The technical problems with my 2007 S550 4Matic have continued.

The brake system has been defective, although it had been declared safe by the dealer at 10,000 miles: the front wheels were locking, when braking hard. I had a specialist from one of the world’s largest brake suppliers assess the brake system. Conclusion: front wheel speed sensors not operating well. MB USA has had a technical specialist test drive my car. His assessment: “The brake system is doing, what it shoudl be doing.” Since I had an expert opinion confirming my own experiences, I insisted and … they found irregularities on teh front brake rotors, which interfered with the front wheel speed sensors.

This means, that just by pushing hard, with support by an expert opinion, the defect in my brake system has been acknowledged and found. It also means, that I have been driving around with a defective brake system for thousands of miles due to the technical incompetence of MB USA and its dealer. In fact, I would still be driving around with a defective brake system.

Moreover, several technical problems returned, or have never been solved. Example: two different types of vibrations inside the vehicle, caused by the engine and the rest of the driveline.

MB USA seems to be overwhelmed with this situation. I have received twice in writing promises to send me an explanation and a plan of action, how to solve the technical problems of my car. However, I have still not received a reply to my requests from October 1.

This is poor service after technical incompetence has not been able to take care of the problems with a USD 115,000 vehicle of poor quality.

I have experienced major quality problems, causing many visits to the dealer:
1 the engine had been wrongly mounted, causing vibrations in the powertrain. Engine mounts had to be replaced.
2 engine oil sensor was defective, requiring two stops at the dealer and exchange of the sensor in the engine
3 the premium leather of the front seats had been improperly stitched and wrongly put over the seats. Result: the seats had to be redone.
4 the anti-lock brakes have locked twice. The dealer has not been able to find out, what happened.
5 the wiper/washer system at times wipes, when there is no water on the windshield, and at times does not wipe, when the windshield is full of rain water.

MB USA has not been active to take care of my case. In fact, the Regional Parts and Service Operations Manager told me, that my vehicle has less problems than average. He is not the brightest candle in the room, so I assume he is confused. If it is really true, what he told me (I have a witness, who attended the phone conversation, by the way) I would take his statement as a warning.

As far as I am concerned: I will get rid of this car as soon as I can and will never buy a Mercedes again. I will keep my 1966 300 SE convertible, which is a great car without problems.

Best regards,

Wim van Acker