Mercedes E-Class Wagons (E320, E500, E55 AMG)

thegeneraltso · March 2001

i read some place that the new refaced e-class will be a 2003 model and surely a wagon would be followed.

thegeneraltso · April 2001

officially it will be at the detroit auto this jan 2002 and will be released 3/02. a wagon will come a year later. check out automobile magazine 5/01, it has a picture and a little write up. i couldn't post a pic on this post. :-(

markobodor · April 2001

I appreciate your response - I still have not bought my wagon and armed with your knowledge I will get a good deal.

okada · April 2001

general tso-i live in the n. va area and am ready to buy an e wagon. who in arlington(salesperson)did you deal with. thanks!

jepstein403 · April 2001

I noticed that the front tires on my wife's 2000 E320 wagon (only 7,600 miles) were wearing poorly. I took it to the dealer, who informed me that the front end was so bad that it could not be aligned, and that I had to replace several parts, to the tune of about $1,200!

My wife insists that there was no event (pothole, bump,etc.) that could have caused this. Does anyone know of another way this could have happened? Could there have been some sort of manufacturing defect? Has anyone heard of anything similar?

Thanks

louis_heilig · May 2001

If you think you're going to get $3,000 below dealer invoice on this car keep dreaming. I've contacted several dealers, including the one the general mentioned in Arlington, VA, they won't do it.

I keep coming up with invoice plus something like $500.

In a couple months they might discount up to $3,000 when they want to get rid of the 2001s. But not now in May.

bandsmalter · May 2001

I recently test drove this car (actually I drove 2 because I could not believe what was happening) and had a real concern. At 35 - 50 MPH with the sunroof wide open and windows closed, the flow over air over the car caused such an loud "drumming" that I had to laugh. It was so bad that the whole car shook. It went away at higher speeds or if you closed the roof part way. Any one else experience this and know what I am talking about? I really like the car, but this problem seems to be enough to turn me off... can't believe M did not get this right!

drew_ · May 2001

Wind buffering happens with just about all vehicles (think of it like blowing across the top of an open bottle), but is worse on MBzs since they're so air tight and there is no place for the air to leak. Most owners have gotten around this by driving with the rear windows opened a bit when the moonroof is open, or by installing a moonroof deflector. This is also the reason why the moonroof only opens 3/4 of the way in the one-touch mode; it's explained in the owners manual.

You may want to ask other E-class owners (in the sedans message board, for example) for their input on this as well.

Drew
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albell · May 2001

The "thumping" sound seems to be endemic to the wagon and M-class as well (I have owned both). It has to do, I have been told, with the (good)aerodynamics of the car and the (bad) design of the deflector. If you don't open the sunroof totally, or crack open any window, it disappears. Adding a sunroof deflector also alleviates the problem, but I found detracts from the looks of the wagon (if the car's not black, anyway.) All in all, it's been a minor quibble for me. This is a truly wonderful autombobile.

timh · May 2001

Hi all,
Just purchased a 2001 E320 wagon (4matic) and so far so good. One puzzler though -
In the catalog (back pages - specificatons) it states that the remotes can be tied to the individual seat/mirror/steering presets. I read this, and did not mention it to the sales rep, as just about all your higher line vehicles provide this function (hell, even our low ball GMC Envoy has this). Well, after spending about an hour going through the owners manual (300+ pages - whew!) I could not find the procedure on how to program them. I contacted the local dealer (were I had purchased the car) and could not get a answer on how to program it. After waiting for over (2) weeks to get the dealer to figure it out, I contacted M-B directly. I was informed that it was a typo. OK, I thought, everybody makes typos (just read this) but the printed date for the catalog is 7/00. Has nobody else caught this? Am I the first person to bring this to M-B's attention? I think not. The funny thing about this is that most of the on-line auto review sites list this as a new for 2001 feature! Anybody else catch this?

Tim

drew_ · May 2001

Don't miss the weekly MB Tuesdays chat at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern! All MB fans/enthusists/owners/potential owners are welcome to participate. Hope to see you there!

Click on the link below to enter the chat at the times above. Note that the link to the chat is always near the top of this page, just under the discussion topic title:

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html

Drew
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stodd52 · May 2001

1998 MB 320E with 40,000 miles. MB certified thru dealer who is asking $38,900.

2000 BMW 528 Wagon with 17,500. New never titled, loaner/demo... dealer asking $39,900.

Which wagon is the better value in long haul?
Have been leasing and account tells us that due to tax law revisions it would now be more beneficial to buy rather than lease....plus we'd build up some equity.

Comments and suggestions welcome.

nicke1 · May 2001

My wife has been complaining about the A/I in our '95 wagon. Seems to blow loud and cold but not cool the car down unless we leave it on high blower all the time. We live in Maryland, so its not like its all that hot out. Can't even talk its so loud. Anyone else have this problem. It was corrected with the higher etch system in '98. But I don't want to pay $38k+ for a used (excuse me, "previously owned") wagon. Thanks

skimmel · May 2001

Does anyone use these on a regular basis for kids? How much can you really use the cargo area if someone is sitting in these seats?

Thanks.

microrepair · May 2001

I don't know if it applies to your 95, but I had a similar problem with my 96 and it was solved by aiming the center dash vents no higher than level. I had aimed them upwards and the cabin temperature sensors are located near the rear view mirror housing and therefore were reading the "cold" air coming out of the center vents. Once I aimed them horizontal, the car cooled down nicely. This may apply to your 95 also. It's a no cost possible solution.

nicke1 · May 2001

We don't use the 3rd row seat if we have to carry anything, like luggage. We put all three kids (ages 16,7 and 6) in the back seat and listen to them complain. We did buy a 9 inch TV/VCR which fits nicely between the front seats on the arm rest and that gets em nice and quiet(they use ear phones!) But after last summers trip to Cape Cod from our home in Maryland I will never go more than 2-3 hours by car, unless we go back to a minivan or SUV with third seat. We fly or we don't go! Microrepair, thanks for the tip about the A/C. I'll give it a try and then sent it back to MB if that doesn't work. It's still under STARMARK warranty (thank god). Buying that warranty to 100,000 miles was the smartest thing I did. Well worth the $900. (then, now its more like $1,200)

albell · May 2001

There is minmal room for luggage if the seats are in use. You can't get more than a couple of smallish backpacks at the kids' feet. In terms of travel, for a couple of hours it's ok, but past that, it can become a problem for the passengers because of riding backwards. Youn 'ums have delicate stomachs! If you are planning on doing a lot of long drives with kids and luggage back there, I'd rethink it, or get a car top luggage carrier.

rockypaul · June 2001

I have both MB and a 2001 525 wagon.
My fully loaded BMW was $45k and negotiated a $3,000 discount and this was back in Sept 2000.

The BMW is a true sports car in wagon guise.
The MB has more cu ft interior volume.

You will also get a significant discount on the about to be old style E later this year.

I suggest both are over priced but each is an excellent vehicle.

Wagons rule and are the most in vehicle if style is a concern.

Be sure to check in-coming shipments from Germany.
If you order one not already in the pipeline you will a long time without your dream car,ie., wagon.

If you quibble about superflous options you may overlook a good deal. I got the heated steering wheel for a $150 on the BMW and thought I'd finally gone nuts. To my surprise it is a terrific option in the north - no need for gloves even on the coldest days right from the initial start on a cold morning.

Good luck!

markobodor · June 2001

Hey Rockypaul, Do you have the 4-matic or regular wagon? Which car would you prefer for going on a crowded bumpy freeway? Do you still own a Subaru? Now that it is summer, which car do you drive to work?

mark217 · June 2001

After 2 hours of trying and 2 phone calls to mercedes assistance I gave up. How do you fold
backrest forward? It is locked and nothing
works. Instruction is not clear. Even if something is wrong on one side why other side is not working? Car is in perfect shape!
Mark
mkbazan@msn.com

drew_ · June 2001

Don't miss the weekly MB Tuesdays chat at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern! All MB fans/enthusists/owners/potential owners are welcome to participate. Hope to see you there!

Click on the link below to enter the chat at the times above. Note that the link to the chat is always near the top of this page, just under the discussion topic title:

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

rockypaul · June 2001

Mark,

Now have an ML 320, BMW 525iat, and the Subaru Outback Ltd.

Wife and I drive any of the three randomly to equalize mileage and max trade-in value by avoiding excessive mileage. Usually trade once warranty expires.

I drive 38 miles to my office through rain, snow (130 in. annually) so I do not just drive one vehicle exclusively.

Each does very well on poor road surfaces and of course each is a very safe vehicle in inclimate weather.

The BMW was a surprise on ice covered roads. They had shown a video to me of the traction/skid/yaw control system out-performing all wheel drive vehicles and I chalked it up to hype. When I found myself in a sleet storm and slippery wet snow I soon discovered that of all the skid control systems I have ever had the BMW is truly what it is said to be. I then tried an iced over parking lot for practice and could not lose control of the wagon nor could I make it slide!

Hope this helps.

markobodor · June 2001

Thanks for the message rockypaul! I appreciate your info on the BMW's performance on the ice especially. The ESP system in the BMW is the same as in the Mercedes I believe since Mercedes invented it. One question though - why did you get rid of the Mercedes wagon? Did you have the current model or a previous one?

boladoj · July 2001

Has anyone upgraded their stereo system in this car? I am curious as to what was done.

Thanks,
Jack

fredtwd · July 2001

2001 Demo E320 4MATIC Wagon:
- Leather
- COMMAND
- Front Ventilated Seats
- E2
- K2a

It has 8,700 miles.

MSRP $61,130.
Negotiated price $51,000.

drew_ · July 2001

Personally, I wouldn't get a demo vehicle. Who knows what sort of abuse it has been through during the test drives. You can get a brand new fully loaded ML320 for much less money than that.

Drew
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garydoyle1 · July 2001

I just bought a 1998 E320 Wagon, 23,000 miles. I bought it from a Lexus dealer. Though the car runs perfectly, the warranty is up in two months.

Should I buy an extended warranty? Does anybody know of any good extended warranty providers? Does Starmark offer extended warranties if it was bought from a non-Mercedes dealer? Thanks in advance.

drew_ · July 2001

Don't miss the weekly MB Tuesdays chat at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern! All MB fans/enthusists/owners/potential owners are welcome to participate. Hope to see you there!

Click on the link below to enter the chat at the times above. Note that the link to the chat is always near the top of this page, just under the discussion topic title:

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html

junipermike · August 2001

Had a great experience buying our 2001 4Matic E320 Wagon. We live in California and vacation regularly in Seattle. We had been in the market for a wagon for some time, just took a long time trying to figure out which one. We finally decided on the MB, but had some heartburn over the price. Well, my wife did some calling around and it turned out there was a wagon at a Seattle dealer that had a reasonable price, only $700 over invoice. It had E2, and metallic paint,
so it was about the most reasonably priced 4matic you could find. Most others had E1, premium leather, etc. to make the cost much higher.
I called around dealers nearer to where I lived and no one wanted to come close to the price I got quoted. Anyway, long story short, went up to
Seattle for our vacation, went into the dealer
and closed the deal. Very happy with the car, color, etc. Next time I want an MB, I'll know where and how to get one.

recorbill · August 2001

Read on one of the chats in the spring that the e class was going to be redesigned. Can anyone advise when the sedan and wagon will hit the US market? 2003?

drew_ · August 2001

The all-new E-class will debut in the fall of 2002 as a 2003 model. The wagon version, as before, will make its debut about a year after the sedan.

Drew
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revka · February 2002

Hi Folks- This discussion has just been moved back from our Archived discussions and re-opened. Hope this is helpful. Thanks for your participation.

Revka
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pcasino · February 2002

Finally, we have our own wagon discussion Board again. Not that I am against the Sedan Board but there are certain information that only wagon owners can really get into, like auto-leveling suspension and stuff like that.

Anyway, to start it off I will introduce myself and more importantly my wagon. I have an E320 1998 wagon with 44K miles. Except for 4matic, I have all the options (Xenon, heated leather, Bose, 6 disc, moonroof, rain sensor, etc.) Generally have not had any problem except the trunk lock, which was changed, and occassionally stiff sun roof opening. It ran off the factory warranty last November but I have an aftermarket extended warranty for the next five years or up to 100K. I only use Zaino in my car and wash it myself.

As for future plans, I want to change my wheels for a CLK 7-spoke rims (which would really look neat on a wagon).

As far as questions are concerned: I would like to know if the wagon has stiffer suspension (spring an shocks) than the sedan. Whether or not I can remove my roof center railings, without damaging the roof, and finally if there is some way to improve the FM reception on my supposedly premium bose stereo.

That's it for now.

tberner1 · February 2002

am looking at a 98 E320 wagon. Living in western N.C. is a maginal area for snow-ice. Does the latest traction control in a rear drive vehicle (i.e. the E320 wagon) come close to the performance (safety) of the 4matic? I can get the standard wagon now, or search for a 4matic. I am a sensible driver generally staying within posted speed limits. thanks for advice. T. Berner

tberner1 · February 2002

am purchasing a '98 E320wagon with 63,000 miles from local private party (only owner) who has treated the car well--purchased from the local MB dealer and serviced there exclusively. No squwaks on car. Warrenty is available from various sources: one for example 2 yrs/24,000miles goes for $2300--about 10cents per mile. Does this car "warrent" such an investment? I can live without "peace of mind" if the cost for it seems too high. I realize this is an "it all depends" question, but opinions are what I am seeking. Thanks. T. Berner

thegeneraltso · February 2002

don't think you would need a 4matic where you live. esp and abs should be safe enough for you. i am in the washington dc area and see alot of e320 without the 4matic option (more snow than where you are except for this year :-). as to the warranty, it is a peace of mind but before slamming down 2300 for it, i would take the car to the dealer for a complete checkup and make sure to ask for the service records of the car. i believe 98 is the first or second year mb used the new engine config (vee-6 instead of straight-6) so it hasn't been long-term tested. check to see what the warranty covers and you can't go wrong. good luck!

pcasino · February 2002

Does the traction control in a E320 wagon come close to the performance of the 4matic?

You answered your own question. You are a sensible driver and sensible drivers either drive slowly and safely in extreme weather conditions or stay at home in extreme weather conditions. I have a 1998 E320 wagon (Rear wheel drive) and I drove 144 miles last month on four inches of snow in a freeway in upstate New York. My tires are not specifically winter tires (unlike blizzaks) but they are all-season tires. I did not have any problems with the Rear wheel drive wagon and on average I was going faster than 50% of the cars on the road. I passed a lot of accidents on the road including a few 4WD SUVs (lexus, etc) and my suspicions are that these drivers were either not paying attention or were testing their SUV 4WD capabilities. On a couple of occassions, I passed by these two huge parking lots and after making sure there were no other cars or people, I tried to deliberately slip and slide the car. No chance! The ESP function corrected the slide each and every attempt. I even sped up and braked hard while turning and the ESP corrected the car. At the end of the day I was extremely satisfied with the performance of my wagon and EXCEPT UNDER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, I would NEVER drive under those circustances again. Why? First, because I would rather stay home and play with my kids in that weather and second because the chips on my hood caused by ice splinters almost made a grown man cry.

2 yrs /24,000 miles goes for $2300

Who is quoting you this price? They are making a killing! Last December I got a 5 year / 100,000 comprehensive warranty from a third party warranty company for less than what these guys are charging you. My car had 43,000 miles when I got the warranty so that probably makes a difference. I have been very satisfied with this company and they paid, without questions, an MB dealer repair on the car, without even asking them first. Send me an email at paulcasino@earthlink.net and I will tell you the name of the company and describe how I decided to get them after two months of research.

travelbill · March 2002

I have a 1992 300TE4MATIC that I want to trade up from to a '98 or '99 E320 4MATIC wagon. I'v heard that the '98 has had a few glitches that were corrected in the '99 model and was wondering if anyone else has any experience. It seems with the new 2003 models coming out this fall it would be a good time to get into the '98-'02 model when the trade-up market is beginning.

pcasino · March 2002

Travelbill,

I don't know if the wagon will come out in '03, and if you find out that it does, then I'd wait for it. Note, however, that that would fetch an easy $60 grand so unless, you are in a cash crunch, then I do not see any point in getting a 98/99 wagon.

On the other hand, if you decide not to wait until September of this year, then go for the 1999 and above wagon, which still sells for a reasonable $30 grand. Literally half the price of the 03. I understand that there is NO difference between a '98 and '99 E class but the 1999's still have one year left in the MB factory warranty and you should find comfort in the fact that you have a year left to see the flaws of your car and have MB fix it for free. Except for the M class SUV's which had tons of glitches in the 98/99 models, I don't know about the E glitches. My 98 wagon is certainly glitch free.

car4mydog · March 2002

I am about to buy a 1995 E320 Wagon (39,000 miles, loaded) The current owner of the car says it has a lousy radio and that he's heard the same from other M-B owners. Although I am not an audiophile, one turn of the power switch and even I realize he's right. I like to listen to AM, and the reception is awful. (FM is fine, didn't even try the cassette....) The current owner says he complained to the dealership and was basically blown off with the comment, "Most of our owners listen to FM."

My question: Will I be able to replace this radio with a non-Mercedes version, preferably one with a CD instead of a cassette? This particular car model is not even listed in Crutchfield's list, and when I called to find out why, I was told that this car has a "complex system" that would need "a lot of modifying/customizing." Any ideas about where I should start would be appreciated.

autohaveit · April 2002

Just bought a '98 E320 wgn (black, 34k mi) as a Home Depot hauler with a little panache! While the car came with just about all the orig accessories (keys, service docs, dealer atlas, useless MB analog phone, etc), the owner's manual is missing. Anyone know where I can find a replacement manual? It seems I once saw a site that had replacement manuals, but I can't seem to locate it now. Thanks in advance.

ako · August 2002

I have a '92 300 TE Wagon. A week ago, I brought it to my mechanic 'coz my airconditioning wasn't cold. After putting 134 refrigerant, he tested for leaks and told me that the evaporator has a leak and would cost me approximately $1,800.00 to repair. The cold air on the newly charged a/c lasted only one week. Then, I went to the local Kragen Auto Supply store and found an a/c leak stopper. Does this thing actually work?

ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW I COULD SAVE MONEY ON REPAIRS??? Please send E-mails to ako@earthlink.net. THANKS!

revka · August 2002

You may also want to solicit feedback in this Maintenance & Repair discussion: Air Conditioner Problems--All Cars. Good luck, and please return here to keep us posted on your situation.

Revka

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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

maurcedes · August 2002

I have a 1995 wagon with 163,000 miles on it. I've loved it for the 2 years I've had it. I drive a lot. Bought it with 120,000. It's powerful, quiet, comfortable, and looks funky enough not to be snobby. But it seems to be having a tantrum lately. Lots of A/C issues, new wiring harness, radiator fans, etc. My cost of ownership over those two years is now above $225 per month, not including routine and tires. AND the engine light has been on for about 10,000 miles now. Our mechanic can re-set it, but on the first hard start, it lights back up. Does anyone know how to get this straight? I don't mind it, but can't sell it like this.

stdpudel · August 2002

I would like to get a hitch mount bike rack for our 1998 E320. Mercedes doesn't offer a trailer hitch for this model (only the ML). Does anyone out there have a trailer hitch, and if so, how is it?

revka · August 2002

To maurcedes- Sorry to hear about your vehicle problems. You may also want to post (copy/paste) your question in this Maintenance & Repair discussion: "Check Engine" light. Good luck.

Revka

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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

rcf8000 · September 2002

My wife and I find the seats on our new E320 wagon to be too hard. She also finds the bottom seat cushion to be too long. We would like to hear from others who have successfully dealt with these issues.

maurcedes · September 2002

Wait till the car is 7 years old like mine and the seats will be nice and soft............no, really, I had a Subaru with leather seats and after about 60,000 miles they were sooooooooo comfy like soft clouds.

Seat cushion too long? Sounds like her legs are too short. Sit cross-legged. Trade it in on a Jetta. Whatever.

virginiavalley · September 2002

We tried to find someone including dealer who could put a bike hitch on the 320 wagon, even U-Haul did not have a clue. My 99 wagon with 42,000 miles is in having its transmission totally rebuilt, dealer in Atlanta acted like I did not know what I was talking about when I complained twice that the transmission was slipping, until towed in. My lease is up in 40 days and was planning on buying a new 320 wagon, but thinking twice now.

alirob · September 2002

This a common complaint among E320 owners. My wife and I use a "tush cush" on long trips in our 2000 E320 wagon. Or, we use my new Toyota Highlander, which costs half the Mercedes but whose seats are much more comfortable.

Mercedes E-Class Wagons (E320, E500, E55 AMG)

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