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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 252 of 672

#2511 of 6720 w210 - BMW problems by habitat1

Oct 04, 2001 (7:47 am)

Inasmuch as I am considering either an E-Wagon or 5-series Sedan (depends on which vehicle we decide to replace) I appreciate everyone's posts here and on the 5-series board. I have pretty much ruled out getting a C32 for a variety of reasons, at least one of which has been the significant numbers of problems and poor quality control reported on the new C class forum (not to mention that it is not the most practical way to spend $53k).
 
However, notwithstanding W210's concern about the fan/overheating problem, my research and anectodal evidence from friends and business associates seems to indicate a higher level of satisfaction and fewer problems with BMW 5-series than Mercedes E's. Early (1997/8) E's seemed to have a lot of electrical problems and I have one friend who is quite unhappy with his 1997 E420 with only 45k miles. He is a longtime Mercedes loyalist and claims that this car has been a rather dissapointing experience. Granted, very limited database, but those that I've talked to about their similar age 528 and 540's seem relatively satisfied.
 
Can anyone point me to a good comparison of long term reliability between E's and 5's??

#2512 of 6720 Comparing the E and the 5 series by w210

Oct 04, 2001 (4:40 pm)

I think it's more relevant to worry about the current problems of the E and the 5 series. I think both MB and BMW do constantly try to work out the small bugs as am ongoing process.
 
What a 1997 E-class owner experiences may not be that relevant compared to what a 2001/2002 owner tells you. For example, I have friends complaining how unreliable BMW engines are, but then, he had a 1994 first generation V8 with a known problem which BMW had already rectified.
 
As I said, I worry about the the current fire recall than anything.. I'm curious how many BMWs actually caught on fire like the one I saw on the news.

#2513 of 6720 CD CHANGER by tunde07

Oct 04, 2001 (4:43 pm)

Hi All,
 
Does anyone know where I can get a nice CD changer, other than the MB? How difficult is it to install? It's for 98'CLK.
 
Thanks.

#2514 of 6720 Service Problems in NH by cce182

Oct 04, 2001 (5:55 pm)

Bigrob!
 
Who is your dealer in NH? Is it Holloway in Manchester, or Dreher-Holloway in Portsmouth?
 
I bought my car from Manchester, there have been numerous electronic problems that they try to fix by swapping parts, and there are still problems.
 
Interestingly, they have been doing the repsirs "under the radar screen" in an attempt to get good feedback for the JDPowers surveys. Seems that JDPowers results affect the dealers ability to get priority on scarce-car deliveries from the factory.
 
I'd like to know more about who is working on your car and compare notes.
 
Thanks in advance.

#2515 of 6720 Service Problems in NH by bigrobnh

Oct 05, 2001 (7:27 am)

cce182,
  My experience was in Manchester as well...
  I contacted MB customer care via e-mail and they pointed out to me that each dealership is independantly owned and operated and I need to take it up with them. If it's they who have the problem I don't see a resolution.
  As another poster pointed out I'll attribute it to lack of competition. Up here it's much easer to get my tractor serviced than it is my MB.
  I'll contact you via e-mail off line.
 
Thanks,
BigRob.

#2516 of 6720 by w210

Oct 05, 2001 (5:57 pm)

BigRob - I think the person answering your email is junior and she/he simply wanted to pass the ball back to you.
 
If I were you, I would get the name of that person's supervisor or ask the email address of a more senior customer service representative.

#2517 of 6720 35k report on 98 e320 wagon 4 matic by e320wag4mat1

Oct 05, 2001 (7:05 pm)

just passed the 35k mark and thought i'd give my 3 and 1/2 year impressions of this wagon. i believe it is the best car for all purposes money can buy. AWD system ,esp to stop skidding, ward mag top ten engine 2 years running, largest cargo space...bigger then a lot of SUV...can fit seven (two kids in third hidden seat) xeon headkights work great, smooth ride,.not sure what else one really needs more in an auto...safe,comfortable,roomy ,great gas milage..best v6 in any car...no mAJOR PROBLEMS...
WHY ONLY BUILD A FEW THOUSAND A YEAR...
GREAT RESALE VALUE
oil changes every 10-15k
great bose sound system with 6 cd changer
etc

#2518 of 6720 5 series problems by w210

Oct 06, 2001 (3:33 am)

Many 5 series apparently have a problem with the door weather seals, for additional reading:

http://www.bmwm5.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9647

#2519 of 6720 w210...enough already... by habitat1

Oct 06, 2001 (4:58 am)

...with your jabs at BMW. I/we happen to currently own both an "E" (1999 Wagon) and a "5" (2000 540i 6-speed). I have owned several previous Mercedes and BMWs as well. Personally, I find Mercedes or BMW owners that feel compelled to put down their counterparts to be obnoxious, insecure, or both.
 
Assuming you actually own an E, you are fortunate to have a great car. Not, however, quite as well put together as a 5, IMHO. I have been back to the Mercedes dealer a few more times for stupid fixes than I have to the BMW dealership. And, by the way, our Wagon even overheated once whereas my 540i has never had any such problem! Does this compel me to rag on Mercedes over at the BMW forums? Not at all. The E320 Wagon is still head and shoulders the best wagon out there for our needs (5-series wagons are "wannabes" as far as people and cargo capacity) and I am highly comforted that my kids are being hauled around in one of the safest vehicles available at any price.
 
To each their own and enjoy your E for what it is, not for what it isn't.

#2520 of 6720 epn2 by mbnut1

Oct 06, 2001 (6:11 am)

As an owner of both the E and 5 series how would compare ther relative sense of solidity? I have my opinion but I'm interested in hearing from somebody who has put in a lot more seat time than I.
 
Thanks

Messages Page 252 of 672

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