Well, after carefully going over the car and making a list of all the minor defects and malfunctions that seem to be adding up on a weekly basis, I'm going to take it in to the dealer and hope for the best. Nothing is mechanically wrong with the car, so hopefully it won't be too bad. The stuff that's hard for a dealer to service is fine. Here's my list.

- Delaminated Headlights. (everybody has this)
- Driver's Seat Heater not working. (bottom cushion only)
- Glove Box light works about 50% of the time. (pin switch hangs up sometimes)
- Central locking unlocks door and hatch with driver's door opening about 50% of the time. (not a big deal, may not mention it)
- Outside temp gauge reads about 20 degrees high over 75 degrees (engine heat) I know it's not 95 degrees out when I'm wearing a jacket. Seems normal under 75. (started after I pulled the lower grills out, "I" may have damaged the sensor in the process)
- AC recirculate feature and REST feature not working at all. (typical MB AC control panel failure, remove and replace...)
- AC turns itself off randomly and won't come back on till restart. (see above)
- Driver's side wind noise. (everyone seems to have this)
- Rear Hatch rattles over bumps. (see above)
- Squeaky driver's window. (see above)
- Noise in Right Rear Suspension (??? Hasn't done it in 2 weeks...)
- Front left wheel rubbing fender well on full lock in reverse. ( typical issue I've read about before)

I guess I should remove the aftermarket radio and HIDs first. Not too good for an 18,000 mile car. You guys think I'll see the car again before Christmas??? The service contract I have only allows a loaner car for 5 business days.

 

TAKE IT TO THE DEALER?!???!! Don't do it man!! It can't be that bad.

 

No these problems aren't that bad. That's why it's taken me three months to get around to doing it.

 

I thought I was nit-picky!

The dealer will hate you - but that's why you have that warranty, right??

Just make note of all nicks/scratches/scuffs/dings on your car so you can show the service writer and make sure nothing is 'new' when you get it back.

Here's my list:

• Headlights
• Hard Start
• Rattling Hatch
• Door panel rattle
• wind noise on drivers and passenger side door (not sure if this is considered normal or not, but it wasn't this loud on my limited)

Everything else is good thus far. 1,600 miles.

SQ

 

Ha, I took mine in for one thing. The seat belt alarm stopped working. Oh, I had them check the engine for excessive ticking. They told me the engine was fine and that they'd have to replace the entire instrument cluster!! What?! Yep. My car has been there for almost a month! They don't even return my calls anymore. I'm going there tomorrow. My car has been sitting out in the rain, direct sun, and who knows how many scratches and dings are in it now. They did a walk around and made me sign a form stating any nicks or scratches, but I didn't get a copy! I totally forgot to get one from them. I am so pi$$ed right now. The last time I did get a hold of someone, he told me they were still waiting on the part, but couldn't get in touch with anyone about an ETA.

 

I used to work for the dealer I'm taking mine to. I still have friends there, so hopefully they will take good care of it. I know which tech will be working on it. He knows, that I know where he lives...

 

Just be sure to tell them that if they have to order parts that your picking up the car and then bringing it back when the parts get in. Otherwise your at their mercy.

Cruzinquick

 

That goes without saying. I'm planning on giving them 2 days to diagnose everything and since the car has no mechanical issues, I will take it back till the parts are ALL there.

 

Besides this list, the car is in perfect condition! Good luck, man.

 

I'm just picky. I think I may have screwed up the temp sensor myself. The AC is the biggest issue, which is a common MB gremlin. The Seat Heaters are known to fail regularly, The locks aren't a big deal. They seem to be working fine now. The pressure switch for the glove box light hangs up sometimes. None of these issues are dire or compromise my belief in the car itself. I think once these minor quibbles are worked out, all will be well with the world...