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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans
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Comments
valueguy - Though I'm not familiar with the Bimmer, I'm not surprised about its waiting list or MSRP sakes price -- and the same for the other "hot" cars you mentioned. Re the used Mercedes SLs, check eBay's listings; lots of excellent low mileage SLs at decent prices. You may be able to find one close enough to home to buy. I also like Bargammon's suggestions, especially the one about the Miata. I've heard good reports about it.
Another story involved a Senior who had a heart attack while driving alone, lost control and slammed into a tree with enough force that the air bags deployed. The Tele-Aid operators came on-line, heard the man plead for help as he correctly suspected that he had just suffered a heart attack. Again, Tele-Aid notified the local rescue squad; they arrived at once and saved the man.
So, a cell phone evidently would not provide the same protection, and my wife maintains that if we can afford to own a new Mercedes, we can afford the peace of mind that Tele-Aid provides.
Would appreciate comments - my renewal comes up soon. Thanks.
Instead, I am going to keep my E430 and buy a "fun" car. I will wait for a '04 or '05 E-55
as my primary car.
My point is that a low mileage late model "E" is not necessarily a lemon. Try to find out the history of the vehicle and all dealer repair work.
The repair work should be listed on the dealer computer.
If it gives you "peace of mind" then so be it.
However, M-B should not charge anything for this "emergency" level of service; instead, M-B should charge those few who use this service for directions, repairs, etc. I would not mind being charged $20-$40 everytime I actually used the system.
Regarding TeleAid, I refuse to renew the service, I had the car for one year and have not use any of the services, when I spoked to the MB TeleAid representative, I told them that I would only be interested if they offered a emergency package only, I totally agree with valueguy that the emergency service should be free, and let the few that uses the service for directions and information pay on a per use fee, maybe if enough customers refuse to renew, MB would change their minds and offer an emergency package for free or low cost (ex: $29.99 a year).
Its a shame, here I have voice activated capacity, a numberpad on my radio, and a Satilite hook up and we cannot have a phone for less than $1500, or a satilite phone system.
Does this built in technology have the capcity to tap into satilite radio?? I would pay for that, or was that not thought of.
That is comming in next year, and sounds interesting.
I want my flying car. It is 2001, all thie sci-fi stuff we saw as kids had flying cars. We bought into this promise. I want a robot to wash my flying car every day. I want a robot to put the dam zaino on my flying car. Im not too keen on working for Spacely Sproketts, but If I can have a robot named rosie, who could zaino my flying car, then I'd consider it....
Jack
I'm a recent convert to AWD, having always assumed that a big 4WD SUV was the answer to the snow in the Rockies 4WD may be better for off-road, but AWD, especially computer controlled systems like the 4Matic and quattro are much better.
My. $.02 on the subject,
Mike
Jean
Thanks again very much - this is a great message board.
John R.
Just a FYI: I took my car in for the first oil change after 3k miles, with my own oil, my dealer charged $18 total for the filter, o-ring, labor, and waste disposal fee. I think they normally charge $40 for the regular (non-synthetic) oil.
Oil: I understand that the Mercedes factory is now recommending Mobil One oil for all changes (including the free service) for 99 and newer cars. I was glad not to have to pay extra for this during the first service.
wmbiff - Good news about the use of Mobil 1 for all '99 MBs and later. I hope it's true!
I had the oil changed at 5K with reg. oil and with Mobil 1 at the 10K "A" service last December on my 00 E320, I'm planning to just change the filter at 15K. At the 20K "B" service I will have the oil & filter (Mobil 1) changed. Any comments.
Different Topic, has anyone tried the car care products from Griot's Garage, I have only tried their Speed Shine (quick detailer between wax jobs)and I was very impressed. I would appreciate any comment of the rest of their products (ex: wash, wax, wheel cleaner etc.) before any further purchases. Currently I'm using the P21S Wheel Cleaner and I have no complaint.
Happy Mercedes Motoring.
On the trip, the washer fluid box started loosing it's fluid. In northern New Mexico, the low dipped to 4 degrees, maybe the unit cracked... will be in the shop next week to be repaired.
The bolster that sticks out past the lower front seat is very irriating and uncomfortable to my legs, anyone else notice that? Since the bottom of the seat can be adjusted for length, it helped a little but not enough.
My '00 E430 has 9,200 miles and so far, no problems. I have noticed a slight rattle noise at the rear window when going over bumpy roads. I'm afraid the dealership will make it worse so I haven't let them check it. It's not the headrests; I usually keep all three up. Has anyone else experienced that and if so, what did they do to correct it?
Engine noise: My friends '95 E320 Cabriolet (22K miles) has roared since day one when it's started cold. Quiet as a mouse once it's warm. I've not heard another Mercedes as loud as that one. Mine is rather quiet when cold; Maybe it's more of a "320" thing.
Ciao, Mark
BTW, I much rather be driving the E than the TL.
If you feel that your E's headlamps should be pointing higher, let your dealership know. It may be too conservatively adjusted for glare (i.e. pointing down too much).
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
Jack
Mark
Jean
Mark
After about three months, my salesman responded to my call about the trunk-mounted CD changer with an offer of $619 installed. I did it and I love it. It fits in the left trunk "indentation" completely out of the way and has been trouble-free.
Hope this helps.
mbdriver: do you mind disclosing which dealer offers the CD changer for $619? I live in the Southern Cal area (orange county). Thanks again.
As I am buying E430 well equiped(lot of options), I have to wait until mid May(90 days waiting period).
The options I am getting on 430 are: E1, E2, K2a, Rear sunshade, command, multi-contour, front heated seats.
The dealer I am talking to is willing to sell it for 3% above invoice price.
Consider the phone option if you like to talk while driving; otherwise save the cash.
Can you divulge the location of the dealer? Even the region would be helpful.
New "E" is due out in the Fall of 2002 in the USA as a 2003 model.
Germany should get the new E a few months earlier ?March 2002.
A colleague of my mine purchased a 1996 E320 when this model was released. He has had some quality issues with the car. I would wait at least 6-12 months after the release of the new "E" before buying one. The last thing one needs is a $60,000 lemon.
The 1998 SLK 230, 1998 Lexus GS 400, RX 300, etc are all examples of this scenario. New models with early build problems. Mercedes builds great cars but sometimes it takes them a while to work the bugs out.
vs4, I, too, would not get the first run on the new model change. I most likely will trade my '99 Jeep in at the end of this year on a 2002 ML430 sport. I know that the ML will change on or about the 2004 model year. Hopefully, the new ML will have the bugs, if any, worked out by then. Same goes for the E class. I'll probably change my 2000 for a 2004 E. In my opinion, I would opt for the 2001 E then trade for a 2005 once the warranty is up.
Mark
But now I am even more confused as if I wait for 2003 model than I really have to wait till 2005 model to get the bugs out for the redesigned model(if any).
Waht do you people think about the resale value of 2001 E430 model after 2003 model comes out, would it be able to hold its value?
The dealership I am talking about is the one in Washington state.
I went through the same process which you are going through at the moment. However, I just bought an E430 three weeks ago and very happy with it...
Mark
Resale. I believe that resale is strongest on cars with out lots of options. Contour seats, heated seats are great and may add just a little. Electronics on these cars are very expensive and advanced cool toys. But they don't hold up in resale. Example, Prior to getting a new 01 430, I shopped used. A 98 420 had a built in phone, but I did not want to pay for it, yet alone even use it. For 97, It was a nice factory installation and integrated nice. But with the advent of digital star tac, and fully portable, why would I want a analog built in car phone? I don't expect the phone and GPS to hold Great value. Get them if you want it and will use it, but don't expect a great return on the dollar when its time to trade or sell. Dealer/friend steered me away from the sport version. Reason, $4000 option only holds a $1500 value after one year. Would get worse. Also 18 inch wheels are expensive to re-tire to alot of people. Boy racer look skirting also have a limited appeal to a smaller crowd. Personally I like the look, but did not feel the 4k was a value. On a 99' model it would have really changed the look, but the new 2000-1 skirts have most of the style. Sport version has no suspension upgrade.
Friend of mine got a 320 with lots of goodies and paid more than I did for my 430. Question of priorities. He liked the gizmo's, and preferred the softer ride. The pick up in performance to him was not worth it. What a country!
If you want (and can afford) a Benz, buy it now! I drove my '81 from new thou '99 and I always received compliments. Nobody ever said that the body style was x generations old. (Not even the salesman who wanted to sell me another one. He eventually got his commission.)
OT: There were a few mentions of the Miata recently. I have a '97 and I love it! The cost is substantially less than any German alternative while the difference in fun factor is minimal. And reliability is legendary. You can buy two for the cost of a Boxster S, which would be my choice if I wanted a major performance increase. My opinion, of course. Yeah, there are Japanese alternatives, but that discussion belongs on another board.
Guess I'll skip that step in the future.
In MB's through tests, synthetic oil was found to be far superior in extended service situations. This is not to say that regular mineral (dino) oil is bad, but just that synthetic oil is a lot better.
In case you're wondering, MB is going with at least a 40 weight oil (ex. 5W40, 15W50) because the low friction piston rings that they use for improved efficiency/fuel economy may allow more blowby with lighter weight oil. When I had service A for my ML done last week, I brought in my own Mobil 1 15W50 (good down till -39 degrees Celcius). Canadian MB vehicles are not included in this change.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Jean
FYI, a 4L bottle of Mobil 1 5W30/10W30/15W50 at Walmart Canada is CDN$26+ before taxes. 2 bottles are needed. Since it's cheaper to bring in the oil yourself (Yes! you can do that) and get them to use it, this would be the route that I'd recommend for MB Canada customers.