Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans

jparrott

Pcasino and Habitat1:

Would that it were so simple to turn the car back in as a lemon. I discussed this with the service manager and basically I'm out of luck on that. It has to be still in warranty, 60 days out of service for the same problem, original owner, etc.

I got the car from Bavarian Motorsports in Kennet Square, PA. Not all cars from actions are bad, but all bad cars come from auctions. This car has a mysterious past. It has had some minor front end repair, superficial, though it needed some paint apparently. Even the Mercedes dealer said it was an exxcllent job. Nothing shows up on the backgound check on the car.

The service manager at HBL of Tysons has taken this on as a personal challenge. The problem began while still under warranty and has never been solved, so they are still doing it under "goodwill". I couldn't ask for better support and more determination than I'm getting from HBL.

It seems to be my only option-solve the mystery. The tech people at Mercedes are involved as well as the HBL people. Maybe they will cure it.

mjsjas

I have a 97 E320. I have been offered a set of used but in good condition AMG 17x7 and 17x8 wheels for $600. What tires would anyone recommend? Any thoughts?

bud24

thanks w210. I'll have the dealer do it on my next (hopefully scheduled) service.

cmayer

Do you need all-season tires or are you looking for high-performance tires? I'd guess the latter with the staggered wheels, but one never knows.

Decide, then check the ratings, comments, reviews and prices at www.tirerack.com.

Once you're down to two or three choices,post again - you're sure to get some opinions here.

cmayer

Chances are pretty good that you'll get what you need at Radio Shack. Just take your key in and let them replace it for you. Keep the old battery just in case, then throw it away when you're sure the new one works.

jason64

Thank you both cmayer and bigrobnh. Went to Radio Shack and paid $2.79 each (it takes two). Followed the owner's manual and Varla, the battery compartment slides right out. I have to say that the key packaging engineer did a good job with the battery compartment design, the material, fit and finish is all first class. It's amazing how much attention MB spends on details like this.

rbrenton88

alexalee1

Just noticed that the new E-class move the front side airbags attachment from the front doors to the front seats.

The rear side airbags are still attached to the rear doors though.

magnetophone

http://www.autonewseurope.com/stories325/diesels325.htm

isn't this great? I am a 190E owner and personally wish Mercedes would go back to offering a wide range of diesels here. The old-school 300D is one of the most durable and beloved Mercedes models around.

What do you guys think?

john01

hmm.... I thought it was not only the perception problem they mentioned but also the high sulfur content in the diesel that caused problems in the engines themselves. I drove diesels in Europe and although theor take offs are nothing to write home about, the huge torque can get you really moving.

magnetophone

It depends on the engine. An ultra-low-emissions, common-rail, variable geometry turbodiesel of the latest generation, such as the PD150 from Volkswagen, requires low-sulfur diesel.

However, I believe most of Mercedes' diesels are last-generation and don't require such a refined product.

Diesel technology has come around so much in just the past 3 years. I have driven a diesel Peugeot in Europe and I can say that they're definitely preferable to their counterparts in many ways. No more glow plugs, oodles of torque, etc. etc.

the E270 is a 2.7 inline-five turbodiesel with 170hp and 280lb-ft of torque. I think for 03 they're uprating the hp to 180hp. That would put the 0-60 around 9 seconds for the new E-class. It doesn't sound fast, but if you're on the freeway and need to pass, there's no doubt that the 30-70 numbers are much better than even the E320.

cce182

To: bigrobnh, jason64, cmayer, rbrenton88

A CR2025 is a standard "coin" lithium 3v battery made by many different manufacturers, and are available everywhere. In fact, the sizing is in the part number. A CR2025 is 20mm in diameter, and 2.5mm thick. It's other family members are a CR2016, CR2032. In all likelihood, you own several other devices that use these batteries, e.g. the clock/CMOS battery in your PC. They're about as "standard" as AAA, AA, A, C, and D batteries. RadioShack, virtually any camera store, etc. carry them. Fresh ones will measure about 3.25 volts with a voltmeter - - if they get much below 2.8 volts, it's time to replace them even if your remote is still working. They should be good for several years.

The Remote/Key for my 2000 E-class has TWO of the CR2025 batteries - made by Panasonic, not Varta. Varta is a European battery maker.

The owner's manual for my car had instructions for battery replacement. MB "expects" that the owner should change the battery! If you're all thumbs or nervous about working on such things, take your store-bought batteries to your MB salesman (not the shop), and I'll bet he'd do it for you just to make you happy. It takes about 2 minutes.

jason64----------

I, too, had trouble with the key one day (engine would crank and light, then stop immediately). Tele-Aid suggested wiping off the red window on the key, and that fixed the problem. I suppose if you carry something into the ignition key slot with a dirty key, you could even clean the keyslot out with a Q-Tip (there's a little red IR window in the keyslot to "look at" the key when you insert it into the keyslot).

The key uses BOTH RF and IR. While remote locking can be done with just the RF (key not pointed at the car), the "all windows closed" function WILL NOT work unless you point the IR window at the corresponding window in the door handle, and hold the button down during the entire sequence. This is presumably to keep you from inadvertently shutting a window on something you don't want to (the neck of your dog or kid, say). Try it!

Another interesting experiment is to open a window, push the express-up function on that window, and then try to hold the window from closing using your hand. If significant resistance is felt, the window should go in reverse and open again. Don't put your hand at risk (in case it doesn't work on your car), but I think this function is what makes MB feel safe in installing express-up on all 4 windows.

frank09

jparrrott....I had this exact same problem w/my wife's BMW 5 series. Haven't looked at my 98 e320 to see if the components are the same (it's 10:30pm). The culprit was the electronic idle sw , which was located on the bottom side of the
FI air flap. A very small oil leak, which got into the sw housing, caused false readings to the FI computer resulting in the light and VERY
rough engine. I opened the unit, cleaned out all the oil (not much) and sealed the housing edges w/silicone sealer and problem solved. Hope this helps.

jean7of9

She is parked near my 99 E320W. My neighbor took delivery yesterday (SL#5 in Canada) and had to drive it under our heaviest snow storm this winter. The MB salesman who was expediting its delivery lacked the courtesy to keep it for couple days until the streets are clear. It was un-recognizable under a layer of calcium chloride, salt and slush. She had to be washed instantly indoor. She is beautiful, much impressive than all the photos I have seen and the lines are less aggressive than commercials. The inside Napa oyster, pleasing to the eye and mind, the electro-fluorescent gauges are more impressive than the S class. Once you see those special powerful HID lights you will recognize it any time anywhere day or night. My only reservation goes to the expensive AMG wheels which do not look expensive nor impressive for their price. Can't wait to test it under a sunny day, our sun is still shy, very shy.
Jean

jparrott

frank09

Wonderful! I will check this out. So many times it is something really simple, but the trick is in finding it. I really appreciate your post!

Speaking of simple fixes that can drive you crazy, it reminded me of when I bought a new burgundy and white '73 Tbird. I was somebody with those big white leather seats. The automatic temperature control started to go crazy one day. It would go wild in either the hot or cold direction and just had a mind of its own, especially driving over bumps.

After several unsuccessful trips to the dealer, I happened to be detailing the dash from the passenger side with the door open. The afternoon sun was over my right shoulder, and the sun angle was such that it perfectly beamed into two slots on the front of the dash. It turned out that inside was the bimetal temperature sensor. There in one of the slots was a shiny copper penny! I asked my three year old son, "Did you put a penny in there?" "Yes", he replied, like it was just the natural, correct thing to do. I couldn't help but laugh...

dudleyr

The diesel engine sounds awesome. Now if they would give us a manual tranny, like every other country in the world (almost) gets, we could get more performance, better fuel economy, and have more fun.

magnetophone

I'm not sure why they won't import the 320D instead of the 270D. The 270D might be considered a wee bit slow for American standards at that price point.

I know that the 320 diesel can get up to 60 in like 8.4 seconds, which is respectable.

dudleyr

For me there isn't too much diff between 9.0 vs 8.4 0-60, but I don't drag race my car so what do I know. I am more concerned about passing power etc. I think the 270 does fine in that dept. I would also prefer the better fuel mileage, range, and lighter weight of the smaller engine. Also I think the 270 has more torque than the gas 320!

magnetophone

Oh, it has more torque than the gas 4.2 engine.

There are other concerns I have though...ithe 2.7 is a five-cylinder engine. People might not like that, especially old-guard mercedes buyers!

dudleyr

I agree that 5 cylinders may be a turn off to some people. I would consider it a plus just to hear people say "how can an engine have 5 cylinders?"

Volvo sells a lot of 5 cylinder cars. VW/Audi also has one (not in the U.S. anymore though).

popkwizz

From The Mercedes-Benz Story:

'When Mercedes-Benz races cars to set records it is usually to make a particular point. In 1978 at Nardo, Italy, Mercedes set nine new world's records with the C-111/III at 200 MPH speeds, and the point was that the accomplishment could be done with a Diesel engine. The feat was made possible by a turbocharged five-cylinder Diesel engine as used in the production 300SD.'

criswellm

Can anyone advise me on a CD changer for my 2002 E320? My dealer wants $850.00 he said this is invoice.

mbdriver

magbetophone -- FYI, old guard Mercedes buyers are very familiar with five-cylinder engines. I'm not sure about 1976 and prior year models, but my wife still has a 1977 300D with five cylinders and a roaring 77 hp! The same Mercedes model (the 123) continued through 1985, and the turbo diesel five-cylinder was added in 1982.

At one time, parked in the garage next to my wife's 300D, I had a 1986 Audi 5000 Turbo with a five-cylinder engine. Since they are inline engines (obviously), the fifth cylinder is not an issue. People found it humorous that we had two cars with a total of ten cylinders, and one wasn't a 6 or a 4!

I believe the last Mercedes diesel for the U.S. market was the 1999 E300. I wonder if it had five or six cylinders.

car4mydog

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

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

mbnut1

rvartavedian

I am interested in any one who is driving the e430 4matic all-wheel drive and how you like the car.

livetodrive

My E-430 4-Matic is an incredible car. I posted one previous message on its performance in the snow. With the ESP and 4-Matic, it took us through heavy snow when all around us cars with front and rear wheel drive were unable to climb grades, or slid off the road. I average 22 mpg on the highway.

popkwizz

I will replace the dead Becker in my 300E with a low-end Nakamichi. About 4 Franklins installed. 43 watts p/channel.

bolj

try lafayetteradio.com, discountautostereo.com or
Gaston@autoclass.net. A lot of people on mbnz.org have purchased from Gaston at Auto Class

They are running $450-500

$850?!? What a crock! I got my changer last year for $500 from the dealer after my salesman talked to the manager. This was an optical cd changer for my 01 wagon.

JB

jawanda

Also try continentalimports.com, I ordered from them last summer. It was around $435, and they are very helpful and good service. My box was missing one clip, so I called them and they sent the new piece immediately without my having to send back the old unit, which would have been annoying even if they paid for shipping.

cce182

Mine's a 2000 E430W4,E1,E2,K2a,COMAND,Silver,Charcoal. Great car to own and drive! Lots of power, excellent handling, great brakes, great fit-and-finish. Mine came with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires - - great rain tire, aggressive-looking tread design, but noisy on the highway and very squirrely-to-downright-scary in the snow. Got a set if Blizzak's (on AMG rims) for New England winter and would strongly recommend them (or similar) over the F1's in the winter. To get the most from 4-matic, you need tires capable of getting traction on the road surface. I have no idea what an E430-RWD would be like in snow with these tires, but I doubt it'd be pretty. IMHO, no AWD/ESP/ABS system can overcome tire-performance limitations, especially in snow. With appropriate tires and all the technology, be sure to maintain awareness that all those other drivers sharing the road with you have less control than you do! I, too, get about 22 MGH highway. If I use the speed control, it's even better. And, the MB "electric foot" even downshifts to limit speed when "coasting" down a steep hill would cause the car to accelerate!

jfz219

I agree with cce182's accessment of Blizzak winter tires. I have a 2000 E320 RWD. I mount four Blizzaks and add two 25 lb. free weights to the center of the spare tire. The car is great on ice and handles up to five inches of snow very well. I doubt that I will go awd the next time around. My mileage is about 22 in town and 30 on the road. My only quality issues have been a rattle in the sun roof and a rubbing noise in the steering column.

Just to stir some conversation, I will resist the new E-Class until the next generation of engines are available.

wniel

Out of curiosity what is wrong with the current engines and what are the next generation of engines like. I haven't read anything about the new engines, and when are they supposed to come out? I have a 2000 E430 and love the engine as it has been trouble free with good mileage and lots of power. I recognize that the E430 is being replaced by the E500.
Wally

benzams

i heard, though that mercedes will try to replace some models that carry the "430" name with the 500, such as the ML, E, etc... for what reason, i don't know. i hope they don't, because i currently own a 2002 S430 and a 1999 ML430

cmayer

I'd guess they'll be selling 5 liter rather than 4.3 liter versions. Why not make some more money in North America?

That wouldn't make your 430s any less pleasurable to own and operate. The only possible downside I'd see is in resale, but you're not driving them for their resale value, are you? And a knowledgeable buyer would know where your 430s fit in the model lineup for their production years.

Personally, I'm sorry that my '98 E300 is the last new MB diesel I'll own unless I move to Europe.

magnetophone

If you read up several posts, you'd see that that's not true!

They are bringing an E270 version of the next (2003 model) E-class. It is a 170hp five-cylinder turbodiesel. So you don't have to move to Europe to experience a world-class oil burner!

jfz219

My comment about the new generation engines in no way casts dispersions on the current series. The 320 and 430 are wonderful designs that were significant improvements in efficiency and emissions. I have had a great experience with my E320.

The new family of gasoline engines will have direct injection technology. I anticipate a 20-30% improvement in power and economy. I think introduction is in 2004.

I'll wait for the second year of the new chassis and get the new tech engines.

jparrott

pcasino,

Did you ever get a chance to look at your '98 E320 to see if it has the same installation as the electronic idle switch on your wife's BMW? I want to take a look at mine if I can figure out where it is.

Thanks

hjborn

Does anyone have a Canadian daytime running light module they would part with for a reasonable price?
We have a law in Illinois that we must have lights on when our windshield wipers (or should I say wiper?) are on. Unfortunately, I have a high frequency hearing problem so that sometimes I don't hear the warning, and I have left the lights on several times. Luckily, I usually catch it after a few hours, and haven't yet run down the battery, but I'm afraid it could happen any time. American cars have a lower freuency warning noise that I can hear OK. I was an infantry machine gunner during WWII, and, although I get by fine with a hearing aid under most circumstances, I have trouble with things like fire alarms and other mechanical alarms that emit a high frequency.

laysmackdown

Can I say WOW enough times? WOW! A SUPER STUNNER! The new E-Class is in trouble already! Check out the Lexus GS forum, post #1991. WOW! I'd hate to be a E-class salesman right now. I see a major price reduction in the future. No doubt!

sean2g

The new GS doesn't look anywhere as good as the E. It looks like its ugly mate ES. "SUPPER STUNNER"??????? Not with those looks. Better luck next time Lexus. MB ALL THE WAY

laysmackdown

The new E-Class is a great car, no doubt. But it looks too much like the current GS in the front. The new GS is setting the curve on exterior styling (not to mention performance). They'll both sell well, especially the GS. It won't pass the E's sales, but it will make it very interesting. The E sells so well because the C is too small for Americans.

magnetophone

Where are pics of the new GS?

merc1

If thats the new GS then the E will continue to sell farther and farther away from the GS, of which the GS430 sells poorly already.

M

w210

hjborn - I have the Daytime running light module from a 2001 E-class which I'm willing to part, please email me at 73061.213@compuserve.com and make an offer.

Thanks.

laysmackdown

Admit it looks good. You'll feel better. Why are you so conflicted?

magnetophone

CAN SOMEONE give me a link to the new GS430?

laithy_74

here it is

http://thehollywoodextra.com/lexus/lexus.html

I do not think this is how it will look like exactly, but I think it gives you an idea. I predict choices will be GS330 with 240hp, and GS430 with 320hp.

magnetophone

I don't trust the Hollywood Extra for beans.

rbrenton88

there is a troll among us.