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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans
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Comments
Thanks to all for your advice, and enjoy those sweet rides of yours.
Good luck!
I'm certainly looking forward to doing that for the first time in the FX. I live in Raleigh and drive to Asheville and Knoxville a couple times a year, and let me tell you, going through the mountains an Explorer isn't any fun. If I only drove 10-15k a year, I may very well have gone with the Benz, but I've been averaging 25k over the last 8 (since I've been working full time). At that rate, I'd be out of the warranty on the Benz in about 2 1/2 years, and then have a 6 1/2 year old Mercedes with 100k on it. It would still probably drive like the day it came off the lot, but I'm worried about the cost to keep it going for the next 100k.
I agree with you in general about the Japanese reliability vs. German driving pleasure argument, but IMHO, Infiniti is doing the best of the Japanese makes to mimic the German approach of maximizing the driving experience (as opposed to the cabin isolation tactics of Lexus). I'm sure it won't be quite the driving machine that a Benz is, but the FX is a heck of a lot of fun (the G35 they've given me as a loaner until the FX is ready has been a hoot). Coming off an Explorer, it's going to seem like a race car to me. It was a real close call, and hopefully it works out in the long run.
I don't care for the cruise control operation on the steering wheel. On rentals, I always have to take my eyes off of the road and never have to on the Mercedes.
Just my opinion. Mark156
Beast - Awful glitches -
1 - Alignment and tire balance (required 3 days to replace two out of round tires)- dealer fixed
2 - Xenon headlights out of alignment - dealer fixed
3 - Bucking horse ride at low speeds - MB says this is normal and is due to the torque converter not disengaging at low speeds - no fix from MB
4 - Brake pedal (pump) constantly throbbing away under the hood - I feel it in the steering wheel and brake pedal. Dealer to install a fabric gasket to "better insulate" the pump motor from the car.
5 - Radio - what a mess, period. Sometimes I get static in the speakers, then the radio goes out. Sometimes the station display will not change when the channel is changed. All clears when you re start the car ... tribute to "fibre optics". Dealer will check the connections?
It is such a Beauty and a Beast as well ...
Brake pedal (pump) constantly throbbing away under the hood - I feel it in the steering wheel and brake pedal. Dealer to install a fabric gasket to "better insulate" the pump motor from the car.
Now, my 2002 ML has had more issues during it's 27,000 miles than my "E". Nothing life shattering, but enough to make me think I'll look at a different brand because I might not get a "good" one next time. I don't want to live at the dealership!
Mark
Thanks!
If I remember, I believe it is selectable for either front seat.
The side bolsters must be adjusted "inward" to hold you slightly 1st, otherwise they are too wide open for you to feel the inflation/deflation. which is instantaneous.
Neat little feature! Necessary? No. Neat? Yes!
Thanks....
Curious, though, what is your take on 4-matic. I have really gotten a lot of mixed reviews, ranging from "wouldn't buy one without it" to "open your wallet for repairs after 4-5 years". I'm wondering if having all of the anti-skid, limited slip, etc. on RWD doesn't make today's RWD a lot better than yesteryears. Even with 4-matic, most of the Benz's in our neighborhood sat parked during the snow and ice this year and everyone went to their SUV anyway. The idea of a 4-matic CDI appeals to me, but not if the $2,000+ future repair bills I've heard rumors of are true.
Now that Mr. Bangle & cohorts have destroyed the 5-Series, and now that the E320 CDI is likely to be available, I am seriously considering jumping ship to the E-Class, even though it does not have a manual transmission. Unfortunately, I seriously doubt that the wheels from the 2002 530i will fit a 2005 E320 CDI. "Ummm, hello TireRack?" ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Dealer installed new Michelin Sport XGT-H4 on 235/45/17 rims. Car like new.
Any comments or recommendations on this model & yr? Anything to look out for?
On the other hand, snow tires (at least from what I remember) don't ride all that well and wear out after a while. Depending on how long you own the car, a couple thousand more may equal snow tires and wheels.
The other item were as follows:
-The clock would lose about 3 minutes a month. The whole instrument panel needed to be replaced.
-one fog light became out of alignment (replaced fog light assembly)
In 24,000 miles and 52 months of ownership, that's all that I've had done other than regular maintenance.
Mark
1. Is there a noise when the seats adjust (noticeable?)?
2. With this option also comes the perforated seats that cool with air...again - noise from the fan? Thoughts? Also do the seats look good fully perforated?
Its seats like these that differentiate your car from all the others.
"Times" my friend, they have achanged. ;-) I am running Michelin Arctic-Alpin tires on my 530i, and they are easily as quiet and ride better than the OEM rubber. That said, it's not quite an "apples to apples" comparison, with the OEM rubber being 235/45-17 performance tires while the snows are 225/55-16 that have a taller side wall and a much more compliant ride. As for tire wear, I have about equal miles on both sets, and the snow have actually worn better than the summer tires. In the end, they are going to save me money because I won't have to replace the expensive summer tires as often.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Similar pricing exists for the sedans also, which is what I'm looking for.. A 2000 E320 with 2 wheel drive and approx. 40K miles is listed for about $32K.
2000 E320 AWD Wagon, 47,000, E1 & E2 - $37,500
2001 E320 AWD Wagon, 36,400, - $39,900
2001 E320 AWD Wagon, 26,400, E1 - $40,900
2000 E320 AWD Wagon, 35,100, E2 - $42,900
2000 E320 AWD Wagon, 29,500, E2, heated seats - $42,900
2000 E320 AWD Wagon, 35,400, E1 & E2 - $35,900
2001 E320 AWD Wagon, 45,700, E1, E2, K2a, multi-countour ventilated seats - $42,885
2000 E320 AWD Wagon, 40,400, E2, heated seats - $38,995
Thanks!
Since the 545i, new A6 4.2. both have 325hp or more, I also expect a new direct-injection V8 to make its debut in the 2006 S-Class, this will no doubt be shared with the E-Class of the same year.
The E55 may, and I mean may get a new 6.3L V8 (600hp) based on the same direct-injection V8 that will debut in the new S-Class. Mercedes has history of making engine swaps for the second-half of an AMG car's production run. Witness the 2001-2002 CL55, 2001-2002 S55, and C32 to C55 transformations.
I'd say that the entire E-Class will get its first "facelift" for 2006 or 2007, depending on its popularity up to that point.
M
It's a free country and Massachusetts' dealers can ask whatever they want for E320 Wagons if the buying public is willing to pay it. However, I uncovered my old deal that I did not take on a brand new 2001 E320 4-matic wagon, E1, multicontour seats and metallic paint dated June 4, 2001: $46,650. Price included destination, not taxes or tags. Price on a non 4-matic was $43,950.
Now if someone wants to pay $40k+ for a 3 year old car with 27-45k miles on the odometer, I'm not sure who is dumber - them, or me for not buying the car new in 2001.
siulobow,
Mercedes doesn't discount?? Nice urban legend, but every dealer does their own thing. The aforementioned deal was one of the few times Mercedes offered a $2,000 factory to dealer incentive on the E class that I am aware of, but the dealer I work with will discount just about any model, some more, some less.
Right now, as we speak, you can also get a flat 7% off the MSRP by going through European Delivery. I believe they throw in a few goodies relative to lodging and meals for a night or two.
Just bought a 2001 E320 w/14K miles ; got a little over 10% off on a Starmark car.
anyway, are u guys getting stick w/ this fee also?
By the way, I have also confirmed that the 300,000+ mile Mercedes is mostly an urban legend. Yes, they can last that long when well maintained, as can a Honda or Toyota. But maintenance and repairs on newer models (1995+) can get very expensive as electronic systems and high tech components fail. My buddy with an old 1978 240D 4-speed that made it to 280k miles had a simple car that was cheap to maintain. He now has a 1997 E420 that, except for an extended warranty which just expired, would have taken serious bites out of his wallet. He is shopping for a replacement.
pickle005:
Let me get this right: You ordered a E320 4-matic for ED last August at "sticker" and are now being asked to pay an additional $675 because of the decline in the dollar. Something smells really bad.
I've been told I could order an 2004 E320/500 now for May pickup (12 weeks or less), 7% off MSRP and they throw in some travel goodies. I am hoping that offer will still stand when the E320 CDI is released. It sounds like you are being taken coming and going.
I spent 50 grand on my 2002 E-320. I hope to keep it for 10 years in the justification that, if I didn't purchase it, I would have purchased (2) vehicles in that time frame about 25/30 grand each. I do have an extended warranty with Geico (so for major breakdowns, I hope to be covered)...
But, why is it important to have a car that can go 300,000 miles? Would it not be better to have a car for 1/3rd of that and purchase a new one at then (luxury cars should offer you a good trade-in/resale value - but not at 300,000 miles)?
If you're driving luxury, why put up with potential headaches of repairs?
Chances are that the C/E-Classes will not be a "collector's" car; having it for a long time will not put money in your pocket at the antique car auctions (Like a Gullwing...). For that, chances are better with the SL.
In general, past performance is not indication of future results (especially in regards to Benz' of late)... So why is a 300,000 miles important?
They don't make them like they used to, so why bother trying to keep them like that?
IMO.
It also used to be the case that MB introduced technologies before other car companies. This might have made buying and keeping a MB for a long time a good option, because everybody else was still catching up.
But today much technology development is being done by suppliers and much new technology is electronic. The time to market for the new technologies is very fast and MB has more than it's share of problems dealing with electronics.
It's easy to imagine a world not too far off where:
Weather and road conditions are broadcast on Digital Satellite to your car.
GPS tells the ESP computer system where the car is in real time, which is integrated with local weather and road conditions. This helps improve the algorithms being used by ESP to determine kind and cause of wheel slip, vehicle yaw, etc. versus driver inputs.
'Feel and Handling' will no longer be differentiated by manufacturer. The driver chooses a 'feel' that they might enjoy in terms of road feedback and handling, ranging from traditional MB settings to clones of various BMW, Jaguar, Lexus and Cadillac rides. GPS and weather are also sent to the Adaptive Suspension and Steering System. The Adaptive Suspension could be based on the rheological shocks from GM and Honda's dynamic ratio power steering system. The GPS and Direct Satellite info will also be provided to the suspension and feel subsystems.
Window glass will be programmatically adaptive to glare and other lighting conditions using LCD filters and polarizers sandwiched into the glass.
All of the lighting in the car will be LED's.
Seats will have electronically controlled memory gels that allow controlled conformance to several different drivers. The gels will also help reshape seat bolstering based on driver inputs, ESP and Adaptive suspension. If you want to drive through the mountains at speed and feel like you are in a sport sedan you can dial it in.
Virtually everything about the car will be voice controlled and interactive. Dad will be able to loan his car to Junior for a date and control where it can go and log where it went.
....
Well, maybe my imagination is in high gear. But if I can think of this, imagine what the real car engineers are thinking!
It took me 3 months to find the right car & it is now has warranty for 5 1/2 yrs or 100,000 miles.
To me this was the most economical way to have low maintenance for up to 100,000 mi.
Strongly recommend extended warranty as A/C repairs can cost $2-3,000 up plus as someone already posted car is full of electronics
My wife's 2000 Ford Windstar had a 50k mile warranty and we purchased the best warranty extension available to bring us to 75k miles. She had no problems with her car until recently. She has 60k miles on it and she started hearing noise when turning and the check engine light stays on. So she brought to Ford Service.
1) Service said that a leak in a power steering hose caused the fluid to somewhat slowly leak out, thereby causing the PS pump to go bad. They said there was insufficient oil in the pump to lubricate it properly. The Easy Care Vehicle Service folks (this is who we have our extended warranty with) said they wouldn't pay for repair because "hoses" are not covered and if a non-covered part causes a covered part to go bad, they don't pay for the usually covered part. We never saw any fluid on the driveway nor garage floor so we never had any indication of a problem. I do admit that I never checked the fluid level. So shame on me. I just assumed that it was checked during service. They also said that a tie rod was making noise, but that's not covered because the "allowable field tolerances have not been exceeded."
2) Service said the engine check light was on because the intake manifold gasket was leaking air. Ford redesigned the gasket to solve this problem. But the Easy Care Vehicle Service folks say they won't pay for repair because they only pay for repairs due to "defects in material" not for repairs due to the need to install redesigned parts.
I have a Warrantybynet contract on my 2003 E500. I also got the best one available. It also says they don't pay for hoses and has other language that I now wonder if it could be used as grounds for claim denial.
So I'm wondering, do these things ever provide value or is this a con game? I'm thinking about cancelling both policies.
I considered getting an extended warranty for my 2002 Honda S2000 a few months ago before it turned 2 years old. After checking into prices, I contacted my Honda Service manager who is highly honorable. He advised me to either not get an extended warranty at all or get the HondaCares authorized warranty. He gave me several examples of repairs that would have been approved by Hondacare's direct authorization with a 5 minute phone call that took days to resolve - and often denied - with aftermarket warranties. And the aftermarket sleezebuckets often try to point to "other causes" such as the dealer service department, etc. Their entire business model is based upon collecting premiums and minimizing claims payouts.
I ended up taking his advice and not getting anything, since I can still get the Honda extended warranty up to the three year anniversary. However, in the future I would never consider an aftermarket warranty over a manufacturer backed one. The peace of mind with an aftermarket warranty is mostly a falacy, as you have found out.
P.S. About the only item I was concerned about with the S2000 was clutch / transmission repairs. The clutch isn't covered under any extended warranty. However, with HondaCares, they authorized my dealer to do severl clutch replacements under "goodwill". Try getting that type of treatment from Easy Care or Warrantybynet. They have no incentive whatsoever to create goodwill between you and the manufacturer.
In my case, mine has cost me over $4000 since hitting 114K miles (9 months ago) and all that is left for a major repair is the transmission and alternator. My salesman says that a transmission can run $4-5K.. Ooops.!! My checkbook isn't THAT big..! So, if I get another E it will not be in my garage beyond 100K. That will be the magic trade mileage for me..
As for extended warranties, mine had the Starmark warranty and I did have a couple of things taken care of under that policy. No quibble, no deductible, no problem. Aftermarket warranties are a crapshoot. I won't buy another used MB without Starmark, period. Greasykid1 got a good deal on 3 extra years of Starmark for $1400. My salesman quoted me $1600. For a car with only 16K miles on it, getting the extra 3 years is a smart move..
Is HondaCares and Starmark, Honda and Mercedes manufactures warranties or are they really 3rd party business relationships between the auto manufacturer and a warranty company?
Have 0 deductable. Cost $300 more than $100 deduct.but I"m sure we will be ahead after 4 yrs.
I believe that the sevicing dealer also is very important. Our Jeep dealer is very helpful,hope MB dealer is as good.
Also bought the longest warranties as my wife says I can't buy any more cars for a few years.
Given the potentially high cost of repairs on a MB or BMW, I would hesitate to purchase a used one without the mfr. certified warranty unless the particular car was very low mileage for it's age AND priced much lower than market value. But that's me; I hate paying big repair bills..!