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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans

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Comments

  • jean7of9jean7of9 Member Posts: 192
    The rattling sound may be a bad timing. The dealer may identify the cause on the diagnostic computer. However I agree with you that the 3.2L engine sounds like a diesel when heard from the outside. The engine will become smoother after 10k miles, but still noisier than other engines. While Lexus engineers adopted the successful strategy to eliminate noise (any noise) at source with mechanical wizardy and hard work in order to create the ultimate silent cabin, MB elected the easier way for quiting the cabin by using expensive insulating material. Obviously, when MB engineers designed the new 3.2L they did not care to listen to other quite Japanese engines (Lexus 3L or Mazda Miller Cycle Engine)at idle.
  • 2ndmb2ndmb Member Posts: 72
    Hi Everyone, I wanted to give everybody an update on my my 17" AMG Monoblocks and Dunlop SP5000. All I can say is it really transformed the handling of the car to much greater responsiveness with little sacrifice in ride. In fact, I think it rides less float than with the standard 16" Continentals. It also made the car look like a sport sedan as a conservative MB. While looks are certainly subjective, I really like the new look. The total cost with shipping from the Tire Rack was just under $1700. Lots of money, but I'm very happy nth the results. I Recommend it to E320 owners looking for more of a 5 series handling.

    Bob
  • valueguyvalueguy Member Posts: 210
    How come you picked the Dunlop SP5000 over the MIchelin tires?

    What is the "wear" rating on your Dunlop tires?
    I have the stock 17" Continental tires on my '00E430 Sport. When I replace them I want a quiet tire with decent tread life.
  • 2ndmb2ndmb Member Posts: 72
    Valueguy, I got the Dunlops because they were a good value, $123 each and they are very quiet. As for tread life, I think that all depends on how you drive the car.
  • juresjures Member Posts: 42
    what size tires did you go with on the 17" mono's? did you have any snow/ice experience with the dunlop sp's ? if so, how did they work out? i live in pa and have a 4matic. thanks roger
  • 2ndmb2ndmb Member Posts: 72
    I went with the 235/45wr17, the same size that comes with the sports package. I use Bridgestone Blizzaks during the winter but the Dunlops are rated for M+S.
  • rablakerablake Member Posts: 16
    Took delivery Monday of a 2001 E320 4matic Wagon, Dark Turquoise/ Ventilated Charcoal Leather with K2a, COMAND and multicontour Seats. Very nice ride. As we used to say down in SoCal in the Sixties, I'm pretty stoked. Drew, you were right: the Wagon GPS is Bosch which is the only flaw. Easily remedied with an after market DVD Alpine GPS and then the COMAND screen can deal with the other stuff and I get a dashboard CD slot which will be useable concurrently with the GPS. Friends point out Tony Soprano drives an E Wagon sometimes but it it's not as cool as the Turquoise.
  • pompano73pompano73 Member Posts: 20
    Apparently, after 1700 miles I need a new catylitic converter. Thanks Jean for the info.
  • kelmerkelmer Member Posts: 1
    I have a '99 E430. The black center strip on each of the outside door handles appear to be fading. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to treat them so that they do not fade? Any suggestions are appreciated.
  • tomsky3tomsky3 Member Posts: 48
    Last night, I too found that the radio and CD player didn't work. COMAND had some sort of error message. I was ready to call the dealer this morning when to my surprise, when I turned on the audio, everything was normal.

    Jack
  • tomsky3tomsky3 Member Posts: 48
    I have a 2001 E430 which has painted door handles. But based on my previous cars, I've used protectant and in severe cases, a product called Forever Black on the bumpers.

    Jack
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image
  • jean7of9jean7of9 Member Posts: 192
    I noticed the same fading due to wax contamination when waxing the car. I found that cleaning the handles with good' all ARMORALL or similar brought back the shining original black.
    Jean
  • parkcityparkcity Member Posts: 2
    I saw a picture of the new E. model which I think was labeled a 2003 (I assume that means it will come out in Spring 2002?) Anyone out there know when it will be released, prices, specs, etc? Am I making a mistake waiting - should just get a 430 4-Matic now? Thanks.
  • eadlueadlu Member Posts: 13
    It will be shown at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show and placed on sale 3 months thereafter. The style changes are evolutionary the main elements of which are more steeply raked A and C pillars and a trunk that resembles those on the C and S models. The V8 will produce 306 HP. The E will have air springs and electronic brakes. A picture of the car is in the latest issue of Automobile Magazine.
  • jamesr88jamesr88 Member Posts: 16
    just received the warranty confirmation at 1780 for 00 e430 so i guess the price increase has occurred. i doubt lisa would have charged me more if this was not the case but i may be too trusting. in any event, it is still 800 cheaper than my local here in va beach. I have posted this problem with my gas tank before but have not yet fixed it. The gauge will top out at 18 gallons . if i slowly put more in, when i remove the hose the gas literally splashes out with force. is the problem with the gauge, readout, or tank? Iwill check it out at service a in 4000 miles.
  • macbestmacbest Member Posts: 55
    The number of E classes on the lots of dealers is staggering. The economic slowdown must really be upon us. At one northern CA dealer, there were over 80 on the lot. At a southern dealer, there were over 300!

    Question is, should the pricing be reflective of this? Would $500 over invoice be accepted given this environment? Even if you order one? What are other's experiencing who have just purchased? I know that May will be the end of the model year 2001 as they start to build 2002's.
  • mbdrivermbdriver Member Posts: 426
    jamessr88 -- The extended warranty price of $1780 for your E430 may be correct and not the result of a warranty price increase by MBUSA. Last month my E320 warranty price from Lisa was $1680, and I believe the price for an E320 wagon or E430 is $100 more (for obvious reasons). However, if you have any doubts, suggest you give her a call. She's one of the most pleasant and helpful individuals I've come across.
  • mbdrivermbdriver Member Posts: 426
    I just had my new 17" wheels and tires installed on my '00 E320, and the difference is astounding! I opted for MB OEM Style E 5-Spoke silver wheels and Yokohama AVS dB 235/45ZR-17 tires (total cost $1323).

    The ride and handling are significantly improved, and the tires are extremely quiet (thus, the dB -- read "decibel" -- designation of the Yoko tires). The wheels really change the looks of the car -- for the better, of course.

    The change/upgrade is one I should have made last year, just after I bought the car. BTW, if anyone needs a set of OEM 16" wheels and tires, e-mail me.
  • tendonstendons Member Posts: 43
    my E55 has dunlop sp9000 I think, with 2000 miles on them. On the highway there is a good deal of wandering , enough so that frequent, every ten or less seconds, corrections of a quarter or half an inch are necessary. Is this because of the size of the tires? The car tracks straight on very smooth flat roads.
  • yupyupyupyupyupyup Member Posts: 16
    mbdriver,
    Where did you get your new set of wheels/tires and what made you decide to go with the Yokohama over the other? I am looking to get 17" for my E320 as well. Thanks.
  • chipper12chipper12 Member Posts: 6
    Need advise on pricing. Close to buying a 2001 E-320 RWD with the E-2 Package Option, CD changer and a 100,000 mile dealer warranty program. I would appreciate knowing what would be considered a good deal at this time. Thanks
  • waltowalto Member Posts: 34
    For MBdriver--I too just made the switch on a '00 E320 to the 17" (AMG 5 spoke) and Yoko db tires in the same size as yours. The difference is like a different car in terms of high speed stability, steering response, security of handling, stick, and comfort. It's hard to believe that this tire combines these qualities as well as it does. My only regret is going through two other sets of 16" tires on the way to this excellent solution. Mb should have delivered the car this way!
  • mbdrivermbdriver Member Posts: 426
    yupyupyup - I got my wheels and tires from Discount Tire Direct (www.discounttiredirect.com). The wheels are 5-spoke Mercedes Style E OEM -- only $160 each as a close out item from Discount Tire Direct.

    I opted for the newly developed Yokohama AVS dB 235/45ZR17 tires after much research, particularly on Tire Rack's web site (www.tirerack.com) comparing the Yokos, Pirelli 7000, Dunlop Sport 5000 and Michelin Pilot XGT Z4. All are suitable for the E-Class, but the Yokos looked better overall on the comparison and were highly recommended by the technical people at both sites.

    I concur completely with walto's post #1474. My experience was similar.

    BTW, Tire Rack sells the Yoko dB for the same price as what I paid, but theirs are "W" rated, whereas mine are "Z" rated.

    Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like additional details.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Hello, didn't find what I needed under the maintence area, so ill ask here. With premium fuel at almost $2.00, i have considered the 1998 300e turbo diesel, that gets 26/36 mpg Anyone have any major issues with this model I should look for or be aware of during a vehicle search, I will have a though inspection done of course , just looking for some tips, thanks

    DL
  • ised8emised8em Member Posts: 3
    Hello,
    I have a question about my 01 e430 sport with command. I live in Arizona. I use the navigation system with the 'zone 2' coverage CD. I have recently acquired a 'zone 1' coverage CD. My question is, how to get the system to navigate from my 'zone 2' home to my 'zone 1' destination?
    The system reads a message of 'not in area' whenever I choose LA as a destination from Flagstaff. Anybody heard if MB will move to a DVD based system, and if upgrades will be available to the rest of us? Any input will be appreciated.
    thanks
    K
  • waltowalto Member Posts: 34
    For MB Driver - - I'm wondering what tire pressures you've settled on. I find the character of the tires changes dramatically with pressure. 34 psi all around gives excellent performance, slight harshness, but only occassionally. 33 all around gives slightly less crisp steering, but an extremely supple ride on all but the very worst surfaces. What are you using? Incidentally, I ordered mine from Tire Rack and they are actually Z rated. I don't think Yoko makes anything but the Z.
  • cmayercmayer Member Posts: 38
    Only the 98s and 99s were turbos. I'm very happy with my 98, which I bought in 99 with around 14k on the clock. If I needed to replace it, I'd look for another turbodiesel. I'd probably buy a 320 before I'd buy a pre-turbo one.

    It's a helluva lot more complicated, luxurious and sophisticated than the 81 240D it replaced. (That one had a 4 speed, manual windows and roof, a push button radio and no catastrophic converter. But I doubt I'll be able to drive the current one for 18 years and almost 250,000 miles.) You're wise to have a shop check it out for you.

    I share the opinion of many on this board that the E class is a great automobile. Fortunately, I've no horror stories to share with you. Although maintenance is infrequent, and my dealer picks it up and provides a loaner, the $ on the bottom line certainly get large in a hurry. I posted the details and cost for the routine service at around 30k last summer; I don't recall them at the moment.

    It was in for a "lamp failure" fault where they changed the tail light sockets and I now have an intermittant problem with the driver's side front parking light. It goes out, with the failure indicated, only to come back a couple of days later. It tells me it needs brake pads now, so I'll have the light checked with that service.

    Let me know if you have any other questions.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    THANKS FOR THE INFO, IM ONLY SHOPPING THE TURBO, ACCORDING TO WHAT IVE READ THE PERFORMANCE WITH THE 244LB TORQUE IS IDENTICAL TO MY "3" SERIES SO I WOULD'NT BE GIVING MUCH UP, PLUS THE ADDITIONAL ROOM AND MILEAGE, AND I HAPPEN TO LIKE THE GOGGLE LOOK OF THE HEADLIGHTS.
    DOWN SIDE I HAVEN'T SEEN MANY AVAILABLE AND THE PRICES ON USED E'S ARE HIGH AS NEW ! YIKES !

    PS: DO YOU HAD ANY SCANS TO SHOW US OF YOUR CAR WITH THE 17" WHEELS ?

    REGARDS,
    DL
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image

    Just a reminder that the MB chat is on tonight (6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
    http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • tendonstendons Member Posts: 43
    The cursor on the nav center will continue to appear on the screen as you go out of the area covered by the cd and will just be that triangle until the next cd is placed at which time it will fit into the pictured map. Apparently the satellites are tracking constantly and just need the software. You can't program out of the area.
    There is no dvd for mercedes at this time; only on lexus and infinity. It's really annoying to have to pay 145 dollars or more if you do alot of traveling. Even more annoying is the teleaid offer of downloading CNN, sports and weather, requiring a 120- dollar subscription fee and then charging 40 cents a minute for the information. It's really cheap of them.
  • cmayercmayer Member Posts: 38
    DL - I have a couple of photos. I'll try to scan and post them over the next several days. When I changed the wheels, my neighbor, who has always admired my car, told me it looked completely different. It's much more agressive looking now.

    You're right about used pricing. I don't check regularly, but dealer ad prices I see today are more than I paid nearly two years ago. In July of 99, new ones were very scarce. I jumped at the one that I could get immediately, which was configured to my liking (Roof/Bose package and CD changer, only) with an acceptable price as a used car. (Those star-eyed folks call 'em pre-owned, and they've never given anything away.)

    Good luck with your search - they're great cars.
  • mbdrivermbdriver Member Posts: 426
    walto - I haven't had my new 17" Yokohama AVS dB tires long enough to make any judgments about pressure. They had 50+ pounds of air when they arrived, and I set them at 35 before the wheels and tires were installed. Haven't checked them since. Thus far, after driving 150-200 miles, I'm completely satisfied with the ride, steering response, handling and quietness. They really do make a difference, and I only regret that I waited almost a year and 6000 miles before replacing the 16 inch wheels and tires. Keep me posted regarding your own experience with the Yokos.
  • wnielwniel Member Posts: 97
    I keep the tire pressure on my 2000 E430 at 36# as recommended by my mechanic and also the tire store where I bought my new wheels. At this pressure you will get maximum wear out of your tires and the performance is excellant, albeit a slightly firmer ride.
    Wally
  • sandeckisandecki Member Posts: 29
    Hi,
    I just got an offer to buy a 1998 E320 4Matic w/60 k miles for $27k.

    Is this a good Price?

    Are there any problems with 98s 4Matics?
    What would the car possibly need at this mileage from service standpoint. The car has no extended warranty!!! Thanks for All your help!!!
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    CHARLES, YOUR RIGHT I RECALL WHEN I HEARD THEY WERE GOING TO STOP IMPORTING THE TD I REMEMBER I CHECKED THE INVOICE PRICING AND IF I RECALL IT WAS ABOUT 35K + OPTIONS, NOW 2-3 YEARS LATER SELLING FOR ABOUT THE SAME PRICE, WOW WHAT A INVESTMENT, OH AS WE SPEAK I JUST WATCHED THE STATION GO UP ANOTHER 5C, DALLAS AREA 1.85 FOR PREMIUM, WHATS EVERYONE ELSE PAYING ???

    DL
  • 2ndmb2ndmb Member Posts: 72
    If this car is in very good condition you should buy it. Check the used car values on the edmunds sight.
  • jean7of9jean7of9 Member Posts: 192
    Received from Fosmo.com twelve days after order, not bad considering the Holidays. After installing the first bulb I compared its brightness and color with existing OEM. Color is whiter and slightly more bright, but not much because the OEM bulbs are also Philips and are very good. During night driving the only difference is with better contrast of objects due the higher color temperature. In fact the color is almost as white as my previous Hella H7 Optilux Xenon with a slightly more intense beam, but nowhere near the additional 25 meters of visibility claimed by Philips, and certainly not 50% more light than genuine Philips OEM. The bottom line, are they worth it? They certainly improve our night visibility and if they help once in a lifetime avoiding an accident, then they are worth it.
    Jean
  • yupyupyupyupyupyup Member Posts: 16
    Thanks for the tip. I ordered the same wheels and tires and pay $7 more than you (probably from shipping). I will set it to the pressure accordingly when they get here. Although I remember MB tells you to set them at 29psi.
  • kcsuprattkcsupratt Member Posts: 23
    Hello everyone !
    I finally got my E430 Sport yesterday. Now I have a few questions regarding the car and other things.

    1. Can the alarm activate itself ? Or do I have to lock it everytime. I was hoping for a passive alarm
    2 Where can I replace the MB eblem with a flat one.
    3. What about break in period. Is it neccessary ?
    4. I am going to install an Alpine DVD GPS in my car this weekend. Can I still use the 6 CD changer ?
    5. What is a good MB club to join and is there any good MB Sites I should bookmark, besides this one ?
    6. Is there anyway to disable the way the volume increases when driving and decreasing when at a stop ?

    I think that's about it.

    I will try to make the Tuesday gatherings also.

    Kenny
  • macbestmacbest Member Posts: 55
    Congratulations! Can you give us any of the details: how much over invoice, from where did you purchase, what options, was it on the lot or ordered? Inquiring minds want to know!
  • prevostxlvprevostxlv Member Posts: 20
    Here is an answer on a club to join. Join MBCA. We have been members since 1984 and the benefits are worth it. The magazine, rallies, etc.. check this website ..http://www.mbca.org/
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    Are the yokodb's an all season tire?

    THe goodyears that came on my E430 are very nice, alittle loud (although with 5000 miles on it are getting quieter, or I am getting used to it) but are lousy in the winter weather.

    In a perfect world, I could get yokos mounted on monoblocks and run them in the winter. But $12-1,400 for this is alot for this luxury.

    So far so good with this vehicle gas mpg is getting better, about 19.8 in mostly suburban driving. Soon I need to get it juiced with mobil one.

    Gas prices: Seems some of you are making choices because of spike in prices. This should not last forever, and is most likely seasonal. don't extrapolate the present into the future. Even the stock market goes back up.
  • dkatlantadkatlanta Member Posts: 23
    I'm intrigued by the reports I've been reading here on these tires. A few months ago, I replaced the original tires on my 2000 E320 with Michelin Pilot XGT Z4's. This eliminated the sluggishness in steering response, but I've still got tons of road noise and the ride has become pretty brittle. Some readers have raved about switching from 16" to 17" wheels and from EM tires to the Yokohamas; I was wondering if I can do just as well keeping my wheels but changing the tires alone. What do you think? Is going to a larger wheel size a necessary part of the equation?
  • kcsuprattkcsupratt Member Posts: 23
    I ordered the car about 1 1/2 months ago. It was build in Germany and shipped over.
    The options were
    Sports Package = E3
    Xenon lights = E1
    Sunroof = E2
    6 CD changer
    Heated Seats

    The whole thing was 59K without tax, dmv etc...
    I think i got it for 2k over invoice
    When the car arrived there was a faulty relay so I had to wait a few days to get my car. I was not a happy camper. What they did do for me was give me Weather Mats,2 Key chains, 2 T-Shirts and the Trunk Net.
    I bought the car in NJ. David Mchaels Mercedes.
    I hope to have pictures once i get the GPS installed.

    Kenny
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hi - I am PR Director for Edmunds.com and often am approached by journalists looking to talk with consumers for various automotive stories. Currently, I'm helping a major newspaper find consumers who are experiencing "gadget backlash." Did you buy a vehicle filled with exciting techno-gadgets, and wish you didn't? Have you given up trying to play a CD, set the ambient temperature or use the navigation system because the controls are just too complicated? Did you drive off the lot in your new vehicle without getting a full explanation of all the toys, figuring "how hard could it be?" and are now realizing it's more confusing than you could have imagined? What experiences have you had with the Mercedes joystick and the Volvo radio, both of which feature a lot of functionality but seem less intuitive than traditional controls?
    This story will touch on the following trends:

    -the gadgets in high-end vehicles from the Lexus LS 430 and Volvo S80 to Porsches and beyond

    -drivers in their 40s-60s buying sports cars

    -driver distraction

    If you have anything to add, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your experience to Talk to the Press and/or to jfallon@edmunds.com, including your current vehicle, daytime phone number and city and state of residence. (Your identity will be protected at your request.)

    Thanks for your consideration of this opportunity to share your story!

    Regards,

    Jeannine Fallon

    Director of Public Relations

    jfallon@edmunds.com
  • svinaiksvinaik Member Posts: 84
    Can you please let us know how the Alpine navigation system installation comes out and if not too personal, how much did it cost. Does it look like the original MB installation?

    Thanks and congrats on a great car you bought
  • sddlwsddlw Member Posts: 361
    Here is one place to find MB related stuff, including the flat emblems. I've bought some stuff from them and was overall pleased. Their prices are not great, but not bad either. I find their hard-copy cataloges are more complete than the web site, and they do have body style specific catalogs for some cars. I got one for my wifes older SL that is realy complete, with parts break-outs as well as the cosmetic stuff.


    http://www.precisionauto.com/

  • mbdrivermbdriver Member Posts: 426
    yupyupyup - Congrats on your wheel/tire purchase. I put Zaino (Z-1,Z-2) on the wheels immediately after I washed them with blue Dawn and have added two more coats of Z-2. They're beautiful and really make the car look sporty. I'm going to keep 35 or 36 lbs of air in the Yokos -- the ride and handling are superb! And quieeet! You'll love the set.

    bargamon - The Yoko AVS dB is listed as "Ultra High Performance All Season." But I'm not sure I'd go to the expense of using them as winter tires, unless you live in an area that experiences only minimal snowfall. I'm in the D.C. suburbs and just stay home when it snows heavily (that doesn't happen often here). Hope this helps.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hi from Edmunds.com's PR Department.

    A journalist from one of the country's largest newspapers has asked us for help finding consumers who recently purchased a Lexus L430, Mercedes C class or BMW 3 series after considering a more expensive vehicle, or anyone who recently considered purchasing a luxury vehicle, but decided not to because of the economy.

    If you fit this description and care to share your story, please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com and/or rpopely@tribune.com with your e-mail, phone number, city and state of residence, and a brief description of your experience. The journalist promises to keep you identity hidden at your request.

    Hope to hear from you soon!

    Jeannine Fallon

    Director of Public Relations


    PLEASE NOTE: Respond by clicking on the email addresses above. Responses posted here will NOT be seen by the folks who want to hear from you. Thanks!

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
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