it with the best of the best.

Ahh well, at least the Euro sourced vehicles should be be top notch.

 

[SDNR]

Aren't the RHD Mercs built in South Africa?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The C's we get over here are assembled in South Africa. But from what I understand, the parts are imported from Europe. I don't think South Africa would have the supplier network for all the parts in an MB or BMW.