Table 1 shows three common vehicle speed control related problems of the 2003 Mercedes Benz 320.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control problems | |
| Car Accelerates On Its Own problems | |
| Cruise Control problems |
I was parking my vehicle (2003 mercedes e 320) between 2 cars in a parking lot. The vehicle was already on the parking spot (after making a right turn to enter the spot . . . While the feet were on the break pedal) when there was a sudden un-intended acceleration that made the vehicle race off and hit the concrete wall about two feet in front of the vehicle. The vehicle sustained considerable damage to the front bumper, hood, head lights. The front doors were jammed causing the driver to use the passenger doors for exiting the vehicle. There was burning smell (but no smoke) in the car soon after the impact. The airbag did not deploy causing the driver hit the steering wheel. As a result the driver suffered severe neck, chest and abdominal pain. There was a recall on the braking system of this model in 2004. This as addressed by the dealer (rallye morors, roslyn, NY) .
I purchased a mercedes-benz e320 in June 2003 and have continued to have an issue involving uncontrolled acceleration and speed "surges" since September 2003. The condition seems to be more prevalent when the vehicle is approaching low speeds or in a downhill plane the dealership has attempted to repair the vehicle during five (5) service appointments and has acknowledged they are aware of the uncontrolled power, or acceleration, fluctuations. They have attempted to repair the vehicle using m-b advice; without success. M-b representatives have acknowledged this condition exists as well; but, that it is not a "warrantable defect. " this "surging" has further developed into "bucking" on several occcasions causing loss of control of the vehicle. This condition appears to be similar to other complaints filed with the NHTSA regarding the e320 where the torque converter lock up is described. I do believe it is a safety hazard due to the inability to control the power / speed fluctuations of the vehicle.
I am concerned that the arm for the crusie control is too close to the turn signal arm. Several times a day I find that my hand (albeit a small hand) accidentally hits the cruise control lever instead of the turn signal - especially when signalling left. This activates the cruise control at a time when you are usually getting ready to slow down for a turn. I understand that braking will turn off the cruise automatically, but it is still an incovenience and could potentially be dangerous. I contacted Mercedes Benz and they said that the cars are all put through many, many tests and this problem didn't surface. A solution would be too shorten the length of the cruise handle or angle it more toward the dash. Possibly this would allow fewer mistakes.