Mercedes-Benz E-Class Owners: Meet the Members

Karen_S

Please take a moment to introduce yourself and share some details about your E-Class!

My name is KarenS and I am the host of the Edmunds.com Owner's Clubs. Please let me know what discussions you would like to see in your Club folder. I will create them ASAP. You may want to take a look through the other clubs to get ideas for discussions.

Also, a Mercedes-Benz chat will be available starting on March 6 and every Tuesday after, 6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern. A chat button will be provided soon.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

microrepair

My name is Fred O. and I live in the far suburbs west of Boston. I bought a 96 E320 a little over two years ago the day after it came off a 2-year lease. It is dark blue (it might be called Indigo blue ?) with the parchment interior. It has the sunroof and not much else. The dealer took out the cellphone/CD changer when I balked at the original asking price; took $2K off the price and I bought it with the Starmark warranty. It had 38K miles then and about 78K now and running fine. It did need new front suspension bushings at around 67K miles which were covered under the Starmark program. Since then I added a CD for $300 installed. I also bought a set of wheels and mounted snows on the original wheels; I drive the fancy ones in the summer. Even though it has just the limited slip rearend, it does quite well on snow. But I've lived in eastern Mass. all my life so I guess I've picked up a few tricks to driving on snow.

What I'd like to see here is a topic on DYI repairs on the E-class. I like to do many of the simpler repairs myself; gives me a chance to understand the machine a little better.

Enjoy your E ! I do !

bargamon

Hi,

Well, where do I begin, it started when I was 13 when my Uncle bought a silver 450sl and paid 22k. We just thought it crazy. This was the now bigger model that was made up till 1990 I think. sold it 15 years later (very low miles) for 20k.

Year after year I loved the look and snob appeal the star represented. I wanted to be ridiculed by the masses for excessive sheet metal and over engineered mechanics. The diesel era found me unbelieving, but soon that passed into the era of the 1980's where shows like dynasty presented these cars in Reganesk fashion. I must have a -class even if I was in my 20s and lake Carrington drove one. I finally got a 4 year old sel420-class in special order sea foam green with only 33k on it. Oh the masses laughed, they told me how I would pay for this habit, the repair bills would mount, the gas I would burn (premium, the good I**I) and the parts I would buy. But I washed it, saved $, changed my own oil, and slowly became fond of its attributes. Other cars seemed light and flimsy in comparison. Other cars ARE light and flimsy. It was big, it was fast,it was green, it was heavy, And I was safe. My wife, whom felt embarassed by its Greenness, elongated hood, ridiculous back seet legroom girth and size slowly came around, and when her mini-van ( a fine toyota seinna XL) lacked all wheel drive, an ML came to us in April of 00', and my old S class seemed anchient. A land mark birthday, self absorbtion to the max, yes I would do it, downsizing is in, An E-class in silver just like the ML would we love, Add the V8 too to make cool.

So there you have it, Im a benz-aholic.

pompano73

My name is Brian and I recently purchased an 01 E320. It's Black/Java and I pick it up tonight. I look forward to being a part of the Mercedes Family!

rowlandj

Read the posts on Edmunds all the time. Not really an "active poster". I have a 2000 E320 and I love the car, got rid of a Volvo S80 T-6 that was driving me insane, should have gone with MB in the first place.

I enjoy the dialog here on the boards and thanks to all who volunteer their time to organize these boards.

JR

wniel

I bought my first MB twenty five years ago from a friend that had imported a 1967 250S from Germany. It was a great car and kept it for only three years as my wife didn't like it bacause it didn't have a/c. A few years later I bought a 1983 300 CD that I drove for several years and loved every minute of it. Even my wife was sold on the Merdedes quality. I sold it to a friend of mine when I bought a new 1993 300 E. I drove it until last June 2000 when I took delivery of a new 2000 E430. Actually the E430 I got for my wife as she had eventually inherited the 300 E from me. My daughter wanted the 300 E so she became the proud owner of it. In between all of this I bought a new 1998 ML 320 when they first came out and experienced all of the little squeeks and rattles that were associated with that first model. Being very patient and bugging the dealership every few weeks, we finally worked our way through all of the annoyances so that now it is trouble free. Back in time also we bought a 1983 300 SD that we kept until we bought the ML after putting on over 100K miles between my wife and myself. That was bought used from a friend because it was in such good condition.
This pretty much sums up my Mercedes ownership experience and both my wife and myself have said that we wouldn't own any other make of car.
Wally N.

ricripp

Well I am new to the Euro driving experience (opting in the past for Toyota products including Lexus products).

I have an '00 430 Sport Brilliant Silver / Ash, all options except vented seats, parktronic and 4-matic with Goodyear F1 Eagle GS-D2. I took delivery in May'00 and have 4K miles (yes it is pampered). Added headlight rings Zaino treatment and changed the oil to Mobile 1 at 1000 miles (although used 5w30). Fabulous car and just different enough to get a second look. I too enjoy the boards and have learned alot from the discussions.

hlsjr

Having owned a 98' Audi Quattro wagon, I recently bit the bullet and purchased an 01' Mercedes E-320 4-matic wagon with all the bells and whistles. The thought being to keep and drive this car for 8 or more years. The audi was wonderful, but too many annoying repairs, mostly of a minor nature and covered by warranty, but I got tired of driving the dealer's used volkswagen loaners when the car was in the shop. The Benz is a terrific auto; well built, comfortable and handles well. At first, I was concerned that the 4-matic would be as good in the snow as the Quattro system, but the first snow proved that the entire system combined with ESP is as good if not better. With 7000 miles I am enjoying the car alot. Of course, like anything it has had 1 or 2 glitches to be fixed, but the dealer has been great at taking care of whatever issues I have brought to their attention. If only the sales side of the equation was as competent and knowledgable as the service side. oh well.

lhcleung

Hello everyone, my name is Louis. I am from Canada; I just order an E320 picking it up next week. I am looking forward to being a member of this Club, thank you.
Louis

j21210

Hi folks,
Just signed for a new E-320 Brilliant Silver/Ash
with most of the upgrades (did NOT include the Command System, Veltilated Seats, nor Telephone option).

Any other suggestions for extended warranty?
and Delivery Inspection?

How about premium gas?

Grateful for any experiences and suggestions!
Steve

jures

My name is roger, i live in the western suburbs of philadelphia. montgomery township in montgomery county, pa. i own a 2000 e320 4 matic, desert silver/java. i love the car, i have approx. 22k miles on the car, it is my daily driver and total commute is 65 miles a day. as soon as i bought the car, i became a member in the delaware valley section of the mercedes benz club. i have participated in several events sponsored by the section, they have been well run and fellow members have been great. i would suggest all mb owners joining the national org.
i find the information provided in the edmunds e class forum to also be first rate and enjoy the cyber conversation.

rcasp

I am about to purchase either the E320 or E430 with 4MATIC. Can anyone offer guidance as to the following:

(1) Is the E430 worth the extra $5,000 cost?
(2) Does the E430 really get about the same gas mileage as the E320 (2-3 MPH less)
(3) Any noteworthy problems for either the E320 or E430?

Thanks.

texbean

My name is Larry, I live in Dallas, and I own a '99 E320 (white with parchment). 22K miles and only problem was seat adjusters which had to be replaced. Love the power, safety, and solid feeling of the car. Wife has '96 C280 (black with black MB Tex), and my E feels so much more substantial. Our dealer (Ewing Autohaus)is top notch. My prior vehicle was Ford Ranger and there's a world of difference in the ambiance of the service depts:

Ford: 6 plastic chairs and a vending machine next to the men's restroom. Coffee machine down the hall with paper towel stuck in coin slot. Woman with 4 crying kids sitting in the corner waiting for her Escort. Service writer named Bubba.

Mercedes: Large glass enclosed waiting area. Lots of comfy cushy chairs. Copies of today's newspaper and Wall St Journal. Free Starbucks coffee, bottled water, and soft drinks. Satellite TV. Supermodel sitting in corner waiting for her SL. Service writer college graduate named Hans.

Anyway, I'm going to replace my tires soon - any of you owners have any experience you want to share? The original Michelin MXV4's (not Plus) are about to give up and I'm thinking about going with Bridgestones or Dunlops. Any comments? Drew??? What's your opinion?

Thanks.

Karen_S

The Edmunds.com Drivers' Opinion Panel has just launched. This initiative will further establish Edmunds.com as the voice of the consumer by becoming a key source for automotive market research. Through this initiative Edmunds.com will send traffic to the Opinion Panel promotion and registration area. Members of the panel will participate in key market research studies for Automotive OEMs and related companies on-line as opposed to more traditional market research methods.

To become a member of the panel, please visit

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KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

haspelbein

My name is Martin and I live in California. I was born and raised in Germany, but moved to Ohio at the age of 25. It was later in Ohio that I bought my '96 E320.
It belonged to the research department of Honda Of America, and was probably tested at their Marysville facility.
Thanks Honda for providing me with a low-mileage Mercedes Benz.

It had a couple of issues related to the car not being driven very much for a long time (leaking final drive seals), but has been nothing but joy since then.

I always wanted a MB, ever since I took a friend's beat-up old S-Class up to 140 mph on the autobahn during my late teens. These cars do have a very solid feel to it. It's simply very relaxing.

Greetings to everybody,
Martin

haspelbein

in his request to have a DYI maintenance topic in the owner's club topic list. I have so far been restricted to general maintenance topics.

Thanks,
Martin

Karen_S

Please take a look at Owner's Club Changes to offer your opinion.

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

Karen_S

Some of you will notice that your messages from yesterday no longer exist. There was a major hiccup in the system last evening. Edmunds.com apologizes sincerely for the difficulties this situation poses. Please rest assured that every effort is being expended to rectify this matter as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

jwilberding

I recently sold me E320, so technically I am not "currently" an owner. I test drove a e55 yesterday and was thinking of putting a deposit down on the new supercharged one due out in 2002. Anyone done research on or know a good place to read more about the new model?

Karen_S

This week's topic:

My vehicle is better than yours because....

Brag about your ride on Tuesday, May 8, 5-6pm PT/8-9pm ET in the new News & Views Weekly Chat

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

Karen_S

Is anyone out nearing the end of your lease, or maybe even not that close to the end, but are already getting offers to buy the vehicle from the lessor? It doesn't matter if you plan to take the offer or not. Does this describe your situation? If so, please post your story in our discussion Talk to the Press, or respond directly to Jeannine Fallon, our PR Director at Edmunds jfallon@Edmunds.com. As always, your identity will be protected at your request.


Thanks much!


KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

96e320

Can anyone suggest an aftermarket source for a keyless entry for a 96 E320 and about how much it should cost?

Thanks,

John

filsaime

Hello all. I've spent untold hours reading all 1700+ messages. One thing I'm convinced of:mbusa should have a link to this site. I know I'm in great company.

Fell in love (2nd love after my fiancee) and bought a 2000E320-4Matic with 14,900 from a Lexus Dealer. It's a Desert Sand; still smelled brand new and a non-smoker car. Never been so impressed by a car. Just took a 200+ mile drive and my mpg was over 31 with the cruise control at 60. I will share with you that I paid $46,500 including taxes and Lojack installed; don't want to know if I paid too much. The only option it doesn't have is the navigation system. The looks and thumbs up I've gotten to date are unreal. My fiancee thinks I shouldn't be driving when she's not in the Benz! I ordered my Zaino supply based on everything I read here before I even bought the car! I'm about to begin my first application.

My only dissapointment with the car thus far is the front brake dust. I even think of it when I'm applying the brake pedal. Can someone tell me if the brake dust covers sold in Pep Boys or elsewhere work? Would they cause any damage or affect the car's performance.

bobhobbz

Glad to have found this group and be here. Picked up my first MB, a new E430 two days ago. Obsidian black/Java, with roof and Xenon. Added extended warranty, audobahn (?) some clear plastic protection for the hood, lojack. total $ pushed to $59K including taxes and registration. Still missing CD/Nav system. Look forward to drive it more often. The second morning experienced some vibration in the engine when started out, also the fuel pump generated a constant high pitch hum which the dealer is replacing in two days. I really like the car, so hope everything is going to work out perfectly.

Karen_S

Edmunds.com is looking for Community Leaders for MB M-Class Owners. Anyone interested? It isn't difficult and about the only thing we ask is that one CL attend the weekly chat.

Let me know!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

christchurch

A friend is interested in the 4-matic because he lives in the northeastern U. S.
He has been told by some that the traction control system (ESP) is so good, however, that you really don't need the 4-matic.

So his dilemma is either to buy an E320 or an E320 4Matic.
There is a clear difference in price. Is it worth it?

Both cars have about 42,000 miles on them and are 1998 models.
Anyone have a suggestion?
What price would you go for?
How about an extended warranty? Worth the price?

All this info. would be very helpful.
christchurch

dkris

Hi ... I am in the market for an older E class for my daughter. I'm thinking 190e --- 1990 or so vintage. A mechanic friend said, "absolutely not, do not buy a 190 -- the maintenance will eat you alive."

I am interested in hearing other opinions. What has been the experience of the members of this group?

cce182

I have a 2000 E430 4-Matic. I think the cost of AWD is one of the big bargains on the options list! The cost of owning it are slightly reduced gas mileage, 0.4 seconds off the 0-60 times, and a longer wait if you order the car (it actually has to go to two factories for assembly so I'm told by the dealer). But if you ever drive in snow, IMHO it's well worth having. Since you are buying used, the price difference may be different.

In my experience, ESP doesn't always help in snow. It can get confused if all wheels can slip in the snow, and I've sometimes gotten better results by shutting it off in deep snow or when trying to start out on an up-slope.

Mine came with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires - a great rain tire but a scary snow tire. I bought four Blizzaks on AMG wheels, which cost more than the 4matic options. But, now, I wouldn't hesitate to take it out in bad weather except for sharing the road with drivers in far worse trouble than I am.

Of course, this is a sedan with low ground clearance, and in deep snow makes a lousy snowplow.

Regarding warranties - I assume you are talking about the one MB offers. Whether to pick this depends on how many electronic goodies the cars have. The MB warranty does not cover some stuff, so be sure you're happy with the coverage. All these guys list what they cover - none list what they DON'T cover. That uncovered list was extensive enuf that I opted out of the program.

Good luck

drew_

If all of the tires slip, then ESP (specifically the traction control component) will not necessarily activate. This is because 4ETS monitors the wheel speeds and will only brake a wheel if it's spinning faster than another. The off-switch is for when you want to start off in deep snow, so that you can gain some wheelspin and momentum. It's not 100% off though. Only the torque reduction component is deactivated. The brake-only portion is still active, to about 20% of normal capacity.


Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

tgo

Hi. We just purchased our first BB E320. A 1998 with only 13,500. miles. Really love it. It has the audio system without the CD changer. Has anyone had any luck with after market changers compatible with the radio, etc. Also, the wiper makes a lot of noise when hitting the sides when wet. This doesn't happen when we first use it until it gets very wet. ANY advice will be greatly appreciated.

sambaj

New to the Mercedes gang... I am looking for a nice web site for Mercedes parts. Reasonable and quick shipping.. any suggestions..

jardino

My E Class is 1,5 years old. All four doors are rusting!... Check below the door seals above the window (glass) especially on the driver side.
I checked a few other cars on the dealer and some are already rusting even before being sold for the first time.
This should be a recall. Hopefully.
I would post pictures if it were possible on this site.

dsingstock

Hi, my name is Dave and I live in Alexandria, VA. On 4 Aug I bought my first MB. It is a 98 pre-owned show room quality machine with 31K miles. It is Azure Blue Pearl with a Bone interior, and fully loaded except for a cell phone and 4-matic drive. We really love the car and it is such a pleasure to drive. However, a few strange things have happened since the car was purchased. On 6 Aug the left rear door window regulator failed. On 15 Aug, while on a trip to Cape Cod, the battery shorted out and was replaced by road-service. On 18 Aug the windshield washer would not work, yet the fluid container was full. Five hours later it worked. Later in the day the two windows on the passenger side were lowered, but would not raise. Thirty minutes later both closed properly. I took the car to the local dealer for an electrical/computer check and evaluation, and nothing appeared to be wrong. Then on 31 Aug (my wife had the car)the engine light appeared indicating check engine electrical problem. That evening I inserted my key, not my wife's, and everything was normal. The car drives super, no stalling or any other problems noted. On 1 Sep my wife tried her key and no problems. Since then everything has worked just as it is supposed to. I am, however, baffled as to the earlier electrical problems. Is this normal of a Benz? Or are we just novices in the learning curve on ways to properly operate the car. We have both studied the manuals provided with the car, and feel that we are doing things correctly. Can any of you folks with more experience shed some light on this situation? Thanks.

martye320

Can someone tell me how I can get a Diesel E class from Germany to California??? I would really appreciate it. vsinthavanarong@hotmail.com

microrepair

I've got a 96 E320 with 88,000 miles (Starmark just expired) and have a quote from Platinum Warranty for a 3 yr/36K mile policy that covers most major components (Platinum Preferred) with a $50 deductible for $1349 .... Two yr/24K coverage is only $100 less.. So the 3/36 is the only real choice.

Opinions? Is this company reliable? Is this a good price ? Or should I just gamble that this car is reliable enough to not have to worry about huge repair bills?

Thanks...

jimkatsaros

I bought a 1999 E320 4Matic in April with 9K miles. Everything is perfect with the car except for a whining wind noise that increases with vehicle speed. The dealer says its from the luggage rack & nothing you can do about it. Anyone have a similar experience or remedy?

ladcad

Just bought a 2001 leftover. Dark Green w/ sports package, nav, packages e1,2,3 & k2a, heated seats, sunroof, actually I think it has every option but no 4matic.
I traded in my 1999 c-class 230 Komp. which I loved. Still trying to figure out the voice recognition commands. I need some time to read the books. So far, so good, actually great. What a nice car. Turning radius not as good as the c-class, but what a really nice ride!

pcasino

Hello guys,

I have been reading Edmunds for over a year now but I am posting for the first time today since I have only gotten hold of my MB. It is a Black 1998 E320 Wagon with 43K miles with somewhat unique leather interior, of which the name escapes me. Suffice it to say it looks like coach leather. The second reason I am posting is because I just bought a new extended warranty from 1sourceauto and I will be reporting everything that transpires between me, the company and of course the car dealership which will be the only repair facility touching my car. I am sure the 1sourceauto team will be monitoring everything I post and I welcome them to view what I write. I am not entering the post with a negative or ill attitude toward them because I do hope our relationship, at least for the next five years and 55,000 miles will be smooth and uneventful. I intend to report each and every repair item and incident so the Edmunds members can all learn from my leassons. I have no hidden agenda here and by any stretch of the imagination am I involved with any of these insurance companies.

I am in finance and credit and my job gave me the important skills of research and due diligence before making important financing decisions so before I purchased the warranty from 1SA, I did a lot of research on extended warranties. I considered Warranty Gold, and Warrantybynet.

Warrantybynet, was too small and I didn't like their rankings. I did like their approach though. They were very very friendly on the phone. They called me every two months and asked me if I had considered getting the warranty from them. I did not get them because I didn't like the coverage and the price.

Warranty Gold had too much controversy and I didn't like their BBB standing. Their sales approach was a bit too aggressive for my taste. I do appreciate what Joe (my salesman) did for me. We both called my Mercedes Benz dealership and over the phone I heard my service manager say that they would accept Warranty Gold claims if the credit card was used in the same day. That was really good but not good enough to make up for their seemingly controversial reputation.

I also read ALL (more than 500 postings) on Edmunds regarding extended warranties, including the 1SourceAuto postings that were stopped by the Edmunds Host because posting started attacking personal characters. Furthermore, three mercedes dealers offered me three different warranties and for less years and equal miles, their price ranged from $2,400 to $3,900 (Helms Brothers in New York).

So, I hope it works out well and I will certainly keep everyone posted.

paxfobiscum

jsalemi

When I got my license, I decided that someday, I'd own a Mercedes. Well, that day is almost here -- on Feb. 26, we'll be picking up a 2002 E320, Everest Green, Java interior, E2 options, heated seats, and 6-CD changer. I'm looking forward to finally joining the MB family.

Not a bad birthday present, if I do say so...

---joe

johng14

How much did you pay. I have a dealer in PA that quoted an E320 with E2 options for 47,300
what does everyone think

jsalemi

I paid a bit over $48k. Got an AutoByTel quote of $4000 off MSRP, and the dealer tossed in an additional $100, and a bit lower price on the CD changer. This was in Northern VA.

Karen_S

Last week, Edmunds rolled out new pricing pages. Along with this is a new "consumer ratings & reviews". This functionality lives in the "consumer opinions" area of the new vehicle detail page, and allows users to rate a vehicle on a number of different criteria (1 to 10 scale), as well as add his/her own free-form comments.

If you have some time, we would really appreciate Town Hall members writing a review of their current auto, or a favorite make/model. It takes approximately a week for your review to appear on that make/model.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Thanks!

KarenS
Host
Owners Clubs

criswellm

I am picking up my first MB 2002 E320 today 3/30/02.Can anyone tell me about CD changer for my E320? My dealer wants $850.00 he said this is invoice. If you have information please let me know.

philiproussel

The CD changer on my 1998 E320 failed shortly after the warranty was up. My local MB dealer directed me to a nearby independent store who fitted an Alpine changer (model ALP CHMS620) which looks similar to the one that was removed.
The cost was $275 including installation with a 12-month guarantee. Seems to work fine.

In my opinion the Bose audio system on the E series is good but not brilliant, and does not warrant spending $850 on a CD changer.

cwradio

A local dealer has a 2001 new E320 on the floor. The car has the sports package, heated seats, bose system w/ 6cd changer. Black ext/ charcoal int. Any idea why a 2001 would still be around (fifty three actual miles)? Any idea how steep the discount should be based on your experiences?

savlisoz

Hello Everyone!
I am looking to buy a 1994 0r 1995 E320.
I have been in love with this car for as long as I can remember.
I have found one, a 1994 with 54k miles, lady driven. Black with silver bottom panels.
They are asking for 14K dollars. I think it's a good price. Can someone give me some pointers as to what I should look out for on these cars? Are they realiable? Is there a way to tell if it has traction control or not?
I await your reply.
Thank you!

r1_97

Best advise is to take the car to an independent MB mechanic and have a thorough inspection. Even after it gets a passing grade, plan for expensive maintenance. After all, it's an 8 year old car and Mercedes parts and labor are on the high end of the scale.

jacatlga

schnops33

I've been told that the new '02 E320 I purchased is not compatible with all CD changers because it has fiber optics cable connection. Does anyone know where I can buy a compatible changer besides the dealership who want an arm and a leg for one? Please provide model no. if possible.

microrepair

schnops33:

Jeez, you could have bought (bid on it) one on eBay two days ago. It had been removed from an S class 2 days after being installed. I think it sold for under $200 with the fiber optic adapter. You might check eBay from time to time. Almost any CD player (Alpine for sure) will work if you can get the fiber optic adapter elsewhere. I just won an auction on eBay for an uninstalled Alpine CD changer for under $150 w/shipping. It is supposed to have the warranty card with it too. I've got a 96 E which does not have the fiber optic but it does have the special adapter for MB already installed. My current CD changer has stopped working; so I needed a replacement.

schnops33

Thanks, Microrepair. Too bad I missed that sale. I'll check Ebay occasionally for another. You say any CD will do if it has a fiber optic adapter? Will the sound quality be the same as one that's an OEM Benz CD?