Mercedes: Lots of problems, consumer protection agency, state consumer protection agency

Question
My father bought a E 320 in 2004. Since the day we drove the car off the lot there has been problems with it. Every month my mother would have a different problem, when the car was under warranty she would go to the dealership all the time to get help, the dealership knew her by her first name. The car is now about 5 years old, an the warranty is over. I can name you about 10 different things that are wrong with the car, the driver door will NOT lock, the sun roof will not close (both the actual window and the cover), the side view mirrors do not work, a couple of buttons have fallen off, and plenty more. About 2 months ago the car was on a slant, the shock of some sort went out and the body was almost sitting on the tire. I think this whole situation is ridiculous for such an expensive car. My mother is a 54 year old women that does not even drive on the freeway. She is a safe driver, never had an accident or a ticket. Why is this "luxury" vehicle falling apart like this and what can we do. The car is worth nothing now, and we still owe money on it.If Mercedes is all about "quality", and they claim their cars are in great condition and will always be in great shape if it is taken care of, well my mother has taken great care of her car, in 5 years their are about 50,000 miles on the car, why is it giving us all these problems and making us regret ever going to Mercedes?

Please help!

Thank you.

Answer
Sharon, I feel your pain!  Regardless of what ad claims or sale spiel given by Mercedes or any other manufacturer. There are vehicles that are lemons.
Several states have enacted "Lemon" laws to allow the customer an opportunity to get satisfaction in refund or another vehicle. Returns for repair should have been logged and you should have all the invoices during the warranty period. You would need to speak with your state consumer protection agency to see if they have any history with this model vehicle or dealer.

You did not say whether this was a "new" car or not.  If used from trade in or dealer demo, the vehicle could have come from an area where flooding could have happened.
If ever wet, these modern computer controlled cars are very unacceptable, to electrical gremlins.

My 1986 420sel although never been wet has had numerous electrical issues. The largest fault has to do with corrosion of ground wires and terminals. The  420 has had a general reputation as  a great road car. Maybe so, but I can tell you that you really need a huge bank roll if the vehicle were to be maintained by a dealer.
Because I have been able to do my own work, purchase Ebay parts, and put up with the frustration, I have been able to own the care for about the same as an comparable American Dodge or Chevy.
I however, have decided that if I can find someone to purchase the care for 1/3 of what we paid, I will gladly let it go.

One thing to remember, is the fact that all auto dealership regardless of brand, are only in the business to sell new vehicles out the front door so they can 'make' money at the back door service department. For this reason, I always recommend that a person find a competent 'independent' service man.
Sorry I cannot be more positive, but it looks as though you will just need to find someone one to purchase the vehicle and get out from under the note.
I would be looking at a Honda, or Toyota if I were in your place.
Good Luck
Rob