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The only way to stop that brake problem is if you upgrade the calipers and sometimes that shits expensive extremely expensive and sometimes you might have to upgrade the wheel size because of the upgraded brake calibers because they’ll rub the inside of the dang wheel you can’t win And what else is a horrible design on them cars is if you put a bigger wheel on it you have to get a lower profile tire because of the independent suspension on the front because part of the strut sticks out and if you hit a hard no from the wheel will bottom out on it so you can’t win with some of these new cars or some of these car models
As a master tech with 25 years of experience, I agree 100% with you, I had a BMW, Mercedes and Audi. I have been driving Lexus for 10 years and it will stay that way.
And I am sitting in my 430k km Audi A6, which should actually be 450k because someone tempered with the odometer. And honestly? Drama free too, and I will most likely stay with Audi too. But well, my one is 2005, actually built in Germany, and people that are taking care of it do nothing but Germany cars for decades. Such is life in eastern Europe.
Have had a w211 for 10 years and average ~$400/yr on maintenance. My classmates' wife has a newer one and had many problems. As they got more complex they got more expensive.
I have a 17 year old 4 cylinder Camry Solara. All I've done to it are oil changes, coolant flush, brakes and rotors and valve cover gasket. That's it. In 17 years my neighbor has had 5-6 Mercedes and BMWs. Several times I've seen one of them leave or return to his house on a tow truck. Last I heard him say he will be taking out a loan to send his kid to college. Driving my Toyota for 17 years I managed to save enough money for my son to go to college. Debt free. Old Toyotas rock.
I drive a 2014 Camry I bought 5 years ago with 12,000 miles for $15,400. Only repairs so far, one break light, two tires and several oil changes. All three of my sons college paid for. My retirement is secure. It is all about one's priorities. I see a car as a necessary depreciating asset.
I'm in the same boat as you. 2011 Prius with no payments for years. Invested car payment+ and will be sending daughter to college debt free. My next door neighbor (brother in law) has had two Audi's, a Lexus he couldn't afford, an Altima, and now a Kia. High car payments for over a decade. He took his Audi in for an oil change and the dealership somehow broke his fuel injection. The gave him a loaner and he was satisfied. I was like dude your car is in the shop more than it's in the driveway.
@@JDMHaze Both generations offered I4. Gen 1 had 2.2L I4 and 3.0 V6, both with 4 spd auto or manuals. Gen 2 had 2.4 I4 4/5 spd auto & 5 spd manual and 3.3L V6 5spd auto only. They're not performance or nimble cars. They're more like cruisers. They're one of Toyota's most reliable models and they're American made, not Japan. They look more like old lady cars but I don't care. LOL! I'm a sucker for 2 door coupes with long doors that have no window frame.
I was recently thinking about when I'll replace my Corolla (2007). In several years I'll have had it for more than half of my lifetime and I figure that's a reasonable time. I have no doubt it'll make it.
Had a hydraulic hose blow on a 06 mercedes, independent shop wanted 4500 just to replace one hose that cost 200 dollars...labor was going to be 4300!!! I redesigned the repair myself and fixed the hose for 75 dollars. The key to owning a mercedes is you have to be highly intelligent and able to work on your own car.
I agree. I’ve owned over 50 vehicles of most brands. One Mercedes. Biggest money pit of all of them put together. It loves to show you an alert, but when it runs as it’s supposed to it’s a beast, no doubt. But you pay for that greatness. Most reliable vehicle brand I’ve owned, MAZDA. Still own a 2008 Mazda 3 I bought new. Only fix, new alternator at 100k miles. Got 160k now. Daily driven by my teenagers for last 3 years. Starts and runs like new.
I am German and drive a German-built 2010 C-class, which I had for 7 years. It has had NO PROBLEMS whatsoever in that time. I really think that Scotty is right that there is a huge difference between Mercedes built in Germany and Mercedes built in Alabama.
Not only that, I believe that vehicle maintenance is also part of the problem! Mercedes is a car that must be regularly, and more importantly, properly maintained in order for everything to function as it should! And as far as I can see, this is not the case in America, because mercedes are not brought in for repair at unauthorized repair shops like this one!
Bought a brand new 92 500 E and changed the evaporator twice within three years, once on warranty second time was on me. Then four years on, had to change the entire wire harness as the protective wrapping surrounding the core literally dried up and wiring was exposed as the coating chaffed. Also from day one the seats were the worst and after an hour and a half of travel, I used to have to take a break cause my back and sciatic nerve acted up. Ended up springing for a front set of Recaros that let allowed me to drive at least a full gas tank between breaks. Fun car but room for improvement? Oh yes!
About the brake rotors,if you ever worked on them before,it was designed that way,the outer layer's material is different and isn't suppose to be touched by the pads,while the inside is completely steel,and another thing,you don't need to replace the disc everytime you change the pads,you only change them after you changed the pads 2 to 3 times before like any car,and the gap makes it super easy to know if you need replacing them,just feel the gap with your fingers,or just look at them,when the brake discsbare worn they tend to have multiple grooves in the steel layer,so scotty,ask other mechanics to fact check your stuff
@@humorss its a common problem till this day, so far the entry levels are more common to have this, but not a big deal, send it to the dealer(if under warranty) they'll sort it out no problem
@@humorss no correlation, what he descibed was the pad not covering the outer edges of the disc(which is completely normal) the layer is not made of metal. The causation of the noise is moisture,heat cycling,and pad material all having a part in. What we do in the workshop is either smoothening out the pad edges so that when brake is applied it is more gradual or using stop squeal (not paid enough to keep secrets for those bastards but please,don't leak my info to them)
@@andrewchin5583 SO you do have to do something to make sure the issue does nto happen, the onw which Scotty mentioned. ie you smooth out tha pad so that it does not grind against the outer egde.
One would think that if Mercedes watched this video, they would be completely embarrassed and mortified. But like most of the other automakers, they take no pride in their products any more
@@standyourground9973 Planned obsolescence engineering and parts made to work until just outside the warranty period is nothing to be satisfied with or proud of.
@@standyourground9973 Pretty much any Toyota, many Hondas - especially the 4 cylinder models, the newer Skyactive engine equipped Mazdas. Japanese companies actually give a damn about quality and it's not unusual to see their vehicles with multiple hundreds of thousands of miles(far outside even an extended warranty) on them without major repairs having to be done. At least nowadays, the Germans and the Detroit big 3 don't really care. Whatever design helps their bottom line the most is what they pursue. Hell, some of the new lower cost GM vehicles don't even come with a spare tire!
I have a 1965 Mercedes 230SL...great looking car, fun to drive. Thankfully, no electronic crap to worry about. Doesn't have the bells and whistles of modern-day cars, but it doesn't have any of the problems either.
@@rorosnusnu2035 I agree. The one thing about cars that only improves over time is their safety. I remember when IIHS came out with their “small overlap” test and no midsize car did well except Volvo S60. Now all midsize cars do well. Now IIHS came out with a new side impact test that no one is doing well on. In 5 years from now everyone will.
I still have my Dad’s 1975 Chrysler imperial. Of course over the years I’ve had to put some money into it I had it restored I still rather drive it, (now it’s only during summer months)
@@Matys1975 one of my cars is a 99 miata. I know the feeling. Safety is a big one for me. Otherwise I would daily older nissan zs . My daily is an ls430. Feel pretty safe in it. Also always wanted an older bug.
I sold my '99 Mercedes Benz 320 CLK for twice the money I spent after putting more than 334,000 miles on it. I bought it in 2008 with 210,000 miles for $1200. I sold it to my neighbor for $2400 in 2018 with almost 600,000 miles. I did nothing outside of routine maintenance and a window actuator and alternator. Most reliable car I have ever owned.
"The most expensive car you can buy is a cheap Mercedes".. Scotty is right on with this video....I owned a 1988 560 SEC for 10 years or so. Even as old as it was and the last of the hand built 126 chassis, it was still the typical Mercedes-- pain to maintain--which I did by myself--and over engineered...It ate brakes, rotors, tires, a very intense maintenance schedule, electrical problems, vacuum issues, exhaust, suspension...etc...But when it was running well it was beast. I loved driving it, but sold it because I was tried of working on it. Don't buy a used Mercedes unless you can work on it or have a deep wallet.
I loved my 126 chassis. I put 230,000 miles on a 1982 300sd, it had 130,000 when I bought it. they don't make them like that any more. no one makes them like that. rotors for $30 each I could put all 4 corners on plus pads for $160. try that with a Camry.
The reason I believe Scottie is because he has consistently said.. and proved the same things for years.. so how could I not believe him when he talks..
I feel like it depends on where tour car has been manufactured. I live in Belgium and we have always had german cars. My grandpa has a 2010 audi a6 2.0 litre diesel with 370 000 km and not a single problem. My mother has a 520d bmw from 2012 with 280 000 km and not a single problem. My father an f20 118i, 170 000 km no problems. I have a 120i with 200 000 km no problems. My brother has an e92 m3 with 150 000 km and no problems. Meanwhile my aunt who lives in LA has had problems with all of her bmws. The difference? Her bmw’s were manufactured in Mexico, ours in Germany…
I've owned two Mercs, a 2011 C250 and a 2013 GLK350. Other than having to replace the thermostat on my C-class I had zero other issues with either vehicle. Every vehicle can have issues, even Scotty's beloved Toyotas.
All comes down to maintenance, unless the car have a transmission recall or something. (You dont have to take the car to the dealer to service you need to take to car to someone that know how to fixed ( its not a honda or Nissan
True, have an 06' Civic bought it in 05' brand new for $16k the starter went out on year 15th, the only thing this car requires is oil changes and brake pad changes, other than everything else is flawless specifically the engine, it's so smooth and it easily hits 110 mph like butter. If I would have bought a Toyota the starter would still work, Honda is going down.
Jes same here i had a cls 2009 350cgi, e class 320cdi , cls 320cdi , now cls 350 from 2007 and only did maintenance and all cars drove more then 300k easy
I must have just been lucky but every Mercedes I've had has been flawless... knock on wood. Yes maintenance is more expensive than a Toyota but I am a Mercedes fan boy after owning 3.
I have 2006 E350 w/270,000 miles. I've put 200k of them on the car. Runs like top. Burns 1 quart every 7000 miles. I do most of the service myself and a good private mechanic can do the rest. You don't need the dealership for this era of Mercedes. I average less than $1000.00 a year keeping this car on the road, and she looks brand new. Beautiful car. and i bet will go 500K.
You are right on the money Scotty. My friend has a new one but he always ask me to pick him up at the dealership several times .. because its not working properly..
I drive a 16 C300 4Matic as a daily, and a 14 C63 AMG Edition 507 for weekend fun. Both have 50k mi, and they're doing great, but Scotty has a point, some can get very complex and expensive to drive!
I have known a MB master mechanic and he told me honestly that most high end car dealers don’t make money selling cars. The real money maker is in the service shop. They have all the fancy lounges and spoils you with fresh bake donuts and hot coffee or hot chocolate while putting a hole in your pocket while your car is in the shop. The cars on the 80’s are better much more durable than 90’s and 20’s. Those pre program ECM’s/ECU’s bound to put a gremlin in your car before the warranty is up. :(
I had a 1982 Mercedes 300TD(T). It was diesel station wagon. Simple. It worked. The only electronics were the voltage regulator, the radio and the turn signal/four way flasher. The first engine went 293 k miles. I had it rebuilt and it only went 220 k miles. The trans went 250, needed a $600 refresh and went the next 250 without anymore work. If it hadn't started to rust I might have been tempted to rebuild the engine again. The thing that really bugged me about it was that it positively ate water pumps. I think I put 6 in it. Still, even though it was a slug, especially in the summer (only 95 hp on a "standard day" 59*f at sea level), I'd buy another, any day of the week, if I could find one in new condition for the equivalent of what I paid back then.
I have a E430 4m that have over 250k miles on it now. Engine and transmission still runs like a clock. Still cant even feel the shifts at constant speed. I think it contributes that both trans and engine in that car is constantly understressed. Body is sadly rusted through though.
@@martinsvensson6884 Yes the body and plastic are the weak point. Keep changing your engine oil every 5k with a Lucas oil additive and the transmission oil every 15k until the car die at 400 k for a V8 but less with a V6 !
Wow. I once thought that these expensive German cars were the "cat's meow" but now I'm disillusioned. I'll stick with the autos that are less than $50K. But Scotty sure has narrowed the field on quality cars - greatly.
@@munchysuperwarrior7806 V8’s will use some gas but aside from an occasional oil leak are fantastic, robust engines. Just the V6 engines with 2 extra cylinders
My 1990 Nissan 4X4 pick up had a computer just for the engine. And that was it. Nothing more. It had manual locking hubs, manual transmission, Manual transfer case, and even manual window roller-upper. I seriously wish they'd bring that back as an option for people that like to keep things simple and don't want some technological abomination.
Scotty recently drove one of those to show how simple and sturdy it was. I had a brand new regular cab 1990 Nissan, basic, stripped 5speed. I paid $8400 new back then.. Great little truck..
He's right about these cars. They're practically disposable because they're unfixable unless someone GIVES you the car. Every gimmick in the book, and most owners won't even know half of them exist.
They hold their value much better than other cars because people with actual knowledge know how to fix them pretty easily and enjoy the superior ride quality. 2000-2010 was a very bad decade for benz cars anyways
@@baron_xd4633 the W210 and W211 platforms were freaking bombproof, not sure what you're talking about a bad decade. W210 is from '96-'02 and W211 is from '03-'06. Not only that, the W210 has more space and access to work on engine components than I have in my Ford F150. Best decision I've ever made was buying that car. It's a fun sporty little sedan that rides as smooth as butter. Just keep up on the maintenance and it'll never die. I've seen several of the E-Class and C-Class of the era getting 300,000-400,000+ miles on them. Not exactly a disposable car.
This is correct, it is nearly impossible to develop robust software for unknown extreme variable use applications. The code is crashing. Complex electrical hardware next to crash driving out of the plant.
My Mercedes here in UK is an E Class (W211) 2005 3.0V6 CDi. It has 150.000 miles and in the last 8 years nothing has gone wrong apart from wear items and a ABS sensor. Saying that, I have owned it for 10 years and look after it religiously, that means never missing servicing etc. It`s the neglected ones that cause problems and Scotty is right they can be a nightmare if they haven`t been looked after. Also these cars hate sitting around and need to be driven, thats another reason they go wrong, short journeys. After watching this though I am annoyed about the brake disc`s Scotty mentioned and think Mercedes do set traps for future spending. In my experience of these cars , deal with problems straight away and never ignore things because they will get worse. Also you can do a lot of work youself like the turbo seals and air boxes, they can be a reason for codes being thrown up. Also service gearbox at or after 80.000
I'm also in the UK, with a 2015 w212 E220d on 175,000 miles and a 2006 R230 SL500 5.5l on 120,000, both going fine and both been maintained religiously, you just got to look after things...
@@user-wm2tw Yep, got a modified V8 Discovery as well, 22y old, goes a treat in the snow, I use it on a volunteer driver scheme to get medics to hospital and food/medicine to old/vulnerable folks who are snowed in villages around here, years ago a Defender and I worked in tandem to pulled a 14t snow plow truck out of a snow drift.
The mercs we have are made in Germany. I don't even think we have a Mercedes factory here in the UK. As he said the ones made in Germany are much much better.
hello from Germany. I had a good laughter . Scotty is often right. the guys of mercedes are tech lovers. Mercs were great until the early 90s. after that ,,,,no sir. cheers from berlin germany
Since Chrysler had his fingers in Mercedes these now called Daimler/Chrysler cars are worthless. This american Chryler fusion ruined these old proud brand.
Hoo boy, no one lays a number on buying a Mercedes like Scotty. It's obvious that the ONLY people who should bother to buy them are those who have the money to lease a new one every three years.
Live in mighty straya and im Toyota and Honda man myself ....even before I discovered Scotty on the tube...so I'm probably bias towards Scotty because I like the way he thinks. I have a 2.4 Honda accord Euro and 3.0 n/a diesel Toyota Hilux and a FJ73 Landcruiser.....so I definatly agree with this man and his opinion on cars and technology.
Cars are great! Computers suck! We had two coupes one had a problem with the panoramic sunroof. Dealer wanted $5000 to fix. Local mechanic fixed for $126. The other aircon problem, dealer wanted $3800 to fix. Local mechanic fixed for $530.
Bringing back memories....My Ex wife was a corporate director @ a Silicon Valley company.....She needed a decent rig to haul people around in.....We bought a 2018 MBZ GLC43 AMG.....The "baby V6 brother" to that GLE63 AMG you have there.....Paid $64,500 OTD....You could still bargin a little back then....She hit a concrete fence post that some "house flipper" had fall out of their truck into the roadway on the way to work. The total repair cost was about $16,000 as I recall....No damage to the underbody but, the aluminum subframes & exhaust system were toast! The front tires were shot @ 20K miles....I had a new set of front tires for it....They were on "national backorder" at the time....I had bought them about 2 months previously....Well when we got the Benz back....It drove like CRAP! Serious issues with the alignment...seemed like the rear toe was bad....scary to drive @ freeway speeds. Took it back....for the second time.....The service manager called up....said the Benz is done....Went and picked it up....Had new tires on the rear too! I asked them when that was done (21" wheels with $2000//set tires)....The manager said they were required....OK I go drive it....Drive fantastic again...I was still kind of mad about the tires....Got back....Going through paperwork....Getting ready for the $1,500 bill for tires & munting....Service writer came up....He had talked to the dealership general manager....Tires were not billed to me....So? as bad as they are....If you have the right dealership with some ethics...Well, at least they treat you well....No complaints about customer service from Pleasanton, CA Mercedes....My Ex-wife traded it in a Lexus RX350...."buggy eyed little cockroach"....Her life, her car....Lexus offered her $36,000 for the GLC43....I told her drive it over to Car Max and see what they offer....$42,000 @ Car Max...Lexus matched that price....I'm not sure the collision damage had made it to the Car Fax report yet....Me? I think of all the German cars....Benz is the best of the bunch....Worst German car I ever owned? Audi B7 RS4....total underwhelming pile of unreliability.
yup and most complain about cost but heres the thing if you can do the work yourself its not that bad... I mean I looked my car I just recently bought (2016 e350 v6 3.5 non turbo) Its very simple.. it doesnt even have the air suspension system on it. Runs really good has 97k miles and its all highway.. I looked it over constantly to see where the parts where on the engine and such nothing complex I cant handle my self. Plus the major thing its a RWD car not a fwd that almost everyone has now and has been putting cvt's (junk even for toyota) in them. Try getting 100k miles on a cvt from nissan ha
I love this video because it speaks the truth about Mercedes’. I can attest to these cars being money pit because I work on them all the time at my shop.
I owned a '76 280 SEL and a '76 280. Those cars were incredible. A few years ago I purchased an '02 C 200 Kompressor. What a steaming pile of garbage. I'll never own another Mercedes again. Strictly Japanese from now on.
Wow Scotty I have been watching your videos for almost 3 month and I sure have learned alot from you. I was going to buy a Mercedes however now I am looking to buy a RX350 used. Thank you so much for educate us ladies to stay away from garbage and headaches 😩 😪
My RX350 will be 11 years old come June 2022. I drive 34 miles to work Mon to Fri. Plus the weekend drives. Never had any issue with the RX. It’s a tank! Good choice Laura!
I drive a Mercedes c300 sport and had good luck for the last 5 years. Brought it uses wit 63,000 miles on it. Just changed the oil and filters. No problems. Car rides like it's gliding literally. I drove a friend's Lexus is250 sport, and the driving dynamics is not as tight or sharp feeling as a BMW or Mercedes, but it wasn't far off either. I actually liked it and my next car will be a Lexus or Infiniti. I know my way around a car and have friends who work on cars that is the only reason I justified buying a German car otherwise I would of gotten a Japanese car. Acura, Lexus, Infiniti are all excellent and more reliable than German cars
I have had an e46, z3, 08 mustang GT, and now a w204 C350. I like everything. From my own personal experience, it’s all these stupid sensors and random things that decide to break. Tired of everything being over engineered. Though with my health issues, it’s a price I’m willing to pay for comfort. Anything can be junk, but not everything can be comfortable. Rock on Scotty, you are great, keep them coming!
Mercedes has lost their way in the "modern age". I have seen a person in my neighborhood sill driving his mid to late 80's 560 SEC without a fuss. Would love to buy that car from him but of course I already can predict his answer.
I was assigned to Germany in the early 80's and I remember these Mercedes diesel taxis running all over the countryside. I remember talking to a taxi driver who spoke english over a schnitzel and beer at a gasthouse and they drove I think a 240D (diesel) and he was telling me they drive them over one million miles. He said the drivers send them back to the factory for a "refresh" and they come back like new and keep on driving and driving and driving. I guess the environmental nuts killed off their taxis but what machines!!! I guess that is when a Mercedes was a Mercedes.
Got 3, 2 Diesel MLs and a AMG CLK. Done 250000km on one of the MLs and only changed a set of glow plugs and relay. They are easy to work on compared to a lot of other brands and parts are cheap compared to Japanese cars here in Australia. All up, I like the Mercs. Sorry Scotty ,but ur customers must miss treat their cars mate.
@@partymanau the problem is that the germans they are scamming the americans vw, audi, bmw , mercedes for the american market are poor quality they build them in mexico, brazil,us thats why they have so much problems, in europe or in uk where i live they are better built , saying that still they have problems , you need to properly service this cars , i had mercedes, vw, bmw x5 etc but i’ve serviced them myself and changed parts , if you go to the dealer is not worth it unless off course you have money to spend then thats fine.
I owned two W123 240D'.s Best car's ever made. Mercedes stopped making Mercedes after the W140 series. Now they just sell, ugly, stupidly overly complicated massively overpirced stuff with a three pointed star on it.
@partymanau the diesel mercs are much better than the petrol ones. My mate here in Australia had a merc but got rid of it cause repair cost was too high. Traded it for a crv lol
I was in Sweden and throughout Europe in 1984 and most all the Taxi's were Mercedes Diesels. They were the Beast's of the industry in Europe back in the day!!
I've worked for mercedes and about 5 other dealers. Out of all the german manufacturers id have to say Mercedes makes the most reliable product. You are over looking all the pros. You were talking about the cost of modules, but they rarely fail on a mercedes. The only ones that occationally have problems are the radar modules and rear sams. Ball joints, tie rod ends can last of to 220,000 km. Shocks go well past 100k. Domestics shocks dont survive 50k. Works out to around the same cost in most cases. Mercedes you get 3 times the technology but only twice the problems of domestic vehicles. As for the codes, you arent really understanding the culture of german electronics. The modules are more sensitive and have shorter parameters so the will set codes for any little glitch. Domestic vehicles wont even notice and usually give you less warning. Mercedes is also the manufacturer creating all the amazing technology that people love. Like 360 camera or blind spot assist. Mercedes was running those systems like 6 years before everyone else. After mercedes i sold cars for ford. I found it really funny explaining 360 camera technology like it was new when in fact ive seen it years prior .lol
The poor owner of that car, despite having a warranty must have had his head in his hands when he watched this video of Scotty laughing at his car! Scotty, you are a class act.
In the 80's you would see 60's and 70's Mercedes diesels with these ceramic badges on the their huge grills. They were given to owners as they passed 200k, 500k, 750k and even one for a million miles. I'm sure Mercedes didn't quit doing this but when is the last time or was there anytime you've seen one?
I am not a Mercedes guy, but I have known a few people who owned the old 70's-80's turbo diesels and those things were tanks. That was probably the high water mark for Mercedes reliability. They could easily reach 500k with proper care. The interiors were not gaudy and full of buttons and flashing lights. The leather seats were well made and there were no rattles and there was much less plastic under the hood. Repairs/parts were still incredibly expensive, but they were fairly reliable and did not need to go into the shop often. However they took their sweet time to go from 0-60mph.
My old car had 470k km, original engine transmission. I sold it because the plastic parts starting to age. The main parts never failed. We bought it new. Made in Stuttgart tho. So i bought 2 years ago a mercedes e class 250 diesel with 170k km from Germany for 10k euro. Now has 230k km, and only thing needed new tires and oil changes. The car is 11 years old, no rust, and manual transmission:).
I've had personnel at a Merc dealer laugh at me when I baulked at the price of new front shocks for a Vito van. Thankully, there are companies like Febi and Bilstein that make aftermarket parts for much better prices and equal or better quality than original.
Wow!! Just another reason why I'm still driving my 2002 GMC Sierra 1500, with manual roll windows and regular non-electric door locks. The less electronics, the less there is to break. Power steering, power brakes, towing package, a/c, CD player. Extra cab long bed. That's the options list. 230,000+ miles, still gets 18-20 mpg. Awesome truck.
Scotty, most defects are engineered in not assembled in. In Alabama they are mostly installing premade modules. I was a German car mechanic for years and most issues were baked in.
Having driven Mercedes Benz for over 40 years with no problems whatsoever i would think that the solution would make sure that the car was built in Germany. My e class was purchased in 2012 and has one battery and two wipers. My son drove a Mercedes that had over 275,000 on the clock with no problems, this car was still being used by a taxi driver in Romania last month.
Yes I had a few of them had no problems with any of them I have two now and don't have any problems if you take care of them they will take care of you.
@@joedavies980unfortunately Scotty always goes back and forth on his word and isn’t always reliable with his info from what I’ve seen, Mercedes are literally toe to toe with Toyotas in my opinion my 2011 c300 has been very reliable bought it at 60k miles have now had it at 170k miles and still runs like new with the maintenance done and I do the work myself and I’m not a mechanic or anything just used youtube
Every car manufacturer has had its problems. That includes Toyota. From terrible oil consumption in their 4 and 6 cylinders in the mid 2000s to terrible brakes. Mercedes has made some terrible engines as well. The stats don't lie. Toyota holds the best score in reliability as of now and has had it for over a decade. Reason for that is simple, Toyota makes them simpler. Mercedes is at the top when it comes to technology and so, some problems come with innovation. Having said that, I own a 2010 Mercedes E350 since new. Yes, with the crappy M272 motor. It has 228,000 miles and counting. Bought it after Mercedes fixed the bugs in 06-08. Zero oil leaks. Best car I have ever owned. Extremely reliable. Have bought 2 Lexuses for my wife. I have not seen a Toyota yet last as long as a Merc. Great vehicles, but in no way, shape or form, do they come close to driving like a Merc. The build quality and attention to detail cannot be compared. No offense. Brakes, double hood latches, hood extending to 90 degrees, the geometry of the suspension and layout of the engine compartment. There is no comparison.
The old MB's were good when the rest of the world made unreliable cars. Nowadays, their quality is not there! We had a 1964 , 190 model, built like a tank! The gear changer was on the steering wheel, and the speedometer had a vertical column design behind the steering wheel. I loved watching it move up and down.
Yep, I restored my 42 Willys in 1983 and used it regularly for 35+ years with no major brakedowns and low maintenance costs and it never made me walk either. Currently it's in the shop to get rejuvenated and upgrades for a new lease on life for the next 30 years. It will get an in dash GPS system, but that is the only computer/electronic crap it will ever have.
@@davidbrayshaw3529 Depends heavily on what you want out of the car. Never heard of anyone saying, omfg let's take the Toyota Camry to the Nurburgring. All cars have a use case.
Scotty,my first car when I got hired by Fidelity was an brand new 1986 E300D,an E class Diesel,It was a joy to drive,it looked good, drove like a dream, but 3 years in,I got hit with a $2500 brake job! I refused to do it,changed the brake pads,and sold it. I haven't purchased another one since. Everyone in my family (except me) drives a Benz,and I know they're paying out of their rear ends for service. They laughed when I bought a Camry,but I put 200k miles on it before I got a Lexus ES. I now drive a Genesis G80 Sport,and so far so good. I will NEVER buy another Benz.
Dude you had one of the most reliable cars ever built! Mercedes builds junk now days because they wouldnt make any money selling cars if everyone had cars as good as a w123
Yep that’s why I laugh then these comments say “I have a Mercedes and it’s been a perfect car”. Yea it’s perfect, until it ain’t. And when it breaks, and it will break, I hope you’re financially in a good place
Scotty is proving that at the end of the day no matter how expensive a car is, a car is a car, is a car, no matter the price. German autos don't want you to think that. Hence the reason why "exclusivity" was created in the first place. Even the wealthy get fooled as you can see. But they'll get rid of it in 3 or so yrs, and start this all over again. B/C they have to have a Merc/BMW/Audi
It's fine for them because they change cars like we upgrade phones. New model every 1-3 years. I guess if you have the money. Me I'd rather spend that on a genuine Japanese built supercar
You're 100% right! Italian cars are worth the risk if parked in an internal garage & religiously serviced throughout your ownership. British cars too. You'll get something with same warranty + more enjoyable around curves & weekend trips.
In my country, rich people often buy expensive car to avoid paying higher income tax. I don't how income tax works in my country because i am not eligable to pay tax. Only people that earn 4k and above have to, and i thank god for that
There are 47 on-board computers in an E320 W211 so you must expect some trouble. You have the money for the car, now look after it. As far as the brake rotors are concerned, you can buy after market pads that cover the whole rotor, AFTER YOU MACINE the ridge around the outside. Simple, hey?
It's funny I was in a gas station some weeks back and a guy was in line in front of me and was on the phone talkin about how he would never buy a Mercedes again because it's always something wrong with them. The first person that crossed my mind was Scotty Kilmer saying that they're money pits
I know a guy who bought a used Mercedes with a bunch of problems, which he thought he could pay a mechanic to fix, then he thought he'd have a great car. But after spending thousands on repairs, he finally gave up and it sat in his yard for a couple of years. I told him about Scotty's videos and how he says to never buy a Mercedes unless you're rich enough to afford all the repairs. He just frowned. Then a couple months ago he took it to a dealer, and traded it in on a brand new Mercedes! LOL.
Yeah I've been thinking of a new car, but the "technology" annoys me. Stuff like having to go into the little screen to change the radio station or the AC. I drive a 2012 Focus SE with a manual, everything is basic and practical.
Like any manufacturer, it depends on the year and model. My wife’s 10 year old C250 with 100k on the clock is the most reliable car we’ve ever owned. My 2018 mustang had way more issues. It’s never thrown a CEL, never had a single issue.
After watching Scotty's videos for many years I've been thinking for several years that if somebody gave me a 5 year old or older Mercedes for free I would not even want it. Unless of course the person who gave it to me would not mind if I tried to sell it the next day or even the same day it was given to me.
The window cracking open for closing the door has another advantage: that’s the pressure bump you get when the door slams shut while you’re inside. But, the expense to do it could stay. My car doesn’t do it and I don’t miss it.
We have 2015 GLA best car ever owned and had many brands. Best or nothing, Im starting to believe it. No repairs. 3 years. Oil, brakes, window viper, light bulp only one.
I've been going to the same mechanic for 35 years. He always had a Mercedes until about 15 years ago. He stopped because they're more cheaply made and over complicated.
I have a CLS 500 and I agree with the rims and super low profile tires. I replace 1 rim and tire almost every year because of road damage. But, it takes corners like crazy and I love it.
@@greggc8088 Yes.. they are called "all other brands" :) MB has the longest lasting cars of all. But they are more complex of course than a Toyota so replacing a worn out suspension on an S for example is going to cost more. Since its a more expensive construction. That's why you bought the car to begin with. And that's why there is simpler and cheaper cars of you are poorer and cant afford that.
@@greggc8088 No they are very high quality. It has been known for very long. That's why the cars last so long. Wouldnt be possible else. You should know that too. The complexity is the reason the parts are somewhat more expensive than on some other cars. Since they contain more. And its going to make more things break if you dont maintain the car properly. That's really the only problem most of the time. People think they can drive it to the ground without servicing it. Seems to mostly be a problem in the US also. Where I can imagine many people buy them on credit cards and then think they are going to be as cheap to run as a lesser car and wont run scheduled maintenance on them.
As someone who used to own two Mercedes SUVs, I can confidently say that Mercedes use to make good cars but unfortunately now they only make and sell the name Mercedes not even a car.
not all Mercedes are money pits. Scotty Kilmer did not provide such deep research. because he showed us the Mercedes CLS which comes with air suspension only. he did not tell us that E and C classes are available with coil springs which are much cheaper than air suspension. also E class is less complex than CLS. just do research on used e class it is reliable and not a money pit. search about its common issues. it is affordable, fun to drive, has a much better-built quality than Lexus or any other luxury car. I owned one for almost one year and was fun and only needed regular maintenance and some sensors. that was 5 years ago I got a 2003 E320.
As a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, they were problematic after about the mid 90's. My diesel isn't very hard to work on and parts are affordable. They just take a while to ship to your house, you won't find alot or parts in the parts stores.
autohaus AZ and FCP euro is who I use. find the ones who specialize in them. I bought an aftermarket harmonic balancer from parts geek and the inside diameter is too small for the wrench.
I own 2008 C-class which I bought it used. It had many miles on it when I bought it. I happen to use many other brands due to the nature of my work. I honestly feel the difference when I sit on my car and drive it. It is a very reliable and comfortable feeling that comes from a serious piece of machine
I’ve had many cars over the years that have those side windows that go down a little when you open the door. Here in Montana they are a nightmare when it’s -40 and have an inch of ice covering your vehicle. The motor is not strong enough to break the ice so you pry the door open, tear the weatherstripping, then you carry a rope with you to tie the door shut and drive around with the door ajar for weeks until it gets above 0. Then the power windows are all messed up and you have to drive 500 miles to the dealer to get the computer reset so they will work again.
Bought an 07 GL450, sold it after less than a year. Rides great but cost too much to maintain and even for simple fixes. To me, they are just not worth it.
Man I have a customer with this same truck I just did that nightmare rack and pinion without a lift and it’s having all types of computer problems and still has a oil leak from the oil filter housing and the airbag and esp lights are on smh he said he’s selling when it gets in selling condition
My first car was a 2007 S550 and your right they can have stuff happen to them but most of those “fault codes” are really nothing you can unplug something in your car to work on it and plug it back in and those “fault codes” will appear and I can purchase most parts for my vehicle myself and fix it myself.
In 2013 we bought our first Toyota, a brand-new Prius C. We've maintained it by the book, and we only use genuine Toyota maintenance parts, along with the best oil/fluids from AMSOIL, and the best gasolines usually Shell V-Power. The following is what has broken in the past nine years and five months of our ownership: Year seven, the passenger side taillight bulb. Year nine, the driver's side taillight bulb. That's it. Toyota can't be blamed for the two bulbs, they don't make them, and bulbs are a consumable part. This is the best car we've ever had, and we've never heard of one being as good.
This reminds me of a TV channel in China that is basically dedicated to reporting all these Benz and Land Rover vehicles having all sorts of issues soon after driving off the show room. One brand new Benz was even leaking oil in the showroom SMH
I rented a brand new Jetta last year and it was hilarious, 60 miles on it, and it was throwing three faults. Stop start system wasn't working, and half the time when you started it it would refuse to drive because of a fuel level sensor or something. Glad I got a Camry; only code I've gotten is... low washer fluid lol.
Same with c250 cdi, bulletproof. This guy is overreacting, all car manufacturers build to not lost forever. For Ford or Toyota why would be good to build cars forever? No one would buy new ones.
I've owned two S-500's (1999 and 2004) and a CLS-55 (2004) so far and every single one has failed me big time over the years. Every day a new error code. These things just fall apart after max 10 years. At the same time my neighbor with a Mazda 6 never has problems, it just works and works. I must admit that after getting rekt so many times with Mercedes which I used to love so much, I strongly dislike them now and actually bought a 200 euro Honda as an everyday car, which I absolutely love as there are much less problems and I can really say that I trust more than any Mercedes I've seen so far. The batteries on the Mercs are also a disaster. I have a rule of thumb which says that never take a Mercedes out from the dealership without demanding a new battery. Two out of three in my case had a dead battery which failed on the first day after purchase. My friend bought a 2019 S-500 and same problem! He drove it home, tried to drive after a few hours - battery dead. And the frigging ball joints. These cars are made 80% of just ball joints. I drive less than 18k km every year, so not even so much. But every damn year my car gets caught up at the roadworthiness check because of a loose ball joint and gets a fail. Now four years in a row, same problem. The ball joints must be made of plastic it seems. This ball joint problem has driven me on the virge of madness sometimes. My father's 1984 Volvo 240 never ever since he bought it new in 1984 has needed a new ball joint. My Mercedes needs at least one every year. The amount of WTF I've had with these cars is unbelievable. Some people are lucky and have no problems ever, I seem to be one of the unlucky ones and have these cars fall apart on me at every turn. If one day I get lucky and get to sell the CLS-55 disaster - never again Mercedes... never again. I let myself get rekt only so many times until I wise up.
I owned a 500SEL FO 16 yrs. When I bought the car I loved it but from the begining it was a total money pit and the worst made car I have ever owned . It was European Benz which are the exact same money pits they send to the U. S. Everything keeps breaking and falling apart constantly. 👎🏻
I have a 2019 glc300, no problems so far , counting my blessings. I must say this video is sad, hilarious and true. 150k worth of problems in this case.
Fuel smell inside the car can be a pain to locate, but usually is just a few pennies fix! A pinched/loose hose, O-ring (specially injectors)... As mentioned neither normal or safe. So check it and fix it ASAP! A/C mold! Clean the system and make sure the drain/breathing pipe under the car is not obstructed! Usually get clogged with road debris the resulting moist accumulation, along with lack of air circulation does the rest! Driving in muddy/dirty conditions is usually the first precursor for clogging it! Make sure to have the A/C filter replaced as needed. It's cheap, fast and easy to replaced! ;-) Both issues sound a lot like "maintenance" issues!
If you can find a decent and loved Mercedes from the 80’s through 1995, buy it. They are exceptional cars with amazing build quality. I daily drive a 1989 190E and my dad still daily drives his 1993 400E. It seems to be the vehicles built after about 1998 and the Chrysler merger that really dragged their reputation and QC down.
I agree. I had 93 W124. Was a wonderful car with no problems. Sold it years ago. I still stay in contact with new owner. He uses it as his daily driver and loves it.
I have a 2012 Mercedes SUV 450 GL I have had it for since 2015. I’ve had it in the shop three times. In nine years, it was kinda high, but I haven’t had many issues. I change the rotors once my husband does the brakes and he’s not even a mechanic. The only problem I have with my beautiful black beauty sensors when it rains and my car starts bouncing, and I had those fixed once, the suspension
I love videos like this, a 15 minute rant about a "premium" car maker hahaha. Journalists drool over such cars, but have no idea about reliability or design flaws. Leave the facts to Scotty!
Sometimes a small problem can send you many times to the dealer. These cars are sold with known problems. Remember how cheap were the mp3 players yet it took toyota 2 more years to implement them. But they last. They dont sell crap
I’ve had a bmw 328i for about 9years now and it’s been overall pretty good, not many problems and none of them expensive, it’s salvage too, bought in 2013, came out around 14k with every package except m package I think. me and my family got 4 of them one hit on each side so we had a parts car fix up 3 of them and we have a car for parts to save us plenty of money.
I paid $19.2K for a used 2016 E350 4matic on Sat 10/26/2019. The original owner paid $63,850 in 2015. Seventy percent depreciation in four years. All I've done in three years is change the transmission fluid once, purchase a new set of tires, and change the oil four times. Sofa so good. We'll see how it goes from here.
Every once in a while I toy with the idea of buying a mercedes. Then a new video of Mr. Scotty here pops up about them and it knocks me back into my senses! lol
I own a c class from 2012 , c250cdi i bought with 95k miles , now on 140k, what i changed is oil, breaks, and filters. Oh, and a chain tensioner for peace of mind. They are not that bad how this video is saying. Don't believe everything what is on UA-cam. I made 12 times London- Budapest, once London Barcelona, London Croatia. Never ever broken down, NEVER .
Thanks for the last 4 years. I have happy memories of watching you during the depths of my illness, and remember how you were one of the few whose voice and content could penetrate my more painful moments. Thanks for always forwarding your own opinions in an entertaining and informative style 🍺
Lived in Germany 2010-2016. I met a couple German mechanics that said the same thing about all the models. All the taxis are E-class but were trashed after 2 years, constantly in the shop. I rented a brand new E-class and the radio would completely freeze up if a CD had a scratch on it. Only way to get it to work again is you turn off and on the car.
Yes they are often used as Taxis in Europe because they dont need to replace the cars as often. No other brand has as many miles on them as MB before junked. Else they wouldnt be used.
@@martinsvensson6884 yup I love my 2016 e350 she has 97k miles and runs like a champ! all highway def not bad to work on.. its just like anything else.. parts are actually cheaper than my 300zx tt
Scotty is so right on the brakes. I bought an 08 ml 350. Pads are undersize for rotors and leave massive dust on wheels that you have to clean every few days so they have to be wearing out very fast. The lip on the rotor was noticable also. I bought new rotors and semi metallic pads for all around, about 215 bucks total and did the job myself. Now my brake pedal is nice and solid and my wheels stay clean. The SUV is built solid but those brakes were garbage.
Ha, I love the retro to modern Scotty. The throwback videos are a treat to watch, such a cool concept of throwing shade at old and new problems of a car brand. Just roll with this one for a while Scotty, its sure is fun to watch.
Well, if other cars also had a lot of sensors like MB, then a lot of faults would also come up. 😁Seriously, with or without sensors, faults or imperfections would come out as "symptoms". Diagnosing and fixing these is the hard part. Thank God for Scotty. 👍
I own a 2005 E320 and I love it. After 2005 they added Camshafts and Valves and gears to the Automatic Transmissions (much less reliable). My 5spd Automatic and V6 and Suspension are bulletproof.
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The only way to stop that brake problem is if you upgrade the calipers and sometimes that shits expensive extremely expensive and sometimes you might have to upgrade the wheel size because of the upgraded brake calibers because they’ll rub the inside of the dang wheel you can’t win And what else is a horrible design on them cars is if you put a bigger wheel on it you have to get a lower profile tire because of the independent suspension on the front because part of the strut sticks out and if you hit a hard no from the wheel will bottom out on it so you can’t win with some of these new cars or some of these car models
what will be the best mercedes to buy for a 17 year old first car
Hello you have to do for Lexusrx350 2016-2022
Match Box
I think even nissans broblems are only in the u.s. Because the cars are build there. We dont have the same problems in here europe
The more problems a car has the louder and happier Scotty gets. LOL.
He just tries hard as possible not to die of laughter; its always good to watch tho xD
Lol!
I need a nap after watching him.
Lol.
its cause of his I told ya so attitude, too many viewers/critics still doubt scotty lol that's he laughs and makes fun of them.
"I think I'll buy a house instead!" My thoughts exactly. Insane.
Well you ain't buying no house for $150,000 anymore esp. in New England. Maybe one room of a house.
@@cl9826 150000k wouldn't be a big enough down payment? Turn your brain on
@@geneticfury7663 😂 lol
@@cl9826 Just the toilet room mate LOL
Maybe an extension.
As a master tech with 25 years of experience, I agree 100% with you, I had a BMW, Mercedes and Audi. I have been driving Lexus for 10 years and it will stay that way.
I worked for a Vw dealership for 10 years, that's how I bought my Mkiv Supra 🤣
...
25 years in BMWs, now 4 years in a Ford Fusion with nothing but oil changes. Drama-free.
And I am sitting in my 430k km Audi A6, which should actually be 450k because someone tempered with the odometer.
And honestly? Drama free too, and I will most likely stay with Audi too. But well, my one is 2005, actually built in Germany, and people that are taking care of it do nothing but Germany cars for decades. Such is life in eastern Europe.
YES SIRRR!! I had a 650 BMW it was terrible!! I got rid of it and got a Lexus LS. Best decision I made.
Have had a w211 for 10 years and average ~$400/yr on maintenance. My classmates' wife has a newer one and had many problems. As they got more complex they got more expensive.
I just bought my uncles W211! I absolutely love it!
I have a 17 year old 4 cylinder Camry Solara. All I've done to it are oil changes, coolant flush, brakes and rotors and valve cover gasket. That's it.
In 17 years my neighbor has had 5-6 Mercedes and BMWs. Several times I've seen one of them leave or return to his house on a tow truck.
Last I heard him say he will be taking out a loan to send his kid to college.
Driving my Toyota for 17 years I managed to save enough money for my son to go to college. Debt free.
Old Toyotas rock.
I drive a 2014 Camry I bought 5 years ago with 12,000 miles for $15,400. Only repairs so far, one break light, two tires and several oil changes. All three of my sons college paid for. My retirement is secure. It is all about one's priorities. I see a car as a necessary depreciating asset.
I wasn't aware the Solara offered a four-cylinder, I know it was Camry base but I thought it was somewhat upmarket and only offered the V-6 3.3
I'm in the same boat as you. 2011 Prius with no payments for years. Invested car payment+ and will be sending daughter to college debt free. My next door neighbor (brother in law) has had two Audi's, a Lexus he couldn't afford, an Altima, and now a Kia. High car payments for over a decade. He took his Audi in for an oil change and the dealership somehow broke his fuel injection. The gave him a loaner and he was satisfied. I was like dude your car is in the shop more than it's in the driveway.
@@JDMHaze Both generations offered I4. Gen 1 had 2.2L I4 and 3.0 V6, both with 4 spd auto or manuals.
Gen 2 had 2.4 I4 4/5 spd auto & 5 spd manual and 3.3L V6 5spd auto only.
They're not performance or nimble cars. They're more like cruisers. They're one of Toyota's most reliable models and they're American made, not Japan. They look more like old lady cars but I don't care. LOL! I'm a sucker for 2 door coupes with long doors that have no window frame.
I was recently thinking about when I'll replace my Corolla (2007). In several years I'll have had it for more than half of my lifetime and I figure that's a reasonable time. I have no doubt it'll make it.
I love how Scotty reads out a fault code, then turns the camera on himself,!cracks a joke, then records himself laughing out loud
Had a hydraulic hose blow on a 06 mercedes, independent shop wanted 4500 just to replace one hose that cost 200 dollars...labor was going to be 4300!!! I redesigned the repair myself and fixed the hose for 75 dollars. The key to owning a mercedes is you have to be highly intelligent and able to work on your own car.
I agree. I’ve owned over 50 vehicles of most brands. One Mercedes. Biggest money pit of all of them put together. It loves to show you an alert, but when it runs as it’s supposed to it’s a beast, no doubt. But you pay for that greatness. Most reliable vehicle brand I’ve owned, MAZDA. Still own a 2008 Mazda 3 I bought new. Only fix, new alternator at 100k miles. Got 160k now. Daily driven by my teenagers for last 3 years. Starts and runs like new.
Mind me asking what kind of merc you owned🤔? My 2 E Classes & S Class are built to last😅
As Scotty on Star Trek said “the more complicated the plumbing, the easier to stop up the works”
Also Scotty said on Star Trek "I'm doing the best I can Captain" 😉😳🤣👋🏻
@@stephenrogers4537 Shut up
I am German and drive a German-built 2010 C-class, which I had for 7 years. It has had NO PROBLEMS whatsoever in that time. I really think that Scotty is right that there is a huge difference between Mercedes built in Germany and Mercedes built in Alabama.
Oh...You think ?
Hahahahahahahahahahah !
Parts going bad in my BMWs were all Germans! fuel pump and such
Not only that, I believe that vehicle maintenance is also part of the problem! Mercedes is a car that must be regularly, and more importantly, properly maintained in order for everything to function as it should! And as far as I can see, this is not the case in America, because mercedes are not brought in for repair at unauthorized repair shops like this one!
Many replacement parts for my E39 Bimmer that where plastic in the states are metal in Germany. It's all by design to milk $ from the gringos
Oh, did the US worker have to learn how to build a Mercedes! Took them a few years but they seem to have it down as my 2014 GL is a testament to.
80s and 90s Mercedes are where it's at. It was all down hill after 99.
I drove a 1994 C280 for 15 years. Solid car overall, but my Camry was built better at the end of the day.
Absolutely right - 1998 1999 was when the Mercedes quality cost-cutting began.
@@Jackson_Hts_Mr_Randy_Watson Not just on Mercedes, pretty much everything
Bought a brand new 92 500 E and changed the evaporator twice within three years, once on warranty second time was on me. Then four years on, had to change the entire wire harness as the protective wrapping surrounding the core literally dried up and wiring was exposed as the coating chaffed. Also from day one the seats were the worst and after an hour and a half of travel, I used to have to take a break cause my back and sciatic nerve acted up. Ended up springing for a front set of Recaros that let allowed me to drive at least a full gas tank between breaks. Fun car but room for improvement? Oh yes!
Ah right more and more 2000s Mercedes are high in value, not ur what noobing Nissan 😂hmahahahah!!!
About the brake rotors,if you ever worked on them before,it was designed that way,the outer layer's material is different and isn't suppose to be touched by the pads,while the inside is completely steel,and another thing,you don't need to replace the disc everytime you change the pads,you only change them after you changed the pads 2 to 3 times before like any car,and the gap makes it super easy to know if you need replacing them,just feel the gap with your fingers,or just look at them,when the brake discsbare worn they tend to have multiple grooves in the steel layer,so scotty,ask other mechanics to fact check your stuff
Lol I droved a friends merc in 2015 and the squeaking is pretty bad when breaking. And its only a year old, never had a break job yet.
@@humorss its a common problem till this day, so far the entry levels are more common to have this, but not a big deal, send it to the dealer(if under warranty) they'll sort it out no problem
@@andrewchin5583 well he did and it came back after a while, its exactly the same situation described in the video, pad don't cover the whole rotor.
@@humorss no correlation, what he descibed was the pad not covering the outer edges of the disc(which is completely normal) the layer is not made of metal. The causation of the noise is moisture,heat cycling,and pad material all having a part in. What we do in the workshop is either smoothening out the pad edges so that when brake is applied it is more gradual or using stop squeal (not paid enough to keep secrets for those bastards but please,don't leak my info to them)
@@andrewchin5583 SO you do have to do something to make sure the issue does nto happen, the onw which Scotty mentioned. ie you smooth out tha pad so that it does not grind against the outer egde.
One would think that if Mercedes watched this video, they would be completely embarrassed and mortified. But like most of the other automakers, they take no pride in their products any more
I agree.,,
What do they have to be embarrassed about? The vehicle’s exceeded it’s warranty period. They owe that driver NOTHING!
@@standyourground9973 Planned obsolescence engineering and parts made to work until just outside the warranty period is nothing to be satisfied with or proud of.
@@blackbird_actual name a single car made after 2008 that doesn’t adhere to that very principle
@@standyourground9973 Pretty much any Toyota, many Hondas - especially the 4 cylinder models, the newer Skyactive engine equipped Mazdas. Japanese companies actually give a damn about quality and it's not unusual to see their vehicles with multiple hundreds of thousands of miles(far outside even an extended warranty) on them without major repairs having to be done. At least nowadays, the Germans and the Detroit big 3 don't really care. Whatever design helps their bottom line the most is what they pursue. Hell, some of the new lower cost GM vehicles don't even come with a spare tire!
I have a 1965 Mercedes 230SL...great looking car, fun to drive. Thankfully, no electronic crap to worry about. Doesn't have the bells and whistles of modern-day cars, but it doesn't have any of the problems either.
these are minor problems
And rear swing axle that wants to kill you
Das war noch Wert Arbeit.
The more I watch Scotty talk about all the idiocy of modern vehicles, the more resolute I become in keeping my mid-70s Bug!
Try getting in an accident in a 70s bug. You will get really hurt.
@@rorosnusnu2035 I agree. The one thing about cars that only improves over time is their safety. I remember when IIHS came out with their “small overlap” test and no midsize car did well except Volvo S60. Now all midsize cars do well. Now IIHS came out with a new side impact test that no one is doing well on. In 5 years from now everyone will.
I still have my Dad’s 1975 Chrysler imperial. Of course over the years I’ve had to put some money into it I had it restored I still rather drive it, (now it’s only during summer months)
I'd be keeping the Bug as it was the peak of German reliability. Still get plenty of parts and cheap too!
@@Matys1975 one of my cars is a 99 miata. I know the feeling. Safety is a big one for me. Otherwise I would daily older nissan zs . My daily is an ls430. Feel pretty safe in it. Also always wanted an older bug.
I sold my '99 Mercedes Benz 320 CLK for twice the money I spent after putting more than 334,000 miles on it. I bought it in 2008 with 210,000 miles for $1200. I sold it to my neighbor for $2400 in 2018 with almost 600,000 miles. I did nothing outside of routine maintenance and a window actuator and alternator. Most reliable car I have ever owned.
"The most expensive car you can buy is a cheap Mercedes"..
Scotty is right on with this video....I owned a 1988 560 SEC for 10 years or so. Even as old as it was and the last of the hand built 126 chassis, it was still the typical Mercedes-- pain to maintain--which I did by myself--and over engineered...It ate brakes, rotors, tires, a very intense maintenance schedule, electrical problems, vacuum issues, exhaust, suspension...etc...But when it was running well it was beast. I loved driving it, but sold it because I was tried of working on it. Don't buy a used Mercedes unless you can work on it or have a deep wallet.
Love the idea of about an 06 CL65 but yeah, I also realize it would be almost most expensive idea in history
Yeah, old Mercedes are used, new Mercedes is crap quality. Bottom line, it looks like I will never buy a Mercedes.
I loved my 126 chassis. I put 230,000 miles on a 1982 300sd, it had 130,000 when I bought it. they don't make them like that any more. no one makes them like that. rotors for $30 each I could put all 4 corners on plus pads for $160. try that with a Camry.
@@bestopinion9257 okay bro lol 😂 keep your Honda 🤣🤣
@@vlone_slatt3504 I bet you buy new generation Mercedes and SH. Aka both crap and used.
The reason I believe Scottie is because he has consistently said.. and proved the same things for years.. so how could I not believe him when he talks..
Everything Scott says is true. I worked on many cars since 1979 as a car owner who avoid going to the garages, you can fully trust this guy !
I feel like it depends on where tour car has been manufactured. I live in Belgium and we have always had german cars. My grandpa has a 2010 audi a6 2.0 litre diesel with 370 000 km and not a single problem. My mother has a 520d bmw from 2012 with 280 000 km and not a single problem. My father an f20 118i, 170 000 km no problems. I have a 120i with 200 000 km no problems. My brother has an e92 m3 with 150 000 km and no problems. Meanwhile my aunt who lives in LA has had problems with all of her bmws. The difference? Her bmw’s were manufactured in Mexico, ours in Germany…
@@av_tbk8605 😎
@@av_tbk8605this is the truth.
This guy never disappoints when it comes to making jokes.
I've owned two Mercs, a 2011 C250 and a 2013 GLK350. Other than having to replace the thermostat on my C-class I had zero other issues with either vehicle. Every vehicle can have issues, even Scotty's beloved Toyotas.
All comes down to maintenance, unless the car have a transmission recall or something. (You dont have to take the car to the dealer to service you need to take to car to someone that know how to fixed ( its not a honda or Nissan
True, have an 06' Civic bought it in 05' brand new for $16k the starter went out on year 15th, the only thing this car requires is oil changes and brake pad changes, other than everything else is flawless specifically the engine, it's so smooth and it easily hits 110 mph like butter. If I would have bought a Toyota the starter would still work, Honda is going down.
Yeah but Scotty it’s not paying $100k + for his Toyota
Or even $50k
A higher price doesn’t mean a better quality
Mercedes Needs to lift their game.
@@auzzieredneck1850I didn't pay $100K, or even $50K for either of my Mercs. I paid $22K for my C250, and $26K for the GLK.
Jes same here i had a cls 2009 350cgi, e class 320cdi , cls 320cdi , now cls 350 from 2007 and only did maintenance and all cars drove more then 300k easy
I must have just been lucky but every Mercedes I've had has been flawless... knock on wood. Yes maintenance is more expensive than a Toyota but I am a Mercedes fan boy after owning 3.
What's that most mileage that you've put on them?
@@kirrus4781 agreed, let's see the mileage
@@BilalKhan-ng3ex No other brand has as many miles on them as MB before junked.
@@kirrus4781 Pure statistically far more than any other car.
I have 2006 E350 w/270,000 miles. I've put 200k of them on the car. Runs like top. Burns 1 quart every 7000 miles. I do most of the service myself and a good private mechanic can do the rest. You don't need the dealership for this era of Mercedes. I average less than $1000.00 a year keeping this car on the road, and she looks brand new. Beautiful car. and i bet will go 500K.
You are right on the money Scotty. My friend has a new one but he always ask me to pick him up at the dealership several times .. because its not working properly..
If I were a car manufacturer, I'd send my prototype to Scotty and send a team of engineers to take notes.
You'd end up building a Lexus!
Or end up with a Celica! XD
@@lukeangell8357 problems solved
You share holders would have a cow. No money in making cars that work.
@@silentvoiceinthedark5665 got there before I did. Like a Dr, there is no money in healthy patients.
I drive a 16 C300 4Matic as a daily, and a 14 C63 AMG Edition 507 for weekend fun. Both have 50k mi, and they're doing great, but Scotty has a point, some can get very complex and expensive to drive!
I have known a MB master mechanic and he told me honestly that most high end car dealers don’t make money selling cars. The real money maker is in the service shop. They have all the fancy lounges and spoils you with fresh bake donuts and hot coffee or hot chocolate while putting a hole in your pocket while your car is in the shop. The cars on the 80’s are better much more durable than 90’s and 20’s. Those pre program ECM’s/ECU’s bound to put a gremlin in your car before the warranty is up. :(
This is true.
I've hauled used cars and I concur with everything this man says
I own a 2013 C250 and a 2015 ML350. I perform all recommended maintenance and never have had an issue with either one.
I had a 1982 Mercedes 300TD(T). It was diesel station wagon. Simple. It worked. The only electronics were the voltage regulator, the radio and the turn signal/four way flasher. The first engine went 293 k miles. I had it rebuilt and it only went 220 k miles. The trans went 250, needed a $600 refresh and went the next 250 without anymore work. If it hadn't started to rust I might have been tempted to rebuild the engine again. The thing that really bugged me about it was that it positively ate water pumps. I think I put 6 in it. Still, even though it was a slug, especially in the summer (only 95 hp on a "standard day" 59*f at sea level), I'd buy another, any day of the week, if I could find one in new condition for the equivalent of what I paid back then.
I have a E430 4m that have over 250k miles on it now. Engine and transmission still runs like a clock. Still cant even feel the shifts at constant speed.
I think it contributes that both trans and engine in that car is constantly understressed.
Body is sadly rusted through though.
@@martinsvensson6884 Yes the body and plastic are the weak point. Keep changing your engine oil every 5k with a Lucas oil additive and the transmission oil every 15k until the car die at 400 k for a V8 but less with a V6 !
@@martinsvensson6884 Martin those diesels are legendary beasts just like the 318 Mopar engine would last longer than the body of a car or truck
Wow. I once thought that these expensive German cars were the "cat's meow" but now I'm disillusioned. I'll stick with the autos that are less than $50K. But Scotty sure has narrowed the field on quality cars - greatly.
i bought a $70k E class for $25k lmao, runs like a dream and hell of a car for the cash
That whole panel is 2 screens!!!!
Sucks if either of them stop working
He changed my mind too😆
@@standyourground9973 I bought a 2014 CLS 550 for 11,000$ haven’t had any problems with it
@@munchysuperwarrior7806 V8’s will use some gas but aside from an occasional oil leak are fantastic, robust engines. Just the V6 engines with 2 extra cylinders
My 1990 Nissan 4X4 pick up had a computer just for the engine. And that was it. Nothing more. It had manual locking hubs, manual transmission, Manual transfer case, and even manual window roller-upper. I seriously wish they'd bring that back as an option for people that like to keep things simple and don't want some technological abomination.
Scotty recently drove one of those to show how simple and sturdy it was. I had a brand new regular cab 1990 Nissan, basic, stripped 5speed. I paid $8400 new back then.. Great little truck..
He's right about these cars. They're practically disposable because they're unfixable unless someone GIVES you the car.
Every gimmick in the book, and most owners won't even know half of them exist.
They hold their value much better than other cars because people with actual knowledge know how to fix them pretty easily and enjoy the superior ride quality.
2000-2010 was a very bad decade for benz cars anyways
@@baron_xd4633 hold their value better than other cars? Lol. I’ve owned two Benzes and the value retention is absolutely garbage. Never again.
@@baron_xd4633 You're really clueless 🙄
@@baron_xd4633 You're better of buying a Lexus.
@@baron_xd4633 the W210 and W211 platforms were freaking bombproof, not sure what you're talking about a bad decade. W210 is from '96-'02 and W211 is from '03-'06. Not only that, the W210 has more space and access to work on engine components than I have in my Ford F150. Best decision I've ever made was buying that car. It's a fun sporty little sedan that rides as smooth as butter. Just keep up on the maintenance and it'll never die. I've seen several of the E-Class and C-Class of the era getting 300,000-400,000+ miles on them. Not exactly a disposable car.
It would be interesting to hook-up the diagnostics on NEW Benz models before they even leave the dealership to see how many error codes they throw.
Agreed
This is correct, it is nearly impossible to develop robust software for unknown extreme variable use applications. The code is crashing. Complex electrical hardware next to crash driving out of the plant.
My Mercedes here in UK is an E Class (W211) 2005 3.0V6 CDi. It has 150.000 miles and in the last 8 years nothing has gone wrong apart from wear items and a ABS sensor. Saying that, I have owned it for 10 years and look after it religiously, that means never missing servicing etc. It`s the neglected ones that cause problems and Scotty is right they can be a nightmare if they haven`t been looked after. Also these cars hate sitting around and need to be driven, thats another reason they go wrong, short journeys. After watching this though I am annoyed about the brake disc`s Scotty mentioned and think Mercedes do set traps for future spending. In my experience of these cars , deal with problems straight away and never ignore things because they will get worse. Also you can do a lot of work youself like the turbo seals and air boxes, they can be a reason for codes being thrown up. Also service gearbox at or after 80.000
I'm also in the UK, with a 2015 w212 E220d on 175,000 miles and a 2006 R230 SL500 5.5l on 120,000, both going fine and both been maintained religiously, you just got to look after things...
Wow, even the colonists are driving German cars now. What happened you your beloved pile of junk range rover?? 😂😂
@@user-wm2tw Yep, got a modified V8 Discovery as well, 22y old, goes a treat in the snow, I use it on a volunteer driver scheme to get medics to hospital and food/medicine to old/vulnerable folks who are snowed in villages around here, years ago a Defender and I worked in tandem to pulled a 14t snow plow truck out of a snow drift.
That’s true they need to be driven sometimes low miles doesn’t mean it’s a good buy
The mercs we have are made in Germany. I don't even think we have a Mercedes factory here in the UK. As he said the ones made in Germany are much much better.
Had a Mercedes E class. 390k miles still running. I spent $400 on it and sold for $800
hello from Germany. I had a good laughter . Scotty is often right. the guys of mercedes are tech lovers. Mercs were great until the early 90s. after that ,,,,no sir. cheers from berlin germany
Partially true. Mid 2000's forward, the build quality was massively improved. Almost all powertrains that Mercedes builds are highly reliable.
Since Chrysler had his fingers in Mercedes these now called Daimler/Chrysler cars are worthless. This american Chryler fusion ruined these old proud brand.
How come is the second richest car manufacturer
@@siphoernest2278 cus people follow trends.
Hoo boy, no one lays a number on buying a Mercedes like Scotty. It's obvious that the ONLY people who should bother to buy them are those who have the money to lease a new one every three years.
Yeah I actually heard a guy on some other channel say just that. After 3 years, throw it away (so to speak) and get another one.
Live in mighty straya and im Toyota and Honda man myself ....even before I discovered Scotty on the tube...so I'm probably bias towards Scotty because I like the way he thinks. I have a 2.4 Honda accord Euro and 3.0 n/a diesel Toyota Hilux and a FJ73 Landcruiser.....so I definatly agree with this man and his opinion on cars and technology.
Cars are great! Computers suck! We had two coupes one had a problem with the panoramic sunroof. Dealer wanted $5000 to fix. Local mechanic fixed for $126. The other aircon problem, dealer wanted $3800 to fix. Local mechanic fixed for $530.
Bringing back memories....My Ex wife was a corporate director @ a Silicon Valley company.....She needed a decent rig to haul people around in.....We bought a 2018 MBZ GLC43 AMG.....The "baby V6 brother" to that GLE63 AMG you have there.....Paid $64,500 OTD....You could still bargin a little back then....She hit a concrete fence post that some "house flipper" had fall out of their truck into the roadway on the way to work. The total repair cost was about $16,000 as I recall....No damage to the underbody but, the aluminum subframes & exhaust system were toast! The front tires were shot @ 20K miles....I had a new set of front tires for it....They were on "national backorder" at the time....I had bought them about 2 months previously....Well when we got the Benz back....It drove like CRAP! Serious issues with the alignment...seemed like the rear toe was bad....scary to drive @ freeway speeds. Took it back....for the second time.....The service manager called up....said the Benz is done....Went and picked it up....Had new tires on the rear too! I asked them when that was done (21" wheels with $2000//set tires)....The manager said they were required....OK I go drive it....Drive fantastic again...I was still kind of mad about the tires....Got back....Going through paperwork....Getting ready for the $1,500 bill for tires & munting....Service writer came up....He had talked to the dealership general manager....Tires were not billed to me....So? as bad as they are....If you have the right dealership with some ethics...Well, at least they treat you well....No complaints about customer service from Pleasanton, CA Mercedes....My Ex-wife traded it in a Lexus RX350...."buggy eyed little cockroach"....Her life, her car....Lexus offered her $36,000 for the GLC43....I told her drive it over to Car Max and see what they offer....$42,000 @ Car Max...Lexus matched that price....I'm not sure the collision damage had made it to the Car Fax report yet....Me? I think of all the German cars....Benz is the best of the bunch....Worst German car I ever owned? Audi B7 RS4....total underwhelming pile of unreliability.
yup and most complain about cost but heres the thing if you can do the work yourself its not that bad... I mean I looked my car I just recently bought (2016 e350 v6 3.5 non turbo) Its very simple.. it doesnt even have the air suspension system on it. Runs really good has 97k miles and its all highway.. I looked it over constantly to see where the parts where on the engine and such nothing complex I cant handle my self. Plus the major thing its a RWD car not a fwd that almost everyone has now and has been putting cvt's (junk even for toyota) in them. Try getting 100k miles on a cvt from nissan ha
I love this video because it speaks the truth about Mercedes’. I can attest to these cars being money pit because I work on them all the time at my shop.
From experience having a 2008 c-300 in the family for multiple years it was a pile of junk. Got rid of it 6 years ago.
Let's not forget BMW and AUDI ☹️
@@kmorton54 don’t bring BMW into this 🥴
I owned a '76 280 SEL and a '76 280. Those cars were incredible. A few years ago I purchased an '02 C 200 Kompressor. What a steaming pile of garbage. I'll never own another Mercedes again. Strictly Japanese from now on.
@@kmorton54 why?
Wow Scotty I have been watching your videos for almost 3 month and I sure have learned alot from you. I was going to buy a Mercedes however now I am looking to buy a RX350 used. Thank you so much for educate us ladies to stay away from garbage and headaches 😩 😪
Get Toyota Celica Laura
My RX350 will be 11 years old come June 2022. I drive 34 miles to work Mon to Fri. Plus the weekend drives. Never had any issue with the RX. It’s a tank! Good choice Laura!
I drive a Mercedes c300 sport and had good luck for the last 5 years. Brought it uses wit 63,000 miles on it. Just changed the oil and filters. No problems. Car rides like it's gliding literally. I drove a friend's Lexus is250 sport, and the driving dynamics is not as tight or sharp feeling as a BMW or Mercedes, but it wasn't far off either. I actually liked it and my next car will be a Lexus or Infiniti. I know my way around a car and have friends who work on cars that is the only reason I justified buying a German car otherwise I would of gotten a Japanese car. Acura, Lexus, Infiniti are all excellent and more reliable than German cars
I have had an e46, z3, 08 mustang GT, and now a w204 C350. I like everything. From my own personal experience, it’s all these stupid sensors and random things that decide to break. Tired of everything being over engineered. Though with my health issues, it’s a price I’m willing to pay for comfort. Anything can be junk, but not everything can be comfortable. Rock on Scotty, you are great, keep them coming!
Mercedes has lost their way in the "modern age". I have seen a person in my neighborhood sill driving his mid to late 80's 560 SEC without a fuss. Would love to buy that car from him but of course I already can predict his answer.
Same with BMW, they have also lost their way
"he sold his business and moved back to Germany" had me laughing out loud, great video.
I was assigned to Germany in the early 80's and I remember these Mercedes diesel taxis running all over the countryside. I remember talking to a taxi driver who spoke english over a schnitzel and beer at a gasthouse and they drove I think a 240D (diesel) and he was telling me they drive them over one million miles. He said the drivers send them back to the factory for a "refresh" and they come back like new and keep on driving and driving and driving. I guess the environmental nuts killed off their taxis but what machines!!! I guess that is when a Mercedes was a Mercedes.
Got 3, 2 Diesel MLs and a AMG CLK. Done 250000km on one of the MLs and only changed a set of glow plugs and relay. They are easy to work on compared to a lot of other brands and parts are cheap compared to Japanese cars here in Australia. All up, I like the Mercs. Sorry Scotty ,but ur customers must miss treat their cars mate.
@@partymanau the problem is that the germans they are scamming the americans vw, audi, bmw , mercedes for the american market are poor quality they build them in mexico, brazil,us thats why they have so much problems, in europe or in uk where i live they are better built , saying that still they have problems , you need to properly service this cars , i had mercedes, vw, bmw x5 etc but i’ve serviced them myself and changed parts , if you go to the dealer is not worth it unless off course you have money to spend then thats fine.
I owned two W123 240D'.s Best car's ever made. Mercedes stopped making Mercedes after the W140 series. Now they just sell, ugly, stupidly overly complicated massively overpirced stuff with a three pointed star on it.
@partymanau the diesel mercs are much better than the petrol ones. My mate here in Australia had a merc but got rid of it cause repair cost was too high. Traded it for a crv lol
I was in Sweden and throughout Europe in 1984 and most all the Taxi's were Mercedes Diesels. They were the Beast's of the industry in Europe back in the day!!
I've worked for mercedes and about 5 other dealers. Out of all the german manufacturers id have to say Mercedes makes the most reliable product. You are over looking all the pros. You were talking about the cost of modules, but they rarely fail on a mercedes. The only ones that occationally have problems are the radar modules and rear sams. Ball joints, tie rod ends can last of to 220,000 km. Shocks go well past 100k. Domestics shocks dont survive 50k. Works out to around the same cost in most cases. Mercedes you get 3 times the technology but only twice the problems of domestic vehicles. As for the codes, you arent really understanding the culture of german electronics. The modules are more sensitive and have shorter parameters so the will set codes for any little glitch. Domestic vehicles wont even notice and usually give you less warning. Mercedes is also the manufacturer creating all the amazing technology that people love. Like 360 camera or blind spot assist. Mercedes was running those systems like 6 years before everyone else. After mercedes i sold cars for ford. I found it really funny explaining 360 camera technology like it was new when in fact ive seen it years prior .lol
The poor owner of that car, despite having a warranty must have had his head in his hands when he watched this video of Scotty laughing at his car! Scotty, you are a class act.
He should sue the automaker under the
Lemon Law and get his money back and never buy a Mercedes Benz anymore unless it came from the 80s or 90s.
Thank you, I lost my mind for a few and considered buying an AMG. This was a God send, thank you Lord for Scotty.
In the 80's you would see 60's and 70's Mercedes diesels with these ceramic badges on the their huge grills. They were given to owners as they passed 200k, 500k, 750k and even one for a million miles. I'm sure Mercedes didn't quit doing this but when is the last time or was there anytime you've seen one?
Why are you sure Mercedes is still awarding owners with those badges?
I am not a Mercedes guy, but I have known a few people who owned the old 70's-80's turbo diesels and those things were tanks. That was probably the high water mark for Mercedes reliability. They could easily reach 500k with proper care. The interiors were not gaudy and full of buttons and flashing lights. The leather seats were well made and there were no rattles and there was much less plastic under the hood. Repairs/parts were still incredibly expensive, but they were fairly reliable and did not need to go into the shop often. However they took their sweet time to go from 0-60mph.
@@tolpacourt I doubt the cars will ever qualify again so I don't know if they are anymore.
@@robc7323 If you got one that was just the straight diesel, you had to get ready to go at a green light before it turned red again.
My old car had 470k km, original engine transmission. I sold it because the plastic parts starting to age. The main parts never failed. We bought it new. Made in Stuttgart tho. So i bought 2 years ago a mercedes e class 250 diesel with 170k km from Germany for 10k euro. Now has 230k km, and only thing needed new tires and oil changes. The car is 11 years old, no rust, and manual transmission:).
I've had personnel at a Merc dealer laugh at me when I baulked at the price of new front shocks for a Vito van. Thankully, there are companies like Febi and Bilstein that make aftermarket parts for much better prices and equal or better quality than original.
Wow!! Just another reason why I'm still driving my 2002 GMC Sierra 1500, with manual roll windows and regular non-electric door locks. The less electronics, the less there is to break. Power steering, power brakes, towing package, a/c, CD player. Extra cab long bed. That's the options list. 230,000+ miles, still gets 18-20 mpg. Awesome truck.
18-20mpg?? Thats absolutely horrendeous
Those vortecs are bullet proof.
The only bad thing on those trucks is the heater core when you have to rip the whole truck apart to get to.
Speaking of electronics, anytime you convert something electrical to manual, it's an upgrade.
@@shueibdahir not really lol. For a full size truck with old tech of those older vortecs, pretty impressive
@@shueibdahir you should see some mid 2000s SUVs.
Scotty, most defects are engineered in not assembled in. In Alabama they are mostly installing premade modules. I was a German car mechanic for years and most issues were baked in.
Having driven Mercedes Benz for over 40 years with no problems whatsoever i would think that the solution would make sure that the car was built in Germany. My e class was purchased in 2012 and has one battery and two wipers. My son drove a Mercedes that had over 275,000 on the clock with no problems, this car was still being used by a taxi driver in Romania last month.
Yes I had a few of them had no problems with any of them I have two now and don't have any problems if you take care of them they will take care of you.
@@joedavies980unfortunately Scotty always goes back and forth on his word and isn’t always reliable with his info from what I’ve seen, Mercedes are literally toe to toe with Toyotas in my opinion my 2011 c300 has been very reliable bought it at 60k miles have now had it at 170k miles and still runs like new with the maintenance done and I do the work myself and I’m not a mechanic or anything just used youtube
@@couchmayne4351toe to toe with Toyota.....you wrote that with a strait mouth
@@couchmayne4351 "toe to toe with Toyota". Almost spilled my coffee.
Mercedees.. those pieces of junk
Every car manufacturer has had its problems. That includes Toyota. From terrible oil consumption in their 4 and 6 cylinders in the mid 2000s to terrible brakes. Mercedes has made some terrible engines as well.
The stats don't lie. Toyota holds the best score in reliability as of now and has had it for over a decade. Reason for that is simple, Toyota makes them simpler. Mercedes is at the top when it comes to technology and so, some problems come with innovation.
Having said that, I own a 2010 Mercedes E350 since new. Yes, with the crappy M272 motor. It has 228,000 miles and counting. Bought it after Mercedes fixed the bugs in 06-08. Zero oil leaks. Best car I have ever owned. Extremely reliable.
Have bought 2 Lexuses for my wife. I have not seen a Toyota yet last as long as a Merc. Great vehicles, but in no way, shape or form, do they come close to driving like a Merc. The build quality and attention to detail cannot be compared. No offense.
Brakes, double hood latches, hood extending to 90 degrees, the geometry of the suspension and layout of the engine compartment. There is no comparison.
The old MB's were good when the rest of the world made unreliable cars. Nowadays, their quality is not there! We had a 1964 , 190 model, built like a tank! The gear changer was on the steering wheel, and the speedometer had a vertical column design behind the steering wheel. I loved watching it move up and down.
Yup, the old ones were the best.
Yep, I restored my 42 Willys in 1983 and used it regularly for 35+ years with no major brakedowns and low maintenance costs and it never made me walk either. Currently it's in the shop to get rejuvenated and upgrades for a new lease on life for the next 30 years. It will get an in dash GPS system, but that is the only computer/electronic crap it will ever have.
W212 E-Class is the last reliable MB they made.
Once upon a time you couldn't buy better than Mercedes. That was "once upon a time". If you want to live happily ever after, buy a Japanese car.
@@davidbrayshaw3529 Depends heavily on what you want out of the car. Never heard of anyone saying, omfg let's take the Toyota Camry to the Nurburgring. All cars have a use case.
Scotty,my first car when I got hired by Fidelity was an brand new 1986 E300D,an E class Diesel,It was a joy to drive,it looked good, drove like a dream, but 3 years in,I got hit with a $2500 brake job! I refused to do it,changed the brake pads,and sold it. I haven't purchased another one since. Everyone in my family (except me) drives a Benz,and I know they're paying out of their rear ends for service. They laughed when I bought a Camry,but I put 200k miles on it before I got a Lexus ES. I now drive a Genesis G80 Sport,and so far so good. I will NEVER buy another Benz.
Your mercedes mechanic was scamming you brakes on a w123 are cheap normal components
Dude you had one of the most reliable cars ever built! Mercedes builds junk now days because they wouldnt make any money selling cars if everyone had cars as good as a w123
Yep that’s why I laugh then these comments say “I have a Mercedes and it’s been a perfect car”. Yea it’s perfect, until it ain’t. And when it breaks, and it will break, I hope you’re financially in a good place
@@billyring9803 if this was an ‘86 in North America, it was the first year of the W124, and was built with the turbocharged OM603.
Brake job on my Mercedes---all 4 wheels---is under 400 dollars.
Scotty is proving that at the end of the day no matter how expensive a car is, a car is a car, is a car, no matter the price. German autos don't want you to think that. Hence the reason why "exclusivity" was created in the first place. Even the wealthy get fooled as you can see. But they'll get rid of it in 3 or so yrs, and start this all over again. B/C they have to have a Merc/BMW/Audi
*Especially the wealthy 😂
Just shows how smart they are... not so much
It's fine for them because they change cars like we upgrade phones. New model every 1-3 years. I guess if you have the money.
Me I'd rather spend that on a genuine Japanese built supercar
You're 100% right! Italian cars are worth the risk if parked in an internal garage & religiously serviced throughout your ownership. British cars too. You'll get something with same warranty + more enjoyable around curves & weekend trips.
In my country, rich people often buy expensive car to avoid paying higher income tax. I don't how income tax works in my country because i am not eligable to pay tax. Only people that earn 4k and above have to, and i thank god for that
There are 47 on-board computers in an E320 W211 so you must expect some trouble. You have the money for the car, now look after it. As far as the brake rotors are concerned, you can buy after market pads that cover the whole rotor, AFTER YOU MACINE the ridge around the outside. Simple, hey?
It's funny I was in a gas station some weeks back and a guy was in line in front of me and was on the phone talkin about how he would never buy a Mercedes again because it's always something wrong with them.
The first person that crossed my mind was Scotty Kilmer saying that they're money pits
I know ppl working near minimum wage buying Mercedes 😵
@@finalboss7956 lol they want to look rich and not actually be rich 🤦♂️
Well you do have to take care of them for them to take care of you never had any problems with mines.
I know a guy who bought a used Mercedes with a bunch of problems, which he thought he could pay a mechanic to fix, then he thought he'd have a great car. But after spending thousands on repairs, he finally gave up and it sat in his yard for a couple of years. I told him about Scotty's videos and how he says to never buy a Mercedes unless you're rich enough to afford all the repairs. He just frowned. Then a couple months ago he took it to a dealer, and traded it in on a brand new Mercedes! LOL.
Can't fix stupid.
He just Renewed his Contract.
Some people never learn
Two kinds of people own off warranty German cars; those that can afford them and those that can fix them.
@@robertcoyle9071 im the latter lol
Yeah I've been thinking of a new car, but the "technology" annoys me. Stuff like having to go into the little screen to change the radio station or the AC. I drive a 2012 Focus SE with a manual, everything is basic and practical.
Like any manufacturer, it depends on the year and model. My wife’s 10 year old C250 with 100k on the clock is the most reliable car we’ve ever owned. My 2018 mustang had way more issues. It’s never thrown a CEL, never had a single issue.
Scotty is absolutely correct. Thnx Scotty.
After watching Scotty's videos for many years I've been thinking for several years that
if somebody gave me a 5 year old or older Mercedes for free I would not even want it.
Unless of course the person who gave it to me would not mind if I tried to sell it the next day
or even the same day it was given to me.
hahahahah we don’t want you driving them either
you are sheep and he's brainwashing you.
@@korencek How so?
Just go buy a warranty
@@rahimi4762
A car warranty is one of the biggest scams out there.
Oh Scotty, you never fail to make my day ! Thank you so very much for all the years of great advice and happiness.
The window cracking open for closing the door has another advantage: that’s the pressure bump you get when the door slams shut while you’re inside. But, the expense to do it could stay. My car doesn’t do it and I don’t miss it.
The Chevy Camaros have this same feature.
Don't some cars have a relief valve flap thing in the doors?
@@M4DesignUSA I don’t know about that. If any do, please let us know.
I’m so glad that I dint buy a Mercedes GLC in 2015. I bought an Acura MDX. No problems for over 7 years now.
We have 2015 GLA best car ever owned and had many brands. Best or nothing, Im starting to believe it. No repairs. 3 years. Oil, brakes, window viper, light bulp only one.
I've been going to the same mechanic for 35 years. He always had a Mercedes until about 15 years ago. He stopped because they're more cheaply made and over complicated.
Always love your videos. Been watching since 2014. Your knowledge helped me buy a car for practicality, and my Toyota is still going strong.
A friend owns a local body shop. I asked him “what’s the most difficult brand to work on?” Without needing to think about it, he said “Mercedes Benz”.
Mmm....BMW
I hear it is now Alfa Romeo, no one will touch them.
That's why Lexus beats BMW and Mercedes Lexus is all reliability
All the fasteners on Mercedes are different sizes. Makes it difficult and takes longer to work on them.
@@americanboy48 Lexus is trash they will never be a true luxury car just toyotas
I have a CLS 500 and I agree with the rims and super low profile tires. I replace 1 rim and tire almost every year because of road damage. But, it takes corners like crazy and I love it.
The Mercedes brand is nice as long as it's somebody else driving it.
They make real nice yard art. No one can deny they are some of the most beautiful vehicles.
@@greggc8088 And the best ones to ride in. Also the most miles on them of any brand before junked.
@@greggc8088 They rarely end up there though. They have the lowest tow truck frequency of any brand on the Autobahn.
@@greggc8088 Yes.. they are called "all other brands" :) MB has the longest lasting cars of all. But they are more complex of course than a Toyota so replacing a worn out suspension on an S for example is going to cost more. Since its a more expensive construction. That's why you bought the car to begin with. And that's why there is simpler and cheaper cars of you are poorer and cant afford that.
@@greggc8088 No they are very high quality. It has been known for very long. That's why the cars last so long. Wouldnt be possible else. You should know that too.
The complexity is the reason the parts are somewhat more expensive than on some other cars. Since they contain more. And its going to make more things break if you dont maintain the car properly. That's really the only problem most of the time. People think they can drive it to the ground without servicing it. Seems to mostly be a problem in the US also. Where I can imagine many people buy them on credit cards and then think they are going to be as cheap to run as a lesser car and wont run scheduled maintenance on them.
As someone who used to own two Mercedes SUVs, I can confidently say that Mercedes use to make good cars but unfortunately now they only make and sell the name Mercedes not even a car.
I learned that when they started slapping AMG badges on nearly everything
@Bangonthebeastdaily Ellison SAME JUNK
Lexus (back when they were more competitive in the 90s) forced benz to build to a price to compete.
not all Mercedes are money pits. Scotty Kilmer did not provide such deep research. because he showed us the Mercedes CLS which comes with air suspension only. he did not tell us that E and C classes are available with coil springs which are much cheaper than air suspension.
also E class is less complex than CLS. just do research on used e class it is reliable and not a money pit. search about its common issues. it is affordable, fun to drive, has a much better-built quality than Lexus or any other luxury car. I owned one for almost one year and was fun and only needed regular maintenance and some sensors. that was 5 years ago I got a 2003 E320.
@@CRAPO2011 Lexus has the greatest resell value. Why?
As a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, they were problematic after about the mid 90's. My diesel isn't very hard to work on and parts are affordable. They just take a while to ship to your house, you won't find alot or parts in the parts stores.
autohaus AZ and FCP euro is who I use. find the ones who specialize in them. I bought an aftermarket harmonic balancer from parts geek and the inside diameter is too small for the wrench.
@@robertcoyle9071 I've used them, they pretty decent.
I used to like German cars, but Scotty has taugh me better, there're are no German cars from 2005+ worth having.
I own 2008 C-class which I bought it used. It had many miles on it when I bought it. I happen to use many other brands due to the nature of my work. I honestly feel the difference when I sit on my car and drive it. It is a very reliable and comfortable feeling that comes from a serious piece of machine
Explain the context of this video then - which demonstrates Mercedes-Benz in the last 22 years are the embodiment of unreliability??
Same, 2009 W204 with 175k miles on it and every time I drive it after driving some other car I am glad I bought it.
I’ve had many cars over the years that have those side windows that go down a little when you open the door. Here in Montana they are a nightmare when it’s -40 and have an inch of ice covering your vehicle. The motor is not strong enough to break the ice so you pry the door open, tear the weatherstripping, then you carry a rope with you to tie the door shut and drive around with the door ajar for weeks until it gets above 0. Then the power windows are all messed up and you have to drive 500 miles to the dealer to get the computer reset so they will work again.
Pretty sure I wouldn't own one of those type cars if I lived in Montana. Actually, pretty sure I have no desire to live in such a cold climate period.
Ha Ha Don't drive rich people cars.
Bought an 07 GL450, sold it after less than a year. Rides great but cost too much to maintain and even for simple fixes. To me, they are just not worth it.
Man I have a customer with this same truck I just did that nightmare rack and pinion without a lift and it’s having all types of computer problems and still has a oil leak from the oil filter housing and the airbag and esp lights are on smh he said he’s selling when it gets in selling condition
My first car was a 2007 S550 and your right they can have stuff happen to them but most of those “fault codes” are really nothing you can unplug something in your car to work on it and plug it back in and those “fault codes” will appear and I can purchase most parts for my vehicle myself and fix it myself.
In 2013 we bought our first Toyota, a brand-new Prius C. We've maintained it by the book, and we only use genuine Toyota maintenance parts, along with the best oil/fluids from AMSOIL, and the best gasolines usually Shell V-Power.
The following is what has broken in the past nine years and five months of our ownership:
Year seven, the passenger side taillight bulb.
Year nine, the driver's side taillight bulb.
That's it.
Toyota can't be blamed for the two bulbs, they don't make them, and bulbs are a consumable part.
This is the best car we've ever had, and we've never heard of one being as good.
That right there speaks volumes, and sums up that people who spend a fortune paying for a badge and toys are effectively children.
@@stepha5926 Thank you.
When I wrote that I wanted to help people by offering our experience.
This reminds me of a TV channel in China that is basically dedicated to reporting all these Benz and Land Rover vehicles having all sorts of issues soon after driving off the show room. One brand new Benz was even leaking oil in the showroom SMH
I rented a brand new Jetta last year and it was hilarious, 60 miles on it, and it was throwing three faults. Stop start system wasn't working, and half the time when you started it it would refuse to drive because of a fuel level sensor or something.
Glad I got a Camry; only code I've gotten is... low washer fluid lol.
My biggest problem too.
I've owned three E-Class. Easily affordable and bulletproof provided it's correctly maintained. 216K on the current '03. Post 2006 starts to wane.
Same with c250 cdi, bulletproof. This guy is overreacting, all car manufacturers build to not lost forever. For Ford or Toyota why would be good to build cars forever? No one would buy new ones.
I've owned two S-500's (1999 and 2004) and a CLS-55 (2004) so far and every single one has failed me big time over the years. Every day a new error code. These things just fall apart after max 10 years. At the same time my neighbor with a Mazda 6 never has problems, it just works and works. I must admit that after getting rekt so many times with Mercedes which I used to love so much, I strongly dislike them now and actually bought a 200 euro Honda as an everyday car, which I absolutely love as there are much less problems and I can really say that I trust more than any Mercedes I've seen so far.
The batteries on the Mercs are also a disaster. I have a rule of thumb which says that never take a Mercedes out from the dealership without demanding a new battery. Two out of three in my case had a dead battery which failed on the first day after purchase. My friend bought a 2019 S-500 and same problem! He drove it home, tried to drive after a few hours - battery dead.
And the frigging ball joints. These cars are made 80% of just ball joints. I drive less than 18k km every year, so not even so much. But every damn year my car gets caught up at the roadworthiness check because of a loose ball joint and gets a fail. Now four years in a row, same problem. The ball joints must be made of plastic it seems. This ball joint problem has driven me on the virge of madness sometimes. My father's 1984 Volvo 240 never ever since he bought it new in 1984 has needed a new ball joint. My Mercedes needs at least one every year. The amount of WTF I've had with these cars is unbelievable. Some people are lucky and have no problems ever, I seem to be one of the unlucky ones and have these cars fall apart on me at every turn.
If one day I get lucky and get to sell the CLS-55 disaster - never again Mercedes... never again. I let myself get rekt only so many times until I wise up.
The only Mercedes Owners I like, are the one's that are man enough to admit they were wrong to buy Mercedez.
I owned a 500SEL FO 16 yrs. When I bought the car I loved it but from the begining it was a total money pit and the worst made car I have ever owned . It was European Benz which are the exact same money pits they send to the U. S. Everything keeps breaking and falling apart constantly. 👎🏻
Will a 2010 Mercedes Benz E250 Coupe CG cost me a lot of expensive repairs?
@@soun6589dont be weird
I have a 2019 glc300, no problems so far , counting my blessings. I must say this video is sad, hilarious and true. 150k worth of problems in this case.
As a Mercedes owner, 100% agree. My favorite new problem is fuel smell on a cold start, better than the A/C mold issue I guess.
gasoline smell from the inside of the car is not normal, and not safe
Check your injectors and EVAP system
Fuel smell inside the car can be a pain to locate, but usually is just a few pennies fix! A pinched/loose hose, O-ring (specially injectors)... As mentioned neither normal or safe. So check it and fix it ASAP!
A/C mold! Clean the system and make sure the drain/breathing pipe under the car is not obstructed! Usually get clogged with road debris the resulting moist accumulation, along with lack of air circulation does the rest! Driving in muddy/dirty conditions is usually the first precursor for clogging it! Make sure to have the A/C filter replaced as needed. It's cheap, fast and easy to replaced! ;-)
Both issues sound a lot like "maintenance" issues!
My GL450 had that problem, 2 of the fuel pumps were bad.
What type do you drive?
If you can find a decent and loved Mercedes from the 80’s through 1995, buy it. They are exceptional cars with amazing build quality. I daily drive a 1989 190E and my dad still daily drives his 1993 400E.
It seems to be the vehicles built after about 1998 and the Chrysler merger that really dragged their reputation and QC down.
I agree. I had 93 W124. Was a wonderful car with no problems. Sold it years ago. I still stay in contact with new owner. He uses it as his daily driver and loves it.
Chrysler had nothing to do with their demise.
I have a 2012 Mercedes SUV 450 GL I have had it for since 2015. I’ve had it in the shop three times. In nine years, it was kinda high, but I haven’t had many issues. I change the rotors once my husband does the brakes and he’s not even a mechanic. The only problem I have with my beautiful black beauty sensors when it rains and my car starts bouncing, and I had those fixed once, the suspension
Always great information and advice. Both delivered with a fantastic contagious smile.
I love videos like this, a 15 minute rant about a "premium" car maker hahaha. Journalists drool over such cars, but have no idea about reliability or design flaws. Leave the facts to Scotty!
Sometimes a small problem can send you many times to the dealer. These cars are sold with known problems. Remember how cheap were the mp3 players yet it took toyota 2 more years to implement them. But they last. They dont sell crap
Everything is nice and beautiful when new…when new!
so what cars are good
I’ve had a bmw 328i for about 9years now and it’s been overall pretty good, not many problems and none of them expensive, it’s salvage too, bought in 2013, came out around 14k with every package except m package I think. me and my family got 4 of them one hit on each side so we had a parts car fix up 3 of them and we have a car for parts to save us plenty of money.
I paid $19.2K for a used 2016 E350 4matic on Sat 10/26/2019. The original owner paid $63,850 in 2015. Seventy percent depreciation in four years. All I've done in three years is change the transmission fluid once, purchase a new set of tires, and change the oil four times. Sofa so good. We'll see how it goes from here.
Every once in a while I toy with the idea of buying a mercedes. Then a new video of Mr. Scotty here pops up about them and it knocks me back into my senses! lol
I own a c class from 2012 , c250cdi i bought with 95k miles , now on 140k, what i changed is oil, breaks, and filters. Oh, and a chain tensioner for peace of mind. They are not that bad how this video is saying. Don't believe everything what is on UA-cam. I made 12 times London- Budapest, once London Barcelona, London Croatia. Never ever broken down, NEVER .
Continuous speed with 100miles/h with 47 mpg consumption..... Let this sink in... You cannot beat mercedes.
Thanks for the last 4 years. I have happy memories of watching you during the depths of my illness, and remember how you were one of the few whose voice and content could penetrate my more painful moments. Thanks for always forwarding your own opinions in an entertaining and informative style 🍺
Lived in Germany 2010-2016. I met a couple German mechanics that said the same thing about all the models. All the taxis are E-class but were trashed after 2 years, constantly in the shop. I rented a brand new E-class and the radio would completely freeze up if a CD had a scratch on it. Only way to get it to work again is you turn off and on the car.
Yes they are often used as Taxis in Europe because they dont need to replace the cars as often. No other brand has as many miles on them as MB before junked. Else they wouldnt be used.
@@martinsvensson6884 yup I love my 2016 e350 she has 97k miles and runs like a champ! all highway def not bad to work on.. its just like anything else.. parts are actually cheaper than my 300zx tt
Scotty is so right on the brakes. I bought an 08 ml 350. Pads are undersize for rotors and leave massive dust on wheels that you have to clean every few days so they have to be wearing out very fast. The lip on the rotor was noticable also. I bought new rotors and semi metallic pads for all around, about 215 bucks total and did the job myself. Now my brake pedal is nice and solid and my wheels stay clean. The SUV is built solid but those brakes were garbage.
I owned a 1959 Mercedes 190 gas and a 1961 190-D. Both were amazingly solid, reliable cars with rarely any problems. What happened?
Much the same as what's happened in the rest of the world. In 1961 the US had a Great President....now....we have NEITHER !!!!!
Ha, I love the retro to modern Scotty. The throwback videos are a treat to watch, such a cool concept of throwing shade at old and new problems of a car brand. Just roll with this one for a while Scotty, its sure is fun to watch.
Well, if other cars also had a lot of sensors like MB, then a lot of faults would also come up. 😁Seriously, with or without sensors, faults or imperfections would come out as "symptoms". Diagnosing and fixing these is the hard part. Thank God for Scotty. 👍
I own a 2005 E320 and I love it. After 2005 they added Camshafts and Valves and gears to the Automatic Transmissions (much less reliable). My 5spd Automatic and V6 and Suspension are bulletproof.