The car is designed terribly. Several months ago I spilled a little water on the console where the shift and window controls are. All windows rolled down and wouldn't roll back up for 4 days. Something shorted out. Now, after spilling literally a drop of water near the shift, car wouldn't shift out of "park", the shifter had to be manually overridden and then the car remained in "limp" mode. Dealer (owned by MB) in Manhattan wanted $2200 to fix it. They told me a car is like expensive stereo equipment and one wouldn't expect not to have a problem spilling water in it. Except that apparently MB is the only car that has this problem and most stereos don't come with cup holders that sit directly on top of their sensitive electrical equip. Anyway, even though MB dealership told me no way it would dry on its own and would have to be repaired for $2100, I surprised them while they were waiting for the parts, and found that it dried up on its own and it was fine. I say "stay as far away from this car which is a heap of junk and stay further away from their dealers who cant make money selling cars so they rip off existing customers through their service dept. I sold the car and I am celebrating - good riddance. Bye MB, forever!

A cup of coffee in the center console cup holder splashed coffee onto the console next to the shift lever and the vehicle would not start. Mercedes roadside assistance showed up and knew right away what was wrong. He said that he sees it all the time. The liquid causes a short that disables the car. He told us not to worry, "its covered by warranty." The dealer towed the car. A service rep called and told us it was not covered by warranty and would cost $800.+ to repair. They went on to say that it would not happen again because improvements have been made to the replacement part. The roadside asst guy said he has seen this problem occur when just condensation fron a cold drink has leaked onto the console. Why did they put the cup holder there? Isn't this normal wear and tear! Isn't this a safety issue that warrants recall? Why should anyone have to pay $800. to repair what should not have broken in the first place? Anyone out there that can help?