When they were first introduced to the states, Freightliner was the authorized distribution network. Then Mercedes canceled that distribution system, and gave it to some Dodge dealers. Problem was that the trucks sold by Freighliner, were different enough from the later versions sold by Dodge, that the Dodge dealers couldn't repair them, since they didn't have the correct software or tools. Freightliner couldn't repair them, since they didn't have access to parts. Mercedes dealers were forbidden by Mercedes from servicing them. I have a friend that had to have his towed 200 miles and waited 6 weeks to get his back, since the dealer wouldn't buy the software to diagnose the problem based on the cost. The truck was still under warranty, but no one wanted to fix it. He told me that only after he got the State Attorney General to intervene, did they fix the truck. Then he sold it at a loss, just to get out from under a future problem with service. If past history is a good teacher, I think that they will continue to be service problems in the future. Being a diesel is one thing, but being a diesel that is computer controlled is going to be a bigger problem later in life. It reminds me of the Cadillac 4 / 6 / 8. By the time that they got all the problems solved, the cars were already being sold for newer models with less problems...
