r1_97, I don't often contribute to this forum as I do not currently own an E. But I was stopping by and saw your question. I've used Ziggy's Car Clinic on Autoport Mall in Miramesa for several years. Ziggy has kept 3 different MBs up for us. He is a factory authorized independent.
My experience is that you will save a little $$ in ordinary maintance and much more if you have any magor work done. On one occation, when I was first beginning to use him, he did shocks and struts for 50% of what Hohen wanted to charge me. That's about the time we left Hohen altogether and never looked back.
Thanks for all who responded to my request. I should have been more geographicaly specific. I'm looking for a mechanic in the North Coastal area of San Diego. Mira Mesa and Poway are a little too remote for me. I live in Encinitas. If I can't find someone closer I may try Ziggy's though. Thanks again.
I have posted to this message board in the past regarding the problems that I have experienced with my Obsidian Black, 99 E320 Sedan with E2 and K2 options. Much to my surprise, the higher-ups at Mercedes Benz have opted not to address my issues at the customer service level and have forced us to pursue the matter thru litigation. The court systems here in AL (home of the M-Class) are slow and our complaint that was filed in November of 2000 is finally going to trial on the 29th of this month. I will try and post to this message board the results as several have emailed me offline of their interest in my transmission and other issues.
In reply to franman (#3554) about the Panoramic roof, it is a wonderful option. It is extremely nice for rear passengers.
A must-have feature for this car is Airmatic Dual Control. This adjustable suspension is standard on the S500 and has now been introduced to the E and CLK lines. It gives the E series a split personality between luxury city car and highway speed demon.
Keyless go is a nice trick, but not a must-have feature.
The phone option for this car is better than any previous Mercedes. First of all, it is hidden in the center arm rest instead of being in the front passenger leg area (which was annoying). The onscreen display in the speedometer combined with the steering wheel controls is a winner. I have never recommended the phone option in the E until now. It is a great option.
Special Note: The navigation system that is currently in the E-Class may change in January to a DVD based system with a larger screen and full maps. This will change for all E-Classes built after the switch date regardless of when the car was ordered.
Final comment: You can change your order at anytime before the paperwork goes to the floor in Stutgart. That is about 2 months before you get delivery. With the 6 month delay we currently have, that gives you 4 months to review options and make your final choices.
The phone option for this car is better than any previous Mercedes. First of all, it is hidden in the center arm rest instead of being in the front passenger leg area (which was annoying).
This comment is not accurate as for the past several years the Mercedes OEM phone has been installed in the arm rest. When it is in the foot well it is an aftermarket phone. I have a 2000 E430 with the facory Phone, voice activated and it is in the arm rest. A friend of mine bought a new 97 or 98 and it was installed in the armrest also since it was OEM. Wally
Is it possible.....has anyone ever heard of being able to replace the current rear view mirror with one that has a compass in it? For someone like me, who has no sense of direction, this would be the greatest. I have a '01 E320.
You are correct on the phone option. I forgot that U.S. options are often ahead of European options (which is surprising since Mercedes is from Germany). The phone in the center armrest of the E-Class is offered for the first time in Europe, but has been available in the U.S. for some time.
I also learned that the automatic closing trunk-lid is an option in the U.S. now but we will not see it here until 2004. We are also getting tele-aid as soon as the summer of 2003.
r1_97, we're practically neighbors. I lived in Leucadia for years and am now in SW Carlsbad at the Encinitas border. But my office is in Mira Mesa, and that is how I stumbled upon Ziggy. I've thought about looking for a new job, and wondered about what I would do for a mechanic if I no longer made the trip to Mira Mesa for work. I know I wouldn't go back to Hohen. Those guys are bandits. Practically need a home equity loan to keep a car on the road going to them.
I've used Hohen mostly for warranty work. I usually don't keep car past warranty. They replaced transmission on my '98 E320 5 days after the 4 year warranty expired. Would have cost over $5k at retail. At that point I bought, over the internet, an extended warranty for my wife's '01 E-320. I'm planning to trade the '98 for an '03 when they are available. If Lexus es300 had a better transmission I'd consider it.
I've used Charles Foreign Car Service on 2d street downtown Encinitas for oil change. I don't know how they are for more complex work. It takes a lot of high priced computers and current skilled operators/mechanics to work on current high tech car models.
There are several independent shops in coastal Encinitas and a few on Camino Real but I don't know how competent/honest they are. If you have input please email me at s3r6@XXXXXXXX.net (x=bankrupt cable operator in our area.)
We have always had older non-waranty cars. Right now, the only MB we have is my wifes 84 SL. I guess I should not bad mouth Hohen. They did treat us right with a used car we bought there, when we had a problem with the radio. They replaced it even though these was no warranty. But they are really high priced on service, if you are paying for it. They have to pay for all those C-class loaners some how.
Besides, I like talking to the guy who had his hands on my car, not a service rep.
I have about 2500 miles left on my (bulletproof so far) 2000 E320 warranty. I spoke with the dealer about an extended warranty and he recommended Warrantech...the one he sells. Go figure. Anyway, he quoted @ $2,900 for 36 months, to 100,000 miles. Seems high to me...any suggestions re Warrantech, this deal or alternatives. Shopping isn't as easy as it could be since CA clamped down on extended warranty sales over the internet...
You could try warrantygold.com or warrantydirect.com. About $1800 for additional 5 years of coverage. Was going to ask my service advisor if they had any experience with these companies.
Two different companies one is currently a public entity.
Have never purchased the extended warr. but considering it for my 2000 E.
Mercedes Benz Italy has decided to show off the new E-class using flat panel iMacs as their kiosks. As both an Apple employee and a Mercedes fan, I love it!
I just purchased a new 2002 E-430-Silver/Charcoal with the E-1,E-2 and Heated Seats options. The price quoted and paid was $51,420 NOT including luxury or sales tax. Invoice was $53,546, but MB gave the dealer $3500 plus 3% hold back on the MSRP of $57,525 or $1725, so the dealer made $3100 on the deal. I had to take delivery before July 1st, so I was only able to checked with a few other local dealers, but they could not touch the deal. I love my new E-430 and it replaces my 1992 E-400, which to its last day was the best and most trouble free car I have ever owned. My question is did I get a "FAIR" deal????
When a warranty is sold, MBUSA gets 50% of the cost, and the dealership gets the other 50% (thus the expense of the MBUSA warranties).
There are several reputable companies on the net who sell extended warranties (a 4 yr 75000 mile for $1200)which are honored at all service drives.
Ensure that you purchase a EW that pays up front for work done on your vehicle (most do this via their credit card to the dealership)imo MB warranties are ripoffs!
Anytime you get a new MB below invoice, it's good, but the time to investigate pricing is before not after you buy. In a month or so you'll have a dated style and miss a few new features. But so what! You'll have an excellent car which you'll enjoy for several years.
Q1) no, hard to believe. Q2) no, also hard to believe.
neither taints my love of the car however. (my love of Mercedes, the company is another matter)
as far as options, that's a pretty personal thing. you picked only 2 of the extensive list.
I wouldn't buy the car without xenon headlights (E1 option). they make a huge difference and the washers are great in the winter slop of NH.
Also, being in NH, I wouldn't buy the car without 4Matic. Dropping coin like this on a car, I want to drive it year round. The 4Matic is awesome.
I love the integrated cell phone (got it without voice activation). it is EXTREMELY overpriced however.
I personally believe that the stereo system is underrated. They needed to stencil someones name on it (since Mark Levinson is taken, how about Barry Manilow :-)) so people believed they were getting something more. The only thing that is UNFORGIVABLE is not having a CD in the dash. I never use the cassette. Changer in the trunk is a pain in the butt.
I also got the actively ventilated seats that are excellent. Rear power sunshade is nice too.
I wouldn't have (and didn't) paid money for a CD based navigation system. I would have purchased a DVD based system. Scary stories about COMAND complexity did not keep me away.
Ignoring reliablity issues, the E-Class is simply the finest sedan available. I hope you enjoy your new car.
Suggest you set one of your memory buttons for your preferred entry/exit position. Before shutting off the car simply push your exit button and your seat and steering wheel will move to the exit position.
It is strange to benchmark my vehicle with a C320 that HAS these features.
I live in Portland, OR & the need for a 4matic was a toss up. I heard complaints about the Xenon & the self leveling, especially when u go up a hill or down. Hence did not opt for that.
I had an Acura before this, with the NAV & that was A-WONDERFUL. Very intuitive ... Had the HID lamps & they were excellent as well.
I agree with you about the sound quality of the stereo system. But no respectable radio manufacturer would accept sponsoring the radio because of the low AM/FM receiver sensitivity inherent to the bad rear window antenna design. Jean
Just got my 99 E320 4matic back from dealer. Rear axle seals were replaced after leakage. Also Check engine light was on for a week due to defective Mass Air Flow Sensor. All repairs performed under warranty. I was treated with a 02 ML-320 as courtesy car. Not bad, but it made me rediscover my E. Jean
my 2001 4matic developed a leak from the AWD transfer case. Seals replaced at approx 10K miles. Every day I look in my parking place to look for leaks.
Mine goes in next week for the THIRD time to replace another failed fan speed regulator that essentially makes the climate control useless. FIrst time they changed the compressor and returned it to me unfixed. I went back the next day. They accused me of not understanding how the climate control works in the car ("you're on auto, it does that"). Took the forman out, sat him in the car, turned it on, nothing. He say's oh, that's the fan speed regulator. They hadn't even tried to reproduce the reported problem.
Another visit, their mechanic detected the steering wheel squeek/groan people have discussed here during my Service A but "didn't have the parts" to fix it then. Returned it to them a week later and they returned it to me, unfixed, stating they couldn't reproduce! THEY WERE THE ONES THAT REPORTED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!! Well, I can now hear it, it's intermittant which doesn't bode well. I have yet to have an intermittant problem fixed on the first try.
There is no competition in NH...I get to drive 1.5 hours round trip (total of 3 to get the car back) for the priveledge.
When this car works properly it's a wonderful vehicle. When it's not, I AM NOT blessed with Mercedes quality service. Guess you needed to by a CL or S to get that.
Magesh, what complaints did you hear about the xenon self leveling? Going up hill they point into the ground and going down hill they point into space? If I'm not mistaken, they only go through the leveling algorithm when they car starts up. Did you take the time to come to your own conclusion on this?
Frankly, I'm blown away with the precision of the beam pattern, especially on low beams. You can see a distinct line in the road where the beams end then on the outer (right) shoulder, the beam is aimed up to help with peripheral vision. Wonderful. The ability to see at night is just unbelieveable.
My sympathy for your experience with fan speed regulator and MB service. I also had the same problem and MB dealer said it worked fine and didnot fix it. I went back second time and showed them the fan speed was not constant in manual mode. The mechnic and service adviser still said it was supposed to work that way. Upon my insist, the service forman was called. It took him just a few seconds to give the instruction of replacing the fan speed regulator. Ditto with the vent flapper. The senter flappers occasionally stuck shut and then open up after 5 to 10 minutes. They saied it was okay the in first visit. Now I am sure it is not okay but am having hard time to reproduce it when I took my car to the dealership. It's really a wonderful car when working properly as you said, but I have had many other problems. What a shame.
1) Times when you could see and "feel" and possibly drive the newer E and CLK cars at the Marriott Hotel in Torrance:
Early in the morning before the first shift of sales people take their first test drive along the Palos Verdes Peninsula between 8 till 9:30 AM// Second shift starts after lunch therefore cars are parked between 11 ish till 12:40ish // third possible time is after third shift and that is after 3:30 till 5:ish PM.
2) If you are lucky talk to your sales person he or she could arrange for you to take a drive with him/her ...I did...shhhh
3) CLK 500 has AMG style (wheels and under body work ...) but it is not the case for the E Class not even the E500 sport!! bummer..
4) Pricing is gonna be the same for the w211 same reasoning was given by MB Training and devlopment person as to the SL500R. same pricing despite the newere technological changes and what have you..
5) the Audio system Audio 50 is based on 10 std speakers including a subwoofer and some tweeters. It is believed to be better improvement over the Bose system. This system in developed by Harmon Becker and has 4 multi channel amplifiers.
The Upgrade is called Logic 7 Harmon Kardon. It is a must have in my opinion: it is based on 12 speakers and 8 multi channel amplifiers with optimum natural and realistic reproduction of studio like sound for all five seating positions.
Every E is equiped with single indash CD and an optional in dash CD changer that is either dealer or factory installed for only $400.
6) The DVD based COMmand system is a delayed option till past February. The good news is that the cars are prewired for an easy retrofit. The retrofit is dealer installed.
7) E Calss come with two batteries ala SL 500R. the second one is a backup if the first one fails. it is believed that this second one is mainly for the sensotronic Braking system. Both batteries are foam based too.
8) the spare tire is not full one. Reasoning given is reducing cost and weight of the E Class for better torque and HP output and lower gas mileage.
9) I asked an MB Retail and Development guy about whether the drag coefficient (pusblished to be .27) is accurate across the E line although the 320 non sport has 16 inch wheels and the 500 has 17inch wheels He replied not to quote him but the dc is not gonna be the same. his estimates are in the .28 or .29 for the 500 w sport wheels.
10) two new front bumper sensors for air bags are installed.
11) newer Rollover sensors are included in the E Class that activates the curtain airbags once the angle has been changed..
12) Side airbags for the Front seats have moved now to the side seats instead. That allowed the airflow to beam through the front doors to the back of the B pillars for confort 4 zoning climate control that is std for the E500W.
I am sorry this might take forever but please aske me any question and I will be glad to answer you to the best of my knowledge.
The drive is truly impressive especially for the CLK500C and the E500W. The E320W did not disappoint me at all when I switched cars. We took nice hilly streets and I went over 60mph and all cars without any exception feel like they could be pushed further and still lots of torque and the cars are truly sticking to the road.
While descending on Crenshaw Blvd, the descent was at least 35 to 45 percent and the E320W felt like it has a Hill Descent Control. You do not have to use your brakes that often at all to slow down. Actually I entered the descent at about 45mph and on occasions it went up to 55mph then without ever using the breaks it went down to high 40s asif the engine is downshifting for you.
The Braking system to be honest with you is amazing. At first I did not know that the CLK does not have the SBS but I asked my sales person how come the braking on the CLK is not as precise as the E Class. Then he explained to me that the CLK does not have SBS (Sensotronic Braking System).
Overall, I am so impressed with the finish, amenities, luxurious appointments and especially with the little things that you actually you dont see.
The back seats however make you feel that the car (E Class) is a bit smaller than its predecessor. I could be wrong here but it did not feel that big.
I just purchased my new E last week. I am considering to keep this car long so looging into extended warranty. Since the car comes with 4yr/50k warranty, is there any benefit to buy extended warranty now? I know the price is about $100 to $200 cheaper now but only goes 7yr max. I also got a quote from several web site and WarrantyByNet seems to be the cheapest. Any comments as which comany is better than the other in terms of services and claims?
About the self leveling, I don't have any personal exp'. When I was shopping for my E320, I was told by one of the sales guy at one of the dealerships in Portland, OR, that leveling has been an issue & that they are getting a car back from the customer due to this problem.!!!
I did not have an opportunity to test these out myself, hence whatever I write now is based on the 'expert' opinion of the sales guy.
I'm planning to replace my standard bulbs with a diff' type of bulbs so as to 're-create' a HID or Xenon effect.!!! But the Xenon option is something that I cannot install on my car now, I was told. Again by another 'expert'.
For excellent pricing on MB extended warranties I suggest you contact Lisa Lehrbaum at Courtesy Motors (800) 655-3535. A couple of days before MB discontinued the 4 Yr 100,000 warranty I purchased it for $1,680. for my wife's 02 C320. Good luck.
That is the Panorama roof. It will be offered on the 2003 US E-Class. It debuted on the C-coupe last year I think. You can see it at your dealer on the 2002 C-coupe now.
I get my 2001 E320 back today after having the Fan Speed Regulator changed for the second time (third time in for this, including one no-fix by the dealer...another story). I clearly need to correct the fact that I didn't get an extended warranty. Do you folks know: 1) can I obtain one on a car older than 1 year?
2) has anybody had experience purchasing such a warranty and can make a recommendation?
3) in lieu of that, can people make recommendations as to what to look for when purchasing an extended warranty. Of all the cars I've owned, I've never even considered having to have one...surprising that now that I own the finest sedan made, that situation has changed.
Big Rob, the main item to look for is how they handle parts that need to be replaced. A lot of the off brand warranties (those not offered by the car manufacturer) often pay for "like parts". What this means is that if you have 50,000 miles on your car and your differential goes out (a covered item) then they will find a "like part" which is another car, often in the wreck yard with approximately 50,000 miles on it and give you that car's differential. This exact thing happened to me and I was very upset and after fighting it with a lawyer, found that the phrase "like part" gave them the ground they needed.
This phrase is often only seen in the actual documentation you see after you get the contract. So buyer beware. I for one got hosed on this one. And I'm told it is quite common. People think they are getting new parts and that is not the case.
My E-320 has 7,000 miles and I'm not comfortable waiting any longer to change the oil. I'd like to do it myself and even bought oil filters from my dealer but I can't find in the owners manual what type of oil or how many quarts it takes. Any help?
dbronzo - Last year in a service bulletin, MB specified the use of only synthetic oil for the E-Class (I'm not sure about the other models). I believe the minimum viscosity (top part of the blend) is 40. I had the oil changed in my 2000 E320 at 5,000 miles; bought 8 quarts of Mobile 1 5W50 (or 10W50 - can't recall) at WalMart and took it to my local private MB shop, where they did the oil & filter change.
My A Service was done by the dealer at around 10,000 miles. They use Quaker State synthetic, which is a brand approved by MBUSA, and put in 10W40 (I think). Don't use 10W30, normally widely available. Your dealer should have all the pertinent info.
I now have almost 13,000 miles on the car, and the B Service is scheduled for 20,000 miles or so. But I'll again do an oil/filter change at 15,000 miles. Many "experts" maintain that frequent oil changes in a modern MB are unnecessary; others disagree. But, like you, I'm not comfortable going the full scheduled service between oil changes.
How long have you owned your car with 7K miles? I had my E-430 for 11 months with 6.5K miles and I asked my MB dealer to change the oil for free. NO PROBLEM. If you believe it should be changed for free-TELL THEM!! If they object, say you will never buy another car from them and you will advise all your relatives, friends, and anyone else you discuss MBs with to not buy from their dealership unless they change it for FREE!! They'll change it.
Comments
M
My experience is that you will save a little $$ in ordinary maintance and much more if you have any magor work done. On one occation, when I was first beginning to use him, he did shocks and struts for 50% of what Hohen wanted to charge me. That's about the time we left Hohen altogether and never looked back.
A must-have feature for this car is Airmatic Dual Control. This adjustable suspension is standard on the S500 and has now been introduced to the E and CLK lines. It gives the E series a split personality between luxury city car and highway speed demon.
Keyless go is a nice trick, but not a must-have feature.
The phone option for this car is better than any previous Mercedes. First of all, it is hidden in the center arm rest instead of being in the front passenger leg area (which was annoying). The onscreen display in the speedometer combined with the steering wheel controls is a winner. I have never recommended the phone option in the E until now. It is a great option.
Special Note: The navigation system that is currently in the E-Class may change in January to a DVD based system with a larger screen and full maps. This will change for all E-Classes built after the switch date regardless of when the car was ordered.
Final comment: You can change your order at anytime before the paperwork goes to the floor in Stutgart. That is about 2 months before you get delivery. With the 6 month delay we currently have, that gives you 4 months to review options and make your final choices.
This comment is not accurate as for the past several years the Mercedes OEM phone has been installed in the arm rest. When it is in the foot well it is an aftermarket phone. I have a 2000 E430 with the facory Phone, voice activated and it is in the arm rest. A friend of mine bought a new 97 or 98 and it was installed in the armrest also since it was OEM.
Wally
You are correct on the phone option. I forgot that U.S. options are often ahead of European options (which is surprising since Mercedes is from Germany). The phone in the center armrest of the E-Class is offered for the first time in Europe, but has been available in the U.S. for some time.
I also learned that the automatic closing trunk-lid is an option in the U.S. now but we will not see it here until 2004. We are also getting tele-aid as soon as the summer of 2003.
Bob
I've used Hohen mostly for warranty work. I usually don't keep car past warranty. They replaced transmission on my '98 E320 5 days after the 4 year warranty expired. Would have cost over $5k at retail. At that point I bought, over the internet, an extended warranty for my wife's '01 E-320. I'm planning to trade the '98 for an '03 when they are available. If Lexus es300 had a better transmission I'd consider it.
I've used Charles Foreign Car Service on 2d street downtown Encinitas for oil change. I don't know how they are for more complex work. It takes a lot of high priced computers and current skilled operators/mechanics to work on current high tech car models.
There are several independent shops in coastal Encinitas and a few on Camino Real but I don't know how competent/honest they are. If you have input please email me at s3r6@XXXXXXXX.net (x=bankrupt cable operator in our area.)
Besides, I like talking to the guy who had his hands on my car, not a service rep.
5 years of coverage. Was going to ask my service advisor if they had any experience with these companies.
Two different companies one is currently a public entity.
Have never purchased the extended warr. but considering it for my 2000 E.
Good luck.
http://www.macobserver.com/article/2002/07/16.12.shtml
Mercedes Benz Italy has decided to show off the new E-class using flat panel iMacs as their kiosks. As both an Apple employee and a Mercedes fan, I love it!
There are several reputable companies on the net who sell extended warranties (a 4 yr 75000 mile for $1200)which are honored at all service drives.
Ensure that you purchase a EW that pays up front for work done on your vehicle (most do this via their credit card to the dealership)imo MB warranties are ripoffs!
Q1) Is there an easy entry / exit option in this model/car.? Meaning, does the steering go up & the seat go back at the time of entry & exit.?
Q2) Does the key fob align with the memory seating.?
Did I miss out on something.? Option.?
Any advice on the above will be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Magesh
Q2) no, also hard to believe.
neither taints my love of the car however. (my love of Mercedes, the company is another matter)
as far as options, that's a pretty personal thing. you picked only 2 of the extensive list.
I wouldn't buy the car without xenon headlights (E1 option). they make a huge difference and the washers are great in the winter slop of NH.
Also, being in NH, I wouldn't buy the car without 4Matic. Dropping coin like this on a car, I want to drive it year round. The 4Matic is awesome.
I love the integrated cell phone (got it without voice activation). it is EXTREMELY overpriced however.
I personally believe that the stereo system is underrated. They needed to stencil someones name on it (since Mark Levinson is taken, how about Barry Manilow :-)) so people believed they were getting something more. The only thing that is UNFORGIVABLE is not having a CD in the dash. I never use the cassette. Changer in the trunk is a pain in the butt.
I also got the actively ventilated seats that are excellent. Rear power sunshade is nice too.
I wouldn't have (and didn't) paid money for a CD based navigation system. I would have purchased a DVD based system. Scary stories about COMAND complexity did not keep me away.
Ignoring reliablity issues, the E-Class is simply the finest sedan available. I hope you enjoy your new car.
BigRob.
It is strange to benchmark my vehicle with a C320 that HAS these features.
I live in Portland, OR & the need for a 4matic was a toss up. I heard complaints about the Xenon & the self leveling, especially when u go up a hill or down. Hence did not opt for that.
I had an Acura before this, with the NAV & that was A-WONDERFUL. Very intuitive ... Had the HID lamps & they were excellent as well.
Thanks again,
Magesh
Jean
Jean
Mine goes in next week for the THIRD time to replace another failed fan speed regulator that essentially makes the climate control useless. FIrst time they changed the compressor and returned it to me unfixed. I went back the next day. They accused me of not understanding how the climate control works in the car ("you're on auto, it does that"). Took the forman out, sat him in the car, turned it on, nothing. He say's oh, that's the fan speed regulator. They hadn't even tried to reproduce the reported problem.
Another visit, their mechanic detected the steering wheel squeek/groan people have discussed here during my Service A but "didn't have the parts" to fix it then. Returned it to them a week later and they returned it to me, unfixed, stating they couldn't reproduce! THEY WERE THE ONES THAT REPORTED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!! Well, I can now hear it, it's intermittant which doesn't bode well. I have yet to have an intermittant problem fixed on the first try.
There is no competition in NH...I get to drive 1.5 hours round trip (total of 3 to get the car back) for the priveledge.
When this car works properly it's a wonderful vehicle. When it's not, I AM NOT blessed with Mercedes quality service. Guess you needed to by a CL or S to get that.
Frankly, I'm blown away with the precision of the beam pattern, especially on low beams. You can see a distinct line in the road where the beams end then on the outer (right) shoulder, the beam is aimed up to help with peripheral vision. Wonderful. The ability to see at night is just unbelieveable.
It's really a wonderful car when working properly as you said, but I have had many other problems. What a shame.
1) Times when you could see and "feel" and possibly drive the newer E and CLK cars at the Marriott Hotel in Torrance:
Early in the morning before the first shift of sales people take their first test drive along the Palos Verdes Peninsula between 8 till 9:30 AM// Second shift starts after lunch therefore cars are parked between 11 ish till 12:40ish // third possible time is after third shift and that is after 3:30 till 5:ish PM.
2) If you are lucky talk to your sales person he or she could arrange for you to take a drive with him/her ...I did...shhhh
3) CLK 500 has AMG style (wheels and under body work ...) but it is not the case for the E Class not even the E500 sport!! bummer..
4) Pricing is gonna be the same for the w211 same reasoning was given by MB Training and devlopment person as to the SL500R. same pricing despite the newere technological changes and what have you..
5) the Audio system Audio 50 is based on 10 std speakers including a subwoofer and some tweeters. It is believed to be better improvement over the Bose system. This system in developed by Harmon Becker and has 4 multi channel amplifiers.
The Upgrade is called Logic 7 Harmon Kardon. It is a must have in my opinion: it is based on 12 speakers and 8 multi channel amplifiers with optimum natural and realistic reproduction of studio like sound for all five seating positions.
Every E is equiped with single indash CD and an optional in dash CD changer that is either dealer or factory installed for only $400.
6) The DVD based COMmand system is a delayed option till past February. The good news is that the cars are prewired for an easy retrofit. The retrofit is dealer installed.
7) E Calss come with two batteries ala SL 500R. the second one is a backup if the first one fails. it is believed that this second one is mainly for the sensotronic Braking system. Both batteries are foam based too.
8) the spare tire is not full one. Reasoning given is reducing cost and weight of the E Class for better torque and HP output and lower gas mileage.
9) I asked an MB Retail and Development guy about whether the drag coefficient (pusblished to be .27) is accurate across the E line although the 320 non sport has 16 inch wheels and the 500 has 17inch wheels He replied not to quote him but the dc is not gonna be the same. his estimates are in the .28 or .29 for the 500 w sport wheels.
10) two new front bumper sensors for air bags are installed.
11) newer Rollover sensors are included in the E Class that activates the curtain airbags once the angle has been changed..
12) Side airbags for the Front seats have moved now to the side seats instead. That allowed the airflow to beam through the front doors to the back of the B pillars for confort 4 zoning climate control that is std for the E500W.
I am sorry this might take forever but please aske me any question and I will be glad to answer you to the best of my knowledge.
The drive is truly impressive especially for the CLK500C and the E500W. The E320W did not disappoint me at all when I switched cars. We took nice hilly streets and I went over 60mph and all cars without any exception feel like they could be pushed further and still lots of torque and the cars are truly sticking to the road.
While descending on Crenshaw Blvd, the descent was at least 35 to 45 percent and the E320W felt like it has a Hill Descent Control. You do not have to use your brakes that often at all to slow down. Actually I entered the descent at about 45mph and on occasions it went up to 55mph then without ever using the breaks it went down to high 40s asif the engine is downshifting for you.
The Braking system to be honest with you is amazing. At first I did not know that the CLK does not have the SBS but I asked my sales person how come the braking on the CLK is not as precise as the E Class. Then he explained to me that the CLK does not have SBS (Sensotronic Braking System).
Overall, I am so impressed with the finish, amenities, luxurious appointments and especially with the little things that you actually you dont see.
The back seats however make you feel that the car (E Class) is a bit smaller than its predecessor. I could be wrong here but it did not feel that big.
Cheers
M
About the self leveling, I don't have any personal exp'. When I was shopping for my E320, I was told by one of the sales guy at one of the dealerships in Portland, OR, that leveling has been an issue & that they are getting a car back from the customer due to this problem.!!!
I did not have an opportunity to test these out myself, hence whatever I write now is based on the 'expert' opinion of the sales guy.
I'm planning to replace my standard bulbs with a diff' type of bulbs so as to 're-create' a HID or Xenon effect.!!! But the Xenon option is something that I cannot install on my car now, I was told. Again by another 'expert'.
Thanks,
Magesh
To answer your question on the acceleration of the new E 320W, it has enough torque and hp. I was amazed by its quickness.
The official stats as published by MB Training and Development Newsline brochure are as follow:
E320W HP 221/5600 RPM 232 Torque 0-60 in 7.2 sec
GS300 HP 220/5800 RPM 220 Torque 0-60 in 7.8 Sec
BM530iHP 225/5900 RPM 214 Torque 0-60 in 7.0 sec
JagS HP 240/6800 RPM 221 Torque 0-60 in 7.5 sec
I drove the E500 first then the CLK500 and up the hill I took the E320W. Pick up and take off so to speak are always there.
Impressive
Cheers
-- clockmeister
1) can I obtain one on a car older than 1 year?
2) has anybody had experience purchasing such a warranty and can make a recommendation?
3) in lieu of that, can people make recommendations as to what to look for when purchasing an extended warranty. Of all the cars I've owned, I've never even considered having to have one...surprising that now that I own the finest sedan made, that situation has changed.
Regards,
BigRob.
This phrase is often only seen in the actual documentation you see after you get the contract. So buyer beware. I for one got hosed on this one. And I'm told it is quite common. People think they are getting new parts and that is not the case.
My A Service was done by the dealer at around 10,000 miles. They use Quaker State synthetic, which is a brand approved by MBUSA, and put in 10W40 (I think). Don't use 10W30, normally widely available. Your dealer should have all the pertinent info.
I now have almost 13,000 miles on the car, and the B Service is scheduled for 20,000 miles or so. But I'll again do an oil/filter change at 15,000 miles. Many "experts" maintain that frequent oil changes in a modern MB are unnecessary; others disagree. But, like you, I'm not comfortable going the full scheduled service between oil changes.
Let us know what you find out and decide to do.