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2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Discussions
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All Mercedes-Benz S-Class Models
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Mercedes Benz S-Class is Rusting!
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Re: Mercedes Benz S-Class is Rusting! [ebs1]
I have a 2002 S430 that was purchased in August 2008 with 67528 miles and I have rust on three of the four doors. I took it to the Mercedes dealer where they looked up my Vin # and told me that this car had been recalled to have the doors re sealed in 2005. At this point I can only take there word for it. However, if it had been ... Read More
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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Mercedes-Benz V12 and AMG cars
The S600 catch. The reason you find all of these slightly used Mercedes-Benz V12 and AMG cars that are a couple years old is because of service fees. It is extremely expensive to repair almost anything on the V12/AMG cars because they are so intricately designed. Also witht these cars they have more "stuff" under the hood, therefore there is more to go wrong. There is a crazy amount of stuff ... Read More
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Re: 2002 S430 won't start HELPPP [2002s430amg]
Let me warn you now about dealerships, esp MB dealerships. Now I work with them everyday so I know all the little tricks and whatnot they pull to make extra money, and Ive seen them do it time and again racking up thousands of dollars and hand the bill to the customer, who has to pay it to get their car. Not all dealerships are like this, but be aware. I ... Read More
High End Luxury Cars
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A SOON-TO-BE OBITUARY FOR MERCEDES BENZ
I hate being the bearer of bad news and unfortunately this is very very bad news. MERCEDES BENZ AS WE KNOW IT WILL SOON BE DEAD! CAUSE OF DEATH----KILLED BY DR. ZETSCHE'S MALPRACTICE: Read the following blurb from Wall Street Jouranl today and you will know what I am talking about: Although some shareholders have called for DaimlerChrysler to sell off its U.S. unit, Mr. Zetsche is preparing a turnaround plan ... Read More
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BBC Top Gear Survey 2005
76,050 people, 159 car models from 36 manufacturers-It's the U.K.'s biggest independent car satisfaction survey. Top Gear Survey 2005- Each of the 76,050 viewers and readers who took part in our survey this year were asked to reveal how every aspect of the car ownership experience matched up to the expectations they had when they first took delivery of their vehicle. Each car is given an overall satisfaction score out of ... Read More
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Canadian Sales Results for November
Dewey, just for you - Here is the complete list of Canadian sales results for the month of November. The overall market was up 2.7% compared to November 2005. Winners (November 2006 vs. November 2005) Acura - up 27.9% (down 5.6% YTD) Audi - up 12.5% (up 13.3% YTD) BMW - up 3.8% (up 11.1% YTD) DaimlerChrysler - up 8.4% (down 0.1% YTD) Ford - up 15.4% (up 8.4% YTD) Honda ... Read More
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Re: November Sales Data for Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class [tagman]
The sales comparisons for the monthly data are year-over-year. Lexus LS sales for November 2006 increased by 116.3% compared to November 2005 and Mercedes S-Class sales for November 2006 increased by nearly 100% compared to November 2005.
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November Sales Data for Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class
Lexus and Mercedes-Benz have their sales data on their websites and is as follows (I found Lexus data at Toyota website): Lexus link title The LS 430 and the all-new LS 460 reported combined sales of 3,613, an increase of 116.3 percent. Mercedes link title (You will have to select December's data) Sales of the newest generation S-Class were nearly double this month over last November (2,780 vs. 1,400) I wonder ... Read More
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LS460L
There's an interesting early owner review on CL from a fellow who also owns a 2004 Phaeton and 2005 E55. He says among other things: 1. The Phaeton is bigger... 2. The Phaeton has more "road-hugging weight"... 3. The Phaeton cabin feels significantly wider, with commensurately greater shoulder room... 4. The Phaeton trunk is larger and more usable (our LS460L has the Tiny Trunk option)...[rear a/c and icebox] 5. A few ... Read More
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Re: BusinessWeek on BMW - Great Article [hpowders]
When looking for "off the wall", HP, just read you posts! I agree. BMW will be surging ahead while Lexus, as I see it, has already begun its sad decline. With the new LS, Lexus has managed to "evolve" this vehicle backward. Compared to the outgoing LS 430, it takes the new LS 460 thirty more feet (!!) to stop the car from 70 mph, according to Car & Driver-a performance ... Read More
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Latest U.S. Auto Sales Data
This is what I call The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly. According to Forbes: U.S. automakers released sluggish September sales results Tuesday, while Toyota continued to gain market share against its U.S. competitors after posting another month of solid sales. Of the three major auto manufacturers, Ford Motor (nyse: F - news - people ) was the only one to post sales growth in September. On Tuesday, its overall September ... Read More
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Re: What the hell? [merc1]
This from a man who heads up the same company that depends on suvs and large pickups for their survival! This is said as GM gets ready to roll out their most important vehicles of all, full-size pickups! What am I missing here? The answer to your question could be the Sequel. The gas-alternative route seems to be GM's new Crusade. I just hope GM will live up to its hype. ... Read More
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Re: DCX/MB [houdini1]
Allow me to post the history of the merger: Daimler-Benz merger: Chrysler merged in 1998 with Daimler-Benz to form DaimlerChrysler AG. This was initially touted as a merger of equals, but within a couple of years the truth was evident: it was a buyout of Chrysler by Daimler-Benz, with the latter being very much the dominant partner. As if on cue, Chrysler went into another of its financial tailspins soon after ... Read More
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Re: Actually, [syswei]
I haven't really been reading what all the fuss is about with the surveys this time around, but I do think JDP should have broken the IQS into two surveys because certain brands (like BMW) rank differently when you break down the two categories they used this year: A little something I saw on MBWorld.org, someone posted the breakout for the study: Auto news More rankings June 8, 2006 Email this ... Read More
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Re: Least Reliable luxury [dewey]
Here is a list of the least reliable luxury autos ?(there are no MBs, BMWs, Audis or Porsches on the list) Here's a more world reliability view. Good results for Porsche, Jag, and BMW, and pretty good for Audi. Still very poor for Mercedes. Only the French cars and Fiat were worse. The M class came in an amazing 155th of 159 models. http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/2005/11/stories/01/3.html
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Re: Hi Everyone! [ljflx]
Mercedes has fallen quite a bit in market share but not in actual sales number. The market has shot way up in the last 10 years but MB has'nt gotten much of the growth. What? That isn't true. Mercedes sold 76,752 units in 1995 compared to 224,421 in 2005, they've nearly tripled their business in this country in the least 10 years so where you're getting this from I have no ... Read More
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Re: Tagman, Hemi [nvbanker]
Nvbanker, You basically summarized my Lexus experience. My 2002 LS430 had the same steering issue and had the rain sensor replaced three times. My 1998 LS400 suffered from electronic gremlins that caused it to stall and the cluster to flicker. The 2005 was mechanically sound but suffered from the worst paint I've seen in a long time. I've never seen paint chip and scratch that easily. It was really irritating to ... Read More
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Re: Merc [oac]
GaryH, thanks for that real-world post. Same thing I have said repeatedly here. The LS does NOT handle like a boat. Put an 18" rim on that car and see how it handles. How many auto mag comparos have ever tested the LS w/18" rims ? Almost none.... But those who have this on their LS can attest to its handling ability. This is from actual owners, you know, the one ... Read More
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Re: What makes one car "BETTER" than another? [blkhemi]
CR had this car blacked-out from engine to trans to electricals to even the comfort level, which was interesting as the car was quite comfortable, ahead of all Germans in '01. What they don't tell you is that for every "eventual" prob they think the car will have, they'll mark it out. Check every single European car tbey test and it tells the story of bad electricals. I'm starting to think ... Read More
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Re: Potpourri... Tagman, question for you... [oac]
Maybe you'd like to list all the innovations MB has brought forward since 1989 ? And stack them up against Lexus' in the same period... Let's see who wins... Sure, it will easily be Mercedes-Benz. Lets see since 1989, Mercedes had done stability control, active roll-over protection (something Lexus has no clue about on a 60K SC430 while a VW Bug has the same feature as a 95K SL550), brake assist, ... Read More
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Re: Potpourri... Tagman, question for you... [merc1]
Way too many things said here, Merc1, and I don't have the time to respond to all, but I'd pick a few key ones: 1) Lexus isn't half the innovator the Mercedes is and this nonsense about MB's electronics never working is total nonsense. Maybe you'd like to list all the innovations MB has brought forward since 1989 ? And stack them up against Lexus' in the same period... Let's see ... Read More
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Mercedes S-Class is the World Heavyweight Champion
Only eight months after the European premiere of the new S-Class, sales of the sedan have topped 50,000 units. “The new S-Class has been met with great response worldwide, and our flagship vehicle claimed its position as the world’s best-selling luxury sedan immediately following its market launch in September 2005,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, member of the Mercedes Car Group Management Board responsible for Sales and Marketing. link title 50K units ... Read More
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Re: So I was right! [lexusguy]
Isn't it though. When I read that comparo in SCI I was like they must have made a mistake when printing! The problem with the whole thing is though Mercedes facelifted the C-Class for the 2005 model year, but the engines didn't come until the 2006 model year. Both the engine and interior updates were badly needed and should have been done at the same time. The C350 would have been ... Read More
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Re: Merc1 [merc1]
Sometimes though you guys make it seem like the S (and Mercedes itself) is going to all of a sudden stop selling because of the new LS, that is nonsense. Me thinks so... Nahhhhh !!! just pulling your legs... Lighten up, will ya ! Not discounting the business end, just saying that it isn't relevant to us talking about cars. OK... I hear you... You'll be unhappy to know that the ... Read More
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Re: wild speculations and examples [lexusguy]
A few questions about CR. Do they only survey their subscribers or do they survey owners regardless of whether or not they are CR subscribers? I'm thinking that with all the negative reports about Mercedes why would anyone who subscribes to CR even buy one, wouldn't their survey pool dry up if Mercedes so bad? I glanced at the April issue a while back and it looked like the only Mercedes ... Read More
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Re: Hybrid starts a FIRE!!!???!!! [oac]
Thanks for the *refresher*.... Great, I did write such back in Nov 2005. Anecdotal evidence did show (and still does show) that the levels of interest on Edmund's for the S550 v LS460/600 are far different. But here is the thing OAC, nno one said anything about who had the greater interest, ever. You're changing the points during the debate here and I think you know this. When did I ever ... Read More
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Re: Performance vs. Luxury [designman]
Aren't many new cars already designed in accordance with the regs? Not yet, only those that went on sale in 2005 onwards that are totally new vehicles like the S-Class, LS460, S80 etc. etc. It was said that Mercedes rushed the CLS to production in 2004 so it wouldn't have to comply with the new regs. Just watch, from now on every new car that will be sold in Europe will ... Read More
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LJ
That was my point in Post #14802. In August 2005, BMW had only sold 382 760Li, YTD. They sold 46 this January, 54 last January. I'll presume Mercedes is selling 100-300% of that, so lets give an S600 1500 sales a year? Could a LS600L get 1000 in 8 months of 2007? Maybe. I think outselling the 760 should be an initial goal, then we'll reassess. With the Hybrid tech, AWD ... Read More
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Re: Merc [drfill]
It [SC] is a good value compared to the SLK, due to engine and chassis size, and much more luxury inside. Ba ding, boing #*@?!! ring a ling bling… that one sure trips my circuit breakers. To each his own, and yes, the SC is no sales loser, but if a car is going to have two seats, it really needs an iota of performance. In March 2005 R&T did a ... Read More
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Re: mercedes, lexus prices and resale value [stevekilburn]
Raising MSRP will certainly raise residuals on leased cars and protect the dealer network by ensuring some sort of resale value on their return lease cars. By radically discounting, MB will lower the demand for their used cars and reduce the value of their new car purchasers. I feel sorry for those who bought their 2005 s500 only to find $17k discount on a similiar '06. I urge all on this ... Read More
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Tagman
No need to be hostile. :) I'm just sayin' the IS is better looking than the already good-looking 3-series. I have no malice agianst BMW or the 3, and I am willing to admit that the 3 is a better sports sedan, mostly because it is more space efficient, and it is not set-up to dissuade spirited driving, in the chassis, or in the tranny. Lexus accomplished what they wanted, making ... Read More
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Re: SV [ljflx]
Hi All, I think Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The person who spoke of the Golden Age is the Head Mechanic at my Lexus dealer. Other mechanics have made the same comment. You can argue that there is nicer leather and what not in the 1995+ models and I'll have to agree with you. Mind you the 1995 was very similar to the 1994 mechanically. It had the ... Read More
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Re: Plain as day [tagman]
Tagman, I respectfully disagree with your assessment. I still own my 1992 LS400 and will not part with it period. I don't need to justify anything: My experience with Lexus Customer Service and their Service Department has been very poor. How would you like it if you've invested $200K in a certain brand and they treat you poorly when you need them? That's not called Service. They were not loyal to ... Read More
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Re: sv7887 [lexusguy]
Hi Everyone, I've spoken to many Lexus mechanics who feel the same exact way I do about these cars. Look at the window switches for example, and even the cluster dimmer switch. On the original LS400 the plastic was much thicker in these places. The Steering Column had a switch to turn off the auto retract as well. The side mirrors on the 92 LS are much thicker than the ones ... Read More
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Re: When to buy? [merc1]
Merc, I bought the S430 4 Matic. I didn't like the look of the S550 at all. It just didn't do it for me. I didn't bother driving it because the shape and instrument cluster put me off. I drove the CLS too, but opted for the S Class because it had 4 Matic and Pre-Safe. CLS is a pretty car, but not practical for me. I realize that this car ... Read More
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Re: Left-over '06 S-Classes [blkhemi]
Hi Everyone, I need your help on this potential Mercedes deal I am making. Basically there is this amazing looking 2004 (Registered 7/2004) S430 4 Matic with 8400 miles on it. It has a clean history and zero paint defects. The dealer wants $59,000 asking. This car is also Starmarked for one year. All scheduled maintenance is included since it is MY 2004. They are offering me only $43K for my ... Read More
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Re: Got my S-class marketing data in the mail today [ljflx]
Hi All, The old S Class has a nicer design. I, for one, could do without all the complicated interface systems that are coming out in these cars. I normally try to buy cars to keep them, as I've done with my 1992 LS400. I really haven't been able to find a car that really tickles my fancy. I'm put off by the new designs from all of these High End ... Read More
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My '06 Jaguar XJ Super V8
I just wanted to chime in with my great experience with my '06 XJ Super V8. I am not a die hard Jaguar fan, have not dreamed about owning a Jag all my life. I did not intend to buy a Jaguar this time around. But having done so, I am really happy. Here is my story. I had owned a two Cadillac Eldorado STS from 1995 through 2000. I enjoyed ... Read More
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Re: R-Class [ljflx]
Won't argue with you at all on this one but in my mind the CLS probably cannibalizes other Benz sales a lot more than anything else. Is it a co-incidence that E-class sales go down as the CLS comes out. If not otherwise than who is the CLS stealing sales from? From my perspective if you need both the E and the CLS to stay even or rise slightly with past ... Read More
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Re: Merc [callmedrfill]
Problem is Mercedes, in the US, is clearly reactionary, not setting the market anymore. When it comes to SUVs that is clearly the case, but with their cars that isn't nearly as true. The CLS proves that Mercedes still has the ability to open a market or create one for a unique product. Now watch as others including Porsche follow. Whether or not you want to admit it the S-Class still ... Read More
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R-Class
It amazes me how one months of sales (while ignoring other months) are now going to be used as the determining factor as to whether or not the R-Class is going to "make it". Why is that? What part of Jan is historically a slow month for Mercedes isn't understandable here? The R sold over 2000 units in Dec 2005 and if I remember right over 1200 units in Nov of ... Read More
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Dag, LJ!
Why you have to take the food off my plate! The words out of my mouth! Lexus knows the market, a lot better than Mercedes does. Besides juicing up this forum, I also posted those numbers to show a general trend. At Lexus, cars were down in 2004, but SUVs were up big! New record. In 2005, cars were up big, SUVs stayed strong, but leveled off. New record. When everything ... Read More
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Re: to ljflx - good opinions and $$$ [ljflx]
My point wasn't a personal dig at your "tastes". I just didn't (don't) understand how the new S could be so ugly when the 1995-2000 LS400 and 2001-2006 LS430 weren't. A style question, nothing more. As much as I've said negatively about the current CLK before its facelift and the Maybach, you of all people should know I wouldn't cut a truly ugly Benz product a break because it is a ... Read More
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New Year, Same Hype.
Same thing every year with Mercedes' Jan sales figures. They always start off very slow from Jan-March, yet this is touted as some type of negative trend or crisis even (by some in the past). This has happened every year for the last 2-3 years on this board, yet when the year-end totals are counted up MB still posts a gain over the previous year - no matter how small it ... Read More
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Two Tings!
First, I want to mention the IS's total hotness, as I should have gave it an Honorable Mention, since I was in a discussion of general styling between marques, Japan vs. German. It is a close second to the 5-series, and better-looking than a 3, which is alright. And my #2, the sales numbers for Mercedes-Benz last month: January January Monthly YTD YTD Yearly Model '06 '05 % 2006 2005 % ... Read More
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Sales Reports In The USA
Sales of the BMW 7 series increased 23.3% since January 2005. On the other hand, sales of the Mercedes Benz S-Class decreased 13.3% since January 2005. As a side note, sales of the E60 were up a whopping 42.8% since January 2005! The BMW success story continues to unfold, thanks in no small part to Chris Bangle and his amazing designs.
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2006 Detroit Autoshow Report!
Well I'm back. I see I haven't missed anything, but 325+ posts about the same stuff we've been arguing about for years now it seems!! I may or may not go back through all of those posts to respond to some of the more curious items. Anyway, down to business. This year's NAIAS was without a doubt the best I've ever been too. The sheer number of new cars and stunning ... Read More
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1999 Mercedes S320 reliability
Does somebody has reasons to believe that the 1999 Mercedes S320 would be a decent reliability car ? I am very concerned about the 2000-2005 reliability record, and wonder if the previous model (1997-1999) was a simpler, so more reliable car. Thanks
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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1999 Mercedes S320 reliability
Does somebody has reasons to believe that the 1999 Mercedes S320 would be a decent reliability car ? I am very concerned about the 2000-2005 reliability record, and wonder if the previous model (1999) was a simpler, so more reliable car. Thanks
High End Luxury Cars
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Re: Soul Train [oac]
Interesting how you presume to know that our host Pat must be a "he." I would bet against you on that one, but that is really neither here nor there. The new Toyota LS460 will have a long way to go to displace the BMW 760Li in luxury and performance. Toyota is playing catch-up. BMW surely isn't. Hey, Merc1 doesn't even own a Mercedes but his posts about Mercedes and the ... Read More
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Re: Maybach [syswei]
I don't see them folding the division as in halting sales/production. They'll ether fold it back into Mercedes and just make it an grander Mercedes or they'll just soldier on until they can redesign the car. If they Maybach 57S doesn't give some life to the sales this year I'm sure we'll see some kind of organizational change. I think the lack of name recognition and dumpy styling hurt the car ... Read More
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A Shift in Gears..........
What are everyone's predictions for 2006 brandwise? What new products does everyone's fav brand have on the way (that we somewhat know about that is)? I'll start with the two most popular first. BMW - 300K+ units for 2006? The 3-Series continues its rollout and will save BMW's overall sales picture from the pending downturn in 7-Series sales. (a new S is in town). E-Class and 5-Series will duke it out ... Read More
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MB and Audi are on the rigth track!
The future has never looked better for both MB and Audi. AUDI Martin Winterkorn, Audi's chief executive officer, is betting on the Q7 to help him reach a goal of doubling U.S. sales by the end of the decade. Wolfsburg, Germany-based Volkswagen aims to sell 300,000 Volkswagen-brand vehicles in the U.S. in 2008, a 30 percent increase from 2005, Adrian Hallmark, who heads the North American unit, said. Mercedes Benz Dieter ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
By the looks of the new LS, the new S-class is obsolete on arrival; This is pathetic. No matter how good the LS might turn out to be in its own right, the new S-Class will deservedly be a successful vehicle for Mercedes, and you can bank on that. Let's all be clear about this. The LS is going to sell well, but it is RIDICULOUS to spin it into something ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
I see, still spinning with that MSRP nonsense. Earth to Mitsubishi1, MSRP has little bearing on true acquisition cost for Mercedes nowadays with all the discount going on. It's about as absurd as calling Maybach a $350k car when there is a $100k discount, and it's cross-shopped with a $170k Bentley by every would-be acquirer. MSRP is only relevent to the scribe who has no snow ball's chance in frozen you-know-where ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [merc1]
I see, still spinning with that MSRP nonsense. Earth to Mitsubishi1, MSRP has little bearing on true acquisition cost for Mercedes nowadays with all the discount going on. It's about as absurd as calling Maybach a $350k car when there is a $100k discount, and it's cross-shopped with a $170k Bentley by every would-be acquirer. MSRP is only relevent to the scribe who has no snow ball's chance in frozen you-know-where ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [merc1]
True, [the Germans] mised the SUV party for sure. Actually Mercedes was first to offer one, but the design wasn't what the market wanted. Take those MB-colored glasses off! ;) The LX pre-dated the ML by something like 2 years. Anyway the Range Rover was first. The LX oursold the Range Rover within 2 months of introduction and never looked back. Let's see if the GL can manage a like feat ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
Posting a content-free response like that, and you call my post "spin and bs"?? What exactly is MB and BMW's competitor to ES330 if it is not 325i, 525i, C240/280 and E320? Those account for the bulk of 3/5/C/E sales just like ES and RX accounting for the bulk of entry-price and mid-size sedan and wagon sales for Lexus. More of the same. The ES is a fwd, blue-hair vehicle. Nobody ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
Neither IS nor GS were intended to beat 3, 5, C or E on their own. IS and GS were performance extensions of ES and RX mainstream cars. ES and RX competed against 325, 525, C240, C280, E320 and their wagon variants; IS and GS competed against 330i, 530i, 545i, C320, and E500. If anything, one might make the argument that BMW and MB copy each other's product lineups, replete with ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [merc1]
Which still didn't amount to beating their competitors from BMW and Mercedes. Period. Neither IS nor GS were intended to beat 3, 5, C or E on their own. IS and GS were performance extensions of ES and RX mainstream cars. ES and RX competed against 325, 525, C240, C280, E320 and their wagon variants; IS and GS competed against 330i, 530i, 545i, C320, and E500. If anything, one might make ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
Previous generation IS and GS did very well in their first years, far more than 14k units sold for each of them. Which still didn't amount to beating their competitors from BMW and Mercedes. Period. Oh, let me guess, Lexus' staff quit and the production lines couldn't handle any more output. Pluhlease. Didn't you say Jaguar and others were trying to make copies and competitions to CLS?? How many times do ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
Tell you what I'm done with this whole ridiculous arguement about the IS, GS and CLS. The simple facts remains that those cars were failures until new versions arrived during 2005. You can spin the aimless production capacity theory forever and it won't change anything. You can spin the excuses for why they flopped all day long also, won't change squat either. All this "core competence" and "they didn't up them" ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [ljflx]
I certainly don't want to get embroiled in this but MB and the Germans as a whole literally missed the biggest new segment in automotive history - SUV's. In fact because of this many here want to point out that only cars should be considered in a sales race even though we are still in a 50-50 market position. It shows you how silly discussions can get when people want to ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [merc1]
Well considering Mercedes the oldest carmaker around and new segments don't come along that often I'd say they've done pretty well to inpsire the creation of whole brands of synthetic cars with a copycat flagship to go along with it. Mercedes has proven itself time and time again over the years. Question is what segment has Lexus conqured? Lexus is the biggest wannabe in the automotive world, now switching their envy ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [merc1]
"Well considering Mercedes the oldest carmaker around and new segments don't come along that often I'd say they've done pretty well" I certainly don't want to get embroiled in this but MB and the Germans as a whole literally missed the biggest new segment in automotive history - SUV's. In fact because of this many here want to point out that only cars should be considered in a sales race even ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
There's nothing wrong with comparing the production curve of any two car models. Just don't compare the first model year of one car with the winding down year of another, like what you were trying to do . . . that would be intellectually dishonest because we both know that cars sell much better in the early parts of its procution cycle. Again, you brought up the comparo between the CLS ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [brightness04]
Some logic consistency please. If 14k units in the first model year is considered great sucess, the old GS and IS did just fine. How about some common sense please. The GS and especially IS were dirt cheap (compared to a CLS) and competed in a much cheaper segment than the CLS and still coudln't sell in the past. The CLS isn't nearly as cheap, and that lease mumbo jumbo isn't ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [syswei]
Those totals include both cars and trucks. Here are some makes with car/truck sales split. Lexus cars +11.5% trucks +0.4% Infinity cars +9.6% trucks -5.6% Cadillac cars +13.4 trucks -19.6%. Mercedes cars -5.8% trucks +51.8% Porsche cars +36.6% trucks -24.9% Jaguar cars -33.7% Acura cars +9.1% trucks -2.3% BMW cars -2.1% trucks +6.7% The M and R classes are boosting MB: BMW trucks are doing well. The Cayenne, MDX and Escalade ... Read More
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Mercedes, Jag, Cadillac.... [merc1]
Neither did I forsee Benz passing BMW for December. Back in April/May MB's prospects for 2005 weren't very bright. Cadillac cars had another double digit year: +13.3%. Sales have increased now to the point that further big increases will be a challenge. Jaguar - things are looking grim. Sales were down 33.7% in 2005, dropping from 45,000+ units to just over 30,000. Profits from 30,000 sales won't cover development costs for ... Read More
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Re: Good news for Mercedes.... [scott1256]
Interesting isn't it? MB actually managed to outsell BMW for the month of Dec, never thought I'd see that. Now watch as all these brand's sales drop like a rock for Jan. Happens every year after the various Dec sales are over with. How did Cadillac do for 2005? In looking at Jaguar for 2005, they're really a niche player in every sense of the word. M
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Good news for Mercedes....
Strong October thru December sales put MB sales in the black again: this is 12 consecutive years of sales increases in the USA. The increase for 2005 is only 1% but this is good considering weak sales in the first half of the year. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/01/04/204795.html
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Re: French Jaguar [brightness04]
The 1998-2005 GS was an experimental entry to a new segment for Lexus. The car certainly did better than R-class upon introduction. Heavy discounting started only 3-4 model years after introduction unlike the R-class. Frankly, GS sales did/does not matter to Lexus, unlike the E class to MB. Now this is desperate brightness. The 1998 GS was an expirement, but the 2006 R-Class isn't? What bs, not to mention a big-fat-excuse ... Read More
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Re: Jaguar and Others [blckislandguy]
Good Post, Here are the retention rates by Marque: Lexus 63.0% Cadillac 53.0% Mercedes-Benz 52.6% BMW: 50.0% Industry AVG: 49.6 Acura: 45.7% Audi: 38.1% Jaguar: 37.1 Lincoln: 35.7% Source is JD Powers Retention Study 2005. Jaguar is fighting a serious case of Poor Brand Perception. Most people still equate Jaguar = Bad Quality. I don't think Jaguar has gone far enough to dispell the notion Jaguars will fall apart. I think ... Read More
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Re: The Union Jack [merc1]
Here's the sales figures from autosite.com for MB thru Nov 2005 comparing it to 2004 E class: 41,221 (2004: 46,730) S class: 14,124 (2004: 18,082) Clk coupe: 6,256 (2004: 9,452) SL: 8,982 (2004: 11,804) MB has sold about 13k of the new CLS's this year, so that can be called a success, and the ML is still doing quite well. But with those 4 lines shown above, it's a loss of ... Read More
High-End European Luxury Sedans
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Gorgeous
Some interesting pics from a link in my monthly email from Maserati. I was somewhat delighted to read this about the Quattroporte's sales: Maserati's Quattroporte is dominating sales of luxury sport sedans over $100,000 despite and in part because of its limited production. American consumers are showing they appreciate Quattroporte's unique balance of performance, style and cachet by more than 3:1 over BMW's 760i and 760Li combined. The segment in which ... Read More
High End Luxury Cars
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Re: Let's just summarize the German car fans posts here [garyh1]
Gary1. I was just having some fun. No slight intended. Heck-I'm not too far from geezer time myself! Even though I am a BMW fanatic, I am looking forward to finally seeing and driving the new LS. I drove the 2005 LS 3 times and had some reservations about the car-the driver's seat, steering, brakes and body lean. I look forward to finding out for myself whether the new LS is ... Read More
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Re: Fact checking !!! [oac]
First let me be quite clear here. I do NOT care about being credible with YOU. Obviously you have a huge ego about yourself, more power to you. You are a poster here like everyone else. As to reliability, wow... where do one start ? There is too much track record here of your statements.... Lets just let sleeping dogs lie. Thats all fine and good, problem is posting incorrect sales ... Read More
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Re: Fact checking !!! [merc1]
Must have taken a while to come up with this one OAC. I haven't called anyone anything. It amazes me how you holler "personal" and/or "foul" when you can't compete on the facts. I have shown in many posts how you personalize everything in your posts. What was your response to it ? Paraphrasing you here: it was your way of getting back at those who continually remind you that you ... Read More
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Re: Bad Reasoning by the Lexus guys [bdr127]
THE CAR BUYERS HAVE SPOKEN! Perhaps so: Mercedes 2005YTD 192,877 units vs 2004YTD 194,714 units, -0.9% YTY Cadillac 2005YTD 212,056 units vs 2004YTD 206,893 units, +2.5% YTY Lexus 2005 267,709YTD units vs 2004YTD 255,446 units, +5.2% YTY It is also obvious that you didn't read my earlier post that carefully. And the Chrysler 300 is real nice and luxurious "Luxurious" and "fake aluminum interior trim" imho do not belong together.
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Latest figures: BMW ROCKS HARD.
Put any spin you like on this: FRANKFURT, Dec 7 (Reuters) - German premium carmaker BMW (BMWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) widened its lead over arch-rival Mercedes Car Group in November as sales grew by 9.5 percent, fuelled by brisk demand for its BMW 3-Series saloon, data showed on Wednesday. Sales of 114,044 cars last month put year-to-date deliveries above BMW's level for all of 2004 and reinforced its bragging rights over ... Read More
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scathing comment about MB E-brakes from AE
Very interesting comment, which I agree with. Thoughts, Merc? "Mercedes-Benz. The German luxury automaker is dropping its highly controversial, Bosch-developed, brake-by-wire, Sensotronic Brake Control system from its E and CLS class cars by next summer. The system, which was the quintessential example of German engineering run amuck, was to enhance the Mercedes legacy as an automotive technology leader. Instead, it sent the brand careening down the slippery slope of recalls and ... Read More
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Re: Things change quickly. [nvbanker]
Yeah, that one merc - and the C-240 Sedan as well. I've had rentals that were a disgrace in the cabin. No argument from me there, the 2001-2004 so C-Class was put together by a different company it seems, just like the 2000-2002 S-Class, very suspect. The 2005 model C feels like a different car altogether. Even one of the biggest critics (C&D) gushed over the interior quality of the C ... Read More
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Re: Just a Thought.. [dewey]
Can you link these forums to the pages where these complaints are. I posted this link very recently, check the 6th sentence or so re tailights: ejerod, "Mercedes-Benz S-Class" #1611, 29 Apr 2004 9:13 am Also see the 3rd paragraph here: mercedesstinks, "Luxury Performance Sedans" #2083, 8 May 2005 5:56 pm and a number of entries here: drtravel, "Luxury Performance Sedans" #2084, 8 May 2005 7:02 pm A little off topic ... Read More
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Re: Just a Thought.. [merc1]
When is all this hype going to catch up with reality? If the Germans aren't putting a 6-disc CD changer in the dash at this point it is because they aren't trying to. To suggest that the simply can't is beyond ridiculous. FYI, certain Mercedes models have in-dash 6-disc CD changers and have had them for years! As usual, you castigate every dissenting viewpoint to yours... Hype, wannabe, envy, etc.. Here ... Read More
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Re: Just a Thought.. [oac]
Stay on the topic you know most about - BMW - and not about electronics. The Corolla is more reliable than the LS ? You gotta be kidding, right ? Like Len said, the LS is an electronic marvel... it's got it all, yet ranks as one of (if not the) most reliable sedan, bar none... That the Germans can't seem to put a CD changer in-dash (instead of the trunk), ... Read More
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Re: Reliablity Viral Contagion! [merc1]
Actually no because they aren't. Lamborghini just wrapped up a great year in 2004 and is on track to have their best year ever for 2005. Hardly dead. Mercedes-Benz is far from being dead, and according to some of today's press they're showing signs of corporate stability. Ferrari has been owned by Fiat for years? Whats your point? Ferrari is the most legendary name going in the sports car world, more ... Read More
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Re: Reliablity Viral Contagion! [killerbunny]
Does it occur to you all these unreliable marques, except Ferrari, are actually dead? (Is Ferrari owned by Fiat now? Correct me.) They were forced to bankrupt and sold to other companies. Eventually, the new parent companies are going dump these money drain once again. Actually no because they aren't. Lamborghini just wrapped up a great year in 2004 and is on track to have their best year ever for 2005. ... Read More
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Re: CEO picks for cars [michael_mattox]
It's funny, I don't even drive a Lexus, I am actually a very proud Jag owner. I have a lot of respect for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Jag, Lexus (and a lot of other makes) because they all provide distinct styles, and have all created very attractive automobiles. I find myself defending Lexus because a few people don't want to recognize Lexus as one of the powerhouses when in reality they're. I ... Read More
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Re: Dewey, my BMW brother [garyh1]
certain BMW models dragged down all of BMW A somewhat valid point if you're a customer for one of the more reliable models. If you happen to want a full-size luxury sedan, though...the 7 appears deficient in reliability terms. In any event, using the link I provided earlier, http://www.jdpower.com/cc/auto/ratings/vehicles/FindJdAwards.jsp shows the following (where 5 is the best possible score) 2002 VDS "overall dependability" Lexus IS...4 Lexus ES...4 Lexus GS...5 Lexus LS...5 ... Read More
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Re: Wheel arch look. [scott1256]
Give me another few months and I may even like the new S in silver! How about you, Merc1? Well I already "like" the car well enough. The European press has declared it the best car in the world already, but like many here they have a problem with the wheel arches. I'm just glad the quality and engineering of the car is much more improved over the current car. For ... Read More
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Re: Land Rover [ljflx]
First of all I don't understand why Lexus even enters the discussion. It's a simple POV re this S-class design and has nothing to do with Lexus in any way. So trying to create a new series of flame posts re the two brands accomplishes nothing and is downright silly so I won't even go there. My point is not to start another debate about Lexus and Mercedes, its just that ... Read More
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Re: Land Rover [alissa]
I've grown quite fond of the new S too, but that rear wheel arch keeps it from being the most beautiful car I've ever seen. In Mercedesland their true beauty is defined by the current CL, SL and CLS. Then it is arguable where the new S and others place afterwards, imo of course. It looks like I'll have to wait until Detroit to see the new S since Mercedes didn't ... Read More
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no title
A reporter for an influential U.S. publication is working on a piece about Mercedes and would like to hear from consumers. He’s wondering whether the recent quality problems are enough to stop consumers from buying Mercedes in the future. He also cites that Mercedes says it has worked hard to fix the various problems and is producing the best quality cars ever. He’d especially appreciated hearing from any long-time Mercedes drivers ... Read More
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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no title
A reporter for an influential U.S. publication is working on a piece about Mercedes and would like to hear from consumers. He’s wondering whether the recent quality problems are enough to stop consumers from buying Mercedes in the future. He also cites that Mercedes says it has worked hard to fix the various problems and is producing the best quality cars ever. He’d especially appreciated hearing from any long-time Mercedes drivers ... Read More
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Lease Questions
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Re: Re: Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Lease Questions
Greetings theloungeboy. I am not sure what the selling price that you were quoted on this car is like in relation to its invoice price, but given the $2,000 bonus on leases of the 2005 S350 Sedan through Mercedes-Benz Credit right now I would not be surprised if you were able to lease one for less than dealer invoice. The first thing that jumps out at me about this deal is ... Read More
High End Luxury Cars
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PR request
A reporter is looking to interview folks who recently bought, ordered, or are considering ordering an AWD BMW 5-Series, Cadillac STS4, Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic, Audi A6 Quattro or Lexus GS300 AWD and is getting the car to replace an SUV. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, September 15, 2005 with your daytime contact information and the makes/models of the vehicles coming and going in your life at this time. ... Read More
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Re: I'm curious [ljflx]
To see Merc1's take of the IS in this Lexus get together and then later the S-class when it's seen in the flesh. Merc loves MB and defends them to death but through it all he's objective and honest when he really gets down to business of analyzing things at a micro level. We may get on each other but many of us have been posting for years and deeply respect ... Read More
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MB in the press
Did any of you folks catch the cover story on MB ("Dark Days at Daimler") in the 8/15 issue of BusinessWeek? It's now available online at www.businessweek.com (search for "Mercedes" and you'll see the article; online registration is required but is free). The article pretty clearly "connects the dots" as oac would say. Here's some salient quotes: "Beset with humbling quality problems, a money-losing small car business, and high production costs, ... Read More
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Re: Merc1 [oac]
1) You go from making $2.5bln a year to losing money in 3 years Big trouble for sure, now explain to me what would the average customer care if MB isnt in danger of going out business any time soon? 2) Your cars are placed at the lowest end of reliability studies and customer satisfaction studies when they historically occupied the exact opposite space Another point that has been addressed over ... Read More
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Re: Lexux? [jtbenz]
1.LOL no anger here, I really do laugh. I find it funny when people praise Lexus like they are the greatest cars ever made. Some of them indeed are. Car making as a technology has been advancing for the last 120 years. The greatest car made today are indeed the greatest car ever made. Why is that surprising? 2. The S is the standard of the class. I will probably never ... Read More
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