I get the impression that the e-series except for the e55-60 whatever, will have the same adjustable air suspension found on the current s sereies, while the e55 will have the abc suspension
I seriosly doubt if they'll be a 2003 E55, at least in the U.S. The next AMG E probably won't be released until 2004 or 2005. Mercedes will introduce the main V6 and V8 models first, then a wagon and then the AMG model.
I ordered my BMW 330CiC today. I did not get the sport package because these seats are not comfortable for me. The standard BMW seat is okay but I still prefer my M-B multicontour seat.
This seat is standard on the E-55 and it should be standard on the E430 with sport package, but like Porsche, M-B has decided to charge extra. The multicontour seat affords excellent lumbar support and lateral bolsters are adjustable. I enjoy sitting in my M-B seat with the heater on high and the lumbar support in good position.
If you have any type of low back problem or plan on driving long distances consider the multicontour seat.
What is the "best" wiper blade you can buy for the current E-Class? I purchased a new M-B blade from the dealer and it still smears. Does anyone have personal experience with a top-notch after-market wiper blade?
Cosco had Trico Teflon Blades and insert for $16.00. What a difference. The original Boxster blade was loud and sqeeky. The new blades clean better and our silent.
Was thinking of trying it with the Benz but my service B comes up next month so, I figured take the free refill.
Tricoproducts.com - Wiper Blades Teflon Blade Blade - Front 15-240 this should be the E320 blade probably 24 inches. They have a fit guide at the store.
Hello everyone. I decided to wait a few months on my new car purchase and now I am very interested in buying an E430. I built a special edition car on mbusa and the total was $55625 with delivery. I have seen many mentions of $5000 +/- discounts on E320 cars on various boards.
With the new body style on the way could you give me an idea of what type of discount would be appropriate for this car (if purchased off the lot/not ordered) given the fact that MB is including $3000 of options for free.
I’m about to purchase my first Benz so I am new to the experience. I have a few questions for you current owners and if you would be kind enough to reply I would greatly appreciate it!
First, what is the service like? How does it compare to Lexus for any of you who may know? What is the service cost like, if any? What has your experience been like? In your opinion, is it worth the cost, or is it overpriced?
When we bought our E320, we were looking for a solidly built, safe, well engineered, fuel efficient, and roomy sedan that we are looking at owning for a long long time. When you compare the specs between different makes with the same price range, there isn't anything better.
The car comes with 4yr/50k free maintenance schedule. During the first 3 months of ownership, our car had bad fuel sensor, faulty lamps, and out of balance tire, all taken care of by the dealer. My dealer tries really hard to achieve customer satisfaction (I believe all MBZ dealers do), and the service from this dealer has been wonderful. The only out of pocket cost so far is the oil change at 3k, which is not covered by the maintenance schedule.
The E320 costs about twice the average sedan, but if you plan to own it for a long time like we do, then the cost really isn't much of an issue.
I took my 2001 320E to the dealer because the "Worn Brake Pad" message was on at 7900 miles. I thought it was just a sensor but they replaced the front pads and sensors. All covered by warranty, but this seems like very little mileage. I usually got 25,000 on a front pad set on my 95 320E. Could it be that you have to replace the pads when you replace the sensors? Anyone have any ideas or similar experience?
My dealer is top-notch. They replace almost anything under warranty. My guess is your front pads were replaced as a courtesy to you and not because they really needed replacement.
Unlike some dealers my M-B service department is easy to work with and very polite. I will be able to compare them with my local BMW dealer in two months when my 330 Convertible 5-speed arrives. As for Lexus, some owners love their dealers and others have less than kind things to say about them. My gut feeling is if the dealership is well run then anyone buying a $50,000 plus auto will be treated with respect, courtesy and professionalism. BMW, M-B, and Lexus all fit this category. So, go check out your local dealer and make sure the service department is well-run.
How is that new wiper blade of yours? Bosch microedge (is that like my Gillete Sensor 3 blade razor)? Seriously, is this wiper any good compared to the factory one?
My dealer replaced my wiper for free. I am sure they will do it again but what's the point? I need a better blade not just a new one.
Valueguy... I just bought Bosch Microedge wipe from Pepboys and replaced it for my E320.. It works quite well, I am not sure if because it's new or Bosch Microedge quality. I thought the wiper refill from MB dealer is also from Bosch (Dealer told me)
Yes the M-B single wiper is made by Bosch and is sold at any Bosch dealership alongside the Microedge. The Bosch dealer in my area discouraged me from retrofitting the Microedge on my E320W by saying the blade is not really better than the OEM, while the handle is of a lower quality. One MB dealer in my area found a way to meet all those complaints about the unworthy wiper. He is offering a "Rain Repellent Treatment". For about US$15.00 he treats the windshield with a product called Aquapel. It is similar to RainX but lasts a bit longer. After 8 weeks, I found it provides better visibility under any rain and makes me forget the infamous wiper. Jean
I did not have a good experience with Rain-X. The Rain-X worked so well that the wiper was pretty much wiping across a dry surface causing a lot of noise. I thinking having some water on the surface decreases friction as it acts as a lubricant, but having a completely dry windshield increases friction.
Rain X, and products like it, are best used on surfaces likely to be wet with rain but have no wipers. An example would be...bridge enclosures on boats etc.
I agree Rainx is not the solution for the single wiper streaking problem. The best solution I found was a thorough cleaning of the windshield. My dealer recommending making paste of Tide detergent and cleaning the windshield with it. That seemed to be the most effective solution I found. For this reason I'm glad Mercedes finally abandoned the single wiper for the new C class though it was cool to watch it do it's thing.
My '98 E320 has a rubbing, groaning sound coming from the steering wheel while turning. I've had to take it to the dealer for a lot of other things so often I know everyone there by first name. Anyway, the last three times I had them lubricate it. It never did stop squeaking. How do I fix this? Just where is this infamous rubber grommet or whatever it is that squeaks? How can I get to it? What do I lube it with? Why is it doing this and why won't it go away? It's pretty frustrating.
I tried the Tide paste last year after you posted it. It works fine. I also tried rubbing freshly cut citron. It worked very fine. The amazing part is that while fresh citron or lemon are effective, citric acid is not, at any concentration. Tide, Citron or Vim paste are only helpful for a short period under the rain. Unfortunately, within the hour that sticky oily film returns and spoils visibility, even with a brand new blade. With this new Aquapel treatment I seldom use the wiper while driving because the rain droplets move up faster than before. The oily film is still visible when the wiper works but it is less blinding under street and highway lights. I am still looking for a permanent solution. Jean
So that I understand, are you saying that the fresh Citron works for a long time? I agree that it wasn't long before the oily surfce began to return. We are both talking about the same problem because of your comment about the impact of lights on the windshield. I also agree that what RainX does is reduce the need to use the wipers in the first place. My real objection to it was as it deteriorated it seems to make an even bigger mess of things. I don't know how the after market blades worked as I never tried them. Good luck in the continueing quest.
Have a 2000 E320 and would like to get some new tires - any suggestions? I live in Texas so need a tire that does well in very hot weather as well as the frequent rain storm. Thanks.
I am also looking for a 16 inch tire recommendation for my 2000 E320. My current MXV4 tires are at 23k miles with perhaps 2-3k more miles to go. I am okay with the ride of the MXV4 but thought the road noise and mileage were poor. What really concern me is that I had MXV4's on my Acura legend and Acura 2.2 and got around 45k miles on those two vehicles (strange).
I have around 25,000 miles on my original E 320 tires. I have not measured the tread depth, but there is no wear pattern showing. MBEC has had much faster wear.
I have rotated at about 10,000 miles and have run at higher tire pressures. I like 30/32 front/rear pressures. The handling is a little crisper with little sacrifice in ride.
I had my first opportunity last weekend to check out the performance of my 2001 E-430 4-Matic in snow. The outbound 180 mile drive was almost completed before the bad weather settled in. The car easily reached 120 mph for a brief spurt on a straightaway, with no traffic and a silent V1 (don't quote me... I'll deny it in court!).
The return trip was not as pleasant. A heavy snowstorm came through. The highway had a good 4 in. of snow on it, was slippery and included curves and steep grades. I set the S-W switch to W. I saw a 3-series BMW hit the side of the mountain, one SUV on its side and another one on its back (I couldn't tell the model, but I hope it wasn't a Jeep, like mine). The 4-Matic was very composed. Lane changes over the center ridge of snow were stable. The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) had a field day, with the yellow warning light engaging often and straightening out the car as soon as I could feel the onset of a skid. Downhills were accomplished by selecting a lower gear and letting the AWD hold the car at a reasonable speed. I had to climb a steep grade to enter a gas station and could feel all four tires pulling and spinning, but I made it to the top. I passed many cars that could not climb the icy roads and were spinning out, including a Camry.
I have read the debates regarding the effectiveness of 4-wheel drive and/or snow tires. Having experienced the car in snow, I am convinced it was an outstanding benefit. (In fact, I haven't seen any owners of 4WD vehicles claim the 2WD is just as good). I know the car would have been even more stable with snow tires instead of my all-season Pirellis, but for the few snow storms a year I encounter, it does not seem worth the expense or hassle.
The rain sensor worked well in the snow. In fact, it seems to be more sensitive to snow than rain. The Cyclops wiper kept the windshield clean, and the heated windshield washer solution kept the headlights and windshield clear. The Xenons worked fine in the snow, but I put on the brights at every opportunity because with them I could see further down the road.
I had to disengage the Parktronic system because snow and ice on the front bumper energized the proximity alarm.
One lesson learned, though... during the next snowstorm, when you are exhilarated with your car, resist the temptation to open the moonroof, because it might be covered with snow and dump it on you!
I, too, had a chance to try my 4Matic out in the snow for basically the first time. Though mine is a humble E320. Based on my personal experiences here in NH, I opted for the Blizzak MZ-01's. Bizarre, they're uni-directional...something I've not seen in a snow before.
Anyhow, the combination of AWD, ESP and snows was like driving a tank in the snow. It may even surpass my wife's Subaru, though the experience is really different. With the Subaru you just basically floor it and plow through the snow...you get to play a little but you're actually quite safe. The 4Matic, you floor it, it detects loss of grip and you just sort of ease on out under total control. I'm tempted to turn off ESP to see if it's as fun as the Subaru.
AWD vs RWD+Traction Control. Maybe south of the mason dixon line, but up here...forget about it. Anybody that says otherwise is fooling themselves.
All seasons vs snows. For straight snow, all seasons will suffice though the treads aren't self cleaning so you'll never get the grip of a snow. Throw ice/icing into the mix and you can't compare. The compounds in the modern snow tires are great for icy conditions. And I'm not just talking about driving at speed. We have a down-hill slope out of work here that tends to ice up. Friends X5 (with touring radials) actually couldn't stop on it. ABS slowed us to the point where it thought we were stopped but we kept creeping down the hill...it was like slow motion. 4Matic with snows came to a complete stop.
Problem is, not everybody up here realizes that snows make a difference. Got rear ended last night while sitting at a red light by an Accord with all seasons that couldn't stop in time (then again, a little COMMON SENSE and she would have missed me too). Just a tap w/scratches on the bumper. I can only guess what that will cost to fix. Bummer.
I am in the process of buying a E320, I heard from a friend (who owns a E320, 1999) that he sat in a BMW 545 and the interior wind noise was much quieter and so was the Lexus GS400.
Is the wind noise in the E320 comparitively more that other comparitive models? Is this a feature for being more sporty or a fact?
This is my first attempt as a participant of any kind of forum. After having read many of the messages at this Mercedes forum, I am impressed with the level of meaningful and thought provoking advice that is given. I am a first time owner of a MB. After Christmas, my wife and I seriously shopped for newer Toyota Camry's (6 cyl models) and ended up with the E320 (purchased at a Toyota used car lot). It was the best bang for the buck we could find, I hope. The car was garage kept and the owner left all the service receipts in the trunk. We even called the owner and grilled him with questions. The car was near show room perfect. No body repair of any kind. 84,500 miles. Dealer asked $18990. Offered $14,000 and ended up getting it for $14,500 (no trade or dp) after all the dickering. There is an advantage to shopping just after Christmas when they need to reduce inventory. Had to put new tires all the way around and replace one stoplight bulb. I think I got a good deal??? Have put about 600 miles on it in two weeks and couldn't be more pleased with the ride, noise level, seating comfort. However, I experienced a problem with the windows fogging on the inside during a very humid and chilly condition. Anyone else run into this problem and what is the correction? Also, after having purchased the car, I am concerned about the possibility of having to have the head gasket changed at some point. Have read that it is not uncommon for the gasket to fail and oil leaking out of and/or into the engine. Is this a weak point?
Congratulation on your E320. I still own 1989 300E, same design with less hp than yours. IMO, 1986-1994 E class is the best MB ever made in terms of design and quality.
My 300E requires minimal services, still running well at 125k. I replaced steering joint at 80k, installed new sparkplug wires, and changed starter at 120k.
You don't have to change the gasket unless you have terrible oil consumption and leakage.
I have no fogging problems with my car but, in general, when the windows fog on the inside quite often the climate control is in "recirculate" mode. Make sure the system is set to provide outside air. Running the AC (on the 2001 I drive it's always on unless I put it in economy mode) will help clear it.
Up here in NH you see it all the time in the cooler months. People who don't realize what happens when the system is in recirculate mode put it there thinking the car will warm up faster. Seeing people driving around with vehicles that are completely fogged up looking thru little holes they've rubbed clear...you can only scratch your head.
Otherwise you've got some other source of moisture getting into the passenger cabin.
Its been a while since here and glad to see it still is being used since big defection.
I have a silver 01' E 430 that now has 16.5k miles.
The oem tires were the goodyear f1's which in my opinion is a great tire, but is too much tire for the car. It ran great in agressive but for the most part I found it very noisy. With no all season capacity I lucked out last winter, but needed to to change in the face of bad weather.
I have the 17' rims. I replaced with yokohama avs db's which is an ultra performance all season tire. I notice no difference in cornering, yet the tire is remarkable in its comfort and its claim for being quiet. I expect better miliage and should last alot longer. The F1's were never a consideration for replacement as they are very expensive and not multitask. Some whom have tweaked the suspension for performance and not be bothered by the noise would love the goodyear.
The yoko were reasonable in cost as local dealer matched tire rack cost. I bought the car for its balance of comfort and performance, and these tires better fit my description. They also look great with an agressive pattern and attractive sidewalls.
The mich's are very good but they can be alittle noisy. Also they were priced about 50% higher.
Tire rack is an excellent place to read comments and review regarding these choices.
In all I have had not issues with the vehicle and enjoy it.
I agree with your opinion on the W124 E-Class. The car simply defined what "Mercedes" was better than any other sedan they produced. Only the current R129 SL is more Mercedesish to me. I wonder if Mercedes knew how much people loved that E-Class? I wish they would re-issue these cars...especially the E500!!
I have a 1994 E320 and am noticing a slight clouding of the head light lenses. I know this is not uncommon for plastic lenses to cloud due to ultra violet light attacking them. Dealerships have magic performed on many of their trade-ins in that small door dents are removed and lenses are restored to original via buffing agents. Have any of you tried buffing lenses with a light rubbing compound followed with a polishing agent?
I have a 2001 E 320 and a 2002 Lexus ES300. The Lexus is more quiet on the road and freeway. I prefer the E 320 increased road feel over the Lexus but that is a matter of opinion. Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus all drive and feel different. YOU SHOULD TEST DRIVE EACH AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. Some things I have noticed with my cars you may want to consider: the Mercedes Transmission with electronic manual shifting is reason alone to buy the car!! Lexus does not have it! Lexus ride, seat comfort, and quietness are better than the Mercedes. I finally prefer the rear drive of the Mercedes. Test and let us all know what you decide.
Does anyone know if the new 2003 E Series will have the ABC suspension that is now optional on the S Class and standard on the CL AMG ?
Where to buy Mobil1 0W40? The local dealership here in Washington state said they have not even seen 0W40 oil yet it is only available on paper. I live on west coast in Washington state. There are no Mobil stations here. I have also called 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES and they said they do not know where to get it from. I have also tried stores like NAPA, Schucks...
Mercedes recommends 0W40 for E430 so could someone please tell me if they know where to buy Mobil 0W40 synthetic oil from?
At my dealer's recommendation, I used Mobil1 0W30 when I changed the oil myself in my 01 E430. It is readily available. I bought it at Pep Boys. If you scroll up through recent posts, though, you will come across a mail-order site for Mobil1 0W40.
You will need to purchase the oil filter wrench and filter from the Mercedes dealer. Someone also recommended a new spring washer for the drain plug.
The procedure for changing the oil can be found at http://www.mercedesshop.com/diy_oil_change2.htm Although it recommends syphoning out the old oil with a "Topsider", I just drained it from the oil plug, which is accessible by removing a plastic shroud under the car. I didn't jack up the car, just crawled under it.
If you go to http://shopping.yahoo.com/ and key in "mobil 1 0W-40" in the search box, and then execute the search, you will find a link to "Park Place <something>" (so far I have seen "Park Place Motors", "Park Place Mercedes" and "Park Place Porsche"). They sell Mobil 1 0W-40 online, I bought a batch from them and am quite satisfied with their service.
I test drove the E320 yesterday. I must conclude that this car has the best driving feel. The responsiveness of the car is good, road feel is amply perceivable; not too sporty nor too luxurious - very balanced drive feel. I have a Volvo 98 Turbo model with 235 BHP (E320 has 215 BHP) and I felt that MB utilizes the power more efficiently that is available to it. I have a friend who owns a BMW 540 which I drove today (incidentally he is planning to sell it as he took delivery of his CLK 320 which I believe shares the same engine as its brother E320). He liked the BMW too, I thought it drove good too. I think the wind noise is noticeable in E320 and might be a tad more than MB S430 (which I have test driven too) and Lexus GS300/LS430. I have not test driven the GS400 or LX430, I am wondering I need to! I think I will not go wrong with either a MB320/GS400/BMW 5-Series. But purely on a gut feel and personal bias, I feel that E320 is the car for me.
Well! I looked at the myriad of options available, and geez it took me a while to decide which options are more neccessary than others. I have not heard great things about the MB COMMAND (I already have a GPS Navigator on my wife's Honda Odyssey Van, which is very easy to use and useful, One DVD covers entire USA). So I opt not going for it though I like the a GPS in my car. Any comments/advice appreciated. Hands off, Phone system might be a good for safety but I read stats that people cause accidents more because they are eating in the car while driving than on talking on the cellular phone. naahh... Sports wheel, xenon lights etc... not for E320 maybe for E430 or AMG55. I thought the Options that they have included in the Special Edition 2002 which is the similar as the E2 package (i.e. Bose/Rain Sensor/SunRf) should be optimum. Any comments/advice on options welcome.
Of-course I am aware of the 2003 E-Class that is due in the show rooms as early as April,02. I have seen the photographs and love it too. But I will never again do the same mistake twice (Volvo V70, was redesigned in 1998 when I bought it), I will let the bugs and kinks be ironed out for couple of years before I touch it. I am sure that E320 has no recalls and entirely bug-free. Let me know if I am wrong here.
Now the big question, how much am I expected to fork out for Special Edition 2002 E320. Of-course like any other good consumer, I would like a bang for my buck. Based on my buying research, I have a few questions on this ... * Is the dealer incentive of $1,500 good on the Special Edition too? * Some owners on this board have got the car lesser than Invoice price, is this a myth or real? * Which dealers (some say So LA) are willing to negotiate, and is it worth getting a car out of CA state, if I do is paperwork a hassle and do I save in taxes etc.
Geez! there is a lot I have asked, but you know what, this board has got some great savy MB owners (no meant as flattery), so I want to pick their brains.
Dzi, the way I get to get the CD sound off while using the navigation is to switch to the radio and turn the radio sound down. The navigation and radio/CD sound levels can be set separately.
In the MBUSA Starmark database, there are 1999 and 2000 E320s with low mileage (4000 to 10,000 miles) vehicles in the 40K price range.
Just curious to know why some '99s would have very low mileage - Considering that 10-12 miles is the norm. Is this anything to be suspicious of - does it matter since the cars do come with the Starmark warranty?
I have the COMAND system in my '01 E-430. I have seen press reports that are somewhat negative about it, all regarding the complexity and number of features available. Frankly, once I had the car and read the manual, I came to appreciate the features and have no problem using it.
COMAND has one major drawback - it is CD-based. One CD comes free with the vehicle, and additional CDs cost about $100 ea. They appear to be good for two years. There are nine CDs for the US and two for Canada. The system cannot cross regions, as removing a CD wipes out the memory for that particular region. Thus, you cannot plan a cross-country trip because your destination will be out of the mapped area. You can, however, insert the destination CD and it will begin operating as soon as you enter its region. This in itself is not a major problem, as we usually know the major interstates we will take, but the system will not be able to indicate total trip data (ETA, distance to destination, etc.) The CDs also do not appear to have much of an overlap, so that if you are near a border between regions, you will need to obtain the second region's CD and swap it out. In practice, it is not too inconvenient, but one DVD of the whole country is definitely the way to go.
If you can get past the aforementioned drawback, it is a great system, and one article rated it the best. It not only works by GPS, but also calculates the car's position when GPS is unavailable, such as in tunnels, etc. In my driveway it reads "off road" but 10 ft. away, on the street, it reports the street name. Commands are by voice (we call her Marilyn, as in Monroe, because she sounds kinda sexy), by display on the CRT and by a display on the dashboard, as you like. It so far has known all the roads, one-way streets, ramps, and even complicated situations, such as two lanes exiting and then splitting at the exit. It reports all sorts of information, including distance, ETA, the direction, and route. Marilyn doesn't get mad if I fail to follow her directions, she just recalculates a new route (which may involve turning around). It is a strange, but comforting feeling following the commands, being totally lost until I hear Marilyn say: "You have arrived at your destination", just as I see the building I had programmed in. The system also has a "detour" button that will find another route if the road ahead is blocked. That feature alone saved me on my last trip.
The CRT display is also integrated with the cellular phone, CD player and radio, and if you buy the service (I didn't) Internet updates.
In summary, it is a great system, but does have its limitations. Its major benefit is that you won't ever get lost. You'll have to make your own judgement, though, as to its value.
here are some highlights to the new E class plus a neat link:
Technical innovations standard/optional
Active seat ventilation: Mini-ventilators allow air to flow through the seat interior. optional in conjunction with leather upholstery
Adaptive accelerator pedal: The engine characteristics are adapted to the personal driving style. standard in all petrol
models
Adaptive front airbags with two-stage gas generators: Driver and front passenger airbags inflate according to accident severity. standard
Air control system: A microprocessor closes the lower air intake depending on the driving situation, improving the Cdvalue. standard in models E 240 and E 320
AIRMATIC DC: The enhanced air suspension now adjusts the springing and damping according to the driving situation. optional/standard in the E 500
Auxiliary ventilation: Solar cells in the roof supply the power to drive the ventilation fan of the automatic climate control system, cooling the interior when the saloon is parked. optional in conjunction with panoramic sliding sunroof
Belt force limiters: During a crash this system reduces the forces exerted on the occupants by the seat belts. For the first time belt force limiters with adaptive control are fitted for front seat occupants. standard, on the outer seats in the rear
Belt tensioners: Any slack in the seat belt is instantly taken up during a crash. standard, on the outer seats in the rear
Bi-xenon headlamps: Powerful gas discharge lamps for dipped and high beam improve safety at night. optional/standard for AVANTGARDE
"Bluetoooth" telephone: Fixed telephone installation allows cable-free telephoning in the interior of the new E-Class. optional
Child seat recognition: A transponder system automatically detects whether a rear-facing child seat is installed, in which case it deactivates the front passenger airbag. standard
COMAND APS: The system integrates radio, DVD player, TV unit, navigation system and telephone operation. optional
Crash boxes: Energy-absorbing elements in the front end can be inexpensively replaced after a minor collision. standard
DISTRONIC: Intelligent cruise control keeps the E-Class at the right distance and eases the driver's workload. optional
Dynamic multicontour seat: The backrest contours automatically adapt to the driving situation. optional
Easy Entry: When getting out, the steering wheel automatically moves upwards and the seat moves to the rear to allow the driver more freedom of movement. optional
E-mail: E-mails appear on the Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS display if a telephone is installed. optional
ESP®: This dynamic safety system reduces the risk of skidding. standard
Four-link front suspension: A new design improves wheel location, comfort, directional stability and steering precision. standard
Four-zone THERMOTRONIC: This newly developed system enables the temperature and airflow to be individually controlled for each of the four seats. optional
Headlamp Assist: A sensor on the windscreen detects when darkness falls and automatically switches the vehicle lights on. standard
Heated steering wheel: Heating wires warm the rim of the steering wheel. optional
Heater booster: An electric heater booster ensures a comfortable temperature. standard in the CDI models
HP bulbs: New "High Performance" bulbs last the entire life of the vehicle. standard
Infra-red reflection: The windows reflect the infra-red component in sunlight, thereby improving climatic comfort. optional
Integral child seats: The child booster seats emerge from the rear seat unit at the touch of a button. optional
KEYLESS-GO: The doors and boot lid may be opened without the use of a key. optional
Key-operated memory function: The seat and mirror positions as well as the settings for four-zone THERMOTRONIC are stored in the microchip of the electronic ignition key. optional
Lightweight construction: The bonnet, front wings, boot lid, front-end/rear-end modules and parcel shelf are of aluminium. standard
LINGUATRONIC: The radio, CD player, telephone and now also the navigation system can be voice-controlled. optional with Audio 50 APS or COMAND APS
Multifunction steering wheel: The radio, telephone, navigation system and other units can be operated from the steering wheel. standard
Panoramic sliding sunroof: The glass roof extends from the windscreen to the rear end. optional
Rain sensor: The windscreen wiper is now variably controlled according to rain intensity. standard
Sensotronic Brake Control: This electrohydraulic system improves safety when braking in an emergency. standard
Short Message Service: SMS messages are shown on the display of the Audio 50 APS unit and COMAND system if a telephone/mobile phone is connected. optional
Sidebags: Air cushions along the sides reduce the risk of injury during a lateral impact. standard for driver's and front passenger seats
Sound system: A new multi-channel system provides surround-sound on every seat. optional with Audio 50 APS or COMAND APS
TELEAID: An SOS message is automatically sent and relayed to a service centre in the event of an accident. optional in conjunction with fixed telephone installation
TELEDIAGNOSIS: Important data for breakdown assistance are relayed to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center at the touch of a button. optional
(TELEAID is a technical requirement)
THERMATIC automatic climate control: The system operates with a humidity sensor and infinitely variable compressor. standard
Tunnel closing: Pressing the air recirculation button closes all open windows and the sliding sunroof when entering a tunnel or underground car park. standard
Tyre pressure monitoring: The air pressure of the tyres is automatically monitored. optional
Underbody panelling: Large plastic panels replace the previous, environmentally questionable PVC anti-corrosion protection. standard
Upfront sensors:
Crash sensors in the front end enable the restraint systems to be activated as the situation requires.
standard
Weight classification: A measuring membrane in the seat registers the weight of the front passenger and uses these data to activate the airbag according to the relevant crash situation. standard
Windowbags: The large air cushion extends from the A-pillar to the C-pillar like a curtain during a crash, reducing the risk of head injuries. standard
By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.
Comments
M
This seat is standard on the E-55 and it should be standard on the E430 with sport package, but like Porsche, M-B has decided to charge extra.
The multicontour seat affords excellent lumbar support and lateral bolsters are adjustable.
I enjoy sitting in my M-B seat with the heater on high and the lumbar support in good position.
If you have any type of low back problem or plan on driving long distances consider the multicontour seat.
Thanks.
Cosco had Trico Teflon Blades and insert for $16.00. What a difference. The original Boxster blade was loud and sqeeky. The new blades clean better and our silent.
Was thinking of trying it with the Benz but my service B comes up next month so, I figured take the free refill.
Tricoproducts.com - Wiper Blades
Teflon Blade Blade - Front 15-240 this should be the E320 blade probably 24 inches. They have a fit guide at the store.
With the new body style on the way could you give me an idea of what type of discount would be appropriate for this car (if purchased off the lot/not ordered) given the fact that MB is including $3000 of options for free.
I am in Colorado.
I’m about to purchase my first Benz so I am new to the experience. I have a few questions for you current owners and if you would be kind enough to reply I would greatly appreciate it!
First, what is the service like? How does it compare to Lexus for any of you who may know? What is the service cost like, if any? What has your experience been like? In your opinion, is it worth the cost, or is it overpriced?
The car comes with 4yr/50k free maintenance schedule. During the first 3 months of ownership, our car had bad fuel sensor, faulty lamps, and out of balance tire, all taken care of by the dealer. My dealer tries really hard to achieve customer satisfaction (I believe all MBZ dealers do), and the service from this dealer has been wonderful. The only out of pocket cost so far is the oil change at 3k, which is not covered by the maintenance schedule.
The E320 costs about twice the average sedan, but if you plan to own it for a long time like we do, then the cost really isn't much of an issue.
I thought it was just a sensor but they replaced the front pads and sensors. All covered by warranty, but this seems like very little mileage. I usually got 25,000 on a front pad set on my 95 320E. Could it be that you have to replace the pads when you replace the sensors? Anyone have any ideas or similar experience?
Unlike some dealers my M-B service department is easy to work with and very polite. I will be able to compare them with my local BMW dealer in two months when my 330 Convertible 5-speed arrives.
As for Lexus, some owners love their dealers and others have less than kind things to say about them. My gut feeling is if the dealership is well run then anyone buying a $50,000 plus auto will be treated with respect, courtesy and professionalism. BMW, M-B, and Lexus all fit this category. So, go check out your local dealer
and make sure the service department is well-run.
My dealer replaced my wiper for free. I am sure they will do it again but what's the point?
I need a better blade not just a new one.
Jean
thx.
The only issues I had covered under warranty is sterring wheel "moan" during turning. This was fixed by lube, via MBZ dealer.
Also the power motor which adjusts the steering wheel was too slow, and was replaced.
I also had a minor leak of the AC Freion, all replaced under warrnanty.
I take it in for service every 10,000 miles, and the last service with synthethic oil was only $108.00.
I love the car, and appreciate the safety features and comfort of the E320. Not to mention the resale is very good.!!!
Thanks, JEFF
Jean
MXV4 tires are at 23k miles with perhaps 2-3k more miles to go. I am okay with the ride
of the MXV4 but thought the road noise and mileage were poor. What really concern
me is that I had MXV4's on my Acura legend and Acura 2.2 and got around 45k miles
on those two vehicles (strange).
MBEC
I have rotated at about 10,000 miles and have run at higher tire pressures. I like 30/32 front/rear pressures. The handling is a little crisper with little sacrifice in ride.
The return trip was not as pleasant. A heavy snowstorm came through. The highway had a good 4 in. of snow on it, was slippery and included curves and steep grades. I set the S-W switch to W. I saw a 3-series BMW hit the side of the mountain, one SUV on its side and another one on its back (I couldn't tell the model, but I hope it wasn't a Jeep, like mine). The 4-Matic was very composed. Lane changes over the center ridge of snow were stable. The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) had a field day, with the yellow warning light engaging often and straightening out the car as soon as I could feel the onset of a skid. Downhills were accomplished by selecting a lower gear and letting the AWD hold the car at a reasonable speed. I had to climb a steep grade to enter a gas station and could feel all four tires pulling and spinning, but I made it to the top. I passed many cars that could not climb the icy roads and were spinning out, including a Camry.
I have read the debates regarding the effectiveness of 4-wheel drive and/or snow tires. Having experienced the car in snow, I am convinced it was an outstanding benefit. (In fact, I haven't seen any owners of 4WD vehicles claim the 2WD is just as good). I know the car would have been even more stable with snow tires instead of my all-season Pirellis, but for the few snow storms a year I encounter, it does not seem worth the expense or hassle.
The rain sensor worked well in the snow. In fact, it seems to be more sensitive to snow than rain. The Cyclops wiper kept the windshield clean, and the heated windshield washer solution kept the headlights and windshield clear. The Xenons worked fine in the snow, but I put on the brights at every opportunity because with them I could see further down the road.
I had to disengage the Parktronic system because snow and ice on the front bumper energized the proximity alarm.
One lesson learned, though... during the next snowstorm, when you are exhilarated with your car, resist the temptation to open the moonroof, because it might be covered with snow and dump it on you!
Anyhow, the combination of AWD, ESP and snows was like driving a tank in the snow. It may even surpass my wife's Subaru, though the experience is really different. With the Subaru you just basically floor it and plow through the snow...you get to play a little but you're actually quite safe. The 4Matic, you floor it, it detects loss of grip and you just sort of ease on out under total control. I'm tempted to turn off ESP to see if it's as fun as the Subaru.
AWD vs RWD+Traction Control. Maybe south of the mason dixon line, but up here...forget about it. Anybody that says otherwise is fooling themselves.
All seasons vs snows. For straight snow, all seasons will suffice though the treads aren't self cleaning so you'll never get the grip of a snow. Throw ice/icing into the mix and you can't compare. The compounds in the modern snow tires are great for icy conditions. And I'm not just talking about driving at speed. We have a down-hill slope out of work here that tends to ice up. Friends X5 (with touring radials) actually couldn't stop on it. ABS slowed us to the point where it thought we were stopped but we kept creeping down the hill...it was like slow motion. 4Matic with snows came to a complete stop.
Problem is, not everybody up here realizes that snows make a difference. Got rear ended last night while sitting at a red light by an Accord with all seasons that couldn't stop in time (then again, a little COMMON SENSE and she would have missed me too). Just a tap w/scratches on the bumper. I can only guess what that will cost to fix. Bummer.
Enjoy,
BigRob.
I heard from a friend (who owns a E320, 1999) that
he sat in a BMW 545 and the interior wind noise
was much quieter and so was the Lexus GS400.
Is the wind noise in the E320 comparitively more
that other comparitive models? Is this a feature
for being more sporty or a fact?
I am a first time owner of a MB. After Christmas, my wife and I seriously shopped for newer Toyota Camry's (6 cyl models) and ended up with the E320 (purchased at a Toyota used car lot). It was the best bang for the buck we could find, I hope. The car was garage kept and the owner left all the service receipts in the trunk. We even called the owner and grilled him with questions. The car was near show room perfect. No body repair of any kind. 84,500 miles. Dealer asked $18990. Offered $14,000 and ended up getting it for $14,500 (no trade or dp) after all the dickering. There is an advantage to shopping just after Christmas when they need to reduce inventory.
Had to put new tires all the way around and replace one stoplight bulb. I think I got a good deal???
Have put about 600 miles on it in two weeks and couldn't be more pleased with the ride, noise level, seating comfort. However, I experienced a problem with the windows fogging on the inside during a very humid and chilly condition. Anyone else run into this problem and what is the correction?
Also, after having purchased the car, I am concerned about the possibility of having to have the head gasket changed at some point. Have read that it is not uncommon for the gasket to fail and oil leaking out of and/or into the engine. Is this a weak point?
My 300E requires minimal services, still running well at 125k. I replaced steering joint at 80k, installed new sparkplug wires, and changed starter at 120k.
You don't have to change the gasket unless you have terrible oil consumption and leakage.
Up here in NH you see it all the time in the cooler months. People who don't realize what happens when the system is in recirculate mode put it there thinking the car will warm up faster. Seeing people driving around with vehicles that are completely fogged up looking thru little holes they've rubbed clear...you can only scratch your head.
Otherwise you've got some other source of moisture getting into the passenger cabin.
Good luck,
BigRob.
I have a silver 01' E 430 that now has 16.5k miles.
The oem tires were the goodyear f1's which in my opinion is a great tire, but is too much tire for the car. It ran great in agressive but for the most part I found it very noisy. With no all season capacity I lucked out last winter, but needed to to change in the face of bad weather.
I have the 17' rims. I replaced with yokohama avs db's which is an ultra performance all season tire. I notice no difference in cornering, yet the tire is remarkable in its comfort and its claim for being quiet. I expect better miliage and should last alot longer. The F1's were never a consideration for replacement as they are very expensive and not multitask. Some whom have tweaked the suspension for performance and not be bothered by the noise would love the goodyear.
The yoko were reasonable in cost as local dealer matched tire rack cost. I bought the car for its balance of comfort and performance, and these tires better fit my description. They also look great with an agressive pattern and attractive sidewalls.
The mich's are very good but they can be alittle noisy. Also they were priced about 50% higher.
Tire rack is an excellent place to read comments and review regarding these choices.
In all I have had not issues with the vehicle and enjoy it.
M
Does anyone know if the new 2003 E Series will have the ABC suspension that is now optional on the S Class and standard on the CL AMG ?
I live on west coast in Washington state. There are no Mobil stations here. I have also called 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES and they said they do not know where to get it from. I have also tried stores like NAPA, Schucks...
Mercedes recommends 0W40 for E430 so could someone please tell me if they know where to buy Mobil 0W40 synthetic oil from?
Thanks,
Victor
You will need to purchase the oil filter wrench and filter from the Mercedes dealer. Someone also recommended a new spring washer for the drain plug.
The procedure for changing the oil can be found at http://www.mercedesshop.com/diy_oil_change2.htm
Although it recommends syphoning out the old oil with a "Topsider", I just drained it from the oil plug, which is accessible by removing a plastic shroud under the car. I didn't jack up the car, just crawled under it.
Try a Porsche dealer.
Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Am looking for the best price.
Regards
Victor
I think I will not go wrong with either a MB320/GS400/BMW 5-Series. But purely on a gut feel and personal bias, I feel that E320 is the car for me.
Well! I looked at the myriad of options available, and geez it took me a while to decide which options are more neccessary than others.
I have not heard great things about the MB COMMAND (I already have a GPS Navigator on my wife's Honda Odyssey Van, which is very easy to use and useful, One DVD covers entire USA). So I opt not going for it though I like the a GPS in my car. Any comments/advice appreciated.
Hands off, Phone system might be a good for safety but I read stats that people cause accidents more because they are eating in the car while driving than on talking on the cellular phone. naahh...
Sports wheel, xenon lights etc... not for E320 maybe for E430 or AMG55.
I thought the Options that they have included in the Special Edition 2002 which is the similar as the E2 package (i.e. Bose/Rain Sensor/SunRf) should be optimum.
Any comments/advice on options welcome.
Of-course I am aware of the 2003 E-Class that is due in the show rooms as early as April,02. I have seen the photographs and love it too. But I will never again do the same mistake twice (Volvo V70, was redesigned in 1998 when I bought it), I will let the bugs and kinks be ironed out for couple of years before I touch it. I am sure that E320 has no recalls and entirely bug-free. Let me know if I am wrong here.
Now the big question, how much am I expected to fork out for Special Edition 2002 E320. Of-course like any other good consumer, I would like a bang for my buck. Based on my buying research, I have a few questions on this ...
* Is the dealer incentive of $1,500 good on the Special Edition too?
* Some owners on this board have got the car lesser than Invoice price, is this a myth or real?
* Which dealers (some say So LA) are willing to negotiate, and is it worth getting a car out of CA state, if I do is paperwork a hassle and do I save in taxes etc.
Geez! there is a lot I have asked, but you know what, this board has got some great savy MB owners (no meant as flattery), so I want to pick their brains.
Thanks in advance.
- yogi
Jack
Just curious to know why some '99s would have very low mileage - Considering that 10-12 miles is the norm. Is this anything to be suspicious of - does it matter since the cars do come with the Starmark warranty?
Any quick opinions?
Thanks,
Ed
COMAND has one major drawback - it is CD-based. One CD comes free with the vehicle, and additional CDs cost about $100 ea. They appear to be good for two years. There are nine CDs for the US and two for Canada. The system cannot cross regions, as removing a CD wipes out the memory for that particular region. Thus, you cannot plan a cross-country trip because your destination will be out of the mapped area. You can, however, insert the destination CD and it will begin operating as soon as you enter its region. This in itself is not a major problem, as we usually know the major interstates we will take, but the system will not be able to indicate total trip data (ETA, distance to destination, etc.) The CDs also do not appear to have much of an overlap, so that if you are near a border between regions, you will need to obtain the second region's CD and swap it out. In practice, it is not too inconvenient, but one DVD of the whole country is definitely the way to go.
If you can get past the aforementioned drawback, it is a great system, and one article rated it the best. It not only works by GPS, but also calculates the car's position when GPS is unavailable, such as in tunnels, etc. In my driveway it reads "off road" but 10 ft. away, on the street, it reports the street name. Commands are by voice (we call her Marilyn, as in Monroe, because she sounds kinda sexy), by display on the CRT and by a display on the dashboard, as you like. It so far has known all the roads, one-way streets, ramps, and even complicated situations, such as two lanes exiting and then splitting at the exit. It reports all sorts of information, including distance, ETA, the direction, and route. Marilyn doesn't get mad if I fail to follow her directions, she just recalculates a new route (which may involve turning around). It is a strange, but comforting feeling following the commands, being totally lost until I hear Marilyn say: "You have arrived at your destination", just as I see the building I had programmed in. The system also has a "detour" button that will find another route if the road ahead is blocked. That feature alone saved me on my last trip.
The CRT display is also integrated with the cellular phone, CD player and radio, and if you buy the service (I didn't) Internet updates.
In summary, it is a great system, but does have its limitations. Its major benefit is that you won't ever get lost. You'll have to make your own judgement, though, as to its value.
If I'm not mistaken, that last picture of yours shows a 6-Speed manual.
Q: What are the chances of the U.S. market being blessed with a new E-Class where you get to stir your own gears?
A: Slim and none! :-(
Best Regards,
Shipo
Technical innovations standard/optional
Active seat ventilation: Mini-ventilators allow air to flow through the seat interior. optional in conjunction with leather upholstery
Adaptive accelerator pedal: The engine characteristics are adapted to the personal driving style. standard in all petrol
models
Adaptive front airbags with two-stage gas generators: Driver and front passenger airbags inflate according to accident severity. standard
Air control system: A microprocessor closes the lower air intake depending on the driving situation, improving the Cdvalue. standard in models E 240 and E 320
AIRMATIC DC: The enhanced air suspension now adjusts the springing and damping according to the driving situation. optional/standard in the E 500
Auxiliary ventilation: Solar cells in the roof supply the power to drive the ventilation fan of the automatic climate control system, cooling the interior when the saloon is parked. optional in conjunction with panoramic sliding sunroof
Belt force limiters: During a crash this system reduces the forces exerted on the occupants by the seat belts. For the first time belt force limiters with adaptive control are fitted for front seat occupants. standard, on the outer seats in the rear
Belt tensioners: Any slack in the seat belt is instantly taken up during a crash. standard, on the outer seats in the rear
Bi-xenon headlamps: Powerful gas discharge lamps for dipped and high beam improve safety at night. optional/standard for AVANTGARDE
"Bluetoooth" telephone: Fixed telephone installation allows cable-free telephoning in the interior of the new E-Class. optional
Child seat recognition: A transponder system automatically detects whether a rear-facing child seat is installed, in which case it deactivates the front passenger airbag. standard
COMAND APS: The system integrates radio, DVD player, TV unit, navigation system and telephone operation. optional
Crash boxes: Energy-absorbing elements in the front end can be inexpensively replaced after a minor collision. standard
DISTRONIC: Intelligent cruise control keeps the E-Class at the right distance and eases the driver's workload. optional
Dynamic multicontour seat: The backrest contours automatically adapt to the driving situation. optional
Easy Entry: When getting out, the steering wheel automatically moves upwards and the seat moves to the rear to allow the driver more freedom of movement. optional
E-mail: E-mails appear on the Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS display if a telephone is installed. optional
ESP®: This dynamic safety system reduces the risk of skidding. standard
Four-link front suspension: A new design improves wheel location, comfort, directional stability and steering precision. standard
Four-zone THERMOTRONIC: This newly developed system enables the temperature and airflow to be individually controlled for each of the four seats. optional
Headlamp Assist: A sensor on the windscreen detects when darkness falls and automatically switches the vehicle lights on. standard
Heated steering wheel: Heating wires warm the rim of the steering wheel. optional
Heater booster: An electric heater booster ensures a comfortable temperature. standard in the CDI models
HP bulbs: New "High Performance" bulbs last the entire life of the vehicle. standard
Infra-red reflection: The windows reflect the infra-red component in sunlight, thereby improving climatic comfort. optional
Integral child seats: The child booster seats emerge from the rear seat unit at the touch of a button. optional
KEYLESS-GO: The doors and boot lid may be opened without the use of a key. optional
Key-operated memory function: The seat and mirror positions as well as the settings for four-zone THERMOTRONIC are stored in the microchip of the electronic ignition key. optional
Lightweight construction: The bonnet, front wings, boot lid, front-end/rear-end modules and parcel shelf are of aluminium. standard
LINGUATRONIC: The radio, CD player, telephone and now also the navigation system can be voice-controlled. optional with Audio 50 APS or COMAND APS
Multifunction steering wheel: The radio, telephone, navigation system and other units can be operated from the steering wheel. standard
Panoramic sliding sunroof: The glass roof extends from the windscreen to the rear end. optional
Rain sensor: The windscreen wiper is now variably controlled according to rain intensity. standard
Sensotronic Brake Control: This electrohydraulic system improves safety when braking in an emergency. standard
Short Message Service: SMS messages are shown on the display of the Audio 50 APS unit and COMAND system if a telephone/mobile phone is connected. optional
Sidebags: Air cushions along the sides reduce the risk of injury during a lateral impact. standard for driver's and front passenger seats
Sound system: A new multi-channel system provides surround-sound on every seat. optional with Audio 50 APS or COMAND APS
TELEAID: An SOS message is automatically sent and relayed to a service centre in the event of an accident. optional in conjunction with fixed telephone installation
TELEDIAGNOSIS: Important data for breakdown assistance are relayed to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center at the touch of a button. optional
(TELEAID is a technical requirement)
THERMATIC automatic climate control: The system operates with a humidity sensor and infinitely variable compressor. standard
Tunnel closing: Pressing the air recirculation button closes all open windows and the sliding sunroof when entering a tunnel or underground car park. standard
Tyre pressure monitoring: The air pressure of the tyres is automatically monitored. optional
Underbody panelling: Large plastic panels replace the previous, environmentally questionable PVC anti-corrosion protection. standard
Upfront sensors:
Crash sensors in the front end enable the restraint systems to be activated as the situation requires.
standard
Weight classification: A measuring membrane in the seat registers the weight of the front passenger and uses these data to activate the airbag according to the relevant crash situation. standard
Windowbags: The large air cushion extends from the A-pillar to the C-pillar like a curtain during a crash, reducing the risk of head injuries. standard
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/index_e.htm?/specials/e_klasse_w211/eklasse_1_e.htm