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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedans

6720 messages,  Last post on May 11, 2010 at 12:16 PM

You are in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Sedan



Messages Page 239 of 673

#2372 of 6720 Benz Quality by mbman1

Sep 05, 2001 (3:31 pm)

After driving the S500 I do believe it is the best all around car in the world. I have seen no real evidence that Mercedes is loosing its edge. I've viewed the supposed downfall of MB quality on MBSPY and must say it's a weak argument. For instance, Audi has a chrome handle in the trunk while the Mercedes is plastic, just shoot me now! Personally, I put a lot of "stuff" in the trunk in my E320 and appreciate the plastic setup. It's cheap to replace, actually I can go ahead and replace the whole bottom piece for a reasonable price. What would it cost to replace the nice chrome piece in the Audi? Rest assured you'll eventually have to. Many of the places Mercedes is using plastic pieces will eventually have to be replaced regardless of material used, thus making it cheaper for MB owners, imagine that! Car companies are using fancy chrome pieces and hinges here and there and then claiming that they build the quality car, not Mercedes. It truly is pathetic when a car company has to resort to these tactics. The bottom line is that no other car I have driven on the road drives like a Mercedes Benz, this still holds true today.
 
My sister and aunt each own a 1998 C230, the cars have been to the dealer a total of 3 times for service only, thats once a year! Show me better quality.
 
My brother drove a 1997 Lexus ES300, prior to turning it in he told me that he just hopes this thing makes it to the end of its lease, it needed so much work he didn't want to think about it, even though it was still under warranty. He purchased another and will be turning it in shortly, again he has said that they are wonderful cars which are extremely reliable but they start to feel old very quickly. Don't get me wrong, Lexus quality is one of if not the best in the industry, but their cars get old like everyone elses.
 
As for the ML, yes its quality was/is questionable at best. I am an American and it sadens me that the first MB made here has such poor quality, the same can be said for certain BMW's made in the states. So to those who question MB quality, I agree with you in regards to the A and ML classes, but in regards to everything else I strongly disagree.

#2373 of 6720 Dealer Offered Paint Treatment by sfmb

Sep 05, 2001 (6:15 pm)

I just purchased a black 2001 Wagon. The car is great. The dealer was trying to sell a paint sealant/interior treatment for $799. My regular detailer says he can permaplate the interior and exterior for about 1/3rd of that cost. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated on whether these treatments are even worth it and whether the less expensive permaplate treatment is a good option.

#2374 of 6720 Dealer offered paint treatment by retiredjeff

Sep 05, 2001 (6:31 pm)

Fuggedaboutit!! That's a complete and total waste of money. Permaplate -- never heard that before. Go buy Zaino, apply it as called for and you won't regret it. See how easy it is to save $800, or even $250. Geez, for $250 you can stay supplied with Zaino products for several years.
 
Of course, IMHO - Jeff

#2375 of 6720 tire inflation by gadom

Sep 05, 2001 (6:51 pm)

The gas cap cover (2001 E320) indicates the recommended tire inflation pressure is 27 psi. Given the recent problems with tire separation on suvs (in part apparently due to low tire pressure), should I be concerned about running tires at this psi?

#2376 of 6720 Dealer offered paint treatment #2321 by mbman1

Sep 05, 2001 (10:38 pm)

Permaplate is a polish for the exterior of the vehicle. Beverly Hills Mercedes uses it to detail all of their cars prior to delivery. If you really want it you can buy it online. As for any treatment to the interior of the car, it's a waste of time and money.

#2377 of 6720 jawanda /kenyee- ch changer by swimmom

Sep 06, 2001 (12:11 pm)

The problem we had was actually trying to mount the unit. We simply couldn't get anything to line up (the brackets provided by becker, the extra brackets that continental imports sent along and the actual changer itself). We didn't even get far enough into it to attempt the wiring. So you never actually mounted anything, you set the changer unit in the "cage" (for lack of a better term) surrounded by styrofoam?? Your ingenuity is to be admired - my husband said a few unmentionables and then deemed it impossible to install!! I did check with claire parts re the unit and they want over $900. For that price I would pay my local dealer and forget about the self install.

#2378 of 6720 Tolerent Seals by bargamon

Sep 06, 2001 (12:33 pm)

I have read here that tinting in the E gets scratched because of the tight rubber seals.
 
I called a tinting place of good reputation and asked if they have any product that solves that problem. There response was that the seal is removed and not replaced. And I would not notice an increase of sound nor mosture build up.
 
I am not in the know how critical this seal is and how it works. If any can comment to this I and perhaps others may find this useful.
 
Obviously I don't want to alter the fine tolerence and build quality of the car, but want the windows done if can be done.
 
Lexus vs benz and build quality.
 
I do think that some past models were over engineered and thus cost alot to repair. The previous S class was way over done. In general, the sum of the parts is how I would evaluate. The new E class should offer more in some areas, but perhaps insignificant trim pieces may not be as well done.
 
I remember Toyota over did their cars years ago. They offered the sound deadning steel used on the first lexus on the corolla. The corolla was a great small car, but over priced. The new s class priceing actually went down vs the old model.
 
I tend to compare not the E class to the LS lexus but the GS. The Benz is priced higher for reasons we all know. For those looking for high cache value for the buck, there are others makes and models priced well below the E class.
 
The GS lexus has a spoiler on its trunk just like the ones they put on the Celica. I think it looks great on the celica, and accords, and civics, etc.
 
Stereos on some cars are better than The E class. Not a major deciding point.
 
I recently ran into an old friend who recently purchased a 4 year old E class. I remarked that the old '84 finally Died? No, they were t-boned in a bad accident, and was very adament that they owe their lives to the structural integrity of the car. NoW I don't know all the facts here as I did not see the totaled car, or the details, but when they had to get another car, they could not afford a new Benz, but they were going to drive one never the less.
 
I think we often miss the safety aspect here.

#2379 of 6720 Lexus vs. MB by hto

Sep 06, 2001 (2:35 pm)

According to the consumer report, Lexus leads the pack with its reliability. If we take a look at the most problems on the MB is the electrical section. I think Lexus may have a tighter electronic component picking. But, it's just that.
 
MB and BMW had better technologies, the ESP program on MB is more sophisticated than Lexus. Next model year for MB and BMW would include 6 speed automatic gear box. Lexus, Infinity just started with 5 speed automatic transmission.
 
Look at the inside of the trunk, you can see the different in the workmanship between the MB and Lexus - MB is clearly the winner. Remove the rear seat and take a look - MB is the winner. Japanese car used the cheap material where you cannot see. It's the way for them to cut cost. It's the reason why after a few years on the road, the Japanese cars started to loose the integrity. On the other hand, MB is still solid like a rock even you have to bring into the shop because the electrical problem.
 
The bottom line is what you pay what you get. Lexus, Infinity are not stupid to sell a car with more superior than the others with much cheaper price.

#2380 of 6720 Brake lining wear by kappiah2

Sep 06, 2001 (5:08 pm)

I have a warning that the brake lining is wearing out. It says to visit the workshop. I have a 2000 E430 sedan with 16,669 miles. Is this normal?

#2381 of 6720 87 Octane/PermaPlate by mbdriver

Sep 06, 2001 (8:34 pm)

e320b -- With a $50,000 car, why would you want to save a few pennies with 87 octane fuel for every fill up?!? Stick to the highest octane and you won't void your warranty or develop other problems. The owners manual doesn't offer a choice -- and MB engineers aren't dumb.
 
sfmb -- retiredjeff got it right. Go to www.zainobros.com and save yourself a bundle while enjoying the best car care product on the market. Zaino is easy to use, less work to apply and provides the best protection for your finish. Best of all, it's more durable than anything I've tried in years and years of detailing my automobiles.

Messages Page 239 of 673

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