Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans

rayscar · September 2002

I agree with you mall610. Maybe he knocks MB cars because because he wishes he could have one but can't and that makes him feel better. I guess he also didn't see, or chose to ignore, my post, #3884 of 3904 BMW 540i vs. MB E500, that says an independent third party picked the E500 over the 540i and the Janguar S-Type V8!

popkwizz · September 2002

Re: Audi salesman. What's the point of trying to sell dinky sports Audi on an E-motion message board?

et610 · September 2002

Check out the BS from this guy on the Audi S4 board...also check out the posts he has made after this one....

#672 of 768 Ode to the S4... by ilxman Nov 06, 2001 (12:00 pm)
I'm a 2001 Nogaro/Alcantara 6spd S4 owner, with about 8500 miles. I woke up early last Saturday (i.e., least amount of traffic) and decided it was time to take her out and seriously let 'er rip. I got on the expressway and gently warmed her up as I got past city and suburban traffic. Then I turned off the stereo and really started workin' her out. My love for this car has only deepened with the experience.

First, to cruise at 105mph in 5th gear (at only 4500 rpm!) with only the softly sweet, musical hum of that magnificent engine is remarkable. In fact, as I redlined from 1st gear on up after a toll booth, the engine and turbos simply purred--no screams, no protests, no hint that there were turbos at work...just delicious propulsive thrust. That thrust went right on up to 130mph, a speed I hit a few times before clumps of traffic appeared ahead and I had to slow down. Doggoneit--I wanted to test that electronically limited 143mph top speed!

At 130mph (and at every point getting there), there was no obvious aural indication that I was seriously flyin'. It was just that marvelous Teutonic hum that would make Beethoven proud. The car was rock solid stable, yet still clearly nimble. Some would argue that this car is too quiet, not manly-sounding enough. I say this is the result of world-class engineering in the service of a true GT (as opposed to a pure sports car).

A word about the suspension tuning is in order. I have argued with the (E36) M3 owners in the S4 vs. (old) M3 forum that the S4 is the superior all-around car mainly because of the awd and better balanced comfort+sport suspension tuning. At one point I was going around a long curve at 105mph, except that the road surface became really bumpy with various pockmarks, etc. My brain said I should become really concerned. My S4 said 'Don't worry, be happy!' as I took that bad boy at triple-digit speeds. Therein lay the S4 superiority to the old M3. The M3 can do everything the S4 does EXCEPT: 1) come out of the back end of curves as fast (thanks Quattro system); 2) stay as firmly planted in adverse road/weather conditions; or 3) be as comfortable doing all of the above.

I was having so much fun I drove all the up to Wisconsin, before too much traffic made me turn back. At that point, I just wanted to listen to my CDs and chill out in comfort. With the S4, that was no problem. In the course of my fast run, I smoked a Porsche Boxster, Saab turbo convertible, Mercedes E430 sedan, and a BMW Z3. In the course of my slow run back home, I was more comfortable in my car than all I came across save the E430 and a BMW 740iL--but mine cost one heck of a lot less and is more fun. All in all, I'd say I love my S4.

That said, here are some gripes Audi had better address--or the next car will be a BMW M3 or M5. First of all, the stick is just too balky. The 1-2 and 2-3 are problematic. I can't believe Audi didn't catch this obvious flaw. Come on Audi, Honda has the smoothest sticks I've experienced and BMW is better as well--please steal some of their people and fix this problem.

Secondly, Audi's marketing people need to wake up. Am I the only one who thinks it rather silly to make your 'statement' performance automobiles...station wagons!? Let's see. BMW has the M3 and M5 (and soon the return of the marvelous 6 series--perhaps an M6?). Mercedes has the AMG series (sedans, GT coupes, sports coupes, convertibles). Audi? The S4--a sedan only--which has been leapfrogged by the new M3. The S8--nice, but we're talking full-size luxo/autobahn cruisers here. Their serious, maximum-performance vehicle is...the RS4 station wagon (not even available in the US) and soon the S6 station wagon. Audi, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! How exciting, high-peroformance station wagons! Audi, please note your competition. Give us an aggressive looking S4 COUPE (like that one in the German spy photo) and a M5-worthy, ultra-performance S6 super-SEDAN! I read a quote from an Audi marketing person who said it was not worthwhile to build an S6 sedan because it would be too much like the current 4.2 A6. Well, duh! How about pulling out the stops and making a super S6 sedan?

Audi, you seem to be suffering from an inferiority complex. You can clearly build world-beating cars, but you persist in pulling your punches because you think people won't buy your super-tuned product or that it won't help overall sales. BMW and Mercedes build their super cars so that the brand cachet can bring more buyers for 330i's, 320s, 5281's., etc. You are not doing the sales of A4's and A6's a favor by not building the supercar versions of those platforms. For heaven's sake build 'em. You will get buyers for the supercars if you stop holding back! Once you start getting that supercar auto-lust from people like me, then those who can't afford the supercars will buy more A4's and A6's. There are legions of people like me who salivate over the M3's and M5's of the world, but who will spend their limited dollars on the tamer versions of those objects of lust. Audi, wake up. NO ONE SALIVATES OVER AUDI SUPERCARS...cuz you don't have any! References to your racing accolades don't mean a heck of a lot if you don't bring more of that expertise to your real cars.

That said I love my S4...but as I salivate over what I can do to top it, my mind is firmly on BMW. Now if you came out with that 340hp S4 super-COUPE, with a sport/comfort suspension switch, 18" rubber, a SMOOTH 6spd (or USEFUL paddle-based tiptronic), more aggressive styling, and every luxury amenity (including steering wheel-based controls and a real navigation system), my lust would revert back to Audi. Similarly, if you came out with a serious M5-beating S6 SEDAN, then I would revert back to Audi when I contemplate a married-man or older-man car. Audi, please wake up! End of diatribe....

john01 · September 2002

Does he know that Audi is bringing the RS6 to the US, which on paper has better straight line performance than the M5? Not to mention being more expensive than the M5.

mbe2003 · September 2002

Congrats on your new E 500! I am picking up my E 320 tonight! (Black, pano roof, HK sound, CD changer, keyless go...) I am really excited.

When I ordered my car I wanted to folding rear seat and was told that there were "issues" and it was not currently in production. I ended up going ahead with everything else and dropping the folding seat. I just wanted to let you know this. Are you sure that the folding seat is available for production now? When I check the "build your own" on the MB website, there is still no mention of it. You may want to check with your dealer.

Good Luck with your car I look forward to hearing how you like it. I know I am going to love mine.

rayscar · September 2002

Thanks mbe2003. Yes the folding rear seat option is avaiable. The MB site does not show it or the DVD-Nav offer either. I got the seat option from looking at posts on other boards and working through my dealer. It took several conversations but we got it worked out. The car should be built today or in the nest few days.

Enjoy your car too and keep us posted as to how you like it and if you have any problems. It sure is hard to wait but I'm sure it will be well worth it when it arrives.

johnkc123 · September 2002

Does anyone know what effect the MB class action lawsuit will have on those of us who have purchased the MB extended warranty?

ilxman · September 2002

How predictable! First, why is it that Mr. et610 didn't copy all those posts from M-B owners from the Audi v. BMW boards? I have no problem with that, except that MB posters inevitably fall back on aesthetics and pride-of-ownership to tout the superiority of MB. Second, the intended audience for my diatribes are, in fact, the marketing personnel of the respective marques that monitor these enthuisast sites. FOr example, Audi decided to bring out the RS6 due to withering criticism regarding the lack of performance of the A6 platform versus BMW. MB needs to hear that the reason for BMW's surging sales at their expense is because BMW has stayed true to its engineering-led, high-performance focus, while MB has chosen to go for a much more heavily luxury position on the luxury-performance spectrum. [That was not always the case, which I'm shocked more MB owners on this site haven't pointed out.] Meanwhile, Lexus, which has made the highest quality cars for several years running, eats away at the luxury-first crowd. The other intended audience segment are people who are in the market and want to hear comparative driving experiences to supplement the professional reviews.

Mr. John01, yes, I have written a warning on the Audi board that the price premium on the upcoming RS6 had better play out in superior real-world performance over the M5, or Audi will face a marketing backlash. As for the other puerile comments ("Gee, he probably can afford one!", etc.), what's the point? I actually drove the cars because MB invited me to do so--I'm certain they sought me out because their marketing staff found out I'm an Audi owner. Kudos to MB for having the guts to try to convert me with an actual driving experience. But my judgment stands: Too much money for too little performance. The E500, however, is promising. The fact that MB is now going to sell a 4-motion version of their top E-Class sedan (not just the 320) is an obvious appeal to Audi buyers. Hopefully, MB will tweak some more performance out of the platform by the time they offer it next spring....

john01 · September 2002

Dude, go back and read my post again, I do not see how you could have found that comment as I have not made it.

"As for the other puerile comments ("Gee, he probably can afford one!", etc.), what's the point?"

I happen to own a 530 and like my car better than the E-class, needless to say. Frankly I agree with a lot of what you wrote, but if you want to be taken seriously, I suggest you read what others write more carefully before firing back.

mall610 · September 2002

Has anyone had any first hand experience with the "clear bra". There was a post on #3743 that touted it as a great protection.

I have a metallic black E500 on order and am trying to decide if it is a good idea. I know that not having rock chips would be great. I am concerned about what it will look like after 3-4 years.

Anyone know what happens after a few years? Has anyone seen it on a black vehicle?

Mercedes dealer says that it would be $650.on the E500. They also say they install a lot of them each month. They say they install for the BMW dealer as well.

Hopefully someone can give me some advice.

rbrenton88 · September 2002

Unless you added a rocket pack to the trunk of your car, you won't be 'spanking' a CL500 at any time, let alone a CL55.

sergeym · September 2002

You believe that a better car = a sportier car. For the majority of people it is not so. MBs are not drivers cars. They are not built to win races. They are high-prestige, high-quality cars with great performance. BMW 530/540s will easily beat any Benz, short of AMG model, on the track but it does not make BMW a better car. They are just sportier cars. I recently drove 745, S430 and LS 430 on the track and though 745 was the best there (on the track) for the every-day driving LS 430 is a much better car. It's like telling to RR owner that for the money they should've gotten a Ferrari. I also drove E320/500 on the E-motion event in NYC (Tarrytown) and agreed with my girlfrient (we seldom agree on anything related to cars) that E500 is a better (though not as sporty) car that my 540.

jodar96 · September 2002

There is an article in Automotive News, dated 9/30/02 page 24 that talked about Mercedes settling law suit for 98-01 MB's where the owners may have pushed the 20K oil change intervals and have created engine problems. Now MB is saying that they will fix the damaged engines.

I question the accuracy of Flexible Service System that can not tell the difference between regular and synthetic oil, and let the owner go all the way to 20K with regular oil.

Why not just change the oil at 3K with regular oil and 7,500 with synthetic and just ignore this system.Fixing the damaged engines will cost MB about $106M!! Mercedes will cover engine damage for 5 years/150K miles IF regular oil was used in those engines.

Am I correct that the flexible Service System started with new V-6 engines and pre-98 in line six cylinders are not affected?

mrbpugh · September 2002

My 2001 e430 came with low profile tires. Now that I live in Chicago, I am interested in obtaining a good set of winter tires. Any help is greatly appreciated:

1. Good snow tires for this car?

2. Should I get a new set of rims, too?

3. If yes for #2 above, what would be a good, reasonably priced wheel set?

Thank-you in advance for any help.

swang1 · September 2002

I have a 99 E320 with 37000 miles. Everything is fine except the problem I had recently in Poly-V-Belt. The car need to be towed and kept in dealer's garage for three days. I heard from the tow truck driver that this problem is quite common in E320. Did anybody experience this problem? I asked dealer how much does it cost to fix this problem if not covered by warranty? He said it will cost me about 3000 dollars. My warranty is going to expire soon. Does anybody know what kind of warranty we'll get from the Class Action? Or, do I need to change my car?

pat · September 2002

Folks, this is not where we should be getting into extended comparison conversations. If anyone wants to pursue this comparison, please go over to the Comparisons - Sedans vs. Sedans board and fire up a new discussion.

Meanwhile, let's settle down in here, okay? We don't need to attack each other because we have different priorities and preferences.

Thanks.

mall610 · September 2002

WHO DAT SAY DAT???

pat · September 2002

I dat sez dat. Go to dat link in dat post I dat posted and make a comparo topic dere and everyone can have AT dat conversation on dat appropriate board!

:-)

jfz219 · September 2002

I drove an E320 RWD with 16" MXV4 tires. In the winter I use Blizzaks mounted on Borbet after market wheels.

Blizzaks are unbelievable on ice. Steering and braking are vastly improved over the OEM all season tires.

TireRack carries the Blizzak and the Michelin Alpin winter tire. They can be purchased mounted, balanced, and ready for installation. Price will probably run $1000-1200.

timh · September 2002

Hey all.
It has been awhile since I posted, but oh well.
Has anybody heard of a fabric liner for the rear of wagon? A friend of mine purchased one for his E wagon, but has lost the info, He seems to remember the name as "line-a-truck".
I can't find anything online about it, only the hard plastic type.
Anybody know anything about this?

Thanks

Tim

merc1 · September 2002

I've been reading what you're saying and I agree to a point, but I have a few questions and coments. .

When did Mercedes ever put performance first? Since I've been old enough to pay attention to MB cars the E-Classes (W123, W124, W210) have always been luxury cars first with the first true performance variant not arriving until the 1992 W124 "500E" model.

The E500 is obviously just want MB fans want. If you want more "performance" from an E-Class then they'll offer you a 469hp E55 for 2004, which I see beating the RS6 and M5 at least in that ever so important 0-60 contest. The E-Class' basic function was never to be as sporty as the 5-Series. The A6 doesn't detrone the 5-Series either when it comes to handling. No car does.

Why are you comparing the much smaller tuner-oriented S4 to the E500 and CL500. The CL500 and E500 are luxury cars first. Should I compare the 493hp SL55 to the S4? How about the C32 and the S4?

I agree wholeheartedly that Mercedes-Benz needs get it together on quality, no doubt, but to say they have strayed from ALL of there core values is just plain incorrect. Mercedes has always been and still is the top innovator in the automotive world. The 2003 S-Class has just introduced yet another level of safety engineering. This new braking technology will be duplicated in other cars in the years to come. The SL's top design is class-leading.

In case you hadn't notices MB is on somewhat of a small roll too when it comes to sales. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Mercedes-Benz shouldn't even be selling as many cars as they do considering their cars easily cost more than competing cars. The E and S Class cars are easily the best sellers in their respective classes worldwide. The E is the top selling in the mid-size segment in this country too. Only this year did the 5-Series catchup/surpass it due to the model changeover that all E-Class customers knew about, hence slowing E-Class sales. Watch for the E to easily regain its class leading sales postion once the new E-Class gets up to speed.

I fully understand that you want a sportier more involving experience, thats perfectly understandable. However to blame Mercedes for being what it has always been (a luxury car first) doesn't make sense.

M

ilxman · October 2002

Mr. Merc1, what I was referring to is the fact that MB was always the reference standard for the "luxury/sport sedan" through the 1980's. The professional review academy--whose priorities are performance-first, then luxury--held MB to be the standard by which other marques were judged, even if many owners just loved the exclusive luxury. That has changed drastically over the past decade, with BMW now the clear reference standard. That is also true of competing marques, who now use BMW's 3- and 5-series cars as their bogey. For example, when Lexus decided to try to enlarge the market for the GS-series, they used the 5-series as their bogey--not the E-Class. My criticism of MB is this: BMW dramatically upgraded the level of luxury in their cars over the last decade, without sacrificing performance; and Lexus has made a concerted effort to add a dollop of performance without sacrificing their world-leading quality. MB used to be the reference standard in quality, but no longer; and MB used to be the reference standard in the peculiarly German art of marrying world-class luxury AND performance, but no longer. My point on MB pricing is that current competitive realities do no justify the price umbrella. But a change in MB marketing and engineering priorities could change that. Many BMW owners love them just for the luxury, style, and pride of ownership, yet performance freaks love 'em too. MB could re-create that "big tent" once again if it chose to.

ilxman · October 2002

Mr John01, have a look at post #3905....

john01 · October 2002

And your point is? Since you cannot seem to quote it correctly, #3905 is by rayscar.

nedzel · October 2002

"and we all know the M5 (and the new Audi RS6) are the world's greatest sedans, don't we?"

Both are fine cars, but like all cars they are compromises. The M5 is a very sporty car, but the reviews that I've read say that the ride is rather unforgiving. Some people don't mind giving up the ride quality in exchange for outstanding handling. But most folks don't use anywhere near the handling capability of a non-sport 530, so the extra handling potential is wasted. And the back seat of the 5 series is rather tight.

dermartin · October 2002

Of a bigger concern to us West Coast residents, are MBs shipped to the east coast and transported across country or shipped to the west coast? If the strike impacts shipments, it will make acquiring a new E-class that much more difficult with already tight inventories.

rayscar · October 2002

I looked into this yesterday. MB ships to Baltimore, Jacksonville and the Port of LA. So the strike/lock-out will affect delivery times on the west coast even if they truck them across country from one of the east coast ports. Under normal conditions, MB says expect deliveries on the east coast in 4-6 weeks and on the west in 6-8 weeks. Who knows how much longer it will take if this is not settled soon.

mall610 · October 2002

Like rayscar I am waiting for a new E500. Mine will be built week of October 10th.
I checked again with the dealer and he indicated that the shipping time is "2 to 3 weeks" after it is built. He indicated that this is the normal shipping time on the West Coast. I had heard the 4 to 6 weeks and asked about it. They again said that that has never been correct. I sure hope he is right. Also hope that the Port Strike is long over by the time mine arrives.
Must be tough on people who have been waiting and now there new car is sitting out on the water.

Bummer!!!

rayscar · October 2002

I hope that is right too mall610. I'm tired of waiting! It doesn't seem like it should take much longer than that for modern ships to cross the Atlantic. It would seem reasonable for west coast deliveries to take a little longer since the ships must go through the Panama Canal to get to LA.

merc1 · October 2002

I'm not really sure what you're trying to say. Mercedes was never about performance first. Every company has their day and BMW is having theirs, but Mercedes is far from being out of it. Somewhere along the line sportiness became a priority and thus BMW is now being chased. But when you really look at it, Lexus only targeted BMW with their lower level models, the GS and IS. Their SC and LS cars were still benchmarked on Mercedes' S-Class and SL models.

Even with all this new found thirst for performance from Lexus, their BMW fighting cars don't sell. The IS300 has been a slow seller from day one and they simply can't give away GS430's compared to the GS300. Yet their LS430, ES300 and SC430 models are their best sellers.

Has Mercedes lost some of that magic from the past? Yes, but it was to be expected with the breakneck expansion they've undergone over the last few years. They've gone from 50K sales a year in 1993 to over 200K last year, this just in the U.S. alone.

BMW does great at the lower end and Mercedes does way better at the top. Nobody opens as many wallets over 80K than Mercedes does, nobody.

For Mercedes to go back to the way they were would mean less volume and higher costs, I doubt if that will happen again. I do see them getting as close to the past as possible, but duplicating it..no. Still worldwide in most people's mind Mercedes still marries performance and luxury perfectly....the sales bare this out.

M

john01 · October 2002

When I was shopping for a mid sized sedan last year, I looked at E320 and 530. Although they "seemed" to be in the same class, the more I looked at them, the more apart they were. MB is a luxury oriented sedan that offer more leisurely ride and comfort than sportiness. On the other hand, BMW nods more towards sportiness., but that is not to say BMW is not luxurious or comfortable. I still have not found a car that balances sporty ride and comfort as well as it does, even with sports pkg. People compare them because they "seem" to be in the similar price range, and size. I found them to be totally different cars underneath, so much so that I could not really compare them any more.

So now I am thinking I should perhaps have one of each. One down, one more to go. Just my 2 cents.

footie · October 2002

I have always been interested in automotive innovation. I am interested to learn about the ones that Mercedes has done (after of course, Karl Benz' first car with internal combustion engine).

rayscar · October 2002

I agree to a point john01 but I think the 2003 E500 is pretty equal to the current 540i. It's handling is much improved and it has more hp. So at least until the next generation of the 5 series, i give the nod to MB's E500 IMO.

lkirksey · October 2002

I have a '99 E320 and I guess I drive hard, I'm on my third set of michelin mxv's and my second set of brake pads which I just had put on today at 66K miles. I had the dealer replace the front pads ands and sensors and now the brakes squeal, a condition which I've never experienced with this car before. The dealer explained to me that the squeal was there because I need rotors, which he had pointed out on the maintenance invoice. "The rotors thickness is 25.39 the spec is 25.40." This is the reason your brakes squeal, pay use $475 and that problem will go away. I'm sorry but it sounds like horsefeathers to me!

Can anyone lend any credence to what I'm being told about the brakes and the fact that also drive hard?

footie · October 2002

I was curious about the Mercedes brakes issue and used Google to find this link:

http://www.thebenzbin.com/replacing-brakes.html

Take look....they recommend rotors (at least front ones) at 50K. Sensors should be replaced with rotors. etc.

They say non-OEM pads squeak.

You also might want to try their Mercedes Benz 'Anti Squeal' Paste (believe it or not). It's 75 cents and has an official MB part number:

Brake Anti-Squeal Paste Single App.

N1005-70245

Their prices seem pretty good, too.

Hope something works out for you.

splitoe · October 2002

MB and BMW are just different cars. I have a 2001 E320 and I believe it is the best balanced car, taking into all account of safety, prestige, comfort, performance, gas mileage etc. I love it, my wife loves it and my daughters love it. My daughter love BMW 3 series also, but think the 5 series not good looking.

ilxman · October 2002

The responses to my E-Class driving experience illustrate well what MB has become. Indeed, the gross misreading of the competitive realities of the marketplace on this board may well be taking place in Stuttgart. My pointing to the low-volume uber-models was merely a device to highlight the core question of what engineering and marketing decisions MB has made with the E-Class models. The soul of the BMW M5 is evident in the entry-level 525 (or in the 325 for that matter!)--just less neck-snapping and some judiciously made tuning mods. The genius of their engineering/marketing decisions is that sports nuts can have a ball with a "mere" 325--all the way up the line. Yet at the same time, soccer moms are manifestly buying 5-series BMWs because they perceive them as luxurious and "the best". Hordes of 3-series buyers are buying them because they want "the best" small luxury sedans and coupes. Everywhere they turn to do their homework they find BMW at the top of the list. Here's the rub: Even the uninitiated BMW 325 owner now understands that communicative steering and a feel for the road ARE components of a luxurious ride. They are not likely to settle for less when it comes time to buy their next car. I certainly won't, even though I drive a mere "dinky sports Audi". I found the 320 lacked those 2 components to a degree that was startling; the 500 is more promising, however. And Mr. Merc1, I do recall reading a review of a Jaguar sedan in the late '80s (and many similiar articles), where its "cocoon-like", uncommunicative ride was panned vis-a-vis the reference standard MB's superior road feel and precise steering. MB: Are communicative steering and uncanny road feel really incompatible with "luxury"? How about intuitive interior ergonomics? Can't we have it all again?

Mercedes (and everyone else) thought the new Lexus brand of econo-box maker Toyota was a joke in 1989. And now? The belief that consumers like me are just pure sports fanatics, or that BMW is just on some sort of faddish "roll" is no less a horrible misreading of the marketplace realities. I do not begrudge MB enthusiasts' preferences for the E-Class' cocoon-like ride. But MB quite emphatically considers BMW its most direct competitor (as do most other non-MB owners), opinions on this thread notwithstanding. BMW (and Audi, which is a bigger competitor in Europe) are busy redefining what "luxury/sports sedan" should encompass. The rest of the competition isn't standing still either. MB, are you paying attention?

et610 · October 2002

...what drives someone to go to the Mercedes board and just knock the product and the people who buy them. Why is this guy here?

I submit that we all just ignore him and he will go somewhere else and try to disrupt the normal dialog of the board.

I don't know about others but, I have no interest in his opinions.

IMHO, of course. (ignore the guy and he will go away)

rowlandj · October 2002

Don't know what ilxman's is, but there's something there. Too much effort and long-winded (and self-important) diatribes to be aything but some kind of agenda.

I am now offically moving to the "ignore section"...

To everyone else ENJOY your cars as I am.

JR

spirolli · October 2002

Well, I just took delivery of my 2003 Black E320 w/ Ash leather interior. I ordered mine with the Bi Xeon and Washer System Combo, the Heated Seats and Moon Roof Combo and the H&K Premium Sound w/ 6 Player In Dash Cd.

The lease was up on my 1999 E320. The 2003 is a totally different car when compared to the 1999.

Things I do like about the 2003:
Ride is great, more sporty/stable then 1999
Seat are very comfortable
Handling is crisp
Interior Ambient Lighting is very hi-tech looking
Front profile of car
Storage space
Power In Dash 6 player CD
Trip computer
Rain sensing wipers
New cup holder

Things I don't like:
Rattle/Vibration in dash board when starting off
Went from Digital A/C display to analog version.
Cheap feeling plastic front grill
Rear profile of car

I'll keep you all posted how the car runs since it has only been 2 days since I picked it up. My partner picked his up the day after me. Same car only in Silver Metallic. His radio has shorted out and refuses to play other then static through the speakers.

Sort of embarrassing. You purchase a $54k car and when you go to show your family and friends, it either rattles every time you move forward or the radio just plain shorts out...! Great !

merc1 · October 2002

As far as Jaguar and MB go, I've never seen a Jaguar top a Mercedes in anyone's comparison test, ever. That is nothing new. In that same test I doubt that Mercedes won it either. The dynamics of a Jaguar and Mercedes are closer to each other than to a BMW.

Deep down I don't think MB is worried about BMW past the C-Class and 3-Series level, otherwise an air suspension wouldn't be on the new E or S-Class cars, Mercedes is not trying to match BMW any other level other than entry level.....and even there they didn't go all the way. The S and E-Class cars dominate worldwide, BMW isn't even close. There there is the SL and CL of which BMW is lost for a competitor. The Z8 is a collectors car in comparison.

M

et610 · October 2002

I was not happy to hear of the delivered quality of your new E320. Keep us advised. I sure hope that it was an isolated problem and that the car is not a lemon. Concerned that your brother-in-law also had problems. Doesn't sound good.

Any other reports--good or bad-- from anyone else that has taken delivery of 2003.

I am waiting for E500 but would cancel in a heart beat if there is any quality concerns. Not willing to put up with this type of thing.

Hopefully there is no pattern and this is just a unfortunate situation.

haspelbein · October 2002

Well, it finally popped. I closed a rear window and heard a slight popping sound. Didn't think much about it, but noticed the window sagging yesterday. I'm not terribly upset, as the car is 7 years old, and was one of the first W210.

Looking at this board, 'popping' a rear power window seems to be a common problem. I noticed that the motor is still working, and the window still makes an attempt to move. (Even though it can now be moved by hand.)

I'm planning on pulling the door cover this weekend to check if the window maybe just jumped the track and the window simply needs aligning overall. (Got a manual outlining the steps, but never had to do this until now.)

Did anybody have a similar experience, or am I on my way to the 'maintenance & repair' forum ?

mbe2003 · October 2002

I am not happy to hear about some of the issues reported on problem deliveries of new E's. However, I would like to happily report that I picked up mine Monday night and have no issues.

It is a Black E 320 with
* - HK stereo / CD changer
* - Pano roof
* - Phone
* - Sunshades
* - Keyless Go (great feature)

Everything is working well. The car handles great and has been a joy to drive. Only problem is my is hinting at wanting to upgrade her C 230!

I hope everyone can have the positive experience I have had. Good luck to all.

donald02 · October 2002

Haspelbein: Your window problem sounds like a broken regulator. I once had this happen to all four windows over a 1 year period on a Nissan Maxima that was 9 years old. A regulator looks like a scissors device that moves like the jaws of a scissor. Usually, the pin providing the rotation breaks. Pretty simple to replace on your own although the part will probably cost $100-150. Good luck!!

mb_newbie · October 2002

Pewter E500, 3 wks.

So far so good. Finally found the Benz has the seat totally fit with the body.

-- mb_newbie

haspelbein · October 2002

Yes, that's what I feared. I guess I will find out this weekend. The whole regulator includes the motor, so I actually expect the price to be higher. I only see the "regulator jaw guide" as a separately orderable item, which I take to be the track on the sides of the regulator.

Anyhow, thanks a lot for your advice, it is much appreciated.

et610 · October 2002

Thanks for the reports on the quality of the new vehicles. Glad that they sound like there is not a problem.

Hope to hear from some other new owners.

rayscar · October 2002

Hi mb-newbie, I too have a pewter E500 on order. My dealer says it's B4 status but no VIN yet so either MB has not updated their system for the VIN or it will be built at any time. Can't wait. I got the stone interior. What color is yours? If it is stone how does it look? Do you have the sports package?

Thanks for nay feedback. I can hardly wait and I'm starved for any info!

mb_newbie · October 2002

Rayscar,

Unfortunately, mine is not stone interior (due to the sports package), but in my opinion, they all look good. (the dealer has one for demo)
One recommendation, CALM DOWN, especially when you pick up the car (usually people will get overwhelming with the new car smell, gadgets, lights...so on and so forth; however, they forgot that's the final chance that they can reject the car or ask the dealer to put the "fixes" on paper without too much problems). A lot of problems that people complain about usually can also been found during the car pickup phase, but they fail to do that, and all of sudden they found scratches everywhere after they went home(overstatement).
Prepare a list of frequent problems people listed here, and also put down what you have in mind, so you won't get "lost" when the day comes.
Well, the "feeling" will die down a little (I am not as excited as 3 wks ago...), but the satisfaction is still there.
Hope you will have a nice experience with your new toy.

-- mb_newbie

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans

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