jbattan

I'm thinking of saving my pennies for a 2016 S-Class Cabriolet, and would like to hear from those who have/had an E-Class Cab what their experience is/was with the cloth top. Is it quiet? Does it hold up? Is it easy enough to keep clean? Does your cat snag it when she jumps up onto the roof at night? How does it look on a white or silver car?

I love the hardtop on my SL550 and need to overcome my fear of a soft-top, because everything else about the S550Cab sounds delightful.

Thanks in advance,
-Jim

SnakeDoctor

I can only assume the S-Class Cab was a typo. I don't have a cab, but I've had a soft top convert. You should have no worries whatsoever. They have cleaners that are specifically for soft top cars. The other questions will have to be answered by those with an E cab.

jbattan

S-Class Cab definitely not a typo. It's coming out late this year.

Thanks for the input, SnakeDr!

JeffreyB687

I have had a CLK 550 cab for seven years that is pretty much the same thing as the E 550C.
The top has been, and still is, the finest convertible top I have EVERY SEEN. And, I have had MANY convertibles. The black top looks fantastic over the alabaster white exterior of the car. The black fabric is still BLACK! NO fading! No staining. I have never had to use any of the special cleaners out there. I do get my car completely detailed at least once per year. I always park in a garage or under some sort of cover. My headlight lenses are even still crystal clear!

The headliner is very well padded and mine is color keyed to my Stone interior. The car is not quite as quiet as a hard top would be. But, the difference is miniscule! I LOVE the thing! My next car is going to be another cabriolet. Either an E 550 or the new S class which I must admit I haven't seen any information on yet. I also have a CTS V sedan. It just HAS to go. I love 556 HP, but no convertible? Nahhhhhh

SnakeDoctor

Man I am just out of touch with what is coming out now! It looks nice. Do it!

advocado

I have a '14 E550 cab. I traded in my '11 BMW 335i convertible. The MBZ is infinitely better. It's quiter. Virtually no noise common to ragtops (compared to the hardtop Bimmer vert). And, it's a really elegant car with gobs of power and torque.

velocity12

I have a 2013 E350 with black soft top on Iridum silver and like the looks. I moved from a Lexus SC430 and was initially leery about a soft top. However, it is very quiet and the car feels solid. My only nit pick is that there is more wind buffeting than I would have imagined and the Aircap does not seem to do a thing. There are a number of soft top cleaners and preservatives that you can choose from. I like "Top-End" from Surf City Garage. Just wipe on and rinse off.

Jeffy

We own a '13 E550 Cab and I had a '14 E350 Cab for a work lease car for about 9 months. I can say the MB soft top is very impressive, very sturdy and of course just slightly louder than hard top but quite quiet for a soft top. As a whole the E550 Cab is an incredible car and probably the best 4-seater soft top out there right now. You can even fit two sets of golf clubs in the trunk with the top down if you remove the 3 woods and drivers and place them in truck separately on top of the bags.

dudley07726

I traded in my 2006 Lexus SC430 w/ 26k miles for a 2013 E350 Cab in April 2013. I was also concerned about going from a hard top to a soft top.
I think the Aircap does work but only up to about 50 mph. Man, do I like this car. I don't miss the SC at all. I just hope it remains reliable as my 4 previous Lexus'. Moving to FLA at the end of the month, Should be a even more fun there with the weather (compared to NJ) and the much smoother roads.

theraven333

I have a 2010 350CDi and have had for 2.5 years now, previously had a 2010 BMW Z4 (had it for 6 months a rubbish car) and prior to this a BMW 645 for 7 years.
When changing from from my Z4 I also decide to go for a 4 seater. Looked at the Audi, BMW 3 series and then the Mercedes. The Mercedes won handsdown given all the parameters on my check list. The soft top is the best on the market, high insulation from weather and noise. In fact you would never know it was a soft top inside the cabin.
As for the air-cap it does work, but it depends on the strength of the wind and it's direction, speed does come into it, but found it's effectiveness can vary, still worth it, and so is the neck warmer in the seat..........
One of the major factors was the hard top convertibles leave no boot space at all when the top is down, but the soft-top leaves bucket loads of room for suitcases etc. and even more with the top up.........

craig001

While I am still new to the E-class in my 2011 E350 cab, IMHO a true cabrio is a soft top. I have had several Porsche convertibles and they were older cloth drop tops. The MB's top is what, about an inch thick IIRC and it really is quiet. Plus you get more trunk room with a cloth top as opposed to the rigid top. Seems to be durable just because of the multi-layers involved.

PJ550CAB

Initially, I did not really love my new E550 cab. Most of that had to do with a few minor problems and getting used to the Mercedes ride and handling set up, from 8 years in 5 series BMWs. That being said and having owned over 30 cars, from Jags, Audis, Porsche and BMWs, here is what I like about the car:
1. As a convertible, I don't think you can find a better set up. Air Cap. Air Scarf and the top insulation set this car apart. Top down motoring to the mid 50s F, in total comfort. Quiet with the top up.

2. Power- it is really deceptively fast. You get used to it, and have trouble in other cars. Love the exhaust note and I like how it quiets down when the acceleration stops. If you want a bit of beast, the V8 was a great decision. A second or two of listening to the V8 sound puts you way over the speed limit.

3. Handling- competent, ride can be testy over bad roads. Very stable at high speed and nice to adjust between sport and comfort.

4. Solid feel. You can tell why older cabs still feel so solid.

What is not so great:
1. Still getting used to the front seat. I think it actually is more comfortable for longer trips due to the firmness. Time will tell.
2. I don't love the Mercedes Comand system. Graphics are just ok.

All in all, I'm happy I made the switch. I love the big V8, and the cab set up. A 911 cab was on my shopping list, but for the money I had to spend, was going to have to settle for a 5-6 year old car. Plus the 911 is smaller and noisier with much better handling.

If an S class Cab is coming out, I'd go for it.

asualum

I have a 2014 E350 that I've had for a little over a year. Absolutely love the car. I had a small issue when I first got it where it lagged while shifting but that worked itself out on its own.

I have to say, when I first got it I loved it but it's actually gotten better the more I drive it. It's a beautifully built car IMHO and very subtle. Everything just works. The more I drive it, the more I find that I like. I've had a lot of different cars but never one like this car. Great car that turns heads.

Favorite things:

1) Convertible top. Quality construction and very quiet when up. Put the top down and the Air Scarf and Air Cap do their jobs every time.

2) Ride. Very stable ride - especially at highway speeds. You feel bad roads but you do in most every car like this.

3) Eco mode. It took a little getting used to but I love it now. Car has plenty of power even in eco mode. Turn eco off and watch out! Car absolutely flies!

4) Leather. Made sure I got real leather and not MB Tex. Absolutely a must. Looks great. Easy to care for and feels great.

splunge

Asualum - what colors does your cabrio have inside and out ? Any pictures ?
How do you find the rear seat room for 2 adults ?
Have you used car in winter conditions and if so how was it ?
Thanks in advance , i'm considering trading for c400 next year .

asualum

Mine is black on black. There's plenty of room (IMO) for two adults in the back. But you're not putting basketball players back there.

Haven't used the car in winter conditions (just sunny Arizona)...

splunge

Thanks for reply, i'll be looking at an e400 cabrio or the new c400 cabrio next year when it goes on sale , hopefully with 4 matic . Again thanks .