2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK User Comment / Complaint

Mercedes benz autos have shift levers that cannot get wet, or the car is incapacitated...i.e. won't move out of 1st gear (5 mph) or at all. rain on an open convertible shift lever (my problem) and/or coffee or beverage spills from holders positioned directly above the shifter can trigger vehicle incapacitation.. consumers have to self-insure against this hazard as benz won't cover this widely known problem by warranty. repairs typically cost more than $1000 with towing. there's no warning to keep the lever dry to prevent vehicle incapacitation, not by the lever nor in owners manual; there's no emergency bonnet for quick cover. there's no consumer warning. many benz owners experience this problem but benz makes no recall. the condition is a standing joke with tow truck drivers..."another benz". all benz personnel contacted by cell phone (ny & co) know the problem, but "consumer beware." a small amount of fluid incapacitates the vehicle and subjects the driver to potential accidents and roadside threats&the car must be towed/parts ordered. we lost five days ruining our vacation. the in-trunk shield to receive the retracting top was ajar because we had just removed light bulbs to return to a store&the top would not retract until the shield was adjusted. the car has an extended lease warranty but benz doesn't cover damages as (the 2 minute downpour) they view the rain as an act of god and i should contact my insurance company for towing and repair. to me, this is insurance fraud. the dealership provided neither the parts nor the bills, but charged costs of repair and towing on my american express card without my signature. the card was provided the co dealer to cover any potential costs of a loaned vehicle. i still don't have the actual invoices the for approx $600 repair and $300 tow (although i have requested them by fax). neither keeler benz of latham ny, gauzer benz of westminister co, nor mercedes benz will rectify the problem...25k mileage.