re: My 2011 Mercedes ML350. EDIT: Now Sold at 3.3 years and 33K kms Quote:
Originally Posted by Durango Dude You know what it means: Indian roads are 'off road' enough for these German Soft roaders. I think until and unless the infrastructure and fuel quality improves these Germans will have a 'prime' excuse to blame it on the owner and fuel quality. For every owner (of these expensive Germans) who comes out like you there must be at least 5 suffering silently and coughing up the huge repair bills. I think Germans have learnt from the Indians that it pays to be 'corrupt' in India and get away with it. If these cars aren't meant to be run in less than adequate roads and fuel like ours, then why do they sell it here? | Quote:
Originally Posted by Raosaheb Desai The main excuse is INDIAN DRIVING CONDITIONS, if its correct then why you sell your unfit products in India??? | Quote:
Originally Posted by Fullrevs agree with Desai. They claim to be the best cars in the world but they are just nto suited for our Indian conditions. Case in point is manveet's accord. I have a V6 and a CRV and its had no such issues at all. |
Yes, you guys are absolutely right on that aspect. The moment we bring up the suspension, tyre, or camber-bolt issue with the dealership, the dealership's standard response is that "you must have driven rashly over some very bad road stretches".
Our response to this is simple: - This is a 60L luxury SUV which Mercedes claims to be an extremely capable "off-roader". If Mercedes endorses this statement made by the dealer, then it is an insult to us, as well as to the Mercedes ML350 that they sell to us in India.
- We reiterate > my father and I are VERY careful drivers. 80% of driving is urban (south Delhi), and 20% is highway (4-5 trips to Chandigarh, 1 to Agra, and 1 to Chail). This vehicle has NEVER been taken "offroad" or handled anything less that immaculately. We are open to subjecting the vehicle to any kind of tests by the company that can prove otherwise.
- The problems of Suspension, Tire, and camber-bolt have NOT taken place at-once. They have occurred independently and over a period of 6 months. Therefore, it is highly improbable that the problems are "incident-based". We could give a benefit of doubt for one problem, but three such related problems within a period of six months are too much to digest.
- We own a Honda Accord which will complete 8 years this March and has clocked about 55,000 kms, plus it has been running on lower-profile tires for the last 2 years at-least. There has never been ANY suspension/ tire/ or any other related problem EVER. It is also in excellent condition - will definitely with us for the next 2 years. My previous Honda (OHC) served me loyally for 11 years, clocked about 90,000 kms - and never gave any issues. These things may seem off-topic, but are relevant if seen from a perspective of how we treat our cars.
The T&T sales guy (with due respect) tells me that he has personally sold 15-20 of these vehicles but no one is facing any such problem. Well, in that case it is all the more reason for me to be worried. And if those ML's are in fact facing troubles, then Mercedes should be worried. Either ways, doesn't seem very bright for the Mercedes, at least from where I stand. Quote:
Originally Posted by Fullrevs Manveet - maybe you ought to use the car more frequently to sort out the issues regarding service. |
Vehicle is driven perhaps twice a week, and has averaged about 800 kms a month. We start it almost every alternate day during the weekdays, when we need to change the order of the cars parked in the drive.
I would agree that it could do with more driving, but in my opinion our driving pattern is quite OK from a "causing problems" perspective. Quote:
Originally Posted by RS_DEL Both Q7 & ML class Mercs are obviously intended for usage in similar terrains and are similarly priced. The contrast in usage experience cited here for ML versus Q7 usage experience that I have been told about is striking to say the least. |
I have strong opinions regarding a lot of cars, and especially around the Q7. Some of them may have changed due to my recent experience. But I am trying hard not to comment on Q7 vs. X5 vs. ML, as that is not the intention of this thread.
But to be fair, car to car, both the Q7 and the ML are nice and have their sets of pros and cons. Perhaps I will share my views on another thread, do let me know if something on those lines is there on the forum. Quote:
Originally Posted by RS_DEL In this context I am reminded of the writings of one of the founder mods @GTO regarding his Merc and one other long term usage review written by another member.
It seems MB quality is at fault rather than our friend landing a lemon. |
Please share the link. Thanks. Quote:
Originally Posted by the VTEC guy Check the manufacturing date based on the VIN number of your car. There is a thread related to this how to. You will get the exact manufacture date/month. |
Please share the link. Will do so at the earliest as I really need to figure out the whereabouts of my car in the 2 months leading to its purchase.
Last edited by manveet : 27th January 2012 at 02:07.
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