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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans
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Comments
Yes, I know what you mean: little info about Designo anywhere except the brochures. Dealers here have not seen one. I was intrigued by the paint colors in the brochures- looks different, and I rather liked the color, but again, choked on the $6 grand. I don't think there is any way you would get that money back in resale. Maybe in Beverly Hills or Costa Mesa or some other Rock Star Haven... It is pretty, though, isn't it?
Joy
Absolutely try the E320 CDI!! Better mileage, still quiet, nice ride and a LOT MORE TORQUE!! Really fun to drive. These diesels don't puff black smoke, don't smell, and are smooth to drive with amazing "get up and go". I think it is the best of both worlds...
I used to drive an Audi A6. Nice car, but the E320 is better. I do not see any advantage to the E350 over the CDI unless you are afraid of diesel. This is a woman's perspective, however...
Joy
Plus, is $41k a good price for a this car with 43k miles?
Thanks in advance.
What should I expect to pay for the MHI kit not including the cradle/phone?
Has anyone used the new MB Bluetooth cradle/adaptor?
For E-Class 2006, does MHI include voice dialing? Does this voice command also control some none phone features?
Is the voice quality outstanding? I don't want my callers to have trouble understanding me. And I need very clear sound since I have trouble hearing to begin with.
On the MB website, it shows dealer add on at $995, but factory price of $1500. Seems like it should be the other way around. I think both prices were w/o phone.
If I purchase one that has more than 50K, am I going to have all kinds of electrical and electronic glitch problems, or by 50K, they should have ironed out all the issues under warranty? Is the brake by wire troublesome?
I am also considering a 02-03 Lexus GS300. I know Lexus is reliable, but is not as good looking as the 03 E320. We had a RX300 that gave us no problem. I also have a 96 Camry XLE V-6. In 10 years, I have been to Toyota dealer once for replacing the timing belt. I like the look of the 03 E320. It has the most attractive look and lines of any sedan out there. I just don't want to spend repair$.
Thanks,
Joe
Thanks,
I could be wrong, but I think there was a factory recall on the electronic braking problem in this car. Check with the dealer locally and ask them.
J
Fuel economy in the diesel is superb, way better than any of the others you mentioned, quiet still (new diesels really aren't smelly and noisy like those of yesteryear) and it has a TON more pickup (torque) than the Audi. The ride is much more smooth, yet still feels like you are driving the car.
I originally started looking at the E350 and E500 wagons. The CDI won my heart and I have been happy. Best car ever!
Good luck!
I do mostly highway driving -
thanks
I think the E-class cars that are model year 2002 and earlier will be cheaper to run and more reliable. But, that's just my opinion.
Mark
Just had a rear regulator replaced on 2001 E320---under Starmark warranty. Dealer said that windows should be lowered often to reduce this problem. This is my first one in almost 5 years.
May 2005: The Odometer Clock suddenly turned back to 0000 (on my Mercedes Benz E200 Classic 1996) – Mercedes dealerships were contacted who had not heard of this problem and said it was not in their power to revert it back to its proper mileage.
July 2005: The doors start locking by themselves and will not open with automatic door opener.
In the mornings when I would try and start my car the battery would be totally dead.
I brought it to my local trusted garage owner (who has a very large business and is a good friend). He checks the car out and says that he cannot find a problem but, from the car repeatedly locking itself the motor that controls the doors has burnt out and has to be replaced. As he could not find out what was causing the problem himself he brought my car to two Mercedes Dealerships.
The first Mercedes Dealership had my car for two weeks and did every test, but could find nothing wrong. The second Mercedes dealership had my car for several days and they neither could find any problem. My car was returned to me after a month and a series of large bills that needed to be paid.
The problem seemed to have subsided on the cars return – however, a month later it was back with a vengeance.
This time I took my car to a dealership whom I originally had bought the vehicle from. They too could not find anything wrong and decided to take out the alarm system, as they thought this being connected to the automatic doors might be the problem. With no alarm and three weeks later (and another huge bill for services), my car was returned.
Alas, after three weeks the problem has returned again. My Car is locking itself whilst I’m driving, stationary - ALL THE TIME.
EVERYONE IS BAFFLED. No-one knows what the problem is.
I take really good care of my car – it is kept in my garage and not used for long distance travel and huge mileage as I am a mother of three small children and do not travel thousands of miles per week.
My real and very logical concern (which I have nightmares about) is that the car will lock whilst my two youngest babies are inside and I’ve left the keys in the ignition while picking something up or unloading the babies’ strollers. The car has locked several times like this already but thankfully on those occasions there was always an older person in the car who knew how to open the door from the inside.
I went out to my car this morning and the doors were locked and wouldn't open with the automatic opener - I opened them manually, strapped the kids in and tried to start the car - it was as dead as a dodo HELP!
Anyone know whats going on ?
Thanks
Deirdre
Q1 Headbolts, do they need to be replaced? What are the torq specs?
Q2 Cam timing, I marked the cams @ tdc #1 cyl, and there is a small hole on each cam that intersects the casting. I see that the variable cam timing device is normally retarded at idle. Any other things I should know?
Q3 The 104 engine seems to suffer from this problem, any thoughts on using a sealer on the gasket?
Any advice is appreciated, Thanx!
If you are interested, try getting a used car, preferably a Lexus, where you won't have any [significant] reliability problems.
I am actually in the market for a new E350 4Matic (and a Range Rover Sport), but my wife currently has a Lexus RX330, which has been angelic in the dealer experience.
I love the E350, but it sounds like you're not in the market for a new car right now.
I think it is totally worth the money- the one we tested was $56K, with the NAV, harmon/kardon LOGIC7 12 speaker audio system, and xenon headlights.
However, I'm sure that was a dealer special. I built an E350 4Matic online, and with those options, it topped $60K. It's very annoying how Mercedes overprices their cars.
Finally, I hate the rims that the one I tested had. They were those chubby 16 or 17" five spokes that every E-Class in town has. I'd buy AMG wheels if they didn't cost $4,000.
I had a similar problem with my 2000 Audi A6. In this case, the problem was easily remedied by the dealer. Apparently they just replaced the electric door lock mechanism. I had a number of other wierd electrical problems with that car, including replacing the Nav unit 3 times (fortunately, all under warranty.) Anyway, I don't know if it is any help, but in my case it was an intermittent problem also. It just happened that the dealer knew what to do. It sounds as if the battery is draining because the doorlocking circuit is shorting somewhere. Have you noticed the symptoms occuring more often after driving in the rain, or when humidity is high, or anything like that? Sure sounds like a colossal nuisance!
Just occured to me that if it were my problem, I might also check with a shop that specializes in auto electronics- they might just be more adept at tracking down wierd things.
Joy
Interior
MY07 FACELIFT (mid-July 2006)
Model Year 2007 welcomes a facelift for the E-Class, and introduction of 3 new engines:
-E320 BLUETEC: 3.0L V6 with 221hp, 376 lb-ft. torque
-E550: 5.5L V8 with 382hp, 391 lb-ft. torque
-E63 AMG: 6.3L V8 with 507hp, 465 lb-ft. torque
Other key exterior product changes include:
-a more aggressively styled front air dam
-new front grille
-revised head lamps and tail lamps
-aero mirrors (similar to CLS)
-new side skirts
-2 new paints: Arctic White and Jade Green
Key interior product changes include:
-PRE-SAFE
-new steering wheel (CLS steering wheel)
-re-designed HVAC operating unit
-new shift/selector lever
-4 new upholstery colors: Black, Cashmere, Black/Sahara Beige (Sport Models only), Black/Cognac Brown (Sport Models only)
Photos of the Facelift will be forthcoming.
Equipment Modifications
Value Enhancement
The following options will become standard equipment at no-additional charge:
-Glass Sunroof (414)
-harman/kardon LOGIC7 Digital Surround Sound System (810)
-6-disc CD Changer (819)
New Packaging
Owing to the new standard equipment listed above, we have further streamlined our packaging. Based on the successful E-Class Premium Package, launched with MY06, two "premium packages" will be offered - P1 and P2 - each of which offers significant value and includes options with proven customer demand.
P1 - E350/E320 BLUETEC: $2390 / E550: $2840 / E63 AMG: $2000
-DVD Navigation
-SIRIUS Satellite Radio
-Hands-Free Communication System
-Heated Front Seats (Active Ventilated Seats with Heating Feature for E550 and E63 AMG)
-Power-Rear Window Sunshade (Rear Side-window sunblinds for E350 4MATIC Wagon)
P2 - E350/E320 BLUETEC: $4290 / E550: $4740 / E63 AMG: $3900
Includes all items in P1
-Bi-Xenon low-beam and high-beam headlamps with active curve illumination system
-Keyless Go
-Heated Headlamp Washers
Sport/Luxury Strategy
In addition to the enhancements planned for the upcoming MY07 Facelift, we would like to announce the start of a new E-Class Sport/Luxury product strategy, similar to the successful C-Class strategy. This strategy allows you the flexibility to tailor you inventory to meet growing customer demand for more aggressive and sportier styling. The E350W, E350W4, E550W and E550W4 will adopt a 2-prong approach (Sport and Luxury) while the E320 BLUETEC and E350S4 will remain exclusively Luxury.
The E-Class Sport Sedan will be based on the 333 Sport Package launched late last year. This package, which is no-charge for MY07 Facelift, features key "sport" elements including 18" 10-twin spoke wheels, sport rear bumper with dual exhaust tailpipes, lowered sport suspension, blue-tinted glass, Black-Birdseye Maple Wood, and matte chrome surrounding the gearshift with a white-gauged instrument cluster.
The E-Class Luxury sedan will be similar to the current, stylish model commonly seen today. Key "luxury" features include 17" wheels (for the E350 and E550 models only), an elegant rear bumper, comfort suspension, green-tinted glass, and Burl Walnut Wood complementing the well-dressed interior.
Exterior
The following colors are new:
-Arctic White (650) replaces Alabaster White (960)
-Jade Green (300) replaces Everest Green (816)
Wheels: For MY07, the E350 models will receive a new 7-spoke 17" design. Additionally, the E63 AMG models will receive a new 5-spoke 18" design. Please note: the E320 BLUETEC, E550 Models, and the Sport Package will retain their current wheels.
Also new for MY07 E-Class are Chrome wheels (R86). These wheels will be based on the same 5-spoke 17" design seen on the MY06 E500, and will be available as an option on select Luxury Models only. Please see the Product Highlights section for wheel updates.
Other
E-Class Station Wagon:
In our continuing efforts to streamline our portfolio and provide you with products which support your market requirements, we will offer just a single variant of the E-Class Station Wagon: E350S4. The E350S and E550S4 will no longer be offered for MY07.
Additionally, the Power Tailgate (890) becomes standard equipment.
© Mercedes-Benz, 2005
M
I also think the marketing split between luxury and sport is a good stategy. The emphasis on luxury really appeals to me as buyer and I know others will gravitate to the sport side.
I bet the hands-free will be that new bluetooth option rumored to be out this month and available for late model command modules.
Are you talking about the Infiniti M35?
I think that many options in your article are fad-ish nonsense. Keyless go, electric trunk, etc. You don't need keyless go for any large reason, and the electric trunk is only meaningful on an SUV. I think I'm fine walking up to a sedan and opening the trunk myself, thank you very much!
I thought the features were very nice in the E350 4Matic I tested, but there was something about the interior that seemed a bit... off. I'm used to Audi interiors with perfect ergonomics and materials, and it seemed as though the Benz had lesser materials. Maybe I'm being overcritical, but I thought the Range Rover Sport, which we also tested, had a nicer interior. That really depends on your taste. However, I love the new S-Class- but it's much too big and expensive for my family. (It looks gorgeous in black!)
Really??? I'd love to see that! Then maybe an E350 4Matic with our options would be less than $60,000!
I live in Chicago and here, our cars are often dirty or covered in salt. It is nice to fully open and close the trunk without touching the metal.
I never used stuff like lane departure warning, electric rear seats, DVD players and rear seat radio controls in my M35x.
I am very familiar with interiors from Audi, Infinit and Lexus. Like the outside, this is subjective. I very much dislike the Audi. To me it looked cheap. I do like Range Rover, but it's too big.
And one place we fully agree on - That new S-Class is gorgeous in and out. But it's too big for me. I'm hoping a lot of it filters down to next rebuild of E-Class due in the fall of 2008. Seems like everything looks best in black, but black is too high maintenance for me.
The E-Class will never be a bargain, no Mercedes is but this revision in equipment will likely be a big hit once the 07's hit the ground.
M
Bluetooth is currently available and will therefore be on the new vehicle. I have ordered the hardwire version to take advantage of the car's antenna. With bluetooth you can only use the phone's antenna. If you would like more info, go to www.wireless4mb.com.
Don
M
Keyless GO is exceptionally convenient for the reasons edspider mentioned. It is so nice to be able to just walk up to the car and pull open the door handle! Touch of a button as you leave, and all is secure. Couldn't be better- especially when my hands are full of briefcase, purse, coat etc. To know them is to love them.
I also have the Panorama roof. Now that IS a luxury item, but I love the openness it affords the interior. Personal choice to be sure.
Joy
I thought about the panorama roof, but the only one I saw was at the auto show. I figured it would only look good on a black body. I love black and think they look the best, but they are just too high maintenance for me. (I went with Pewter). I think earlier panoramic roofs included a solar powered fan to keep the cabin cooled when sitting in the sun, but that was sadly dropped in 2006.
Out shopping I went. Drove an E350, A6, and a 530. I liked them all - but the MB won me over due to its quieter interior (at least to me) and more all-around comfort in driving manners.
So when a local dealer had a very reasonable 27 month lease offer on a 4Matic, I went for it ($519/mo 10K miles/year E350 4matic - prem pkg - iridium silver). I could not be happier with the car. No issues at all. It has been to the mountains in blizzard like conditions (spring snow storms) in roaring cross winds (sustained 40mph - gusts to 60) and driving rain - all in less than 2000 miles so far : ) Climbing hills - even at 10,000 plus feet seems effortless (although to be fair, it does not pass as fast as when around home and that's at 6000 feet) never really needs to be shifted down like the ML does.
Although I have a minor quibble with the stereo - I think it is muddy in the midrange. This is the Harmon Kardon system - anyone else think this? My Bose in the ML sounds better. Installing an iPod adaptor and using the Rock EQ setting seems to have helped - but not as much as I would have liked.
That aside, I knew the new Es would be coming some time in the next couple of years so I thought a short term lease would be just the ticket to tide me over. Looks like I won't be disappointed. Although I do get a lot of grief from the folks I work with about how the windshield costs more than their whole car does : ) I guess I really should have gotten an Avalon...
Thanks.
The Camry's V6 at 80-90 mph is as quite as the MB's V8. In 10 years of owning the Camry, the only time it has ever been to the dealer was to have the timing belt replaced at 90K miles. I do all the maintenance myself, and will be doing the same for the MB.
The MB feels solid and tight. The Camry feels soft and floaty. I must admit that MB's tight feel and firm seats make it a better highway cruiser.
Joe
I suppose I have to buy an R320cdi - but that isn't bluetec - right? And it's just not as good looking as an E.
Did I read something about the bluetec engine and having to go to the dealer with some regularity to get filled up/or emptied with ???
With the Bluetec systems there is a canister of urea that has to be changed at every service visit. The details are still being worked out because states like Cali want to make sure anyone who buys this diesel stays on top of this service because that is what keeps the car compliant.
M
Another use for the ol' outdoor "bar-b" - boiling collected urine down for the urea content... (Those weekend cookout steaks may smell a little funny if the grill isn't properly aired out, though. )