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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans
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Comments
I'm new to this forum, and very excited to be a part of it! (I have a 2000 E320 Obs. Black/Chrcl.)
I am also really excited about the new 2003 E-Class that was unveiled this past week in Europe. I would be more than willing to trade my 2000 in for a new one. I found a useful link in case any of you are interested in seeing the new one:
Great Photos too:
http://www.news24.co.za/News24/Wheels24/0,3999,2-15_1131432,00.html
I'd like to here some of your comments about the new E-Class, it would be interesting to hear what others think about the design etc. To the best of my knowledge prices haven't been released, but I assume that they should be around the same as the current one (otherwise Mercedes will have prices themselves out of the mid-size luxury sedan market).
Thanks!
Some states require a sticker on the door "TMU"
(true mileage unknown) if the original odometer has been tampered with or replaced. This would have a significant impact on my car's value.
It only takes a few seconds to adjust the clock every month.
Those of you who had your clock replaced please give me your input. Thanks.
Since I am the driver how does this new roof benefit me? Also, how will this new black roof look with all the colors? If you new 'E' is black the roof will look good; otherwise the new E looks better without the roof (IMHO).
The cooling benefits will be negated by the extra heat and sunlight allowed into the car especially in hot climates.
The top will look like a black glass, much like the NS-X targa.
Potential first-year kinks aside, the car looks great, and wish it was available 3 months ago. We ordered BMW 530 but it would have been a very difficult decision had it been out 3 months ago.
I'm unsuccessfully attempting to mount a rear facing child safety seat. Owners manual clearly states follow the seat manufactures instructions. Seat manufacture clearly states that the safest spot is rear center. Unfortunately rear center of the E Class has two rigidly affixed seat belt buckles for the outboard passengers that prevent the proper seating of the base of the seat (even if I could get it in above the buckles, the rear seat occupants would be out of luck). Called 1-800-FOR-MERC who knew about it but said to contact the service dept. Contacted the service dept who understands the issue but knows of no work around. Left off with "come in and see the shop forman and he'll see what can be done".
Has anybody else used a rear facing child safety seat in their E class (mine is 2001). The thought of using the outboard position (and possibly getting the side airbag disabled) makes me a little unhappy.
Thanks,
BigRob.
I would highly recommend the 95 E320. I did exactly the same thing that you are looking to do. I purchased a 94 E320 with 35,000 miles about a year and 1/2 ago. I have since put about 15,000 miles on it and couldn't be happier. The car was Starmarked and has been absolutely trouble free. The only thing that I have done is put a set of front brakes in. This 8 year old car is more solid than my new Saab. You will not go wrong with this series of MB, it is the last of the "overbuilt" ones. Good Luck!
Thanks for your comments on the mudguards. I will definitely go back to my dealer's service person and see what he has to say. I did try the MBUSA site but for some strange reason, the picture of the mudguard was not dowloading so I wasn't even sure if one actually existed.
BigRob,
Yes, I have installed a rear facing child seat in the center of my rear seat and did not encounter any problems whatsoever in strapping the child seat in. In fact, I am still trying to figure out what you mean by "rigidly affixed seat belt buckles" I have a 1998 E320 wagon and my car's seat belt buckles (all three of them) are not rigidly affixed. Maybe wagons and sedans are different or maybe MB changed the buckles since 1998. Your guess is as good as mine.
About '03 models, I am certainly looking forward to this newer E-class series but I am wondering when they will come out with the wagons. My dream is an E430 4matic wagon. Unfortunately they never existed because the 4matics only came with the E320 and sadly, they discontinued the E430 wagon line in 2002.
Still waiting...
I can see why they're done this way...it makes it a one-hand operation to buckle your belt. Right now, though, it's really limiting my ability to properly use an important safety system.
Thanks,
BigRob.
FAUSTOMD
Seriously, the strength of MB automobiles is in their handling, drivability, "road feel," solid construction and innovations involving safety. Many Japanese and American cars are full of gimmicks that add little or nothing to basic driving performance. After a month or two of Mercedes ownership, most people forget about the lack of the "conveniences" you mention. I did, after trading a 1998 Cadillac STS (that was loaded with gadgetry) for my 2000 E320. And one of the most pleasant surprises of that "upgrade" was the 21+ gallon fuel tank on my MB that allowed me to travel more than 200 miles or so and NOT begin searching for another gas station.
More serious, however, is your experience with minor flaws in your Mercedes. Most MB owners aren't that troubled with malfunctions that require frequent visits to the dealer. I would guess that your unfortunate experience isn't typical.
You may be misinformed about the E-Class being an "entry-luxo sedan." I think you'll find that the industry considers entry-luxo sedans to be the MB C-Class, BMW 3-Series, Lexus ES-300, Infinity I-35 and similar cars priced significantly lower than the E-Class.
In any case, not everyone will be happy owning and driving a Mercedes. If you find the BMW 745iL or Porsche Carrera 4 Convertible more suited to your tastes, so be it. Good luck. And let us know what you like and dislike in the new car (neither of which can be compared objectively to a Mercedes-Benz E-Class).
vicfa, the good news is the competition has created many good choices(BMW, Lexus...). But I still like MB's solid drive experience.
But I do wonder why they can't include a basic CD player.
I don't know about the LS430 but my E430AWD with LM22 Blizzaks is great in the snow.
While we have a 2001 E430 now, when I was using a rearfacing carseat it was in my 96 volvo 850 and then in my 2000 Chrysler T&C. The first time, my Volvo dealer didn't even know what a tether strap was, let alone how to help with a rear facing one. And this is supposed to be the quintessential family safety-first car!
Since I don't have personal experience with the MB E, I would suggest the following:
#1 - If there is a good baby/children's store near you (NOT a big chain like Babysrus...) they may be able to help you. I'm in San Francsico, and there are a couple stores here who will help you install the seat properly. This is also a reason why I have never bought my seats online - I prefer to go to a knowledgable store and try them out in my car before I buy.
#2 - Your local police my be able to help. Some police depts. have staff who specialize in helping install seats.
#3 - Go to carseat.org! This is a great site by SafetyBeltSafe. The local chapter was the one who helped my with my install issues. They were very knowlegable about how different seats go in different cars. In my opinion they are THE standard for current info. on car seats.
BTW, carseat.org seems to indicate that side-airbags are not a big problem because they are much less powerful than the front bags. And if you do end up putting the seat on the side, one benefit is that it is MUCH easier on your back to get the baby in and out! And remember that a well-fitting seat on the side is still safer than an ill-fitting seat in the middle.
Hope this is helpful. Sorry to be so verbose - in case you can't tell I'm a bit of a nut for a properly installed car seat! Good luck.
I used Consumer Reports as my resource and purchased the top rated one. The rear facing seats with the separate, permenantly installed base seemed to be ubiquitous. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I went to the garage and it wouldn't go into the center spot (you WOULDN'T have wanted to hear the language either!:-))
Now I'm off to carseat.org.
If you get desperate, email me at brahmcj@bigfoot.com and I can try to help you a bit more. I'm not an expert but I've done it a few times!
Regardless, it's good that you're doing it well before the baby is due. Even with practice it takes a while - you're smart not to wait until midnight when your wife goes into labor (like some friends of ours did!!).
With a new bambino coming, you should check their site regardless of the seat situation...
I have about 5000 miles on the upgraded 17" wheels and Yoko AVS dBs on my 2000 E320 and could not be more pleased. I seriously doubt they'll get noisier as they wear, and so far I'm convinced I made the right decision. Compared with the original 16" Continentals, the car handles and rides extremely well, with absolutely minimum tire noise. I believe when I hit 10,000-20,000 miles and beyond, I'll be just as pleased.
BTW, Tirerack customer ratings have the Yokos slightly higher in dry traction and "noise comfort." The Pilot Sports are rated quite higher in snow traction and marginally higher in wear and ride comfort. Unless there are several posts soon from dissatisfied long-term Yoko owners citing their own bad experiences (I doubt there will be), I'd guess you won't go wrong with either choice. But as Rolands said, be prepared to lighten your wallet if you choose the Michelins.
is stolen. I have never thought of the Tele-Aid when I first bought the car, but now I just can't get it even I want to. So please share
with me your advice and comments especially your experience regarding such system, I would truly appreciate it. I have noticed quite a few posts in the past on the this board indicating comments that are not quite in favor of the system and in fact some even went as far as wanting to disconnect it. I personally feel it has its own merit and value; but whether it is worth so much - close to $250/year, I don't know. Please, may I have some comments?
Louis
When I got home, I called Tele Aid and informed them about my dissatisfaction, also asked them not to renew, specifically asked them not to charge my credit card. Well, they still charged my credit card $257.40 for renewal of Tele Aid. I called again to receive a credit to my credit card, which they promised to do, however a credit of only $240.00 showed up on my credit card. I called again and the answer was, we cannot credit the fee and the tax at the same time. I did not expect that kind of B/S from MB. I am thoroughly dissatisfied with Tele Aid and MB. I do like my dealer and fortunately he sells BMW, well BMW here I come.
My question has to do with the addition of the Timeport phone with voice. Does anyone know of a dealership in SoCal that will offer any sort of discount on the system installed. I have contacted two dealerships with marginal luck. One will sell the parts wholesale but will not install. The Other wants $2,400 for the complete installation. Wow!!
Also, has anyone heard of adding Command? It can be done on the ML320, but I have not heard of this being added to the E-Class.
Thanks in advance for any help that can be provided
I need to find a replacement. First, I need to find the correct technical description of my wheel. Do I have an AMG 5 spoke wheel? If so, what is the part number? Does anyone know where I can locate the CORRECT rim at a discount?
My dealer wants $463.00 for the part not including changing the tire and balancing.
Now, for TeleAid. I had decided not to renew, about the same time I got three different letters, two weeks apart, warning me that the credit card that I had registered with TeleAid was no longer valid--- Great, I said, saves me a call to have to cancel this worthless service.
Two months later, my wife asked me about a $250ish charge on the card...I panicked for obvious reasons, then calmed down and realized it was just TeleAid. I was furious that after telling me I was unrenewable they found a way to do it. I called them up and was promptly credited back to the card.
Then in mid January, 4 weeks after the phone call and cancellation, I am driving my daughter home from gymanastics (she is 8), and the radio was commondeered-- scared the SH&$T out of me and her, and hear a message "This is blah blah testing your TeleAid service,,,something like that" This lasted for ten minutes. I could not gain operation of my radio, and pushing the SOS TeleAid button to tell them to knock it off did no good.
They're lucky they did not cause me to panic and have an accident. Bastards.
Not sure about the right part # though.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4292098389&show_all=1&start=1
These are photos that I've collected around the web and put in just one location for easier locating when posting in discussions.
The new E looks a lot like my 2001 S500 than the old E. I especially like the AMG equipped version! Very sleek!
I am leaning towards Yokahoma or Bridgestone based upon Tirerack.com's rec. Does anyone have personal experience with a 17" replacement tire?
I do not need all season tires; I prefer a strict performance "Summer" tire that has good wet traction and will last 20,000 miles.
Thanks.
BTW, I believe the Yoko AVS dBs are classified as an all-season ultra-high performance tire. The wet traction was rated high by consumers on Tirerack.com. Let us know what you decide.
1. Dunlop Sport 9000
2. Michelin Pilot Sport
3. Yokohama AVS DB
Price is not my main concern as tirerack.com list the Michelin for $193, the Dunlop for $153 and the Yoko is 144. Since snow is not an issue for me I think I will go with the Dunlop 9000. The Yoko is the "value" buy because it beats the Dunlop in every category except one: Looks
I like the aggressive look of the Dunlop and Michelin which are "Max" tires. But, the Dunlop has a better wear rating compared to the Michelin.
The Yoko has the BEST wear rating.
All of the above tires are better than my old stock Continental Conti Sports.
The Yoko is the only one that has any traction at all in snow. I must say that for an all around tire including light snow the Yoko is the one to purchase- Yoko AVS DB. A great tire at a great price.
But, if you want the all out "Max" summer tire then the Bridgestone S-03 or Michelin Pilot Sport is the best choice. I want a tire that will last 15,000 miles, look "aggressive", and behave well in the Florida rain. The Yoko is a better overall choice except the Dunlop will look better
on my Sport rim.
1) Is it easy to install aftermarket? I've seen the same model MB installs advertised on the web for about 1/3 of the price MB charges.
2) How about extra CD cartridges? I've not seen them advertised anywhere. Are they available from MB?
Thanks!
---joe
Please don't misinterpret what I'm asking. I bought the Yoko AVS dBs, and they would seem to look as aggressive as any other 235/45-17s. I went to Tirerack.com and looked at the Dunlop, Bridgestone , Michelin and Yoko. Minor differences in tread design. Then I looked at a silver E320, first with 17" 5-spoke AMG "sport wheels" and tires, and then with 17" Borbet Type E wheels and tires. No difference in the look of the tires that I could see..
Am I missing something? Is it really worth extra money to buy tires that look aggressive? To each his own, of course, but you got my attention!
I think they are sharp, but I sure wouldn't base a repurchase decision just on that. At close to $300 a pop, I'd rather have longevity.
As someone already pointed out you can see the tread at times and I like the look of a pure performance tire. I agree with your decision on a purely technical basis; however, when it comes to cars and car related items I factor in a little emotion as well.