I stopped allowing the headlights to stay on after the door closes by doing this:
Open the door(s) and press the lock button on the smart key before the last door is closed. I have not yet consiously tested this next feature: but it seems that you have to aim at the door handle sensor to get the driver's door to lock. Nifty feature, since it introduces one more step to prevent the absent minded from locking the key in the car.
I can still use the safety light if I feel the need at any time.
I am considering a 2002 E320 Wagon for purchase later this year or early next. I would appreciate any feedback from owners of either the RWD or 4-Matic versions as to their experience / opinions regarding:
- Performance in rain or snow. - Performance on dry pavement (i.e. any dissadvantages to 4-matic) - Gas milage (i.e. how much lower for 4-Matic) - Long term maintenance and repairs (I realize MB covers everything for the first 4 years, but is there any indication that 4-Matic may be more expensive in the long run?) -General satisfaction. I see from the "C" series board that they are having a lot of quality control problems. The "E" series board, less so, but still some. - Any buyer regrets from buying one version, but wishing you had gotten the other??
We would be replacing our SUV and traveling occassionally in PA snow country. My inclination is to go with the 4-matic, but it is a couple thousand more up front and may have higher ownership costs down the road.
I've been wondering myself. My favorite MB link for info. If anyone knows? Please tell us. Maybe MB shut it down. Which, if I remember in the past would occasionally happen, by server hacker intrusions as they were called.
Walt, I saw your post #2405 regarding the bilstein HD shocks and I'm seriously considering the same move. I love my E320 but find the handling to much like a boulevard cruiser. Too soft and lots of side to side pitch. Did the ride height change with these shocks? Is the ride too firm now. I am used to a 5 series and would like similar ride and handling. Feedback is appreciated.
Well everytime there is a virus around MBSPY pages get hit hard. I'm betting that is what has taken them offline for a while...the Nimda is what probably did it.
I am posted in Germany and considering an US spec E320 or 530i for our family. It seems the model change is bringing good discounts for E320 in the state side. I am being offered 15% off German MSRP. After some number crunching with options (just about fully loaded), it comes out to about $49,000. I would like the 4matic, but it is not available for US spec cars.
As most of you wrote in previous posts, I like the larger rear seat area of the E vs. 530i, but have to say 530i looks better inside and out, but that is personal taste. But when 90% of the taxis are E-class, it gets boring rather quickly.
The E is more expensive, however, that for the same price, I can get 540i. So, how does the price I am being offered look compared to what you guys are seeing across the pond?
E320? My dream car is the TurboDiesel E. BRING IT BACK TO THE US!!! I love the Diesels that MB puts out. My pick vs. any other car available. I am waiting to graduate UCSB so I can get my E320, still hoping with slim chances that there will be the new TD MBs for me to buy....
I have owned a 4-matic E Wagon since July of 00. I traded in an 99 M-Class for it and drive a Bravada for eight years before that. I love the car, no reservations. In last year's heavy snow season it performed as well as an SUV with the exception of ground clearance. As to whether the 4 matic is necessary, while I feel more comfortable having it, since I drive every weekend from NYC to PA hill country, there is a school of thought backed by some evidence that RWD with snows and the various MB traction and safety systems is as effective.
I have had some minor quality problems, but less than with other cars I have owned, and certainly less than the M-Class. I average 25 mpg overall and 27-28 on the highway. Mileage gets better over time (I now have 18k miles). This is amazing considering the size and weight of the car.
In short, this is one happy camper (literally and figuratively.)
Hey folks! Does anyone know where I can get the timeport phone with voice control? I don't want to pay $1600 and get from the dealer. Thanks for your help.
I have a '00 E320 with 17" wheels and Yoko dBs and don't regret getting the RWD. I had seriously considered the 4-matic, but we don't get a lot of heavy snowfalls in the D.C. area, and all the sales reps I spoke with told me the RWD is fine for this area. You probably get a bit more snow in PA, but I'm not sure you really need the 4-matic. If I lived in upstate NY or Canada, though, it would be a no brainer.
Last winter, just for kicks after a snowstorm, I actually tried to spin out with my RWD E-Class. The car just wouldn't do it! Between the stability control system and other standard features that keep a driver out of trouble, all I experienced was a slight beginning of a slide or slip, and then everything kicked in to keep me going "straight and level." The white triangle with the exclamation point in the instrument cluster lit up momentarily. My neighbor has a BMW 530i with the same stability features, and he drives like a madman. He often sees the white triangle on slippery roads, but he's never lost control!
I'd guess that long term the 4-matic might be a bit more troublesome, but Drew reports that MB has improved the system dramatically. So it's just a matter of personal choice -- some people are more comfortable with 4WD.
Hope this helps -- and let us know what you decide.
Albell and Mbdriver, Appreciate your feedback on the RWD vs. 4-Matic question. Thanks.
Sequoiasaurus, DON'T appreciate the picture of the 2003 Wagon. Makes me re-think maybe I shouldn't go for a good deal on a 2002! It is good looking. Please do not post a front view.
P.S. John01, Relative to your question on US pricing, I am hoping to get a deal on a 2002 Wagon at about $2,000 under invoice in a few months. They were offering that deal on 2001 models in June/July and the sales manager actually suggested I wait, since I really didn't want to buy until this winter. He still believes that MB will reinstate it's $2,000 dealer incentives on E's in another couple of months.
One thing to keep in mind is that only two wheels spin (obviously). Picture going up a hill, but not exactly perpendicular. ESP can't compensate for this. However, even the ML can't get up some hilly driveways w/ a thick coat of snow...
i'm interested in getting an aftermarket grill with the star in the center for my 2001 e430, there is a german company that i have seen their web site for aftermarket parts, i can' t think of their name, its like 'shantz' , if someone can help me with the url i'm looking for, i would apperciate it, also has anyone bought one from signiture or precission and would recommend them,, please let me know thanks roger
Actually, I think the language on the web site sequoiasauras posted is Danish, although if you speak German or Dutch it is really not that hard to understand.
I think you're absolutely right that the web site language is Danish. The .dk in the URL is the giveaway -- same, I believe, as the two letter country code for Denmark found on an auto's rear in Europe.
We can only use the "img src" tags to display pictures in a message if we actually own the picture.
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Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions.
I was visiting my local MB dealership the other day while I was getting a new tire for my 2000 E, the salesman told me that the 2003 E will be in CA showrooms in April!
I also found the original ride of the car much too soft--very un-Mercedes like in terms of crispness, high speed stability, and steering response. For anyone who has owned a Mercedes in the past (I have had four or five, my last a 124/300E), I can't imagine finding this car's handling acceptable.
The best way to describe the effect of the Bilstein HD's is that they turn the car into a Mercedes. The ride is firmer on relatively smooth surfaces, but there is actually less harshness both here and on rough surfaces (wheel activity is so much better controlled). The roll transitions in corners are well controlled, the steering response and accuracy are immensely improved, and the highway stability is phenomenal. Speed bumps in my neighborhhod that would actually bottom out the front suspension at much over 25 mph can now be handled at 40 with incredible comfort and perfect suspension control.
So, in all, this is a change that provides better comfort and much, much better chassis performance.
I notice no change in ride height, which is what I would expect. Shocks only function during suspension transitions and unless they are misfit, should not change height.
As for the "firmness" issue, the car now has a surprising (and welcome) combination of firmness and suppleness. It is simply a different car from the original tuning.
The last time I saw any suggestion on how to solve this headache was to use Zaino on the wheels and dust would hose off easily. Well, MB dealer suggested dust covers ($20 a piece) and they work. After more than 300 miles with lots of braking you can hardly see any dust on the front wheels.
I believe that many months ago I read in this forum that dust covers for the wheels interfered with brake cooling and were therefore not recommended. But if Mercedes dealers are selling them, it may not be true. I'd also be curious to learn whether the dust covers are OEM Mercedes parts or after market items added by the dealer. If the dust covers do indeed minimize brake dust on the front wheels and do not affect brake cooling or otherwise cause problems, I'd get them ASAP!
I have been an active reader for over almost two years now. I'm in the process of buying a CLK320, i noticed that very little has been said about this car on this site. Can anyone tell me why? The asking price is $33k for 98' CLK320 with 16K mile, all comments are welcomed. Thanks
Mercedes has maintained for at least the last 25 years the brake shields have been out that they can cause increased tempature and brake warpage.This is probably for aggressive Alpine conditions,but still,I wouldn't use them. As far as the CLK,I've never liked them.First of all, it is based on the previous generation C sedan,but as it was the first Benz after the E to have the striking four headlight design,I sometimes wonder if the more casual buyer thinks it is some sort of E sedan derivitive,as it was since at least the late sixties. So in that sense,I don't think it is a totally honast design. Also,in its own right,I just don't think it is very attractive. Its very heavy around the C-pillar/rear wheel arch.
Just curious if MB is going to have any deals on 2002 models this year or will I have to wait until next year when the 2003 is introduced. An earlier post mentioned that the 2003 will be in California showrooms in April. Is it customary for MB to introduce a new model that early? The April date almost seems to good to be true. Also, the best deal that I was offered on a 2001 was $2500 under MSRP. (4Matic, metallic paint, heated seats). Think I can get a better deal on a 2002, especially since car purchases are down (at least according to the network news). Thanks. P.S. The 2003 spy photos are nice. Am I correct in assuming that MB will pretty much expect full price for the new model?
...the sales manager at a local dealer actually encouraged me to wait on a 2002 Wagon rather get a new 2001 at $2,000 UNDER INVOICE back in June. I really didn't want to buy until later this year and the particular car didn't have the options I wanted. The sales manager, who I know through mutual friends, thought it was likely at some point in late 2001 or early 2002 that Mercedes would bring back the $2,000 dealer incentives on the E's and that I'd even be able to order one to my exact specifications at the 2001 or better price. (I want the multicontoured seats, which are relatively rare to find on a car on the lot). We'll see.
As previously mentioned, CLK is based on old C class. IT is not the E class coupe. Other than round head lights, very little in common. Engines are the same, but that holds true across the mercedes line. Never driven one, but I do like the looks.
I had the brake covers on my S-class the brakes warped. They never warped after I took them off.
I would not use them.
Touchless car wash does a good job getting it off.
I have a powerwash and Lite spray with cleaner it comes right off. If not heavy, no need for cleaner.
I was reading posts at mbworld.org forums and I found out that some southern California dealers are offering outrageous deals now. There is this guy named NB Mercedes who posted deals for new 2002 E class for 400 below invoice. I checked his numbers and he confirmed them via email! He could be reached at mbinvoice@yahoo.com
I think it is great not to overpay especially in times like these. Food for thought..
tunde07x -- I believe the main reason you don't see any posts here (except the ones in response to your question): This forum is found under "Sedans" and "Mercedes-Benz E-Class" and is not meant or designed to address CLK issues. You may find posts about the CLK elsewhere in Edmunds, possibly in the C-Class forum.
Since it's kind of inconvenient to go to my dealer, and I didn't want to wait 10k miles to have my oil changed, I went to a Jiffy lube, and had them put in Mobil One.
In thinking about it, though, I have no idea what brand of filter they used.
Is this likely to be a warranty issue when I take the car in for service? If so, I suppose I could get a filter from the dealer and have the oil changed again.
I am looking at a 97 E300D with 67k. Any idea what I can expect car/dollar/life span. My previous car choices have brought me to the conclusion I should spend alittle more and get a car that can withstand 50,000 and not have darkened the door of a dealership over 2 dozen times in its short life. The car I test drove was a E300 that was drop dead gorgeous and floated like a cloud, but there seemed to be a defective light warning and after further speculation a tail light was on the blink. I read previously that there were issues with electrical equip, is this still an ongoing issue? Is it safe to assume I should purchase an extended warranty.
The diesel in '98s and '99s is turbocharged. While any E series is a great car, (we wouldn't be prejudiced here, would we?) you'll find a remarkable difference in the turbo's performance. One may be harder to find.
One might caution you that there's more mechanical risk with the turbo, but I'm not losing any sleep about my '98.
Take one for a ride and see what you think. Good luck.
I have a 2000 E320 that the electronic ignition went out on. I used the roadside assistance and received slow response from both the satellite and from the local service represenative. About an hour later I saw my first Mercedes Benz represenative, despite my being within four miles of the local dealer. My car was eventually towed,and when I asked about them providing a loaner car for me to drive while my car was in the shop, they looked at me as if I was from another planet. After several phone calls and a 24 hour wait I was provided with a Pontiac Grand Am to drive. Has anyone had a similar experience? I do know that both Lexus and BMW provide their brand to drive if your vehicle is in the shop.
My 2000 E-Class had a flat tire & I am about 10 miles from the local Benz dealer. I called road side assistance, and was helped immediately. Within 10 minutes I received a call back from the tech. 15 minutes later the roadside assistance mechanic showed up and put on my spare.
Also, where I live in West L.A. Lexus absolutely does not give loaner cars, let alone their own brand, neither does BMW. The only cars I have seen that consistantly give loaner cars is Infiniti and Mercedes. Recently, Mercedes changed their policy only offering loaner cars for scheduled service which is dissapointing. Chrysler is effecting MB more than most would like to admit.
In you situation, the service was subpar, although an hour wait is not that bad, and I would complain to MBNA. Also, they should have given you a free loaner due to your situation, although this was not a scheduled stop, the car gave out on you, which is no fault of yours. Unfortunately this is a dealer by dealer call.
Just read the November issue of Consumer Reports. It had a comparison of MB E320, BMW 530, Audi A6, and Jaguar S 3.0. BMW edged out MB, but narrowly; the other 2 cars were further behind. I have a deposit on an MB and was a little concerned by some of the comments. Overall, BMW scored better for handling, ride and reliability. MB is roomier and more "stately", whatever that means. One issue that jumps out is repair bill for bumper damage. For BMW fixing front and back after a series of 3-5mph bashes cost $1300; for MB this figure is a whopping $3,000. Is this because MB is "softer" than BMW? More difficult to repair due to sculpted headlights, etc.? A little of both? Does this comment reflect reality? Please comment on the bumper issue and the other CR ratings as well. Look forward to your comments and to being an MB owner.
I have a (barely noticable) sort of squeak coming from the base of the steering wheel while rotating the steering wheel, turing into a parking space for instance. It feels like it might come from the steering wheel shaft bearing right at the steering wheel. Feels like a dry nylon bearing sort of thing. What's inside there? What could cause this? Is there a way to lube it? It used to be smooth as silk, sometimes still is. Exercising the steering wheel adjustment from limit to limit has no effect. '98 E320 with 17,000 mi.
Yeah, I got my issue last night too. Strangely, I was bummed to see the E320 fall to second place (as if CR really matters in the grand scheme of things). Just a few things I'd like to point out. 1) the bumper performance is embarrassing. MB should be built like a tank. 2) they say how flawless the BMW was, then in one sentence buried in the summary, point out that it's a part of a 50,000 car safety recall. (yes, I know, 2001 model) 3) complained about the ergonomics such as cruise control (which I hate) and other controls. For the first two weeks I drove the car I had the same exact complaints. Now I have none. 4) they said the cupholder is "serviceable". My god. I'd hate to see a bad one! No biggie here. 5) Unless they've made a major change in the 2002, fold down rear seat IS NOT an option. The gas tank is mounted vertically behind the seat for crash protection. No ski pass-thru. No fold down (at least in 2001 and earlier).
Ultimately, cars are a very personal choice. To me the E class is the best embodyment of the LUXURY SEDAN. Period. Best looking, best riding, best available options, most room in class, available AWD (which I went for here in NH and NOT available in BMW). Heck, even best in class gas mileage...which is really important nowadays. To each his own...for me it's about styling, not racing...the choice is clear.
I've also had a bad service experience here in NH.
My climate control system decided to go do it's own thing. No matter if it was in auto, manual, economy or AC, it would run at whatever speed it felt like (whenever it felt like) and let out whistling sounds. The only position that worked properly was OFF.
Since it's a 50 mile/hour+ round trip I'd been saving minor things like adjusting the headlight shutoff interval and speed sensitive volume control to my first visit. I had them change these for me to.
Anyhow, the climate control acted up the whole drive there, it was obviously broken. I get two phone calls during the day. First one is they are replacing the blower motor to fix my CC problem. Second call, they don't know how to change the Headlight turn off interval and are calling an MB rep.
I return at 7PM to pick up my car...of course there is nobody in service to speak to, get in my car to drive off and what happens? CC fails immediately! So, not only did they NOT take the time to verify what needed to be fix by spending a few minutes in the car before the service, they never verified if the work they did was correct! If I were a MB rep, I'd be wondering just what they're doing with those warrantee parts. Sorry to be so paranoid.
They did get my headlights set for me. The speed sensitive volume control, though they say it is disabled, still does it's thing.
I called them the next day. They say they'll leave the problem open and the next time it's acting up, bring it by (yes, remember, it's a LONG ways to go to do this). How convenient. Obviously I'm still some kook and they're hoping I have a limited attention span (typical modern day service industry tactic).
The next day, I do just that, I stop in, they get their shop forman to sit in the car with me, we start it and turn on the CC and it fails immediately. Forman discusses it with the service manager who arranges to have my car picked up when the parts they're ordering come in. I point out to him that I'm surprised that they would return a car to me in this condition (not fixed) in the first place. He apologizes.
Yesterday they did the swap thing and now my car is back to 100%.
Fellow forum members, do you think this is MB calibre service? Even though they recovered I'm still disappointed. What good is it that you can eat off their shop floor (it being so clean in there and all) if they treat you like a witless imbicile with nothing better to do than to provide my own service?
I was at the Mercedes factory in Sindlefingen recently and spied a bunch of 2003 E-Class cars driving around. The overall look is more rounded to put it in a positive manner and a little less distinctive to cast it in a more subjective manner. Since ABC is likely to migrate to this body style, this is probably the most significant improvement I can imagine for the car. I have this feature in my CL 500 and it is nothing short of amazing.
After seeing that news clipping a month back on the brand new BMW 5 series catching on fire when parked in the garage burning the owner's house down, I'm staying away from BMW until they have this overheating fan nightmare completely rectified.
Apparently, even the recall hasn't solved the problem, there is a recall on the recall as number of the replacement fans are defective too.
I'm not sure how much I trust Consumer Reports.. I surprised they downplay this rather upsetting safety recall.
Anyway, in a crash, I really worry more about passenger safety than cost of repairing the bumper. I don't think BMW even offers side airbag curtains or rear airbags as standard equipment.
Regarding BigRob's experience, I would call up the MB regional rep and see what they have to say. The service level at the dealership is definitely worse than what we usually get from other MB dealers.
The speed sensitive volume control for example, can definitely be turned off. I saw this feature on the MB shop computer screen in person. But then, your dealership looks pretty lame if they don't even know how to change the headlight turn off interval.
Raise a concern to the regional rep and see what they do to make up..
Re the current rating of BMW's 530i and MB's E320, CR states both cars are essentially the same since 1996. If so, how can a car be first last year and second this year ? One answer I've seen over the years is that CR likes to spread it around, to demonstrate their ubiquitous neutrality.
I would say that the service problem where you live in NH is due to lack of competition. Here in So. Calif there are MB dealerships within 15 miles of each other and they wouldn't dare give that kind of poor service and stay in business. I would aggressively complain to the area MB Reb and let him know of your dissatisfaction. Wally
Comments
Open the door(s) and press the lock button on the smart key before the last door is closed. I have not yet consiously tested this next feature: but it seems that you have to aim at the door handle sensor to get the driver's door to lock. Nifty feature, since it introduces one more step to prevent the absent minded from locking the key in the car.
I can still use the safety light if I feel the need at any time.
I am considering a 2002 E320 Wagon for purchase later this year or early next. I would appreciate any feedback from owners of either the RWD or 4-Matic versions as to their experience / opinions regarding:
- Performance in rain or snow.
- Performance on dry pavement (i.e. any dissadvantages to 4-matic)
- Gas milage (i.e. how much lower for 4-Matic)
- Long term maintenance and repairs (I realize MB covers everything for the first 4 years, but is there any indication that 4-Matic may be more expensive in the long run?)
-General satisfaction. I see from the "C" series board that they are having a lot of quality control problems. The "E" series board, less so, but still some.
- Any buyer regrets from buying one version, but wishing you had gotten the other??
We would be replacing our SUV and traveling occassionally in PA snow country. My inclination is to go with the 4-matic, but it is a couple thousand more up front and may have higher ownership costs down the road.
All feedback greatly appreciated.
Maybe MB shut it down. Which, if I remember in the past would occasionally happen, by server hacker intrusions as they were called.
M
As most of you wrote in previous posts, I like the larger rear seat area of the E vs. 530i, but have to say 530i looks better inside and out, but that is personal taste. But when 90% of the taxis are E-class, it gets boring rather quickly.
The E is more expensive, however, that for the same price, I can get 540i. So, how does the price I am being offered look compared to what you guys are seeing across the pond?
I have had some minor quality problems, but less than with other cars I have owned, and certainly less than the M-Class. I average 25 mpg overall and 27-28 on the highway. Mileage gets better over time (I now have 18k miles). This is amazing considering the size and weight of the car.
In short, this is one happy camper (literally and figuratively.)
Last winter, just for kicks after a snowstorm, I actually tried to spin out with my RWD E-Class. The car just wouldn't do it! Between the stability control system and other standard features that keep a driver out of trouble, all I experienced was a slight beginning of a slide or slip, and then everything kicked in to keep me going "straight and level." The white triangle with the exclamation point in the instrument cluster lit up momentarily. My neighbor has a BMW 530i with the same stability features, and he drives like a madman. He often sees the white triangle on slippery roads, but he's never lost control!
I'd guess that long term the 4-matic might be a bit more troublesome, but Drew reports that MB has improved the system dramatically. So it's just a matter of personal choice -- some people are more comfortable with 4WD.
Hope this helps -- and let us know what you decide.
Appreciate your feedback on the RWD vs. 4-Matic question. Thanks.
Sequoiasaurus,
DON'T appreciate the picture of the 2003 Wagon. Makes me re-think maybe I shouldn't go for a good deal on a 2002! It is good looking. Please do not post a front view.
P.S. John01, Relative to your question on US pricing, I am hoping to get a deal on a 2002 Wagon at about $2,000 under invoice in a few months. They were offering that deal on 2001 models in June/July and the sales manager actually suggested I wait, since I really didn't want to buy until this winter. He still believes that MB will reinstate it's $2,000 dealer incentives on E's in another couple of months.
Great photos!!!
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The best way to describe the effect of the Bilstein HD's is that they turn the car into a Mercedes. The ride is firmer on relatively smooth surfaces, but there is actually less harshness both here and on rough surfaces (wheel activity is so much better controlled). The roll transitions in corners are well controlled, the steering response and accuracy are immensely improved, and the highway stability is phenomenal. Speed bumps in my neighborhhod that would actually bottom out the front suspension at much over 25 mph can now be handled at 40 with incredible comfort and perfect suspension control.
So, in all, this is a change that provides better comfort and much, much better chassis performance.
As for the "firmness" issue, the car now has a surprising (and welcome) combination of firmness and suppleness. It is simply a different car from the original tuning.
I have been an active reader for over almost two years now. I'm in the process of buying a CLK320, i noticed that very little has been said about this car on this site. Can anyone tell me why? The asking price is $33k for 98' CLK320 with 16K mile, all comments are welcomed. Thanks
conditions,but still,I wouldn't use them.
As far as the CLK,I've never liked them.First of all, it is based on the previous generation C sedan,but as it was the first Benz after the E to have the striking four headlight design,I sometimes wonder if the more casual buyer thinks it is some sort of E sedan derivitive,as it was since at least the late sixties. So in that sense,I don't think it is a totally honast design. Also,in its own right,I just don't think it is very attractive. Its very heavy around the C-pillar/rear wheel arch.
P.S. The 2003 spy photos are nice. Am I correct in assuming that MB will pretty much expect full price for the new model?
I had the brake covers on my S-class the brakes warped. They never warped after I took them off.
I would not use them.
Touchless car wash does a good job getting it off.
I have a powerwash and Lite spray with cleaner it comes right off. If not heavy, no need for cleaner.
12k on o1'430 and not a think wrong.
I think it is great not to overpay especially in times like these. Food for thought..
Cheers
J2K
In thinking about it, though, I have no idea what brand of filter they used.
Is this likely to be a warranty issue when I take the car in for service? If so, I suppose I could get a filter from the dealer and have the oil changed again.
Im interested in the '03 E55. I'm trying to get on a waiting list for one of them...
Any guidance at all would help me tremendously.
One might caution you that there's more mechanical risk with the turbo, but I'm not losing any sleep about my '98.
Take one for a ride and see what you think. Good luck.
Has anyone had a similar experience? I do know that both Lexus and BMW provide their brand to drive if your vehicle is in the shop.
Also, where I live in West L.A. Lexus absolutely does not give loaner cars, let alone their own brand, neither does BMW. The only cars I have seen that consistantly give loaner cars is Infiniti and Mercedes. Recently, Mercedes changed their policy only offering loaner cars for scheduled service which is dissapointing. Chrysler is effecting MB more than most would like to admit.
In you situation, the service was subpar, although an hour wait is not that bad, and I would complain to MBNA. Also, they should have given you a free loaner due to your situation, although this was not a scheduled stop, the car gave out on you, which is no fault of yours. Unfortunately this is a dealer by dealer call.
1) the bumper performance is embarrassing. MB should be built like a tank.
2) they say how flawless the BMW was, then in one sentence buried in the summary, point out that it's a part of a 50,000 car safety recall. (yes, I know, 2001 model)
3) complained about the ergonomics such as cruise control (which I hate) and other controls. For the first two weeks I drove the car I had the same exact complaints. Now I have none.
4) they said the cupholder is "serviceable". My god. I'd hate to see a bad one! No biggie here.
5) Unless they've made a major change in the 2002, fold down rear seat IS NOT an option. The gas tank is mounted vertically behind the seat for crash protection. No ski pass-thru. No fold down (at least in 2001 and earlier).
Ultimately, cars are a very personal choice. To me the E class is the best embodyment of the LUXURY SEDAN. Period. Best looking, best riding, best available options, most room in class, available AWD (which I went for here in NH and NOT available in BMW). Heck, even best in class gas mileage...which is really important nowadays. To each his own...for me it's about styling, not racing...the choice is clear.
Enjoy,
BigRob.
My climate control system decided to go do it's own thing. No matter if it was in auto, manual, economy or AC, it would run at whatever speed it felt like (whenever it felt like) and let out whistling sounds. The only position that worked properly was OFF.
Since it's a 50 mile/hour+ round trip I'd been saving minor things like adjusting the headlight shutoff interval and speed sensitive volume control to my first visit. I had them change these for me to.
Anyhow, the climate control acted up the whole drive there, it was obviously broken. I get two phone calls during the day. First one is they are replacing the blower motor to fix my CC problem. Second call, they don't know how to change the Headlight turn off interval and are calling an MB rep.
I return at 7PM to pick up my car...of course there is nobody in service to speak to, get in my car to drive off and what happens? CC fails immediately! So, not only did they NOT take the time to verify what needed to be fix by spending a few minutes in the car before the service, they never verified if the work they did was correct! If I were a MB rep, I'd be wondering just what they're doing with those warrantee parts. Sorry to be so paranoid.
They did get my headlights set for me. The speed sensitive volume control, though they say it is disabled, still does it's thing.
I called them the next day. They say they'll leave the problem open and the next time it's acting up, bring it by (yes, remember, it's a LONG ways to go to do this). How convenient. Obviously I'm still some kook and they're hoping I have a limited attention span (typical modern day service industry tactic).
The next day, I do just that, I stop in, they get their shop forman to sit in the car with me, we start it and turn on the CC and it fails immediately. Forman discusses it with the service manager who arranges to have my car picked up when the parts they're ordering come in. I point out to him that I'm surprised that they would return a car to me in this condition (not fixed) in the first place. He apologizes.
Yesterday they did the swap thing and now my car is back to 100%.
Fellow forum members, do you think this is MB calibre service? Even though they recovered I'm still disappointed. What good is it that you can eat off their shop floor (it being so clean in there and all) if they treat you like a witless imbicile with nothing better to do than to provide my own service?
Thank goodness I love the car so much...
Enjoy,
BigRob.
Apparently, even the recall hasn't solved the problem, there is a recall on the recall as number of the replacement fans are defective too.
I'm not sure how much I trust Consumer Reports.. I surprised they downplay this rather upsetting safety recall.
Anyway, in a crash, I really worry more about passenger safety than cost of repairing the bumper. I don't think BMW even offers side airbag curtains or rear airbags as standard equipment.
Regarding BigRob's experience, I would call up the MB regional rep and see what they have to say. The service level at the dealership is definitely worse than what we usually get from other MB dealers.
The speed sensitive volume control for example, can definitely be turned off. I saw this feature on the MB shop computer screen in person. But then, your dealership looks pretty lame if they don't even know how to change the headlight turn off interval.
Raise a concern to the regional rep and see what they do to make up..
One answer I've seen over the years is that CR likes to spread it around, to demonstrate their ubiquitous neutrality.
I would aggressively complain to the area MB Reb and let him know of your dissatisfaction.
Wally