Mixed reports of S-Class woes

MUNICH: Daimler-Benz's new S-Class has a long list of weaknesses that need fixing before its planned introduction next fall, according to a German magazine report.

But the Munich-based newsweekly Focus also quoted an unnamed spokesman for the carmaker as saying the new luxury car would be ready as planned.

Daimler-Benz officials were not available for comment during the holiday weekend, according to an Associated Press report.

Engineers have uncovered 150 defects, including bugs in the computer system that guides steering, and a rearview mirror that appears too dark at night, according to Focus.

A list of 20 such defects would be normal some 10 months ahead of an car's planned debut, the magazine said.

Daimler-Benz has been struggling with an image problem since its new subcompact, the A-Class, tipped over during high-speed swerve tests.