Hi. I used to have BMW 5 series before my Jag S-type and it was the best car I've ever had in my life until I got E350. And I'm talking about old 5 series, not the current one. I started to hate BMW new look as soon as it appeared on a market, but my wife almost convinced me to take this car and I even went to the dealership and my already little desire to get this car disappeared as soon as I got inside of it. I think some competitor got a spy to BMW to destroy the legend of old model completely. This car interior reminds me something which cost 15K, so the case was closed ) I went to annual Lexus taste event and had a chance to drive GS300AWD, M35AWD and E-class. Lexus is very nice inside, but it still does not hold the road like Mercedes. I have MB already 3 days and every time I drive it - I like it more and more. MB problems ? hmm..you know...after I had Jaguar, which is famous for all kind of problems and I actually did not have any, I don't care what people say. If it brakes - I got SOS button and loaner car.
The cars that drive most like the 5 Series are the A6 and M35X.
The A6's interior is one of the industry's best, so I'd recommend it over the M35- and not just because I am an Audi fan, either.
If you buy the Infiniti, please get the Sport Package! It looks fabulous. Same thing with the A6 and S-Line.
I'm looking at the E350 4Matic for my wife, if you'd really like to know. She's not a fast driver, and the E is more of a luxury sedan than a sport sedan. However, if we get the E (the updated 2007 model), we will be getting the DC Airmatic suspension and the Sport model.
As far as I know they have been. You can check out MBworld.org in the E-Class section and see. There doesn't seem to be any complaints about the brakes anymore and people are buying leftover 06' E's left and right.
i got a battery-alternator failure light on my 2002 e320 at 43000 miles. the problem was that the "poly belt' which runs the alternator, power steering etc had broken. the belt was replaced and it runs fine now. i was wondering if there might be some underlying problem with the car that caused the belt to fail so soon. any ideas? anyone with a similar problem? thanks
Your help was very much appreciated. Here's how it went down:
Plenty of '06 E-500 wagons on the M-B locator as well as other E's;
deal began with a $6600 discount off list and a good trade offer of $20000 on my BMW;
decided to not take a full year's depreciation hit combined with the out-the-door depreciation;
bad financially if I trade for the '09 or'10 model;
Ordered an '07 E-350 4-Matic Wagon with premium pkg at 3.5% off MSRP sticker and $22k for my '02 BMW 330XI.
Don't know the exact base price. But,since many things are now included in the base the premium pkg was all I needed to get the Nav system. I did have premium pkg price of around $2200, much less than in the past.
E-class topic because of the level of activity, as the SL topic is almost dead...
I am trying to find a website, and I believ one exists, that lists all Mercedes models back for almost 25 years, where they listed each model, and tha various exterior/interior colors it was available, along with the engines and various major option packages...
I am trying to determine the colors available for 1996-1998 SL500, and any site for the Eclass will also list the SL class, too...
Well it sounds like you got exactly what you wanted, congrats and thanks. I see the 07's E's are how now, especially the E350s, with E550s going on sale 7/24.
Hmmmm...that is a good one. Let me see. MBUSA has the past 16 years, but I'll look to see what else is out there.
For the 1996-1997 SL500 look here. For 1999 MB switched V8s for the SL500. They went from a 5.0L DOHC design to a 5.0L SOHC design with slightly less power and torque. The R129's SL first facelift came in 1996, which is why I guess you picked that year to start? The R129 got another facelift for 1999 also, with both facelifts it was mainly interior and exterior trim changes along with some updated features.
I checked the mbusa site, and they only go back to 2000...unless I absolutely missed something, the CPO program, listing past years, stops at 2000...what did I miss???
Odd... I had a 2000 A6 2.7T, and didn't face a single problem, except for the headlight washer caps coming off!
I guess I'm just lucky...
The E350 4Matic I'm looking to buy for my wife is a similar proposition: sporty, luxurious, adequately quick, packed with features and stylish. However, we're not getting it until January.
The options I'm considering (it's the '07 model on the MBusa website right now): Premium Package II Panoramic Sunroof Sport Package (which is oddly free of charge) Fold-down rear seats Built-in Bluetooth phone system with Voice Control Wood/Leather Steering Wheel Electronic Trunk Closer
And the total: $63,575
I'd be haggling...
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX 330 (soon to be replaced)
We can move this over to appropriate forum, but saw that you have been driving '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG. My daughter is looking at that and worries about some reports on Edmunds forums (that I've read) about DSG starting-from-stop and at low speeds. Can you say something about your experience. Would you now go for 3.2 quatrro A3 for 2007? Thanks for any feedback.
"The cars that drive most like the 5 Series are the A6 and M35X.
Why the M35X and not the regular M35, or maybe you weren't emphasizing the X model, since you recommend the Sport Package.
I'm looking at the E350 4Matic for my wife, if you'd really like to know. She's not a fast driver, and the E is more of a luxury sedan than a sport sedan. However, if we get the E (the updated 2007 model), we will be getting the DC Airmatic suspension and the Sport model.
Interesting synchronicity. My wife and I visited local MB dealer this morning. They had no literature on 2007s. The young salesman was very pleasant and went to look at inventory. Returned with a sales manager who was being extremely all-business serious: "We have one 2007 E350 sport model on its way this week for Executive Lease. You could see it while it's here. The 350s are few and far between."
How do the Infiniti, Audi and MB "sport" lines differ/overalp in what they add to base model?
Motor Trend (August, 2006) explained it this way, when describing changes for 2007 in the E-Class: "most noteworthy is the love from brake-by-wire to a hydraulic adaptive braking system borrowed from the S-Class. This simpler system provides most of the same benefits (hill-holding, rain-drying, etc.) at much lower cost. And in response to enthusiast's entreaties fro more road feel, the steering ratio is tightened up about 10 percent and the power assist curve is reshaped."
That's most noteworthy is the MOVE (not,"love", although that might be love to an MB engineer) from brake-by-wire to a hydraulic adaptive braking system borrowed from the S-Class. This simpler system provides most of the same benefits (hill-holding, rain-drying, etc.) at much lower cost. And in response to enthusiast's entreaties for more road feel, the steering ratio is tightened up about 10 percent and the power assist curve is reshaped.
My wife just had and accident with our current car, she was hit and I think the car will be totalled by the insurance company. We are looking into buying a 1999 or 2000 E320. Is there enough of a difference or improvement to make the 2000 worth the extra 2 to 3k retail that I am seeing on autotrader? Also is there anywhere I can get .pdf's of old sale material regarding these years?
I have viewed the photos on Edmunds of the 2007 E (550) class interior. I noticed that there is a small video screen extending from the console to the back seat. Is this part of the Navigation package? can it be used for DVD's for backseat passengers?
I currently have a 99 E320 and am looking at buying an 07 E350. I live in the NE so I thought i'd get 4matic this time but when i test drove it it appeared to have a stiffer, less compliant ride. since we have snow a couple of months but potholes 12 months i'm not sure it's the right choice.
Does anyone else think the 4matic ride quality is noticeably worse (that is firmer, stiffer) than the 2wd version?
I have an E350 and was thinking about having certain accessories installed such as park distance control and may a few others. Does anyone know of custom shops that do this work?
I do not know where to look to find reputable shops to do this work (and sell me the parts). Thanks
i have a 2001 e 430, love the car but hate the single wiper, any recommendations for new blade/arm setup that will reduce smearing and streaking and will overall improve the MB seeing thru the windshield experience? thanks for your help roger
.....any recommendations for new blade/arm setup that will reduce smearing and streaking and will overall improve the MB seeing thru the windshield experience?.......
Get the 2001 if you can swing it.. It's the second year of the massive changes they made for 2000 and should be more reliable. Mine has been excellent and I'm at 80K miles now.
I'll second the Rain-X; works great and at 40-60 mph I don't even have to use the wipers for a moderate rainfall. The water "runs" up the windshield and over the roof as soon as it hits the Rain-X.. I also have switched to a standard 24" Anco/Trico blade and I think the 1 inch shorter blade puts a little more pressure on the wiping edge making it work a little better. And it's LOTS cheaper than the MB wiper and one inch less makes no difference in the view.
.02: I've been using Rain-X for years on all of my windows, mirrors and headlight covers and I love the way the water just beads off. However, I do notice wiper chatter when the wipers are on in rain that is too heavy to use the wipers on the intermittent setting.
I've had to replace four sun visors in the 2001 E 430 I bought new. Cheap plastic and bad design. The flip up lids break off/fall out. Mercedes rep. has no solution, no upgrade.
have a failed bulb warning lamp. Replacing number 6 fuse in the dash fuse box just blows another fuse. Mechanic has spent two hours searching for the short, no luck.
Just installed new harmonic balancer at 60k miles.
So now I am running this beautiful car with a warning light on all the time and both sun visor lids off which defeats the make-up mirror lights. Oklahoma here I come.
I think it is time to bail out even though the car runs and rides great.
I have a 97 E-320. I have had intermittent problems with my radio trying to go silent and switch to telephone (even though installed phone is not activated). This usually happens when the temperature outside is very hot (I live in Oklahoma). Last week, my AC fan quit even though the control panel seems to be working properly (showing the fan speed).
Oh yes, occasionaly, my remote door locks don't operate properly. They will work mostly, but for a period of time won't.
I just purchased a 2007 Mercedes E 350 and paid for an extra coat of Simonize Clear coat protection ($399). It is supposed to be a warranty against bird dropping and tree sap penetrating the paint surface. Was this really necessary? I also purchase a diamond surface coating for the front window to protect against chips and scratches. Was this also necessary?
dealers frequently offer these "protection packages" for one reason only: to make more money. I think it was CR who evaluated them some years ago and concluded that they were mostly a waste of money - however, since you already bought them, smile, since you at least have a nicely polished car!
A reporter with a national newspaper is hoping to talk with consumers who have received or are giving a luxury car as a gift for Christmas. Please reply to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Friday, December 8, 2006 with your daytime contact info.
Thanks,
Chintan Talati Corporate Communications Edmunds Inc.
1. Self insure (invest the $3k conservatively e.g. Money Market or short term CDs for availability). That way, you get to keep your money, it grows a bit and can be used as you see fit.
2. If you do buy the non-MB warranty, review it with a fine tooth comb! Is the company reputable, how long in business? What EXACTLY does it cover/not cover...
Good luck, tough decision. If something does go wrong with the E, it will probably be expensive to repair. But, that is IF something goes wrong, which is why I like option 1...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I was foolish enough to buy an extended warranty on a car in 1988 and managed to recover about 10% of the cost in warranty work. That said, once the warranty had expired due to excess mileage, I had several failures that I needed to cover out of pocket. Double whammy.
Since then I've self insured. To date, I've NOT spent some $15,000 and change on extended warranties, and in spite of the fact that I habitually buy cars that rank low on the various reliability scales; I've only spent about $3,200 in unscheduled repairs for a savings of about $12,000. Even that number is a bit misleading as one of the repairs that I paid for earlier this year was for a $2,600 transmission for a car with 109,000 miles on the clock. So, had I opted for the extended warranty policy on that car the transmission wouldn't have been covered as said policy only went to 70,000 miles.
I've always self-insured. Even on a first model year Chrysler (300M)! Won that bet, nice car, reliable, so-so build quality, a winner for me. I was just a fool for a pretty face!
I usually hedge my bets by buying Japaneese, though... Maybe next car will have a distinctly European accent, Ja?
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
"I usually hedge my bets by buying Japaneese, though... Maybe next car will have a distinctly European accent, Ja?"
Not that I'm a poster child for the "Buy American" crowd, but I'd much rather have an American car than a Japanese one. Why? Simple, the single worst car that I've had in my driving life was from Japan. I had to dump it and take a significant loss on it after only 18 months (even though it was under warranty, the two dealerships that I took it to refused to repair its many problems). My personal perspective is that the Japanese cars are probably pretty good, but geez, if you happen to get a bad one, good luck getting it fixed properly.
The flip side to all of this is that our cars with "unreliable" reputations have been extremely reliable. Consider the following:
2 - Audis. One lost its second gear syncro after 1,800 miles and never had another problem, the other never had a problem. 3 - BMWs. One had a burned out taillight (replaced under warranty), the other was problem free. 2 - Chryslers. One lost its alternator (found a pile of molten aluminum under the car where I parked it) and fuel pump; both replaced under warranty and never had another problem. The other never had a problem. 3 - Dodges. One lost a transmission and a starter, both at mileage points well over 100,000 miles. Another lost an ABS wheel sensor at 75,000 miles. The third never had a problem. 2 - VWs. One lost its instrument cluster and a window regulator; both replaced under warranty and never had another problem. The other lost both of its front struts at the same time at about 85,000 miles.
Given what I know about your tastes, I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict that you're going to be attracted to and at least seriously consider something like a 2008 535i or an E550. Yes, no? ;-)
After much research bought a warranty for my E320CDI through AAA. Best deal by far and I believe that AAA is here to stay. If you are an AAA member check it out and let me know what you think.
Comments
I used to have BMW 5 series before my Jag S-type and it was the best car I've ever had in my life until I got E350. And I'm talking about old 5 series, not the current one. I started to hate BMW new look as soon as it appeared on a market, but my wife almost convinced me to take this car and I even went to the dealership and my already little desire to get this car disappeared as soon as I got inside of it. I think some competitor got a spy to BMW to destroy the legend of old model completely. This car interior reminds me something which cost 15K, so the case was closed
I went to annual Lexus taste event and had a chance to drive GS300AWD, M35AWD and E-class.
Lexus is very nice inside, but it still does not hold the road like Mercedes. I have MB already 3 days and every time I drive it - I like it more and more. MB problems ? hmm..you know...after I had Jaguar, which is famous for all kind of problems and I actually did not have any, I don't care what people say. If it brakes - I got SOS button and loaner car.
Damn shame.
The A6's interior is one of the industry's best, so I'd recommend it over the M35- and not just because I am an Audi fan, either.
If you buy the Infiniti, please get the Sport Package! It looks fabulous. Same thing with the A6 and S-Line.
I'm looking at the E350 4Matic for my wife, if you'd really like to know. She's not a fast driver, and the E is more of a luxury sedan than a sport sedan. However, if we get the E (the updated 2007 model), we will be getting the DC Airmatic suspension and the Sport model.
Merc: you mentioned new steering for the '07 E as well as hydraulic brakes.
Was the steering problematic like the brakes?
I ask because I'm considering an "06 E-500 Wagon this week.
The changes to the steering were to make it more direct, sportier, nothing problematic.
M
M
Thanks, again.
M
Your help was very much appreciated.
Here's how it went down:
Plenty of '06 E-500 wagons on the M-B locator as well as other E's;
deal began with a $6600 discount off list and a good trade offer of $20000 on my BMW;
decided to not take a full year's depreciation hit combined with the out-the-door depreciation;
bad financially if I trade for the '09 or'10 model;
Ordered an '07 E-350 4-Matic Wagon with premium pkg at 3.5% off MSRP sticker and $22k for my '02 BMW 330XI.
Don't know the exact base price. But,since many things are now included in the base the premium pkg was all I needed to get the Nav system. I did have premium pkg price of around $2200, much less than in the past.
Very happy and of course can't wait.
I am trying to find a website, and I believ one exists, that lists all Mercedes models back for almost 25 years, where they listed each model, and tha various exterior/interior colors it was available, along with the engines and various major option packages...
I am trying to determine the colors available for 1996-1998 SL500, and any site for the Eclass will also list the SL class, too...
Thanks for any help...
M
For the 1996-1997 SL500 look here. For 1999 MB switched V8s for the SL500. They went from a 5.0L DOHC design to a 5.0L SOHC design with slightly less power and torque. The R129's SL first facelift came in 1996, which is why I guess you picked that year to start? The R129 got another facelift for 1999 also, with both facelifts it was mainly interior and exterior trim changes along with some updated features.
M
See Here
M
I guess I'm just lucky...
The E350 4Matic I'm looking to buy for my wife is a similar proposition: sporty, luxurious, adequately quick, packed with features and stylish. However, we're not getting it until January.
The options I'm considering (it's the '07 model on the MBusa website right now):
Premium Package II
Panoramic Sunroof
Sport Package (which is oddly free of charge)
Fold-down rear seats
Built-in Bluetooth phone system with Voice Control
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
Electronic Trunk Closer
And the total: $63,575
I'd be haggling...
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX 330 (soon to be replaced)
Why the M35X and not the regular M35, or maybe you weren't emphasizing the X model, since you recommend the Sport Package.
I'm looking at the E350 4Matic for my wife, if you'd really like to know. She's not a fast driver, and the E is more of a luxury sedan than a sport sedan. However, if we get the E (the updated 2007 model), we will be getting the DC Airmatic suspension and the Sport model.
Interesting synchronicity. My wife and I visited local MB dealer this morning. They had no literature on 2007s. The young salesman was very pleasant and went to look at inventory. Returned with a sales manager who was being extremely all-business serious: "We have one 2007 E350 sport model on its way this week for Executive Lease. You could see it while it's here. The 350s are few and far between."
How do the Infiniti, Audi and MB "sport" lines differ/overalp in what they add to base model?
Don't see many lease quotes here or in the lease thread. I also see that dealers are getting 5K back.
Someone mentioned they were getting this car at $599 per month. I find that impossible. Is it?
Any help would be appreciated
Don't see many lease quotes here or in the lease thread. I also see that dealers are getting 5K back.
Someone mentioned they were getting this car at $599 per month. I find that impossible. Is it?
I believe this is for the '06's.
Also, the dealer "claims" that the 5,000 cash dealer incentive is only for the R-350/500 and that 3,000 applies to the ML - no cash back on the 2007.
Residuals for the 2007 E-350
24-27 months
7,500 = 75%
10k = 74%
12k = 73%
15k = 71%
20k = 60%
36-39 months
7,500 = 63%
10k = 61%
12k = 60%
15k = 58%
20k = 53%
Money Factors
24-27 = .00245 (5.88)
36-39 = .00210 (5.04)
Does anyone else think the 4matic ride quality is noticeably worse (that is firmer, stiffer) than the 2wd version?
I do not know where to look to find reputable shops to do this work (and sell me the parts). Thanks
I had good luck while living in Fl. with Rain X.
The reason the single wiper is no longer available is COST. MB was only user of monowiper. New system is basic Bosche.
Get a new blade and use Rainex. Worked great!
have a failed bulb warning lamp. Replacing number 6 fuse in the dash fuse box just blows another fuse. Mechanic has spent two hours searching for the short, no luck.
Just installed new harmonic balancer at 60k miles.
So now I am running this beautiful car with a warning light on all the time and both sun visor lids off which defeats the make-up mirror lights. Oklahoma here I come.
I think it is time to bail out even though the car runs and rides great.
Oh yes, occasionaly, my remote door locks don't operate properly. They will work mostly, but for a period of time won't.
Anybody have any idea what is going on here?
Little know trick that you will like!
Regards,
OW
Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds Inc.
1. Self insure (invest the $3k conservatively e.g. Money Market or short term CDs for availability). That way, you get to keep your money, it grows a bit and can be used as you see fit.
2. If you do buy the non-MB warranty, review it with a fine tooth comb! Is the company reputable, how long in business? What EXACTLY does it cover/not cover...
Good luck, tough decision. If something does go wrong with the E, it will probably be expensive to repair. But, that is IF something goes wrong, which is why I like option 1...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I concur 100%.
I was foolish enough to buy an extended warranty on a car in 1988 and managed to recover about 10% of the cost in warranty work. That said, once the warranty had expired due to excess mileage, I had several failures that I needed to cover out of pocket. Double whammy.
Since then I've self insured. To date, I've NOT spent some $15,000 and change on extended warranties, and in spite of the fact that I habitually buy cars that rank low on the various reliability scales; I've only spent about $3,200 in unscheduled repairs for a savings of about $12,000. Even that number is a bit misleading as one of the repairs that I paid for earlier this year was for a $2,600 transmission for a car with 109,000 miles on the clock. So, had I opted for the extended warranty policy on that car the transmission wouldn't have been covered as said policy only went to 70,000 miles.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I usually hedge my bets by buying Japaneese, though... Maybe next car will have a distinctly European accent, Ja?
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Not that I'm a poster child for the "Buy American" crowd, but I'd much rather have an American car than a Japanese one. Why? Simple, the single worst car that I've had in my driving life was from Japan. I had to dump it and take a significant loss on it after only 18 months (even though it was under warranty, the two dealerships that I took it to refused to repair its many problems). My personal perspective is that the Japanese cars are probably pretty good, but geez, if you happen to get a bad one, good luck getting it fixed properly.
The flip side to all of this is that our cars with "unreliable" reputations have been extremely reliable. Consider the following:
2 - Audis. One lost its second gear syncro after 1,800 miles and never had another problem, the other never had a problem.
3 - BMWs. One had a burned out taillight (replaced under warranty), the other was problem free.
2 - Chryslers. One lost its alternator (found a pile of molten aluminum under the car where I parked it) and fuel pump; both replaced under warranty and never had another problem. The other never had a problem.
3 - Dodges. One lost a transmission and a starter, both at mileage points well over 100,000 miles. Another lost an ABS wheel sensor at 75,000 miles. The third never had a problem.
2 - VWs. One lost its instrument cluster and a window regulator; both replaced under warranty and never had another problem. The other lost both of its front struts at the same time at about 85,000 miles.
Given what I know about your tastes, I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict that you're going to be attracted to and at least seriously consider something like a 2008 535i or an E550. Yes, no? ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo