Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans

1457910131

Comments

  • eadlueadlu Member Posts: 13
    I had the same problem which I noticed right after delivery of my 00E320. I took it back to the dealer who reprogramed the device. It took only a few minutes to do the work.
  • andrew36andrew36 Member Posts: 7
    thank you all for responding to my question about the 2001 models... appreciate it
  • kimccchkimccch Member Posts: 1
    I am looking E320 4matic or E430 4matic. Does anybody have any problem with 4matic? Also my dealer insist MSRP, is it usually how it works?
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    3
  • donald02donald02 Member Posts: 54
    #317, kimccch

    See posts 53 and 98.
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    Donald, went back and looked at your posts. Was that a 00' or 01'model??? Thanks!

    KRV03: Great work and great effort to write what you did. I know it took more than a few minutes to write it and we appreciate.

    I think that when someone takes time and thought, no one is offended. I for one respect a well thought out opinion. I looked at the Rl but did not drive it. Part of my decision is emotional and not pratical, so I went no further. I think acura is moving in the right direction after years of an unsure identity crisis, and like many Japenese auto co.s, a cash flow problem. Quality is rarely an issue for acura. The TL is a value leader and MDX is gaining alot of attention. The dealer did mention that they were heavy discounting the RL, but we never got to price. The supply and demand curve worked in your favor. The car is nice and well into its production cylcle, and you should have a good experience. Regarding resale, you bought cheap and it may not hold great, but you will have a good experience with it. I think apparent value was important to you and you achieved it. 320 w/all wheel drive is a high dollar car, and im guessing you spent about $37-38k for your car. 18k difference is alot!RL is alot of car for the money. Good luck with your purchase and thank you for sharing with us your thoughts!
  • cticctic Member Posts: 291
    Pricewise the RL is more in the catagory of the C-class. In that price range you should really be comparing the RL with cars like the Mazda Millenia, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES300 etc.
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    Really depends on what your looking for.
    Having owned an Acura RL (1997)I agree that it will come with all the major options that a person needs. It's a quiet car but don't try any heavy cornering-handles a bit on the mushy side.
    As far as reliability goes, the only things that I had go wrong were....Moonroof stopped operating (glad it happened in the closed position) Power window stopped operating, and heater blower stopped working. All were fixed promptly by the dealership.
    All in all, I thought is was a nice car but wouldn't put it in the same class as Mercedes, or even the Lexus. That's why they don't command the same price as the above mentioned. ;-)
  • donald02donald02 Member Posts: 54
    Post 322, Bargamon2

    My car is an 2001 E430. I've had it exactly 1 month this weekend. Good shopping.
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    3
  • krv03krv03 Member Posts: 3
    I know I'll never be able to respond to all the feedback that my post #321 may evoke, therefore I'll try to share my opinion regarding only points that appear to be valid on their face.

    bargamon2: you mentioned that I attained my goal of "apparent" value. Let me walk through some numbers and see if I achieved more than apparent value.
    A. Sticker of comparably equipped M-B E 320 AWD = $56,000. The ALG residual value after 36 months is 57%, or $31,920. If I paid $53,000, I'm out-of-pocket $21,080 after 3 years.
    B. Acura RL w/ navi sticker = $44,700. The ALG residual value after 36 months is 48%, or $21,360. I paid $36,000 (very common w/ solid negotiation) for the RL, so I'm out-of-pocket only $14,640 after 3 years.
    I appreciated your reasonable response to my post--most people respond with a form of "road rage" if your opinion differs from their's.

    ctic & parfive1: next time I'll attempt to discuss my definition of "perceived" value.

    parfive1: Try the '00 RL, I think you may find the handling to be significantly improved from '97.

    P.S. There is an S-Class in my future--hopefully they will do an AWD(??)
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    The S500 4-matic will be available for the late fall of 2002, as will the C240 4-matic (this particular model will be available in Europe/Asia/Canada, but not sure about the US), C320 4-matic, and C320 4-matic wagon.

    Drew/aling
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    Good math, and even better negotiating.
    I had no complaints about owning my 97 RL. It was probably one of the few (of many) cars that I didn't get bored with after 2 years.
    As for the handling of the 00 model as compared to the 97, I couldn't honestly say. I just wasn't interested in driving one.
    My choices when purchasing a new car were either the Lexus GS or the MB E class.
    I thought the GS handled great and the interior was beautiful, however, I thought that the exterior styling was just plain ugly.(My opinion)
    The E class interior is very nice, and the exterior is absolutely beautiful.
    Here again, everybody has there own opinion. That's why there's so many different cars out there.
    Regarding perceived value.
    Perception IS reality. I see it all the time.
    I was happy when I brought my new RL home.
    I was ecstatic when I brought home my new E320.
    If it cost me a few dollars more for my MB, so be it. It made me happy. :-) :-)
    Good luck with your new RL, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    It would probably be a good idea to put winter tires on your new car.
    The first season, the car handled OK, but the next season (after the tires wore down) it didn't handle good at all.
    I went out and bought four Blizzack tires and mounted them every winter. Handled very good then.
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    I found a 2000 430 4matic with 7000 miles, phone, cd,e2, etc. Silver w/ash. I know you have 4matic, and dig it. THere is so much written about ML, but not much on the recent E-class. Do you have in your reach a path to an artcile or review of the 4matic?
    Price is excellent, I was not looking for a 4matic, but with the 430 is very attractive. I would welcome any comments on the system. Besides the apparent saftey addition of full time four wheel traction, is there a performence addition when cornering? I know 0-60 is slightly compramised by about 4/10 of a second, but what about mpg?? Thanks in advance.

    KRVo3: Don't sweat it.
  • jfz219jfz219 Member Posts: 63
    Thanks for the information and inspiration for the power seat controls. My seat had been moved up and I was not able to move the seat cushion back. All other directions of adjustment worked. Before taking the car in for service, I tried to move the seat all the way forward (it cannot be done while in the seat if you are over 4'6"). This maneuver must reprogram the control. The seat now moves correctly in all directions.

    I have to admit that the seat has never retracted this far since I took possession 11 months ago. The seat travel is at least 3 inches more after this fix.

    I thank you and my knees thank you!
  • valueguyvalueguy Member Posts: 208
    Like expensive watches (Rolex,Breitling, Cartier, etc.) luxury cars are all about personal satisfaction. Like it or not, there are many fine cars out there for a lot less than Lexus or M-B. VW Passat, Toyota Avalon, etc are some examples to name a few.

    My last two cars (1997 and 1999) were Acura 3.2TL's. They were reliable, efficient and affordable cars. However, my '00 E430 Sport invokes satisfaction that my Acura's never did. I am looking forward to test driving the
    new Acura Legend; but, I doubt Acura will get the MB E430 "feel" in their flagship car.

    My brother owns a '00 RL and I like the car. Yet, for me the E430 is the real "value" car because I enjoy driving it.
  • cticctic Member Posts: 291
    Don't get absolute and preceived values mixed up. You got an Acura which you thought was in the same class as a MB for tens of thousands of dollars less. If you perceive Acura and MB to be in the same class then you did indeed get an excellent buy. Save your condescendation for the guy who bought a Camry and came into your RL board to tell you how much of a value he got vs. the RL.
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    That about sums it up. ;-0
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    Would love to hear any opinions/praise/negative
    for the 4matic. If anyone has a 430 4matic, That would be great. Thanks.
  • taisontaison Member Posts: 71
    I just got some new bulbs that I want to use to replace my current headlights.

    Turbotc or Drew: Do you guys have any advice or maybe instructions on how to go about doing this in the best way? Any tips on what to look out for and not do?
  • cticctic Member Posts: 291
    krv03 is one of many many many people who come into this topic telling people here that they got a cheaper car which they think is comparable or better than the E-class so its a better deal.

    Then they get defensive.

    What do they expect when they come into a topic full of E-class owners? They get what they deserve if they get flammed. If krv03 wasn't wanting to start a fight he should be posting his message in the RL forum where I'm sure everybody would applaud him. When I got my cars, I didn't go into some other forum telling others how good my car was compared to theirs. These people don't get no sympathy from me.
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    IMHO, the E-class a great vehicle and the 4-matic system only adds to it. You get all of the features of the RWD E-class + the foul weather AWD capability (on-road only) of the M-class. I say go for it! It's plenty quick even with the extra weight of the AWD system.

    WRT it's AWD system, it's similar to the ML's, but doesn't have the low range gearing and the torque split ratio is RWD biased (38% front/62% rear vs. the ML's 48%/52%) to give the car a more traditional RWD MB feeling. C&D magazine compared it with the RWD E320 and found that it could climb even 30% slopes covered with ice/snow using the stock all-season tires. The RWD E320 (with winter tires) could only climb up the 10% grade at most.

    FWIW, MotorWeek tested the E320 4-matic and liked it a lot.

    Drew/aling
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    Since I have the HID Xenons on my E320, I've never had the chance to play around with the halogen headlamps. However, I think that if you follow the instructions in your owner's manual, you should be just fine.

    As for tips, like all halogen bulbs, never touch the glass with your fingers since the oil from your skin will dramatically shorten the bulb's life. If you do accidentally touch the glass, don't worry. Just clean the fingerprints/oil off with some alcohol and a soft lint-free cloth. You may want to consider wearing a pair of gloves (I used surgical gloves) to eliminate this problem while installing the bulb.

    Start on the passenger's side headlamp first as you'll have more room to maneuver around (and practice) without the windshield washer resevoir blocking you. Oh yeah, a well lit garage helps a lot.

    Hope this helps! I'm sure others who have carried out this procedure will be able to add to this.

    Drew/aling
    Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • jean7of9jean7of9 Member Posts: 192
    I replaced my stock bulbs recently with Hella Optilux Xenon Gas (before they froze production). At the passenger side you will gain enough space by removing the small extension to the washing tank.The driver side is the tricky one. When you unlock the retaining brackets (before removing the back cover), make sure you do not/not drop any of these brackets otherwise you will lose them under the light assembly. When you install the back covers in place, make sure they fit tight in place before locking the brackets. Failing to do so will enable humidity and droplets of water to sneak into the light assembly and condensate on the front crystal.Should this happen the only fix would be to replace the defective back cover at the dealer. Waiting time for replacement parts : 4-5 weeks. Good luck.
    Jean
  • jean7of9jean7of9 Member Posts: 192
    I have been driving a E320 4matic for two years (same model of Drew). On dry pavement, the car is as pleasant and fun to drive like a rwd, I also never felt any drag or under power due to the 4matic system. On wet, icy or slippery roads it becomes another angel. Last summer, I drove, non stop, several hundred km's through driving rain and muddy slopes (up to 23%) in Northern Canada. The car behaved above all my expectation and never felt once out of control at any speed (I really mean any speed). Should this happen to you once in the lifetime of the car, then you will appreciate the life saving choice of the 4MATIC. I own other cars, however I already know that my next car will be a 4MATC, an E or an S =??. Good luck in your choice.
    Jean
  • rablakerablake Member Posts: 16
    I will soon be taking delivery of a 2001 E320 wagon. I will be dropping a '99 Explorer Limited (Firestone's gone but not recalled) and wish to continue one aspect of the truck over to the E320: I found make/model specific side mirrors for both the Ford and my '97 3.5RL which are convex over the whole surface, eliminating the blind spots 100%. These mirrors are cut the same size as the original and double stick tape puts them right on top thus preserving remote operations. Yes, objects are a bit smaller but that adjustment made, I enjoy these mirrors which are still showing the over-taking car when it comes into my own view. Problem: maker has gone away. Does anyone know who might make such mirrors now? Much thanks for the thorough information routinely found here and for any help on this search.
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    thank you for your comments. Always helpful.

    CTIC:

    I think Parfive1 did a good job and did not slam our topic. If you reread his comment he did explain himself as a reader and felt compelled to contribute. He only mentioned that he needed front wheel drive or all wheel drive and 56k was alot of money. There have been other instances where harsh words were in order, but I thought it was well thought out and he expressed his position well. I doubt we need to discourage thought here if it conflicts with our views. Is the reason we come here is to always preach to the choir and only share the love? Or can we be open to new posts and ideas especially when they present their views well and are thorough. Just a thought.
  • turbotcturbotc Member Posts: 163
    As I recalled, I started with the driver's side and I thought that was easier to work with. I recalled the passenger side had an air filter and space was limited behind the headlight assembly. nevertheless it was very easy to install. Just pay close attention to how the bulb itself comes out and put the new one back the same way. If the bulb is installed correctly, the metal bracket securing it should lock in fairly easy. So you basically unscrew the black round cover, unplug the wiring harness from back of bulb, unscrew metal bracket, take out bulb, replace with new bulb in same position, screw back metal bracket, plug wiring harness into back of bulb, turn on headlights to make sure everything is OK (I parked my car and aimed headlights into garage wall so I will be able to tell if the aiming is off), and then screw back black round cover. Good luck.
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    That wasn't me that bought the new RL. It was krv03. I just responded to his post.
    I used to have an RL, but have since purchased a 00 E320. Was so impressed that I purchased a
    00 ML430 for my wife two weeks ago.
  • cticctic Member Posts: 291
    OK, OK, how are you for a dare? You wanna you and me go into the RL topic and tell the boys there how good the E-class is vs. their car? Lets even write a nice long post, whaddathink their response is gonna be? You got any flameproof underwear?
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    Hey, Im not knowlegable about RL, did not research it, KRV03 did. He did not smack the E class. Remember SUMAC on the ml site, he caused trouble. I stated my case previously.

    What are you driving these days anyway?
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    I cannot imagine you not seeing this previously, but check this out:

    http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/00e430.htm
  • turbotcturbotc Member Posts: 163
    Was wondering if other E-Class owners wait until their FSS tell them to go in to service of if you guys bring in for service earlier. Especially the oil change. What exactly will the dealer do for service A or B anyways?
  • jean7of9jean7of9 Member Posts: 192
    I have an old habit in changing my oil whenever I install winter tires. This time the FSS was indicating 4300 km till next service. The dealer drained the oil and replaced it with Mobil-1 with a new filter, but left the FSS unchanged. He will reset the FSS when service B is due next spring (after replacing the winter tires).
    Jean
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    Just closed on an 01', E2, brilliant silver w/ash E-430. Got well into their holdback, had 24hrs before months end. Did not drive until this moring as I have been looking at used, or e-320 new. Needless to say car is excellent. Get it tonite and will have more time in it.
    I saw some time ago advice for installing CD player. Can anyone lend advice. I have bought from clairs before, But was wondering about instructions. Also, is there an alternative that uses the fiber optic technology but holds more than 6 discs??
    Thanks to all, Drew and donald02 whom on post 53 did a spread sheet that was the basis of my initial pricing. End of the month and the hard cold reality that I was not going under any circumstances pay over 51k, but was going to buy a car, moved dealer to turn over stock. I basically got the 430 at the 320 sticker.
    Just gotta figure out those steering wheel buttons!
  • fred132fred132 Member Posts: 22
    I posted very detailed instructions for installing a CD changer - the date was around mid-October, I think. My motivation was to keep anyone from paying dealer price for something that should be standard.

    It's not too difficult. I can't help you on the question of more than 6 disks.
  • turbotcturbotc Member Posts: 163
    damn....I am jealous of your pricing but also very happy with my car. Good luck. Curious as why you didn't get the E1 with Xenon headlights. I kinda regret not getting it. Oh well.
  • ctlctl Member Posts: 129
    do you even own an E? if RL owners are not allowed to come here and share their view, why should you?
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    I installed a becker model 2662 in my 00 E320 back in Sept. Bought it from continentalimports.com for $430 including mounting brackets and shipping.
    Works great, and no coding was necessary from dealer. Just plug and play.
    Very easy to install, and instructions for the fiber optic cables are on continentals website.
    Also, clair parts has the regular stock MB cd changer for about $550.
    Don't know if there's anything with more than 6 cd's out there.
    If you need further help, just holler.
  • turbotcturbotc Member Posts: 163
    My brother just bought a DVD player to use at his house. It can play MP3 music as it has a built in MP3 decoder. You can actually burn like 60 to 80 MP3 songs onto one cd. So if there is such a car cd changer that has built in MP3 decoding, you can burn 6 cds from napster and listen to it on your ride from Boston to Seattle without any cds repeating.
  • mbnut1mbnut1 Member Posts: 403
    Good point!
  • doublecondoublecon Member Posts: 6
    Hello everyone! I've been reading all of your helpful comments and have decided on buying/ordering an E320 4MATIC Wagon with COMAND and E2. However, I've been having trouble finding any dealers in the San Francisco area who are willing to deal. Can you recommend dealers in California or anywhere US who will deal? I don't mind the distance and I can always have the vehicle shipped. Thanks.
  • cticctic Member Posts: 291
    Little boy, I did not berate krv03 for not being a E-class owner. He became defensive when people responded to his post. If he's prepared to dish it out, he should be prepared to take it too, that's my point.

    By the way, ctl, mbnut1 and my good friend bargamon2: You don't need to respond to posts that don't have your name in the title.
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    Parfive1: is current system a becker also?? I'll look into your recomendation.

    Fred132. I'll go back and look. Thanks. My salesman mentioned that service needs to program the system computer When installing CD player Is this correct? Plug and play compatable with 01'fiber optics and steering wheel controls?

    Turbotc: No xenons in stock, deal for car was predicated on in stock only. Beggars can't be too choosy. I opted out of heated seats and other goodies. I needed the 430 motor more than some amenities. Oh by the way, picked it up tonite and man am I pleased.
    Like most auto stereos, tapes and cd's play better than radio, and while I don't have a cd player yet, the bose tape sounded real nice. I thought speakers in front were interesting. It seemed that speaker grill mounted on inside of side mirror is not a tweeter but a vented port for the speaker below in the door. Grills in top corners of dash look like speakers but no sound emits from it. The Woofers in rear deck surprised me in that the too are ported as there is some soft lining in the deck that allows the trunk to act as a cavity for bass. Bose seems to have put more thought into acustics. Once I have cd in place, then I can better judge. I think salesmen alluded that I could get cd installed for $635. I'll wait to confirm programing issue if anyone has any comments. I'll call clairs.

    Im curious if anyone knows power rating for amplification of system??

    It may take a villiage to raise a child (or villiage idiot), but a townhall chat to help in purchase a E-430. Part of the fun has been exchanging info with all of y'all (aka:use guy's).

    But your not getting my bud lite.............

    Silver/ash 01' 35 miles on odo
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    sic: "LITTLE BOY?"

    Are we raging on the post and resorting to name calling? Rarely have I seen anyone call you names. CTIC is your name? Shall we bring SUMAC back from the dead?? Lighten up man, this ain't nuttin but a little "caw tawk."
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    .
  • fred132fred132 Member Posts: 22
    No service was required for my CD installation. Strictly plug and play.

    It's amazing how much bad information you can get from car salesman, even at MB dealers.
  • bargamon2bargamon2 Member Posts: 39
    No anger bro, just Caw tawk.........no problem.
  • turbotcturbotc Member Posts: 163
    2000 and 2001 should be the same (fiber optics). I don't see why it would be any difference. I got mine installed by dealer for $900. OUCH.
This discussion has been closed.