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Mercedes is actually known for their engine longevity, reliability and serviceability. Yes they have more issues with technology than other cars, but that's be

by ascar 7y ago

Mercedes is actually known for their engine longevity, reliability and serviceability. Yes they have more issues with technology than other cars, but that's because they use more and newer technology than cheaper brands. [1] [1] https://www.osv.ltd.uk/are-mercedes-benz-reliable/ https://www.osv.ltd.uk/are-mercedes-benz-reliable/

pryce 7y ago
I would find this more compelling if i hadn't had a Mercedes written off because of their "smart" technology choices. Apparently with their vehicles (in this case a C180/2004) the tensioner is power-dependent and requires the vehicle to be used somewhat frequently to work at all. This means that simply by not using the car for 4-5 months, my dad returning to it and turning it on for < 3 seconds resulted in the motor starting with the tensioner not working, resulting in timing chain failure which irreparably damaged the valves and motor to the extent the vehicle was written off. I don't have much automotive expertise by any means, but my understanding is that tensioner design in other makes of car generally do not experience critical failure when presented with "being used seldomly".
- leetcrew 7y ago
  it's disappointing that the tensioner of all things would fail in that situation, but long intervals between use is a problem for all cars. if your dad regularly lets a car sit for five months without driving it, he's going to have a lot of car troubles. ought to at least take it out a couple times a month, just for 20-30 minutes (ie, long enough to get fully warmed up).
zaroth 7y ago
Well tell that to whoever built the engine in my wife’s GL450. Cylinder head replacement after 40,000 miles, which involved dropping the engine. I went to visit the shop while they were working on it. Wow, I do a bit of car work, but if I ever had my car in so many pieces I would never have gotten in back together again. Thank god for extended warranties. I’ve never made out on a warranty so well, but one thing is for sure, I will never own that car out of warranty.
- gmueckl 7y ago
  Well, you own an exceptionally complex car which still retains the form factor of a limousine. All the hardware for these features has to go somewhere and that usually means the space around the engine. There is not a lot the engineers can do to improve things. They are struggling to find usable space.
  - jakevn 7y ago
    I suppose Toyota / Lexus is black magic, then?
    - leetcrew 7y ago
      why would you compare Toyota to Mercedes? they have almost nothing in common. I don't think Lexus is a good comparison either but that's more a matter of opinion.
kevin_thibedeau 7y ago
They were, before their cars were filled with gadgetry. Can you find a 5+ year old Merc without something broken? The first buyer or lessee has moved on to something newer by then so nothing has to be designed to last long.

by ascar 7y ago

pryce 7y ago

I would find this more compelling if i hadn't had a Mercedes written off because of their "smart" technology choices. Apparently with their vehicles (in this case a C180/2004) the tensioner is power-dependent and requires the vehicle to be used somewhat frequently to work at all. This means that simply by not using the car for 4-5 months, my dad returning to it and turning it on for < 3 seconds resulted in the motor starting with the tensioner not working, resulting in timing chain failure which irreparably damaged the valves and motor to the extent the vehicle was written off. I don't have much automotive expertise by any means, but my understanding is that tensioner design in other makes of car generally do not experience critical failure when presented with "being used seldomly".

leetcrew 7y ago
it's disappointing that the tensioner of all things would fail in that situation, but long intervals between use is a problem for all cars. if your dad regularly lets a car sit for five months without driving it, he's going to have a lot of car troubles. ought to at least take it out a couple times a month, just for 20-30 minutes (ie, long enough to get fully warmed up).

zaroth 7y ago

Well tell that to whoever built the engine in my wife’s GL450. Cylinder head replacement after 40,000 miles, which involved dropping the engine. I went to visit the shop while they were working on it. Wow, I do a bit of car work, but if I ever had my car in so many pieces I would never have gotten in back together again. Thank god for extended warranties. I’ve never made out on a warranty so well, but one thing is for sure, I will never own that car out of warranty.

gmueckl 7y ago
Well, you own an exceptionally complex car which still retains the form factor of a limousine. All the hardware for these features has to go somewhere and that usually means the space around the engine. There is not a lot the engineers can do to improve things. They are struggling to find usable space.
- jakevn 7y ago
  I suppose Toyota / Lexus is black magic, then?
  - leetcrew 7y ago
    why would you compare Toyota to Mercedes? they have almost nothing in common. I don't think Lexus is a good comparison either but that's more a matter of opinion.

kevin_thibedeau 7y ago

They were, before their cars were filled with gadgetry. Can you find a 5+ year old Merc without something broken? The first buyer or lessee has moved on to something newer by then so nothing has to be designed to last long.