Ten months after it rolled out a new diesel engine for heavy-duty pickups, Ford Motor Company faces a chorus of quality complaints from owners who are among the company's most loyal customers.

The 6-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8, built by a unit of Navistar for Ford, commands nearly half the US market for diesel pickups.

But a raft of problems and repeat trips to dealerships for repairs has left some owners upset, threatening Ford's efforts to rebuild a reputation for quality vehicles.

"You don't know when the truck's going to go or not," said Matt Steffen, a F-250 Power Stroke owner in Florida.

"You can step on the gas one day and it will go really well, and the next day you step on the gas and it won't go at all".

Soon after the new engines went on sale last November in heavy-duty Ford pickups and the Ford Excursion sport utility vehicle, owners started reporting problems.

Among the costliest is diesel fuel seeping into the engine's oil supply in amounts large enough to ruin the engine.

Other complaints included engines that ran rough or stalled, lack of power at low speeds and harsh shifts. The complaints caused Ford to announce a recall of the Power Stroke in April to reprogram the engine's computer controls and replace a fuel injection sensor.

Even after the recall, several owners continued to suffer problems.

After promising fixes in April, Ford now contends the problems should be solved soon, and that only a small fraction of Power Stroke owners have suffered any trouble.

Ford has even taken the step of buying back an undisclosed number of trucks - a rare move that automakers usually don't take unless forced by state law - to sate angry customers.

"We're sorry that it happened," Roman Krygier, Ford's group vice president for manufacturing and quality, said.

"We think those problems are behind us".

Pickup trucks are the only part of the US market where diesel engines have been popular.

In the past couple of years, General Motors Corporation and DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler arm have beefed up their diesel pickups to better compete against Ford, and Nissan Motor Company is considering a diesel version of its Titan truck due out in December.

But Ford expected to maintain, if not build, on its market share when the 6-liter Power Stroke was launched.

The engine makes 320 horsepower and 560 pounds-feet of torque, giving some pickup models enough power to tow nearly seven tons, while meeting tougher federal emissions rules ahead of schedule.

This year, Ford expects to sell about 260 000 Power Stroke-equipped pickups, which start at $27 000 and can reach nearly $50 000 when loaded with options. Steve Lyons, head of the Ford division, said in July that Ford's incentives on its diesel trucks are well below competitors' "because our diesel engine is as well received in the marketplace as it is.

"We dominate this business, and it is because the product is extremely strong," he said.

Many Ford diesel customers swear by their trucks, which are usually used as work vehicles or for hauling camping trailers or boats.

While it's common for a small number of new-vehicle owners to complain, the volume and persistence of chatter about Power Stroke troubles on Internet chat rooms is unusual.

That may be a reflection of the owners.

According to J D Power & Associates research, heavy-duty truck customers place a higher priority on reliability than any other type of vehicle buyer.

Two Power Stroke owners who asked not to be named because they were still negotiating buyback deals with Ford, said their trucks had a string of problems that couldn't be fixed.

One owner in the western US had his truck in the shop for more than six weeks.

"I wound up being used as the guinea pig, or I felt like it, trying to get my truck fixed," he said.

"I just got to the end of my rope".

"This experience has changed my attitude toward Ford dramatically," said another owner whose F-250 was in for repairs six times before Ford bought it back.

"I have lost all confidence in Ford's engineering department and think they should have never released a product with known issues".

To address the lingering complaints, Ford has issued three updates for the software in the engine's computers since February.

It has two more updates planned in a few weeks to address rough idling and how the engines adjust to air- conditioning loads.

Ford spokesperson Glenn Ray said the company believes the updates will cure most of the "drivability" complaints from owners, and that the earlier recalls solved larger problems such as diesel fuel mixing with oil.

But he also said some had complained about engines that were later found to be running up to Ford's standards, and said some owners may simply be unfamiliar with how diesels run.

"Obviously, there are some engines that are covered by the customer service program that we do need to fix," Ray said.

"But on some of these vehicles there's nothing wrong with them. The customers just perceive there's something wrong", So far, the troubles have not dimmed the enthusiasm of many owners.

Several customers who got buybacks appear to be replacing their old models with new 2004 versions.

"They're going to get it right," said Steffen, who's owned four Ford diesel trucks before this one.

"It worries me when". Reuters.

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/ford-struggles-with-diesel-truck-complaints-2003-08-18

Outstanding Diagnostic Capabilities?

More like a whole shit load of money to replace all the parts that are KNOWN to be defective. And just who is Carso? He is a spokesman for International! LOL, I bet he would say anything to pass the buck... Too bad the people he was talking about were the DEALER TECHS!

I do consider my Diagnostic Capabilities to be OUTSTANDING. I love breaking the International/Ford Motor Company Code! Not only can I fix them, I can fix them for LESS.

Powerstroker needs a reality check... These problems were due to the techs at FORD MOTOR COMPANY being unable to repair the vehicles. Real problem is that even once its fixed, its just a matter of time before the next thing goes. You can choose to keep it up, or let it all pile up. If you really let it go, 12K wont even get you back on the road.

PowerStroker wrote:

---

Sigh...

A little fact about PowerStroker:  The last dealer I worked at, was the Ford Regional RAV (Re-acquired vehicle) repair center for my 5 state area.  This means that on top of being a regular dealership, it also repaired all of Ford's lemon law buy backs in the 5 state area before those vehicles went to auction.  I was the only diesel tech at that store, and as such, mine was a trial by fire. 

I can remember a few occasions back in 04 when I showed up for work on Monday morning to have an entire row about 12-15 freshly towed in 6.0 Super Duties waiting for me.  Usually they would play out something like this: 6 would have absolutely nothing wrong because the previous dealer fixed the problem, but they were bought back anyway for customer satisfaction reasons.  Those were my favorite because I could just "fluff" them and take them for an hour road test around Lake Calhoun to make sure everything was ok (and look at boobies).  3 would need some kind of "medium" repair like an injector replacement, turbo, or something to that effect.  Maybe a couple would only need a software reflash to shut off pilot injection or something that wasn't available at the time they were bought back... usually these had rusted brake rotors from sitting so long on some obscure dealers overflow lot.  and Of the 12-15 maybe 1 needed me to really tear into it and do something difficult or kick my ass for a while until I figured it out. 

Since the 6.0 came out in the 03 model year I have fixed more than a thousand of them.  Of that thousand, less than 15 have needed more than $12,000 to get back running normal.

 

---

I hope you realize that to most people only 15 vehicles needing more than $12K to get running normal is not really something to brag about. Considering that you worked at the RAV I am also willing to be that 50 of them were broomed via auction. Lets also factor in your in a 5 state area, these five states could be in the middle of nowhere, with very small cities for all we know. Furthermore there are 50 states, and to factor that all in means something wasnt designed right.

I would also like you to know that I fixed this vehicle you speak of on SEVERAL occasions. Fix it and the guy drove it cross country hauling 12K lbs minimum. He would come back with new problems, we would fix them, then send him back on the road. Finally the big stuff he had been putting off started to effect other things, and ultimatly REQUIRED substantial amounts of money to even get "Back on the road". Its no diffrent for me either, I own one now, and I can tell you its the biggest POS out there. But what can I say, I love to hate it. Kinda like you guys. I am sure wont get much money out of it, given the fact that it is a KNOWN problem child. So Ill keep it, and besides, if it breaks again, I can rebuild it... Make it better than Ford/International was.... Faster... Stronger.... Da Da Da Daahhhhh Da da da da da da da da.....

I have already searched out over 40 seperate cases of these vehicles costing an ARM and a LEG to keep running. I am saving them for when you guys want to start whining about me having to fix the $hit Ford/International bestowed on the public. Your mob will be exposed and there will be no moderators to save you when the regular joe gets wind of this web site. They will chew you into little peices and spit you out. Together WE will pick away at Ford Motor Companys problem child, Re-Build it... Make it better than Ford/International was.... Faster and Stronger.

-- Edited by SELLC at 06:34, 2009-03-12

PowerStroker wrote:

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Next time fix it right the first time.

Sometimes they legitimately need an expensive repair, Yours didn't.

Nice video, but you forgot the feather in my hat and my golden pimp cane.

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Next time fix it right the first time? LOL, I think thats why Ford was having to buy them back idiot! Because they were fault prone.

Didnt need expensive repairs? Thats rather funny. So given all them boobies you have had the pleasure of seeing while driving customers trucks, that must have honed you're expert internet diagnostic skills too huh? NOT

Truth is you have never seen this truck in the flesh, you dont know what your talking about, and really you are somewhat sad. 

My precious Mercedes?

You make it sound.... Oh soooo....





For your information FROTO, its my customers whom keep me in a Mercedes. They also keep me in a PowerStroke, so that one day, I may get my Mercedes back from the wife and kids.

I am not saying other car companies have not had to buy back vehicles that were put together by crack heads on the line, however this paticular make is not the result of poor assembily, it is the result of poor engineering. Evidence of this can be proven with Fords turning away from the 6.0, and many of the systems that ran it.

I have infreeqent payloads here and there. My business does not DEPEND on having a truck for hauling. If it did, I would seriously avoid the 03-05 models 6.0 Powerstroke models, otherwise costly repairs and down time are almost SURE to break you.

I feel the 6.0 liter was a "Sports" diesel. Made for the guys who want the power and pep these trucks can offer when properly maintained. Given its "Sport" inspired systems and such, you can budget for spending a fair amount of money keeping it up and fixing all the $hit you are sure to break, and dont forget, its my opinion these trucks were engineered to break, ensuring a robust aftermarket parts business for the mother company. Lest we forget a car has moving parts, thus, its going to break anyway... Just how long it goes before doing so is where the skill comes in.

What I do find precious about the year Mercedes that I own, is that almost 99.9% of the parts were made in the same country as the car. It was also engineered under the premiss that one would own it for a lifetime, thus being "engineered like no other car in the world". That and the fact the MSRP sticker on it was $80,000..... In 1991! They dont make them like this anymore, not even Mercedes can match their own. Thats the quality that I like most in my Mercedes.

Now days with all these government mandates for emissions car companies have been forced to install systems that are otherwise redundant in effort to keep emissions to the lowest possible levels. This almost ensures that vehicles and engines that have been PROVEN to last, can be outdated, giving car companies a good excuse to keep switching things up.

I like all cars/trucks. I dont deal with Asian vehicles, I just dont care for them, so that takes out a bunch of manufatures from my list. If someone brought me an Asian car, I would likely turn it away. I am in no way impressed by the cars they have to offer. Heck 70% of the time they are an inexpensive asian knock off of a Mercedes. Lexus is a JOKE.

-- Edited by SELLC at 18:17, 2009-03-12

You think thats funny eastend?

For your information I have had to work hard for my Mercedes and my Powerstroke.
BTW I have had about 5 F-Series trucks and 10 Merecedes. All of them were bought and paid for. None of them come to me for free. Hell even my very first vehicle, a 1985 Chevy S-10 pickup 2X2 with the 2.8 engine and feedback carb had to be rebuilt. The night before my 16th birthday I finished the rebuild of my engine and was on the road the next day. Paid $500 for that truck back then, but I can still remember how it made me feel at that time in my life. No other car has ever made me feel that independent, course I am sure the feeling somewhat wore off after I got broad sided by some chick in a Taurus. It rolled the truck three times and the passenger and I got out alive.

What are you driving eastend?

I really think a lot of you guys are the same person. I dont know of this "Other" web forum, I poke around on the internet every now and then.

When someone informed me about the BS that was being said on Powerstroke.org I had it out with them. From that point on you and your multiple personalities started showing up here.

This forum is paid for by Photo CD customers. Funny that we dont even offer a Powerstroke CD yet, but we now seem to have a whole lot of Powerstroke members.

I am well aware that many forums will not tolorate your "Mob" tactics within the forums. If it werent for the fact I have moved several of my own post for being a jack-ass, I guess things would be sunshine and butterflies in here. I am not after anything, therefore I do not owe anyone (Except the CD customers). Even then what I owe the CD customers is only my best advice to any problem they may be having. Im sure it would turn a lot of thems stomachs to think they are paying for some of the BS that went down in here, but there you have it. By the people, for the people. Sure its nice being in charge, but Ill crash and erase the board before I let idiots take control of it! Period!

SELLC wrote:

---

You think thats funny eastend?
What are you driving eastend?

---

 

 

 Funny no TRUE yes



what am I driving? what would expect a Mafia member to drive?

I drive a short bus.

Get in.

Hillbilly scored the short bus! Whoo-Hooo

Party time! Bring the whole shop!

What? I am supposed to be impressed with the mere "Lifting" of the cab?

You are going to need something a little better than that. Looks like most of the work he did could have been done without having to remove the cab, but you know these dealer guys, they cant resist pulling the cab in order to make a 6 hour job into a 25 hour job. Can you imagine the cost of having such things done? Oh never mind, that truck looks like its under warranty. No wonder the cab had to come off.

Sure... I am willing to agree that mechanic has worked on more than one of these trucks. Look at his fancy light that fits right into the cab. The guy did a fine job. I liked the song and the video was a good watching.

Looks like he spent most of his time sitting on the front bumper.

I dont know why he chose to remove just one headlight and opted to remove the cab. Had it been me I would have just left the cab on, pulled the radiator and condenser and did the damn job. Given the blur of the video I can tell exactly what he replaced. All I know is he stood at the back of the engine for less time than you seen him under the vehicle with a creeper. That has to prove he was milking the job. None the less the video was worth it, we should all be grateful for the owner of that truck, as he basiclly paid for that video.

-- Edited by SELLC on Monday 16th of March 2009 02:21:34 AM

And that was a warranty repair, I'm almost 100 percent certain of it.

Ding Ding Ding... Hillbilly Wins with a 100% score and 20 extra credit points for knowing about the headlight removal. 

Rex, if your truck breaks you may want to consider having Hillbilly fix it for you.

I agree Rex, How ironic that you own a 6.0 yet still don't have a clue about it

Sorry I haven't been around guy's, had this urge to fuck a customer out of his truck, (Sarcasm),Then I came back to reality.  It really sucks having morals like that. In the business we in the Mafia are in we usually have/make customers for life. Not just because we work at the dealers and make customers come back, they come back because they want to. Usually the ones that stray off to the shops like "his" come back to us to fix their vehicles the correct way and oh yeah they keep them. Question to everyone here.....How many of you have had a mechanics lean put on a vehicle after trying to fix it for over a year? Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't there laws protecting customers from this sort of predatory practice. In Michigan customers are legally entitled to a estimate of repair before work is started, and not to exceed 10% over the estimate without approval from the customer. You mean to tell me the customer was given this estimate and approved the 10-12K repair. I'd say the customer was not fully informed of this, I believe they would have yanked their vehicle out of the shop and traded it in before spending/losing their vehicle, for a repair like this. Any comments.....Pogo,Powerstroker, anyone???

larryatsti wrote:

---

Sorry I haven't been around guy's, had this urge to fuck a customer out of his truck, (Sarcasm),Then I came back to reality.  It really sucks having morals like that. In the business we in the Mafia are in we usually have/make customers for life. Not just because we work at the dealers and make customers come back, they come back because they want to. Usually the ones that stray off to the shops like "his" come back to us to fix their vehicles the correct way and oh yeah they keep them. Question to everyone here.....How many of you have had a mechanics lean put on a vehicle after trying to fix it for over a year? Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't there laws protecting customers from this sort of predatory practice. In Michigan customers are legally entitled to a estimate of repair before work is started, and not to exceed 10% over the estimate without approval from the customer. You mean to tell me the customer was given this estimate and approved the 10-12K repair. I'd say the customer was not fully informed of this, I believe they would have yanked their vehicle out of the shop and traded it in before spending/losing their vehicle, for a repair like this. Any comments.....Pogo,Powerstroker, anyone???

---

The topic here is how the Ford 6.0 Powerstroke failed the customer.

Trying to blame the shop for the cost of repairs is like shooting the messenger, and such will not be tolerated.

Due to false statements you made in a previous thread about us deleting post, and now this, you have been Banned Larryatsti. Please find another forum to host your lies.

-- Edited by Administrator on Tuesday 17th of March 2009 08:24:42 PM

Gosh you sure seem to have an attitude problem.

I guess only the stealerships can give estimates then. Wait, they just tell the guy to walk down the hall and get a new truck. We all know what happens to the old truck, and we all know what happend to you.

-- Edited by SELLC on Wednesday 18th of March 2009 08:43:11 AM

You know better than that PowerStroker, and I know better than to release customer documents. Maybe at your dealership they release customer information, but thats not how it works here.

The issue is at rest. The time for such things has passed. Your talking things that went on several YEARS ago.

If it means anything to you, in the almost 1 year that I have owned this truck, it has given me nothing but problems.

OOOOOHHHHH an advertisement for Burdge Law Offices. 

We did the FICM harness connector recall 3 years ago, that one is expired bub.

If you get Mesothelioma call the Law offices of James Sokolove

If your junky old Mercedes takes a shit, call the ambulance chasers at Auto Trend

SELLC wrote:

---

Yeah I think your right. Too much advertising in that article.

I'm glad we see eye to eye on something

Im going to modify it.

Insert Larry style comment like "we would expect nothing less from you" here

Asbestos Cancer you say PowerStroker? What do you know about it?

Old Mercedes were full of Asbestos

-- Edited by SELLC on Wednesday 18th of March 2009 07:47:11 PM

---

You know I was thinking.  You could cover up your former customers personal information and still show us the original estimate you gave him without breaching anything.

You could also show us a picture of your 6.0 rear main tools.

The aforementioned would go a long way toward raising your stock in the Mafia... Unless you LIKE us busting your balls constantly

 

OOOH sign me up, there's nothing I need more than a Powerstroke photo cd from REX.

You call this popularity?

I dont know who Bob is personally, but from the looks of things, you Ford techs are trying to stomp out a fire that keeps on spreading.

Why dont you tell us what was so important about ole' Bobbys quote mattered so much.

Lookie Here REX, Google works both ways

Mercedes Benz Owners
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Main Models Go To Forum Mercedes Photos Mercedes Videos Disclaimer

Mercedes Benz SL class: SL320, SL430, SL500, SL580, SL55 AMG, SL280, SL300, SL320, SL500, SL600, SL60 AMG. (R129)

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1 2 3 Next » David writes:
2003 SL 500 designo introductory model mileage at sale about 5,000- purchased new in April 2002 - This vehicle was in the shop so often it made ownership a misery (main issue was electrical, after five visits for diagnoses and work the Mercedes dealership mechanics still could not get the automatic lights to work). The worst thing about this car was not the electrical issues but the leather/suede trim of the designo edition. This trim could not handle the high heat and humidity of Houston Texas, it smelled like cat's piss - The LA Times noted that this may have been caused by the glue MB used, regardless I was offered no compensation. I will always wonder if somehow an animal had relieved itself in the vehicle, but conversations with another owner of the same designo model (and also with the dealership's mechanics) confirm that this outrageous smell is widespread with the designo trim. I lost about $10,000 on this vehicle. I doubt whether Mercedes ever properly heat tested a designo vehicle and I suspect it should never have been sold for use in Texas.

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Peter writes:
I bought an SL 500 in September 2003 [August 2003 build].

• 1. Factory installed Mobile Phone [Nokias 6310i] constantly refuses to work - this is only minor irrritation except they changed the law here last week!
• 2. Terrible rattles over uneven roads [this is a BIG issue as most small A & B roads in the UK are uneven!]. It's been in for repair for 2 days and again for 3 more days. As one accellerates even gently it sounds as though the car is bending or tearing apart under duress.. a disconcerting creaking noise, and in addition so many rattles from seat, roof, and rear compartments it's hard to tell where they are coming from. The noise from the drive train also sounds rough!! as though it has no oil in it. This is my 6th Mercedes and the only one that sounds like a bigfiat punto.
• 3. I noticed a rather nasty small that I thought was the catalytic converter - as they can stink a bit when new. However I did notice that it was worse when one had opened up the engine some and was therefore hot! Now I keep reading about the hot weather in Texas causing a smell like cat's pee - So I'm really looking forward to next summer!!!! PS: I have 'Exclusive' Nappa leather i.e. it's all over all the panels - the dash area and rear compartment area etc. In Nappa Leather but not a Designo colour.

I also had a real problem with 'tramlining' [following ruts in the road] on the make of factory fitted tyres, this brand made the car seriuosly unstable under heavy braking. It was so bad that tyre manufacturer immediately paid me ~ $1,360 to buy a replacement set of 18" Pirelli P Zero Rossos. This cured the problem totally! Now drives beautifully but rattles like hell.

Anybody else had rattling noises on the Glass Roof? Please let me know as i would like to decide do I sell this car and buy something elso or do I just have a one off Lemon! In the UK we regretably do not have the 'Lemon Law' and Mercedes feel it is beneath them to talk to customers even if it is a Safety issue. I really wish Chysler had not bought MB as the cars are now just overpriced ~ $126,000 Ford look-a-likes! or are my expectations too high?

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Bill writes:
what's the current status? Did you file for lemon law? I bought my SL500 from Fletcher and have had many problems, leaking roof, elect, all the leather turned green and has been replaced, doors will unlock when you hit a bump, fuel gauage, paint and body damage while in for service.Fletcher sends out warranty work to non MDUSA certified shops and use cheap labor as well as replacement parts that are not MB. I have filed a lemon law against MBUSA and Flectcher Jones. I have a court date for Sept 2nd.

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Joe writes:
having same problem with MB rep..never called me...cars 2001 sl500 has had problems with soft top, window, gas gauge, lights., tire sqeeling constintly, etc..been to dealer over 18 times so far and counting..going lemonlaw with this and damages

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David writes:
I purchased my 1998 sl500 from Flecther Jones in Newport Beach, Ca in early 2000. It was a "pre-owned" model with about 7000 miles on it. It has been in the shop so ofter that my neibors kid me about the number of new "loaner" always in my driveway. The most critical problem is that periodically while driving at a maintained speed the car just dies.. no power nothing. It has happened at freeway speeds, slower sppeds etc. When I pull over "coasting" the car will not start for about 15 minutes.

After numerous meetings with Fletcher, thet simply tell me nothing is in the computer and they cannot duplicate the problem. It is not only frustration but down right dangerous. This car has 78,000 miles on it and has so many parts replaced it is almost funny. Including new leather interior, remachined and rebuilt left bank of cylinders, complete rewiring of zenon headlamp,powerseering pump, metal ribs in convertable top, 7 new visors, all plastic parts from sun damage( it is a convertable! maybe they should have tested the effect of the sun on the parts) electronic transmission wiring, front srtut tower brackets-due to cracking welds, the lights in the dash and shifter marker and acces. 2 fuel tank guages this list comtinues and I won't bore people. The paint chips really easily in the front area, my front tires ( with AMG wheels and Mich Pilots) won't stay alighned. The tire people I use now computer adjust them every month.

Botton line is that this was a $90,000. dollar vehicle when new and while I love driving it ( I also have a classic style 560sl) I cannot understand the poor design and quality . A service advisor once laughed as he changed some burned out bulbs yet again," These are the same type bulbs used in my 58 Chevey, youwould think the electrical system woulds would have advance more in so many years". I hope this long email finds some other interested in this propblem with Merceds Benz.

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David writes:
2001SL current mileage: 14,000 - leased new in the summer of 2001 - it has as been in the shop for six different events (air conditioning problems on multiple occasions, lights, external trim falling off, loud clattering noises, driver seat squeaking). I would dearly love to trade this one back or sell it if I could get a better price! I am told the value is about $46,000 and Mercedes-Benz Credit Corp has a book value on my lease of about $62,000 - sp it's cheaper for me to pay the remaining eleven payments than return the vehicle now.

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Sharyl writes:
I purchased my 1999 SL500 Sport 'pre-owned' with 23000 miles and an extended "StarMark Warranty" covering the car up to a full 2 years/100000 miles. New, this car cost almost 99000 US Dollars. Thus far, I've enjoyed:

- Chipping quickly wearing paint at all surfaces exposed to head-on road debris
- Uneven wearing of the front tires not comparable to the rear
- Dash lights going out then on again intermittently
- A trunk lid which won't open, seemingly, if the temperature is over 85 deg F. Of course, the dealer can't reproduce the problem.
- Wearing leather not commensurate with the car's use
- A driver's window which vibrates mercilessly when it rains
- A transmission that once disengaged as I tried to merge into high speed traffic
- Extreme brake noise/squeal. I'm told that 'It's Normal'
I'm bracing for further problems. Time to consider other brands.

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George writes:
I have a 2003 SL55 and a 2004 S600. They both have had numerous problems with different items, and to the dealer's credit they have ironed out every one of them after 4 months of working on both cars. One problem that both cars have though and the dealer has never heard of this before, is that as I tried to get into traffic from an onramp, both cars jumped out of gear and went into neutral. One of those times was scary indeed as a truck almost hit me. The car seems to be running fine and the gear shift is in Drive but has no transmission power. If you take it out of Drive shut it down and start it back up it runs fine. Until next time? Both cars have done this once each. Has anyone had that happen before? The dealer has been good about fixing all the short comings of the Mercedes but as a long time owner of Mercedes (have had six cars in the past) I am sure that I will not buy them anymore.

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Join the Exclusive Mercedes Benz Owners Community. Share your story and interact with other owners.
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James writes:
My 450 SL staulls when hot and will not cranck or turn over, sluggish taking off at a stop sign. Will compeletly die when engine is warn but Ok in the mornings and no problem starting when cold.

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Zach writes:
SL 500 designo model. Mercedes and the dealer have been quite difficult to deal with since there concerned about being my wife being sick from the fumes from the door panel. after much screaming the told the door panel glued separated and thats where the smell came from. first we told it was cat pee! my wife has been very sick since the exposure of at least 3 months when they could not find the problem.they have refused to tell of the exact nature of the glue if thats what it is. the cars still smells bad after they replaced most of the interior.at this point mercedes has ingnored our request for more information and deletes messages i put on there web site i am looking for other people with same and to know if is not feeling well. this problem is not only annoying but dangerous and there has not been a recall or alert to any owners of this model

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Frank writes:
My friend's Mercedes has a problem. When the car is left for more than three days the battery will not start the car. Eventully something is draining the battery when it is left for just a few days. Mercedes dealer says this is my friend's fault - that she is not driving the car enough and fast enough to keep the battery charged. There only suggestion is to provide a device that she can plug into an electric socket in her garage and keep the battery charged. Of course this will do no good when she must leave the car at the airport parking lot. What can be done??

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Jeffry writes:
I have a 2000 SL500, piece of #@$% is now ticking, they say because I did not have the oil changed at the dealer (went somewhere else because the dealer is a bit of a drive, and I don't have much time on my hands) that they would not fix the car under warrantee. To further this upset, they then tell me; Mr. Williams it appears as if your car has thrown rod bearings in one of the cylinders, it is a matter of time before a connecting rod comes through the side wall of your 135,000.00 AMG! And a new engine is 40k.

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David writes:
2003 SL 500 designo introductory model mileage at sale about 5,000- purchased new in April 2002 - This vehicle was in the shop so often it made ownership a misery (main issue was electrical, after five visits for diagnoses and work the Mercedes dealership mechanics still could not get the automatic lights to work). The worst thing about this car was not the electrical issues but the leather/suede trim of the designo edition. This trim could not handle the high heat and humidity of Houston Texas, it smelled like cat's piss - The LA Times noted that this may have been caused by the glue MB used, regardless I was offered no compensation. I will always wonder if somehow an animal had relieved itself in the vehicle, but conversations with another owner of the same designo model (and also with the dealership's mechanics) confirm that this outrageous smell is widespread with the designo trim. I lost about $10,000 on this vehicle. I doubt whether Mercedes ever properly heat tested a designo vehicle and I suspect it should never have been sold for use in Texas.

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Peter writes:
I bought an SL 500 in September 2003 [August 2003 build].
1. Factory installed Mobile Phone [Nokias 6310i] constantly refuses to work - this is only minor irrritation except they changed the law here last week!
2. Terrible rattles over uneven roads [this is a BIG issue as most small A & B roads in the UK are uneven!]. It's been in for repair for 2 days and again for 3 more days. As one accellerates even gently it sounds as though the car is bending or tearing apart under duress.. a disconcerting creaking noise, and in addition so many rattles from seat, roof, and rear compartments it's hard to tell where they are coming from. The noise from the drive train also sounds rough!! as though it has no oil in it. This is my 6th Mercedes and the only one that sounds like a bigfiat punto.
3. I noticed a rather nasty small that I thought was the catalytic converter - as they can stink a bit when new. However I did notice that it was worse when one had opened up the engine some and was therefore hot! Now I keep reading about the hot weather in Texas causing a smell like cat's pee - So I'm really looking forward to next summer!!!! PS: I have 'Exclusive' Nappa leather i.e. it's all over all the panels - the dash area and rear compartment area etc. In Nappa Leather but not a Designo colour.
I also had a real problem with 'tramlining' [following ruts in the road] on the make of factory fitted tyres, this brand made the car seriuosly unstable under heavy braking. It was so bad that tyre manufacturer immediately paid me ~ $1,360 to buy a replacement set of 18" Pirelli P Zero Rossos. This cured the problem totally! Now drives beautifully but rattles like hell.

Anybody else had rattling noises on the Glass Roof? Please let me know as i would like to decide do I sell this car and buy something elso or do I just have a one off Lemon! In the UK we regretably do not have the 'Lemon Law' and Mercedes feel it is beneath them to talk to customers even if it is a Safety issue. I really wish Chysler had not bought MB as the cars are now just overpriced ~ $126,000 Ford look-a-likes! or are my expectations too high?

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Bill writes:
I bought my SL500 from Fletcher [Jones Newport Beach] and have had many problems, leaking roof, elect, all the leather turned green and has been replaced, doors will unlock when you hit a bump, fuel gauage, paint and body damage while in for service.Fletcher sends out warranty work to non MDUSA certified shops and use cheap labor as well as replacement parts that are not MB. I have filed a lemon law against MBUSA and Flectcher Jones. I have a court date for Sept 2nd.

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Joe writes:
having same problem with MB rep..never called me...cars 2001 sl500 has had problems with soft top, window, gas gauge, lights., tire sqeeling constintly, etc..been to dealer over 18 times so far and counting..going lemonlaw with this and damages

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David writes:
I purchased my 1998 sl500 from Flecther Jones in Newport Beach, Ca in early 2000. It was a "pre-owned" model with about 7000 miles on it. It has been in the shop so ofter that my neibors kid me about the number of new "loaner" always in my driveway. The most critical problem is that periodically while driving at a maintained speed the car just dies.. no power nothing. It has happened at freeway speeds, slower sppeds etc. When I pull over "coasting" the car will not start for about 15 minutes.

After numerous meetings with Fletcher, thet simply tell me nothing is in the computer and they cannot duplicate the problem. It is not only frustration but down right dangerous. This car has 78,000 miles on it and has so many parts replaced it is almost funny. Including new leather interior, remachined and rebuilt left bank of cylinders, complete rewiring of zenon headlamp,powerseering pump, metal ribs in convertable top, 7 new visors, all plastic parts from sun damage( it is a convertable! maybe they should have tested the effect of the sun on the parts) electronic transmission wiring, front srtut tower brackets-due to cracking welds, the lights in the dash and shifter marker and acces. 2 fuel tank guages this list comtinues and I won't bore people. The paint chips really easily in the front area, my front tires ( with AMG wheels and Mich Pilots) won't stay alighned. The tire people I use now computer adjust them every month.

Botton line is that this was a $90,000. dollar vehicle when new and while I love driving it ( I also have a classic style 560sl) I cannot understand the poor design and quality . A service advisor once laughed as he changed some burned out bulbs yet again," These are the same type bulbs used in my 58 Chevey, youwould think the electrical system woulds would have advance more in so many years". I hope this long email finds some other interested in this propblem with Merceds Benz.

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Anonymous writes:
2001 SL current mileage: 14,000 - leased new in the summer of 2001 - it has as been in the shop for six different events (air conditioning problems on multiple occasions, lights, external trim falling off, loud clattering noises, driver seat squeaking). I would dearly love to trade this one back or sell it if I could get a better price! I am told the value is about $46,000 and Mercedes-Benz Credit Corp has a book value on my lease of about $62,000 - sp it's cheaper for me to pay the remaining eleven payments than return the vehicle now.

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Sharyl writes:
I purchased my 1999 SL500 Sport 'pre-owned' with 23000 miles and an extended "StarMark Warranty" covering the car up to a full 2 years/100000 miles. New, this car cost almost 99000 US Dollars. Thus far, I've enjoyed:

- Chipping quickly wearing paint at all surfaces exposed to head-on road debris
- Uneven wearing of the front tires not comparable to the rear
- Dash lights going out then on again intermittently
- A trunk lid which won't open, seemingly, if the temperature is over 85 deg F. Of course, the dealer can't reproduce the problem.
- Wearing leather not commensurate with the car's use
- A driver's window which vibrates mercilessly when it rains
- A transmission that once disengaged as I tried to merge into high speed traffic
- Extreme brake noise/squeal. I'm told that 'It's Normal'
I'm bracing for further problems. Time to consider other brands.

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George writes:
I have a 2003 SL55 and a 2004 S600. They both have had numerous problems with different items, and to the dealer's credit they have ironed out every one of them after 4 months of working on both cars. One problem that both cars have though and the dealer has never heard of this before, is that as I tried to get into traffic from an onramp, both cars jumped out of gear and went into neutral. One of those times was scary indeed as a truck almost hit me. The car seems to be running fine and the gear shift is in Drive but has no transmission power. If you take it out of Drive shut it down and start it back up it runs fine. Until next time? Both cars have done this once each. Has anyone had that happen before? The dealer has been good about fixing all the short comings of the Mercedes but as a long time owner of Mercedes (have had six cars in the past) I am sure that I will not buy them anymore.

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