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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans
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Regarding wiper blades: I tested the wiper for the first time today. Someone said it splashes the car next to you.-I felt very bad. I am telling you..I felt the nasty stares with that thing splashing everything beside me. I think the 190E prompted the toll takers to request that wipers be turned off when approaching the booths.
I may have to shop around a bit for the SLK. I have decided upon white for my SLK and an automatic tranny instead of the 6 speed. I have no problems with a manual but I thought more M-B buyers would prefer an auto when I trade in at a later date.
The SLK will make a nice addition to my '00 Silver E430 Sport. And, I will be using Zainio for extra UV protection on the SLK.
Has any one tinted their new E recently? I am thinking about biting the bullet and tinting my E430 despite the tight windows. My dealer said they will cover any possible window motor damage.
Also, the tint shop will replace the window tint for scratches. Any thoughts?
Jean
Wally
Everything that wniel has said applies to my situation too. Every single word.
I also limit window usage and use my moonroof for air circulation if needed.
According to MB, the tolerances are so tight that they recommend against it.
If your window tinting shop will replace the tinting for free, by all means do it.
It really does look very nice, especially with my black exterior.
Im curious, the new c class has this interesting blue tint widows as an option. I suppose they don't put these tolerances on a c-class?? No window tinting on an S-class??? or is it a factory option?
I was considering BMW5 series, Jag S 3.0, Lexus GS300 & Mercedes C & E.
Bought a 2001 E320 this Saturday, in stock will pick up this week. It has E2, Heated Seats, CD Changer -- Silver/Charcoal. Got it for about the Edmunds TMV! I'm in Central NJ & found a great dealership & salesman.
Will keep you updated after I pick it up!
The deeper tint for the C and (especially) the ML is made right in the windows themselves, so there's no film to scratch.
Here's the shade fitted in the new C-class:
Drew
Host
Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I believe the S-class uses a slightly different (little higher colour temperature) HID bulb and this gives more of a bluish, whitish appearance than the Acura's. Not only this, but the S-class has an autoleveling system that keeps the lights pointed towards the road even when going uphill. Notice that the MB Xenon headlamps option requires the headlamp washing package as well.
This is because dirt on the headlamp can redirect light and with the HID lights' (2-3 greater) intensity vs. halogen bulbs, it can cause glare to oncoming drivers. Note that headlamp washing systems are mandatory in Germany anyway. A good idea, if you ask me. North America should also have similar rules. However, with the manufacturers here skimping just to save 25 cents per vehicle, they'll probably whine about it so much that the something like this would never be passed.
The Acuras do not have either the auto leveling systems nor the headlamp washing systems. Obviously these are cost cutting measures which allow HIDs to be fitted to their lower priced vehicles.
I hate to ask you as not to abuse, but where can one find thise mercedes shades. Clairs??? or DrewLing.com Thanks again.
I also admire your patience, especially on the ML site, so much is redundant!
Yes, Clair parts or your MB dealer should have the "fine mesh sunshades". Clair probably doesn't have them on their website, so you may have to phone or e-mail them for info. Note that they are somewhat pricey (but inexpensive relative to the vehicle and comparable to tinting). Unfortunately, my accessory brochures do not have the part numbers or I would provide you with them.
Hope this helps!
Drew
Host
Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
You'd also appreciate an article in the Washington Post today that mentions Canadians, and particularly those in Vancouver, as being extremely polite and disciplined drivers. What's your secret?
Paul
Thanks, I did look at precision, clairs, beverly hills and Airpress online before asking you to where these "fine mesh shades" could be had. I'll call Kevin at clairs. Your famous with clairs btw. You should get a cut. He told me some time ago their xenon ML light biz went up alot around the time it was highly discussed.
G'day
a) we do not feel safe driving the car on less than dry roads as the rear can be quite a handful to control once it starts sliding. We should've purchased the AWD model. We are going to be trading the wagon in on either an Audi A6 Quattro or a ML320 soon;
b) The transmission started sticking in gear at about 30k; the dealer said it was some type of solenoid and corrected it under warranty. Well, the sticking is back. I just put a transmission in my 1987 300D; we will get rid of the wagon as I am simply tired of expensive German vehicles that cost a small fortune to fix. I have owned at least six different [non-permissible content removed] cars over the years; not ONE of them has ever broken down. Only the normal maintenance stuff has required attention on the [non-permissible content removed] cars. Maybe a Nissan Maxima with an upgraded suspension? It is not a german car but it is much cheaper to maintain and plenty of fun to drive!
Hope this helps.
Read your post regarding your satisfaction with dealership and salesman in Central N.J. and also close to TMV pricing. Could you please give me the person's name and dealership. I will be purchasing in next 2 weeks e430 awd and would like to have a pleasant buying experience.
Thank you,
Kevin
Any suggestions? other than mounting a phone over there on the passengers side of the console(want to be able to use the speakers, dialpad and stearing whell controls aspects of the built-in phone system)
Thanks...Leothelion (who is still trying to decide between the MB320 & the BMW5)
any comments on front end protection from road debris (rocks, etc.)? does anyone have problems with chips, etc? if, so what have you used?
Rear shade about $80us. If anyone has a new tinting solution, I'd love to hear it. I could have rear done. I don't think I want streaky tinting on my car. I think limited use of the windows is not a viable option. These are cars and ment to be driven, not babyed.
1) price. The BMW 525 is cheaper, but doesn't compare in terms of power. The BMW 530 compares in power but isn't much cheaper.
2) dealers/service. In my area I can't find a BMW dealer I like and have had relatives and friends who do own BMWs and have them serviced locally complain a lot about the service they receive. I chose the MB dealer I went with on recommendations from others who get service there. You know, you buy the car once, from then on you have to deal with the service.
The other cars I considered were: Jag S 3.0 and Lexus GS300. I have my reservations about the reliability of the Jag as I know others who have had troubles, although they have older cars. The style of the Lexus did not really appeal to me.
So once I got a deal on the MB320, that I was happy with, I decided to go for it!
The flaps are black molded hard rubber or plastic. They fit beautifully, following the contour of the fender. They protrude outward enough to catch most of the wheel spray, and they hang below the fender around four inches or so. Actually, they're hardly noticeable. They're similar in looks to those found on Hondas and other Japanese cars.
I'm sure they're easy to install. I believe they're held on by a clip or something similar. I recall several months ago that several posts in this forum warned about backing up into a snowbank because the rear mud flaps came off and were left behind in the snow.
Hope this helps.
The BMW 3-Series is equally rewarding and fun to drive, but it's just too small. The 5-Series is not much larger, and IMHO even the 8-cylinder 540i is not equal to the Mercedes-Benz E320. Both BMW and MB are classified as luxury cars and provide the amenities expected in an expensive automobile. A few Japanese cars are probably in the same class (Lexus, Infinity, Acura) as is the Jaguar and Cadillac, but I prefer the MB (which also retains its resale value better than the rest).
Reliability might be an issue for some, especially when compared with some of the Japanese cars. But with the MB's four year, 50,000 mile warranty, plus an optional extended warranty, I'm comfortable. I've had my '00 E320 since last April, and after less than 5000 miles I've experienced only minor problems. I've owned several other Mercedes over more years in the past than I care to admit to, plus an Audi, Toyota Supra, Caddy ST and Mazda Millenia S (excellent car, BTW). And my wife still has a '77 Mercedes 300D with only 96,000 miles; it's in show room condition, is even more solid than my new E320, and the reliability has been excellent (new transmission around 70,000 miles was only major expense).
So, I have to admit to being completely biased. My E320 is by far the finest car I've ever owned, and I'll probably never own anything besides a Mercedes.
The SLK 320 sells for about $46,000 with Auto and no other options. The SC430 sells for $62,000 FULLY loaded (Nav., Xenon lights, Mark Levinson stereo, etc.). The Lexus has 300HP and more torque than the SLK. So unless M-B lowers the price of the SLK to around $40,000 with Auto I am going to buy the SC430. A fully loaded SLK is more than $50,000 and still does not compare to the SC430.
In a previous post you asked me about the E430 vs. the E-55. Most of my driving is local and I average about 150 miles per week. If I had to do it all over again I would purchase the E320 and replace the rims/tires with 17 inch wheels.
The power of the E320 is more than sufficient.
I enjoy the 275HP V-8 of my E430 but on most days
the extra power is meaningless. On the other hand, I really enjoy looking at my M-B "Sport" rims and I think they add a great deal to the
car's looks. While I am at it, I also want a wood steering wheel.
This same friend, incidentally, bought a Lexus GS-300 for his wife last year. She liked it initially, but she's seen my E320 and loves it. She now she wants an E320. Different strokes . . .
While I'm not a big fan of either car, the SLK 32 will be an interesting car to test drive when it comes out.
I traded in the E320 on an Audi allroad, which is a fine car and all, but I find myself missing the solid feel of the MB. I decided if I'm going to flip cars this quickly, I might as well upgrade the engine.
I'm looking for advice on any other options that you might feel strongly about - sun shade, contour seats, etc. Any of these something you can't live without now?
Unrelated to the above - I was in the showroom today and they had an E320 with a beautiful color of grey, it looked almost blue. The salesman said it looks kind of green in the sunlight. It's a $1,000 option this year, but should be standard next. It's quite pretty.
Other than hard top, they match up better in size.
I saw the car and driver pictures. Did not stir the soul.
Most buyers are going to compare the 2002 SC430 with the 2002 SL 500. For about $20,000 less you can own the SC430 compared to a NEW SL500. M-B may have to lower the price on the new SL500 to "compete" with Lexus!
I prefer a convertible with the security of a hard-top like the SLK. I like the styling of the
SLK 320 and may yet buy this car. My dealer says I can get an AMG SLK 32 for $60,000 this Fall.
Comments?
The reason I want your opinions is because my main daily car is a '00E430. I am looking for a "fun" car and not daily transportation. What do you all think of the Honda S2000 at $32,700? "E" drivers tend to be intelligent and educated so I would like to hear opinions.
So I've been thinking about the viability of a used E class. I see they only manufactured wagons though 95 and then began again in 98. A 98 or later is pretty much out of my price range so I am looking at the older models. While I have great faith in these cars I am wondering if I can afford the maintenance on them. Are the parts and maintenance costs extremely high on these cars? Are there particular trouble points to be concerned about when looking at them.Are there significant years along the E class's history where important upgrades occured?
Or am I better off giving up my Mercedes owning dream and just buying a new less expensive auto?
Thank you for your advice.