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Mercedes-Benz R-Class

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Comments

  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    Which Buick?
  • templeton3templeton3 Member Posts: 69
    It was predominatly with the transmission. They rebuit it, they replaced it... I was told it was the first year for an electronic transmission for 97 C280. During the two year period, my car was in the shop for at least 45 days. My favorite Mercedes that I ever owned was my first Mercedes. 1988 300E. Bought it new and regretted selling it. Mercedes made great products then.

    I spoke with a friend today who owns a R500 and said that it was the last Mercedes he is ever buying. He is very unhappy with it. Small problems here and there that the dealer is unable to fix. On the other hand have another friend who just bought an SL600. They like it very much, they only owned for a day. We'll see how it goes after a month.
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    Wow!
    On the tranny issue, was it a leak from the electronic connection?
    I do like the 124's.
    I hate to hear about the R. I have yet to hear about problems with the it. I would know if they came in the shop. I see every car that comes in. Do you know the specific issues? I really would like to hear about it. I could pull the history if I had a vin.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Well I see the R-Class moved a much more respectable 2469 units last month. Is this your doing...lol?

    M
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    In an effort to increase vehicle awareness and generate leads for the Mercedes-Benz family of trucks (M, R
    and GL) we are participating in a pilot Mercedes-Benz Winter Sports Program for this ski season. Onsnow
    events and displays will provide Mercedes-Benz an ideal opportunity to showcase the all weather
    capabilities of these vehicles to a target audience that fits perfectly with our brand (median age is 41; mean
    household income is over $112,000).
    Pilot program initiatives we are working on include the following:
    Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
    This winter we will be leveraging our existing partnership with Ritz-Carlton by promoting family of trucks at
    the top winter resort in the United States; Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek Colorado.
    Promotional Activities will include the following:
    · General transportation fleet will be replaced with R-Classes with the Ritz-Carlton logo
    · Two (2) weekend events will be held on the patio including vehicle displays. Mercedes-Benz
    Product Specialists will be on site answering questions and handing out Drive to Web cards. The
    new GL Class may also be on display during these weekends.
    · URL Cards will be handed out on site to those individuals that experience the vehicle
    · Day Excursion Packages will be offered to guests with the use of R-Class vehicles. These
    packages will include: snowshoeing, cross country skiing, outings around town and transportation
    to nearby Vail resort. These packages will be available through April 30th.
    Volkl/Tecnica/Marker
    Mercedes Benz USA is partnering with top ski equipment/clothing manufacturer Volkl/Tecnica. Their
    nationwide sales force will be driving the R and M-Class throughout the winter to top ski resorts where on
    snow demonstrations and promotions will be conducted. The sales force has been trained on the vehicles
    and will be promoting them on the road by handing out Drive to Web cards and answering questions.
    These events will include:
    · R-Class vehicles will be displayed in conjunction with Volkl/Tecnica displays at select Vertical
    Challenge ski race events throughout the East and West Coasts. Mercedes-Benz Product
    Specialists will be on hand promoting the vehicle, answering questions and handing out Drive to
    Web cards
    · R-Class vehicles will also be displayed at various ski equipment demonstrations and Women’s
    events conducted by Volkl/Tecnica
    · Rock the R Cards as well as GL Drive to Web Cards will be handed out during these events.

    These cars are probably "punched" as well as all the R Class tennis vehicles.
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    Remember when Cadillac would post sales of their loaner vehicles to increase numbers......
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Whoa is that what they did in Feb? A big letdown if so.

    M
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    No, probably not since those vehicles have been in service prior to Feb. There was an attractive employee purchase/lease program in Feb........???;)
    I am sure it did not make up a very big part of that though. I would say those are a true representation.
  • sam818sam818 Member Posts: 127
    Any word on the 2007 models addressing some glaring omissions:
    1. rear view camera
    2. cooled seats
    3. better voice activated nav (as in Acrua-Infiniti)
    4. better integrated control for Active Seat (currently looks like a JC Whitney add-on)
  • templeton3templeton3 Member Posts: 69
    "1.Rear view camera, 2) Cooled Seats 3) Better voice activated nav (as in Acura-Infiniti) 4)Better integrated control for Active Seat (currently looks like a JC Whitney add-on)"

    You should be grateful for what they have. Its a Mercedes Benz. Just imagine, you could spend $80,000 for the Merceds G500 and its nav is still a CD Rom and with none of the wishlist items that you want. A R Class is the lastest technolgy that money can buy for a Mercedes; and its a bargain. Too bad its not selling.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Since there is no 2006 G I hope for the 2007 re-fresh they'll give the G some modern Benz technology!

    M
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I finally got in to sit in an R350 and R500 today. I wandered through the showroom at San Diego MB for about 25 minutes. Sat in about half the cars and all the SUVs. Nice room in the second row of the R class. I think I like the front seat better in the ML.

    My observations while in the showroom. First NO one asked if I needed help. Second: a gentleman that was also looking at the R500 asked a salesperson sitting nearby at a computer for information. His response was "I am awfully busy". He called for another salesperson. No one showed up in the 5-10 more minutes I was looking around. The gentleman was about as impressed with the Mercedes sales staff as I was. I did not see anyone being helped while I was there.

    That was my first time in there. I doubt I would bother going back. I have to think that the service staff would be equal to the sales staff.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Yeah it is very unfortunate but every brand has some less-than-great dealers. I would imagine in that part of the country that dealer sells so many cars to the point they aren't stressed about walk-ins. A pity.

    M
  • akinakin Member Posts: 24
    Does anyone know if they are still offering the dealer employee lease program in March? I know they were doing so in February.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    It was a surprise. Even the lousy Lexus dealer, where my wife bought her car, comes out and greets you in the lot. I can tell you from experience GM & Ford dealers are much more responsive to the customer than the Japanese and German dealers. My VW dealer is one of the largest Ford dealers in So. California. They are good for service.

    I am disapointed. I really wanted to consider a new Mercedes when I sell my diesel Passat. Oh well, maybe have to buy from a different state.
  • chirpchirp Member Posts: 194
    What was that program, if I might ask?
  • templeton3templeton3 Member Posts: 69
    Hopefully it will continue. With dealers giving these cars away, it should entice buyers.
  • templeton3templeton3 Member Posts: 69
    I wonder what kind of employee lease programs they have. Yesterday LA Times ad show R350 at $299.00 per month plus tax, 27 months, $4999 cap reduction, or $499 month, zero cap reduction... 16 to choose from. "Equipped..Not Stripped" says the ad.

    Can the employee get less than that?
  • danohdanoh Member Posts: 26
    Lease an R-class with premium package for 499/month for 39 months:

    Total payments equal $22,956. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-in fee. Purchase option at lease end for $34,130.25 plus taxes.

    But mileage is not even 1000miles/month, only 833 miles per month - not even 28 miles/day.-
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    Yes we can. I just leased an 06 CLK. March employee purchase plan was just too nice.
  • akinakin Member Posts: 24
    Benzster,

    Is the program still available on the R class?
    What are the lease specifics?
    Who is eligible? Just employees or their family members as well?

    Thanks,
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    R Class is available till the end of March. If continued longer, we will know the first week in April.

    If you are eligible you will need to ask the employee about specifics (sorry).

    immediate family members of the dealership employee are eligible to participate: dealership employee’s spouse, same-sex domestic partner, parents, spouse’s parents, sons and daughters.
    Until the end of March Aunts, Uncles and brother/sister in laws and cousins are eligible.

    Vehicle must be titled in dealership employee’s name or the name of the eligible immediate family member upon dealer approval. Title must remain in the employee’s family member’s name for a minimum of one year.
  • akinakin Member Posts: 24
    Benzster,

    Thank you for the input. I really appreciate it. I have a brother-in-law at MB dealership and will lease the R-class by that route. From what I understand the savings are pretty generous.

    Thanks again,
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    send me your email
  • chirpchirp Member Posts: 194
    I'm feeling like a mushroom in here....always in the dark. :sick:
  • albellalbell Member Posts: 185
    it is rather lonely in this forum, too. Still lovin my R. At 6500 miles now. No problems whatsoever.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Saw one on the road tonight. I didn't recognize it at first because the R is so rare.

    M
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    What has been the general interest on the new GL so far? Another R-Class or a success like the M-Class?

    M
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    There is interest. MB has been sending out very nice promo material. I was sent a license plate with GL4U2C printed on it and on the back was a card with a nice pic and copy. Full size plate in a embossed envelope with a password for me to log on to MBUSA. I have seen other nice pieces. We are doing a large mailing as well. The R just "creeped" onto the market. This will not.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Well I meant do you have a lot of pre-orders for the GL already like the S-Class?

    M
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    As of now, there are not any open vehicles for our dealership other than the launch vehicle for our promo party. April 15 release with June builds open, so July delivery date.
  • wopelwopel Member Posts: 92
    Hi, I haven't been paying much attention to the forum lately, but thought I'd check in and see if those that bought the R are still happy, and what the GL might offer me.
    I went to my dealer and with the options I want I have to order the R, so I lost my zeal again.
    I see the GL doesn't have quite as much cargo space - but very close. I like the fact that it has a bench seat, and roof rails. As a longtime E class wagon driver, I want those things in my car. Most importantly, I need the dog barrier!
    I guess what I really want is a bigger E wagon, but I'll have to chose something else. I guess the question for myself is do I want to drive a car or a truck?
    I understand the M was changed to a more car-like drive, so here's hoping the GL might have that feel. April is approaching.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Well you gotta help me with the salesman talk...lol. Does that mean that all your of allocation for April/May is pretty much spoken for or that you just can't place custom orders during that time? Another question, as we approach the end of March, how did the R do at your store this month? I think if MB can move between 2200-2600 of these a month they'll get the overall volume for the year that they wanted from the start. The 2007 models should be able to sell a little bit better on their own without all the "help" from MB.

    M
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    Sorry, That means if you want a GL you will have to order it and it can be delivered in July. All inventory is sold out till then. We have been able to order them for a while. ;)The first delivery will be 4/15. R's are picking up. No #'s yet.
  • albellalbell Member Posts: 185
    I am seeing a lot more R's in metro NYC, so I assume they are selling better. I saw at least 6 this week, all in different locales.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Ok, thanks. Between the R,M,GL,S and revised SL and E MBUSA should do very, very well this year I think. I think 250K+ units this year is possible.

    M
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I too have started seeing more R's around. It really looks good to me, but only with the larger wheels. That Alpine Rain color is really just right for the R as is Pewter. Capri Blue isn't bad either.

    M
  • chirpchirp Member Posts: 194
    I saw a Barolo Red Metallic over the weekend and I must say it looked great! This vehicle looks better, in my opinion, in some of the non-traditional MB colors. Perhaps because it is a non-traditional Benz and the different colors add to it's uniqueness. I dunno, I prefer it in colors other than Silver and Black.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    This vehicle looks better, in my opinion, in some of the non-traditional MB colors. Perhaps because it is a non-traditional Benz and the different colors add to it's uniqueness.

    I think that is it exactly.

    M
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A national newspaper is looking to interview consumers who have had to replace a car key, which ended up costing over $200 or $300. Please send an e-mail to [email protected] no later than Monday, April 2, 2006 containing your daytime contact information, the cost to replace your key along with the make and model your vehicle.

    Thanks,
    Chintan Talati
    Corporate Communications
    Edmunds.com
  • templeton3templeton3 Member Posts: 69
    For all you guys in Southern California, have you heard the radio advertisement by Nick Alexander BMW? "The R Class, ugliest Mercedes ever" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It might be a great looking car, but it was not a reason to proclaim it on the radio advertisement.

    I personally like the R Class in Black. It looks like a hearse. Saw one on the freeway this morning and it looked great.
  • chirpchirp Member Posts: 194
    You mean you actually like this?:

    hearse look

    I'm hoping for just a little rear tweaking next year to stop the hearse comparisons and maybe get me into the showroom.
  • monty2222monty2222 Member Posts: 48
    My wife wants to turn in our 2004 C320 Coupe early, AND sell our minivan, to get the R. Any experiences yet with them, as for problems? Our dealer has one in each color. I liked the light blue (alpine rain) or silver. We will miss the minivan space though. Was going to look at the Infinity QX56, but their forum did not look too good about quality. Then there is Cadillac, which sounds nice. Wife prefers the MB nameplate though.
  • albellalbell Member Posts: 185
    I am 4 months and 7000 miles in on my R350. Not a single issue with the vehicle. The best initial experience I have had with any of my 4 MBs. The wife and kids love the car, and it is a pleasure to drive.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    That is good to hear. Have you gotten any kind of survey about it yet?

    M
  • albellalbell Member Posts: 185
    Not from MB, but from the usual 3rd party research outfits. I have given the R good marks.
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    I am glad to hear that. Ditto for me. My wife made it from Memphis to Huntsville, AL in 2.5 hrs. I don't think she would have done that in her fathers Chrysler T&C.
    It sure is easier to justify the purchase after a short period of ownership compaired to a test drive.
    It just keeps getting better.
  • albellalbell Member Posts: 185
    As I tell those who ask me, this is by far the best MB of the 4 I have owned. The combination of ride quality, performance, flexibility, gas mileage and capacity is unique and unrivaled. Yes, there are some content/value issues, but there always are with MBs. Those detractors out there are the ones who "don't get it." Me, I just smile all the time behind the wheel. :shades:
  • benzsterbenzster Member Posts: 152
    Those detractors out there are the ones who "don't get it."
    Not everyone is meant to drive a Mercedes.
    There is a set of RR tracks near me with an intersection immediatly after. The tracks are about 8' before you take a right and elevated about 2' or so. In any event it drops off quick and you take a right. The other night I accelerated and passed a small sports car to get into the right lane. I guess he got peaved because he sped up to get behind me. Sucker! I snookered him across the tracks at 35 mph and laid on the brakes with the wheel cut. He followed my line and ended up sliding across 2 lanes of the road and, if there had been any, into opposing traffic. In those situations, you can really appreciate the substantial engineering prowess of a MB.
  • chirpchirp Member Posts: 194
    Not sure I understand this post, Benzster. Maybe I shouldn't ask, but sounds kind of silly to me and uncharacteristic of the kind of MB driver I have come to know, including myself. Even in my AMG I wouldn't pull a stunt like that. Just my opinion of course.. :surprise:
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