I would say that Mercedes build quality "problems" have not been nearly as bad as the internet would have you believe. 2000-2003 cars had some isolated issues, but things are getting better, and I have had very few problems w/ my 1999.....and not "build quality" related really.
). catalytic converter. The wheel wells are rusted out. Both rear windows do not work. Interior buttons just fell off. Electric seats dead. And now their is a strange rattling noise beneath the car, which does not sound healthy at all. Any ideas?I'd rather buy a new American car with a 5 year warranty that is very reliable.
Other than paying off student loans, rent, groceries and a few months of wasteful spending on the bitch of an ex I haven't really bought any fun toys. In this line of work, its kind of hard to tell when your number is up I know when i'm headed in a couple of years. I just figure, might as well enjoy it while I can and I can get it paid off in 4 years. I know its a lot of money and I think about it more than anyone else but you only live once, right?
I have a 98 E320. Replaced: Engine mounts (rusted out). Struts. Coils.Two bent tie rods within 6 months (may or may not be my fault). catalytic converter. The wheel wells are rusted out. Both rear windows do not work. Interior buttons just fell off. Electric seats dead. And now their is a strange rattling noise beneath the car, which does not sound healthy at all. Any ideas?
Oh, yeah. I forgot about the recently replaced mass airflow censor.
P.S. Air conditioner does not work, either.
). A lot of it depends on what kind of shape you bought the car in. Mine was a CPO car w/ low mileage and had been very well taken care of....full records. If you bought a higher mileage car from a private seller because it was a good deal, you really never know what you have going on until things start breaking. PPI's help a bit, but there is a lot that can get by even that sort of inspection. But back to the original topic, I think your case just goes to show why buying a salvage car is generally a bad idea (even if it was for some other reason than flooding). Particularly in a car that has been totalled and salvaged because of an accident, there are just way too many corners to cut on the way to the sale in terms of repairs.Generally, I would agree ... but then, there's always the exception:..... But back to the original topic, I think your case just goes to show why buying a salvage car is generally a bad idea ....

I miss simple stuff. My previous truck was a 1986 GMC K1500 pickup.
6.2 Diesel, 3-Speed with Granny Low, NP-208 transfer case.
310K and still going strong when I sold it. Also sold to appease the Manatee..
That and the Skipper forbade me from parking it anywhere near his squadron, as it was ugly as hell with the body falling apart.
But it still ran great.
Diesel is even more simple. No carb, no spark plugs.
Just a pump. No throttle either.
