4x4 in the city and modern Merc build quality...

[Redmax]

I'm surprised by that. I'm test driving one on Friday (unless I decide to keep my current car) so I'll have a good look at the build quality.

[jamesson]

I drive a Vito at work with the same parking brake. The way round the clunk is to put your foot over the pedal, then pull the lever and you can release the pedal at a slower pace thus avoiding the noise. Same goes for application. Pulling the lever first avoids the ratchet noise.

[huwp]

Had a 56 plate ML. Worst put together car I have owned. Changed it for a Lexus RX. The latter is in a totally different league.

[Asterix]

I though Merc had resolved this recently.

Another 'premium' car I was very disappointed with was the Rangey Sport - the cabin was so plasticy, like a base model Fiesta type cheap.

[GhostDriver]

Ive had a brand new E class coupe for the last 2 weeks, its got the plastic pull handbrake on the dash, fkn joke trying to figure out if its on, gave up with it in the end.

Quality? yeah there are some cheap plastics in there, but it did seem to be screwed together alot better than older mercs. Just didnt feel special enough for a 40k car.

[Garlick]

A foot on the 'hand'brake as you release will stop the clunk.

You shouldn't have to do it, but it does make for a silent release.

[davidjpowell]

GhostDriver said:

fkn joke trying to figure out if its on, gave up with it in the end.

It's not hard... If the parking brake light is on, it's on! Or, if when you got out you put it on - it will be on.

Still drive with it on, and the car will remind you. A lot.

[Pablo16v]

My folks have just bought an 11 plate ML350cdi with AMG options and I have to say I think the interior quality is pretty good (as is the overall build quality). Certainly a step up from their previous 58 plate ML420cdi, which was better than their previous 55 plate ML320cdi, which was better than their 52 plate ML270cdi (which was pretty horrible inside compared to their E280 Elegance).
You do get used to the parking brake.