Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans

sshowitt · March 2001

Interesting, go to the C-Class board and you find a similiar discussion, were you able to deal and if so, how much were you able to get off MSRP, $200, $500, etc. Go to the CLK board, the question is not how much, but how long is the wait to get the vehicle, and in some cases, did you have to pay over list. I am sure that in 2003 when the new CLK design is introduced, we will also find the same discussion on the CLK board.

pt1224 · March 2001

I guess when you sell a house, From the time your offer is accepted until you sign the papers the price changes. I think what you mean someone omits a mistake by adding a fee which was not discussed at the time of the sell, Because I don't think there should be a discrepancy in the actual sell price.
$1000,000.00 is $1000,000.00 .
Lets Established soothing, You do not trust anyone giving you a price because you think by the time you get to the store,there will be other fees, added to make the price go higher.
If someone quote you $45000.00 for the car the price is going to be $45000.00, the $500.00 mistake is either yours by purchasing something extra, or the person doing the document.
Let's be honest and ask the right question.
What equipment you want on your I Class, What color do want? Do you want the sunroof, or do you rather order a car without the sunroof.
the price of a car with no equipment is less than a car with lots of equipment.

To answer the other gentleman question on the TV
How many times have you walked into a store, and saw a price tag on an item, and you thought to yourself THIS CAN NOT BE RIGHT. No one in the right mind would pay $1000.00 for a $500.00 TV, Again we are not talking about a mistake on the price tag. You are looking to buy a Mercedes Ben. Yes If I saw a $45000.00 on a go I would have.......

pt1224 · March 2001

one little mistake the car I was talking about was a UGO.

veeikle · March 2001

I just purchased a 98 e320 4matic wagon..it has a factory installed phone..i have not activated it yet because i am told it's analog not digital...does anyone know if i can get this converted to digital service..

donald02 · March 2001

Macbest: I bought my E430 in Oct'00 at Euromotorcars in Bethesda, MD, from Rob. I paid $200 over Invoice. No matter where you live you should be able to deal at Invoice +/- a few hundred on an E if you take a car from stock. Invoice leaves the dealer 3% of MSRP for dealer holdback. Use Edmunds to get exact dealer cost and negotiate from that. Deal over the phone then you have the leverage-you can hang-up. Always leave your phone # for call backs. Don

donald02 · March 2001

Yahoo2: The reason it makes no sense to just give the price you paid is each car has different options. Makes much more sense to give the rationale and you figure out what price is reasonable in your case. Also, if dealer incentives are given by Mercedes you must determine how much that lowers the price you are willing to pay.

Don

bargamon · March 2001

Alot has to do with trade in issue and bragging rights. Net net is all that counts.

Many whom brag about stock winnings are quiet these days as to their losses. Macho also persists when buying a car, and what north american male could tell you they are happy with MSRP? They'll tell you they love the car. Whats more important, the price or the car? I think paying an extra 1% is a small price. If you get what you want, you pay. If you do your homework, you know what is a good-fair price. Someone will always get it cheeper, but thats irrelevant. Just like someone always gets the stock cheaper, or sells at the top. But they don't always tell the full story of other trades. When you set real goals and accomplish them, you are successful.

Trading in a car also clouds things up a bit, and Im not sure all is telling everything when bragging.

I bought a new silver e-430 in november for 9% below msrp, that means I got into 2/3rds of the kick back.

How, I spoke with 3 dealers. I told them I would spend $x and not a penny more. I said new would be great, but find me a 2000 model with less than 7k miles on it. I did not care how long it took. This went on for about 3 weeks. They would find a used one, loaded for a higher price then I wanted to pay. I said no many times, because I was firm on how much money I was gong to spend. Nothing personal, no games, just cold hard facts. I had no trade in, no financing issues. On the second to last day of the month, they called me and said I could have it if I came in and closed by the next day.

I was shocked when they did this. Why did they? First, they new I was a serious buyer from the first conversation and was going to buy a car. I had also purchased a new ML 8 months earlier, so they knew me. I also have a good relationship with these people now. Dual respect when negotiating goes along way. At the end of the month, they new they could move a car. In the end it worked out. IF you go to a dealer, start driving, start talking price, bring in a trade, you have lost leverage in the first 5 minutes. Trade in's lose your leverage.

Im not bragging, just explaining a full experience and my perception of why it is hard to get one of those great deals. Good luck

yahoo2 · March 2001

PT1224
tap tap, tapity tap tap. Look I'm tap dancing. That made absolutely no sense to me. I felt like I was reading a transcript of Don King explanifcating him self.

becool · March 2001

My wife's best friend has persuaded her that there is (or was) a fundamental problem with the MB 4-matic. I think the 4-matic wagon she owned was an early 90s model. Does anybody know something definitive about this question? I'd like to get a 4-matic wagon, say 2 or 3 years old, and so would my wife. (She loves her 1988 wagon, EXCEPT for the performance in snow.) But she won't do get a 4-matic unless this question is answered to her satisfaction. Thanks for any help.

driverx1 · March 2001

Never negotiate with just ONE dealer. I purchased a CLK 320 3 months ago and was dealing with one dealer and I was getting the run around. They would never call me, I had to call them. Then I opened the Dupont Registry and just randomly called out of state dealers esp- Texas ones. Told my original dealer about out of state dealer could get car in 2 weeks. Got the one in texas because they gave me much better deal.

Now I'm getting a 2001 E320 and told local dealer that I'm being honest and negotiating with a Texas dealer. Well local dealer gave me $1000 off MSRP off the bat and said they can get my E320 in 1 week. Point is, NEVER deal with just the local dealer. Call an out state and make both compete against each other. I think dealers have an "emergency supply" for those who will pay for it now and will not wait vs. those who have money and more willing to wait or have no competing dealer. BTW- I never went to the local dealer yet. All done over the phone and will go and put down deposit tomorrow for 2001 E320 with COMAND in Black/Java.

Even if you want to buy local for the future service get a quote from another dealer BEFORE you put down deposit. In fact go to desired dealer LAST with other dealers' numbers all done over the phone.

For my CLK I even made them right an addendum to deposit agreement which allowed me to opt of waiting for car if it took them more than 1 month beyond the stated arrival time. I doubt all dealers would sign such an addendum

USE the Dupont Registry. These dealers deal with hi-end customers and cars all the time. Caution- some of these are obnoxious. Call around. ALWAYS mention another dealer.

sshowitt · March 2001

The older style 4 matics did have inherent problems and were expensive to repair. I beleive that the systems were built and/or maybe designed by Porsche. The new 4matics are similiar to the ML, 4 wheel traction control, totally different system. I have heard of no problems with them.

drew_ · March 2001

As Steven said above, the previous generation 4-matic system (from 1989 to 1993) was effective, but extremely complicated; MB did design it themselves. It was not exactly problematic, but was high maintenance and pricey to fix. MB recognised this and went back to the drawing board and spent over half a decade designing and testing the current 4-matic system (introduced in 1997).

The current 2nd generation 4-matic system is far less complex than its predecessor, but more effective and more efficient. The previous generation system was full-time AWD (i.e. it progressively transfered power to the front wheels when rear wheel slippage as detected; this was to maintain the traditional MB RWD feeling), whereas the current system is permanent AWD (i.e. all four wheels are powered all of the time, and help to double the amount of usable traction + stabilise handling + improve performance). There is also virtually no maintenance needed since it is far less complex. AFAIK, there have been no problems with it.

Hope this helps!

Drew
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livetodrive · March 2001

Would anyone like to swap COMAND cd's? I have Region 8: Mid-Atlantic. I am especially interested in Region 7: New England. If you are interested, please e-mail me at Wanderer27585731@aol.com (I guess I wasn't the first to think of that handle!).

rexconde1 · March 2001

I have come into a Region 1 (California/Nevada) COMMAND CD (PN Q6460053, version 7/00) that I do not need any more its still in the plastic Wrap.

Contact me at amg@exconde.com

Robert

mb_wish · March 2001

I have read this board for some time now and value the opinions and advice read here. Please share opinions and let me know if this is a good deal: I have been in the market for a while on a 2000 E320. A local dealer contacted me and I am looking at a 2000 E320, 15K miles, sunroof and a changer. He will sell it for $43,500 without star marking it, $44,125 if star marked. I'm leaning on getting the star mark for the extra year. First of all, is the price a relatively good one and is the starmark worth the cost? What do you think?

driverx1 · March 2001

I wouldn't do it. You can get a new 2001 E320 with sunroof for about $50,000. And may be able to negotiate discount of 1000-1500 (pushing it with $1500 though). Which comes to $49,000 or 48,500 for a 2001! But if the $5-6000 is too much which I realize is alot of money then get the 2000. However I believe the price difference will be about another $100 per month increase with 2001.

But if you want the 2000 read my post above and tell dealer that ANOTHER dealer called about similar car and asking $42,500 and has LESS miles. Just a tiny fib. See if he bites. At least ask for free set of original floor mats so you can rotate sets. I got it. Good Luck.

tendons · March 2001

If first gear is selected will it automtically shift at red line, as the BMW steptronic does, or will the rev limiter simply cut out the engine?

drew_ · March 2001

No, it will not shift for you. This is consistent with of the MB vehicles, not just E55. Many people (especially automotive journalists) love this since you can hold the gear in true manual fashion without having the computer intervening for you. It won't allow you to exceed into red line though, since there is a rev limiter protecting the engine.

Drew
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bdwright · March 2001

I am considering purchasing a 1997 E420 with less than 20,000 miles. I was wondering if anyone has any feed back on this model year. Any issues with the engine, power train, electrical, etc?

Second question, If the car it still under the MB warranty can I just go into my local dealer and purchase the extended warranty? Is there any inspection or extra procedure?

Thanks for your help.

donald02 · March 2001

See post 1256. You should be able to purchase an E320 out of dealer stock for $46225 +/- $200.
Invoice MSRP
Base vehicle 44501 47850
delivery 645 645
sunroof 1079 1160
total 46225 49655
Total invoice leaves dealer $1435 profit from dealer holdback (3% base MSRP). Negotiate for +/- $200. Of course, plus taxes. Good Luck!!

yahoo2 · March 2001

Does it matter if cotton t-shirt instead of terry cloth rags are used to wash/wax car with? It seems to me that the t-shirts are softer. My car is black and I'm trying to avoid swirl marks as mush as possible.

thank you

duke123 · March 2001

A few questions prior to my taking delivery of my new 01 E320 4Matic this week (obsidian/java, E2, heated seats). The Chicago dealer, who sold me the car at $1700 (4%) under MSRP (Edmunds' suggested TMV), tells me his dealership cannot/will not discount extended warranties. I e-mailed several dealers in my area and am still waiting for responses. Does anyone know a dealership I should contact? Looking for a 3 or 4 year warranty. (By the way, I went into the dealership with all the pricing information printed out from Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book web site, along with Kelly's estimate of my trade-in, told them what I wanted and that I wasn't interested in paying full list. They found the car in another city and are trucking it in.)

Does anyone know of an after-market device that will automatically turn the headlights off? My last few cars have had this and it's a nice option for us forgetful types.

And finally, is $820 a good price for the cd-changer (dealer installed)? I know there are Becker units available via the net for self-installation, but worry that I'll short circuit something or get a unit that requires programming. Would the dealer, or a car shop, install a unit I bring them?

Thanks for the advice. This is really great site for researching - I just wish it had a 'search' feature.

mbdriver · March 2001

Several months after I bought my '00 E320, I called my salesman and asked if I had any negotiating power left for getting a CD changer. He called back in 10 minutes with a price of $619 installed! I did it two days later and love it! So, I think you can do better than $820 at another dealer (or negotiate with your own). LOL.

bad10 · March 2001

two weeks ago I bought a 1997 E420 with only 9,800 miles. Its never been driven in the rain! I love the car, it is awesome! I just put on some new AMG monoblock rims. 18x9 with 275/35 -18 tires in the rear, and 18x8 with 245/45-18 tires in the front. This is the same setup as used on the E55 and it makes a world of difference in the handling. Oh yeah, the tires are Dunlop SP900's. If there is a way, I could post a pic. Anyway, the car has plenty of power and is solid as a rock. Its Starmarked to July 2005 and 100k miles. Good luck! BAD10

dennett · March 2001

Does anyone know of web site of places that sell the chrome headlight rings? I'm looking for some for less than $100 and I've heard they can be had for as little as $79, but I can't find them. Thnaks for the help!

mbdriver · March 2001

For chrome headlight rims for a 2000 or 2001 E320/E430, go to the eBay Motors web site, parts & accessories, then Mercedes. I just bought some last week for a friend for $49 + $8 shipping from GAPA. Or, go to GAPA's web site (www.gapa.com), or e-mail "Greg" at gapa@fea.net. Hope this helps.

yupyup2 · March 2001

A neighbor 3 houses down my street has a 2001 E430 Sport that he bought the headlight rings for. He actually paid full price at MB dealer. Well over $100 I know that. They installed them for him. After looking at them he decided he didn't want them anymore. Me and him spent almost an hour removing them. He offered them to me for free but I already have a set on my 2000 E320. I told him to hold onto it in case he changed his mind but he said for sure he didn't like them. He thought they were cheesy. Anyways, if you like I can ask him if he still wants them or even sell them to your dirt cheap. I know that the double sided sticking tape on it is no good but you can probably pick some up at Home Depot or Lowe's or something like that.

drew_ · March 2001

drew_ · March 2001

Don't miss the weekly MB Tuesdays chat at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern! All MB fans/enthusists/owners/potential owners are welcome to participate. Hope to see you there!

Click on the link below to enter the chat at the times above. Note that the link to the chat is always near the top of this page, just under the discussion topic title:

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html

Drew
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drew_ · March 2001

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/00027.htm

The '00-'01 E-class was the 2nd best in class, with a "good" and a "best pick". This improves on its former IIHS 2nd highest rating of acceptable..No doubt a very impressive performance

Please watch tonight's Dateline NBC for the crash test footage. What a perfect topic to discuss in tonight's MB chat! :-)

jason64 · March 2001

MBdriver, would you be so kind and list the dealer that gave you the cd changer for $619? I think we live in the same general area and I would like to get one installed as well. Thanks.

startupfreak · March 2001

Considering buying a used 98 E430. Are there anything in particular I should be aware of with the 98 vs 99/2000-2001? Problems..etc..

Dealer asking $49,900 (non Starmark). Is this reasonable? Has 21k miles on the odometer.

Thanks,
Mike

vs4 · March 2001

To everybody who are in the market for a new E class. I placed an order for a 2001 E430 few weeks ago with all the options and few accessories but SportsPackage and Parktronic. The price I am paying for this car is 3% above invoice. This is a special order car and I will get my car in mid May or end of May.

I think 3% above the invoice is a very good price for a special order car and also it being a E430 not a E320 as 320's are readily available.

sshowitt · March 2001

Duke123, go to my profile and e-mail me your address and I will forward you information on discounted warranties. Also, Stephan at SW Stereo Specialists, 1-800-270-BEST can fix you up with a Becker C/D player. He has all the answers.

veeikle · March 2001

still looking for info on getting analog mercedes benz factory installed phone upgraded from analog to digital service...thanks..veeikle

dman12 · March 2001

I can vouch for Steven per post #1285.

drew_ · March 2001

is on now! (6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html

Drew
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dennett · March 2001

I really appreciate the offer, but what I'm really looking for are web sites that sell the rings. I have a new C class and I'm having a hard time finding them, except at what I consider too high a price! Thanks!

donald02 · March 2001

Why buy a 98 when you can get a new '01 E430 with sunroof and heated seats for 52,200?

I purchased mine last October for 52,200 which is about $200 over invoice. You shouldn't have any trouble is you purchase out of dealer invoice.

donald02 · March 2001

Sorry for the spelling errors.

Why buy a '98 when you can get a new '01 E430 for 52,000 with sunroof and heated seats. I bought mine last October for 52,200 which is about 200 over invoice. You shouldn't have any trouble if you buy from dealer stock.

startupfreak · March 2001

Sorry, but I mistakenly wrote $49,900, should have been $39,900. But you are right. A 2001 at $200 over invoice is a much better deal.

Thanks for the advice.

vs4 · March 2001

Could someone please let me know what
is the exact Mercedes Dealer Part number
for Illuminated Door Sills for 2001 E430 is?

Is there a different part number if you order
for front two doors or for four doors on E430?

I really appreciate you help...

Thanks in advance.

mbdriver · March 2001

Regarding the CD changer, click on my profile and send me an e-mail with your address. I'll forward you the name of the D.C. area dealer. However, you may have more success dealing with the salesperson who sold you the car.

mb_wish · March 2001

Thanks for all of the advice on the MB purchase. I spoke with Rob, but went with the 2000 model because during the time I've been looking, my $ limit has kept raising and I thought it would be best to stop. The buying experience was the most stress-free I've ever experienced. I REALLY love the car and will continue reading here for more tips. Thanks to all for all advice!!

susan67 · March 2001

We recently purchased a 1997 E320. We have been trying to program our Genie Intelicode garage door opener to the car's remote. After calling Genie, They taxed us revised directions that didn't work. Has anyone encountered this problem or have any advice? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, How often do you need to apply Zymol wax to the car? Every time it is washed? Thanks for the advice.

tomsky3 · March 2001

Victor, the MB part numbers are 6-6-89-0010 for the stainless steel strip and 6-6-89-0018 for the luminous portion. I don't know about the rear door sills. I canceled out the rear after I found out the prices.

Jack

mbdriver · March 2001

Thanks to information from a post here several weeks ago, I was successful today in purchasing the eight year/100,000 mile extended warranty (four additional years/50,000 additional miles) for a sizable discount. Can't understand why my own dealer and several others in the D.C. area won't budge off of sticker price for the warranties.

sshowitt · March 2001

You probably have a rolling code. You can e-mail homelink at www.homelink.com for additional directions or
Clear your car's remote as per instructions.(press the two outside buttons until it blinks, if I remember correctly)
Park the car under and next to the garage door opener motor. On a secure ladder, climb up and press the red rolling code button on the back face of the garage door motor, could be another color, quickly climb down the ladder,without killing yourself, get into your car and press the button on your car's remote within 30 seconds, this should work. Leave the door open, this facilitates time to get into the car. Also do not park the car under where the door closes!!!

yahoo2 · March 2001

Drew

What lights are you refering to in msg #52?

I recently installed the Philips Vision Plus bulbs and didn't notice a real difference.

Thanks

markobodor · March 2001

I am a winter sports enthusiast and go to Tahoe most weekends a month in Porsche 944 with snow tires - it's a blast. I need a bigger car and test drove the e320 regular and also the 4-matic on the same test drive around Oakland. I thought that the 4-matic sounded just a bit noisier, especially when under load, and that the handling was not as crisp? Any comments from MB owners? (It seems to me that I really do not have a need for AWD except when the highway patrol mandates chains for non-AWD cars during snow storms - and then it takes 10 minutes to put on the chains, or cables rather.)

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans

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