Friend of mine has one.
For a Mercedes, the things that have gone wrong are SHOCKING!
It's only done 26K and has had water pump failure, self leveling suspension failure, driveshaft failure sunroof problems, eng/manag switch fault, pad wear sensor fault neccessitating their replacement. Fed up of typing now.....
Still, what do you expect when they're built in Spain?
Probably built by someone who'd had a gallon of Sangria...
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Hi nitroburner.
1. This topic should be in the "Discussion" forum. You don't have a technical query, do you?
2. Building in Spain should be just as good as in Germany. Exactly the same techniques are used in assembly.
3. The faults you list are nothing to do with assembly, but represent component failures. These parts are the same ones that would be fitted to German-built cars.
4. The V Class was a glorified van. A Vaneo, as it is now. A transit with a bit of carpet. Fitting self levelling suspension and such into a van was always OTT, IMHO.
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I recall a GM quality audit that reeled that the cars built in Spain were better made than the German ones.
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Im glad Im not the only one who has had a terrible experience with a Merc V-Class. I bought mine from new in March 2000 with a wheelchair conversion. Problems started immediately I picked it up.
The first problems I noticed were very poor brakes and horrendous
steering vibration. The brakes took mercedes 5 attempts to fix
the steering vibration they did not want to know so I did a little investigation and found that the front 2 wheels were misshaped.
Other faults included:- Clutch replacement at 8k, faulty:- oil level sensor, electric windows, central locking, suspension links
Air suspension pump replaced twice, water leaks and several bas rust patches.
When I sold it it was 3 years old and had covered less than 20k.
I now have a VW Caravelle which is far superior in every respect
and fives 6mpg better economy.
I wrote to Mercedes customer services a total of 3 times and was disgusted at their arrogant attitude.
It is reported that Mercedes have spent millions to improve quality at tha Vitoria factory for the new model Vito/Viano but I personally will not purchase another Merc.
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1. This topic should be in the "Discussion" forum. You don't have a technical query, do you?
Moved. DD.
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Yes, sorry for putting it in the wrong place.
And regarding Spanish build quality, does everyone have to take everything they read seriously?
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Nitroburner,
Yes, we have to take posts such as this, just so seriously.
In the German factories we have many Spaniards, and vice versa.
Please read the board rules.
If I were a Spaniard, I WOULD have taken offence at what you posted. Believe me, they take their jobs seriously.
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I'm half Spanish but didnt take offence.
Sean is right though the Spanish may look very layed back but they take their work very seriously.
The main problem with the V-Class is that it was put out in a rush and is basically a Vito. Strange though because all our Vito's at work get treated like dirt, thrashed everywhere, high mileage and we have had no problems with them.
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My Spanish coneections are well documented here - Marcos has expressed my thoughts. Never driven a V class - somehow I doubt I will.
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