I'm thinking of getting an 05 roadster for my daily commute of 90 miles. From what I've read so far these cars seem to be fairly reliable and trouble free. My main concern is the mechanical top. I now have a Miata with a top that I can manually put up or down with ease and there is nothing to break. How does the automatic top mechanism hold up? I usually raise and lower the top several times a day. I have read about the issue where the window separates but I can check for that. I also read something about an engine ping that may require and engine replacement. Is this an issue with many of these cars? Thanks for any advise.

 

Hey Fick, It's pretty much a crap shoot on the reliability issue. All in all these are well made cars, but some people have had lists of repairs done in the initial warranty period. I needed a nine hundred dollar cat after 600 miles (or maybe the dealer just needed nine hundred dollars) Anyway, you want a warranty, THE LONGER THE BETTER! These are Benz's and Uncle Benz AIN'T CHEAP.

My car ticked from day one. I hear it's normal, but the tick seems to be getting louder. Maybe its my imagination, maybe not.

When something has been discussed at length, members sometimes don't respond to a request like yours figuring you didn't do enough searching for a thread on the subject. Do a search first, using several subject headings, then if you still can't find an answer, explain that you did a search and couldn't find anything. Someone will usually assist you with a link or an answer. (sorry about the run on sentences) MM

 

Thanks Mr. Max, I used the search function and it appears that the tops are very reliable if used properly. The ticking engine noises don't seem to be a widespread problem either.

 

I'm glad it worked for you. My girlfriend says the tick is getting better. I think it depends on the surrounding acoustics- next to a wall=loud tick open fields=quiet tick. I think the answer is to blast the CD or radio. Some people have had window separation problems with the top. Mine seems ok, but I only have 6347 miles on it and I keep it garaged. It's a fun car, I wouldn't let any of this stuff discourage you, but I would buy an extended warranty (service contract) if you can. One major repair and you've paid for it. Actually, one minor repair would probably pay for it. There are a lot of warranty deals online and prices vary from one seller to the next. Get a facsimile copy and read the fine print before purchasing one. These have been discussed a bit on the forum. Good luck MM

 

The M112 engine in these cars should not make a "ticking" noise after the initiial warmup. If it still "ticks" after warming up there may be a problem. I suggest having a experienced mercedes tech listen to it first before you buy.

 

My mother use(d) her roadster XF as a 70 mile per day commuter and loved it. It has over 70K on it and the top goes up and down VERY often, especially when I am down there to drive it. Knock on wood, ZERO problems, I have had mine 47K and no problems either. There are a few members who have had numerous problems, I am going to have to say they are a fluke, everyone else seems to be very satisfied with this vehicle....

 

Mine is a daily (80 miles round trip) commuter, and has been for the last year. With the exception of replaced headlamp lenses and a fixed creak (TSB) from the quarter windows, I have not had a single problem. Hopefully my luck continues. Every car of every make ever produced has its share of owner horror stories to go along with it, but all in all these are well made cars that should last.

 

The saddest part of this post is that a comparison was nearly made.
The thought of Miata and Mercedes Benz being used in the same sentance is so very, very discerning

 

Make sure you check the seal around the back window of the roadster BEFORE you buy!

My only complaint is the back window defect

 

When I first looked at the roadster and all the cables and process for the 'vert top, I decided to get a warranty just because of the top. Over 4 years and 32k miles it generally spends the summer topless (garaged AND covered when not in use) and I don't use the top more than I have to. I figure the less I use it, the longer it will last. Other than the TSB for the radiator fan and a TPM that won't go out, the car is super reliable and gets great gas mileage (27-29 on the highway at 70-80 mph). My signature says it all.

 

Thanks, all the replys are very helpful. I feel good about the Crossfire now. The vert I was considering has been sold, it was at a dealership 4 hours away and I could not get away to look at it. Someone got a great deal - 05 Limited Vert w/29k, clean title, for $12,900 asking price. The search begins.

 

Normally I wouldn't buy the extended warranty but I made an exception on this one because the potential costs were so high.
I love the car. It's only been in a couple of times for service but the warranty has already paid for itself.
I feel the car (and it's top) are well built and as reliable as anything out there.
Good luck.