After having many issues with my 2009 CTS4, hesitation between shifts, creaking interior, Bluetooth problems, wind noise in sunroof, transmission problems, seat problems, AWD system problems, steering gear problems and really, just losing the passion, I have traded in my Cadillac. This was my second Cadillac, first one being an 05 CTS-V, which was a great car to drive.
I went with a 2011 E550 4Matic, with only 3000 miles. I am sure that the Mercedes will have it's own quirks...and I am nervous about the whole "Mercedes stigma" but I needed a change (also, glad to be back into a V8 hehe). I love the styling of the CTS, and wanted it to be a car I could keep long term but it just didn't work out that way.
Best of luck to all and keeping enjoying your CTS's! They are beautiful cars and I am sure I will be back one day!
I think you'll like the E. I had a 1999 E 320 4Matic, a very nice car, which I traded in for a 2003 E55, an awesome car. No significant problems with either, except some alignment problems with the E55.
Nice Benz! Hate to hear your CTS had so many problems. If mine treats me well, I'll be SERIOUSLY considering an ATS(or maybe a V series CTS) in a few years. If not, an E, 5 Series, or XF will likely be in the cards. As much as I love the CTS, it is hard to beat a well balanced luxury sport sedan with a DOHC V8.
The W212 E-Class is an evolution of the E-Class line. It's completely different from the outgoing W211, you're gonna love it. See you on MBWorld. I'm Benz-O-Rama over there. Is
I hope you have better luck with M-B than I had. I got rid of both of them within one year. Both were bought new. Interior body panels that fall off - transmission that requires replacement if a cup of coffee is spilled on the center console, anti-lock/anti-skid failing three times and requires replacement; car becomes inoperative when gas cap is not screwed on tightly; massive electronic failures (multiple times); and a host of minor issues. Of the year I owned both of them - they spent a total of 5 months in the shop for repairs. While claiming they were under warranty, it was costing nearly $1000/month in maintenance costs. Never again.
So far the Benz has been a real treat to drive. I hope that I do not experience the same problems that you did! I do wish that I switched sooner...anyone that is unhappy with the creaks, squeaks and wind noise, should definitely take a Benz out for a drive. I still love the look and size of the CTS...but in the end, I could not keep a car that I hated to drive.
Poopie D, good luck with your MB - sorry to see you go.
I'm experiencing the opposite extreme (compared to what you wrote) with my '11 CTS4 Premium Sedan, in that I love to drive my car. :cloud9:
To-date I've had zero problems with it [other than the RCDLR module needing reprogramming] and it is simply the best and most favorite vehicle I've ever owned.
congratulations! MB makes nice cars. I always liked the E-class. My understanding is that in recent years the quality and reliability has improved so good luck!
BTW, I understand your frustration, I have had my CTS 08 from new and had many of the issues you described plus some more...it seems though that starting MY 2010 things have improved....
Uh...last month I drove two of my Cadillac dealer's loaners, 2012 CTS sedans each odometer <100mi., and in both cases the center stack and console creaked like crazy when touched/pressed or hard cornering/braking - no change, same as my '08. I'm amazed that after 4+ years in production GM and, apparently, Cadillac buyers think this is normal and acceptable.
I've had three (3) 2nd Gen CTS's ('08, '09 and '11) and to be honest none of them have had creaks in the center stack and console like you describe, whether touching/pressing or hard cornering/braking, and that's with significant swings in ambient temperature in the interior (summer/winter). I suppose if I purposely leaned into / pressed the center console with a good amount of force in some places I might hear an objectionable sound, but why would I try that and risk damaging some of the interior trim pieces in my car? My '11 CTS4's interior is quiet and civilized, and I find it a very nice place to spend time.
928S, it's no secret at this stage that you hate your CTS and I suppose GM (it's all you seem to indicate/suggest when you post). Have you considered buying something else that you would have some good feelings about? I don't know.. why continue to torture yourself? I say sell the damn thing and move on. Poopie D obviously had enough with his CTS, and decided to change-over to a Benz. That may turn out to be a really good move for him, maybe not - only time will tell.
Anyway, life is short, and I believe that obstacles to happiness should be removed wherever possible.
RAB, other threads have split between those who were bothered by creaking center stack and console (some DIYers even R&R’d w/ acoustic flocking tape etc.) and others who heard no creaking at all. Go figure.
"Hate" is a strong word, not one that I would use. Like most on the "Top Three Likes/Dislikes" thread, I love my CTS’ exterior/interior styling, steering, suspension. Dislikes, mostly factory defects and inadequate fixes, are too many for sure. So point taken, I’ll try to do better with my posts and my next automobile.
My center stack never really bothered me. I fixed most of the noise with friction tape...even the sunroof trim "heat creak" was fixed with friction tape. My creak and squeak problems mostly came from my door panels and seats.
I agree. MB went back to its roots after divesting Chrysler.....now they started doing what they do best - cars that can go 100 mph on German autobahn 24/7....
To be fair, the W210 came out well before the Diamler/Chrysler fling. I agree though, the new E is nice and seems well built. I never liked the W210 series at all(started with those ovoid headlights and ended with the dull looking rear end). The next gen was somewhat better and had a much nicer interior. The current gen are very nice looking cars. Still a little too staid for my tastes, but a timeless looking car no doubt.
So far, I haven't noticed any creaks with my dash or console. The creaks I hear are from the outboard part of the lower seat cushion when leaning on it as well as the side of driver's side where the plastic surround joins it(again if I'm leaning against it). Aside from that and some occasional noise from the sunroof shade, the car is rattle free. My biggest beef are the seats. The creaking is part of it, but the comfort and lack of padding are the biggest. Hopefully the next gen CTS(and the ATS) will be using a different design and/or supplier. That alone will be a deal breaker.
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