DavidNJ

Consumer Reports was critical of the W211s because the 2003s in their survey had quite a few issues.

Are they still that way?

If you have a car built this year, what problems have you had?

Thanks,

David

NATS64

None. And the cornering Bi-Xenon headlamps are AWESOME!!!

Apollo

Hi

6 weeks old, 2 rear leaking shocks and a faulty phone control module. All replaced quickly and now ok.

For me I am not impressed that I have had these faults, but as long as there are no fundimental design issues then I can live with it.

rlaszlo

Over the years I owned many BMWs, Mercedes, and supped up Toyotas under the Lexus name brand; however none of the come close to the quality/performance of the 320 CDI. I would not be surprised to see the OM648 engine in this car to be as reliable as the OM617 diesel in my 1985 300D. It is not uncommon for me to see a 20 year old Mercedes on the road, but I can't recall when was the last time I seen a 20 year old Honda, or Toyota that is still running and not completely rusted away.

Regards

Brav

I have an early 04. Few problems. Mostly intermitten electrical. Seat moves at random, drive dynamic seats sometimes turn off. Had audio gateway replaced, distortion. ever present drift to right. navi was off a lot, replaced navi. all works, still have seat problems

HELL ONA HARLEY

My e500 has been absolutly flawless in every way (build and mechanical quality).... Its by far the best car I've ever owned and is the only car I've ever owned that I actually look forward to get in to it and drive away.......
I also second the comment on the active headlights, They are simply amazing.

jyg e500 maybe

have one on order. Is there a delay on accelleration? does pull you back like a 60's muscle car? ne info would be appreciated

my-e500

Just Got my 2004 E500 4matic 2 weeks ago and have 850 city miles on it so far. Haven't found anything wrong with it.

rlaszlo

The CID's acceleration compared to my 85 300D it is rocket ship, compared my old 2002 E55 not even close; however, in real world driving situations you will find it to be a great performer and fuel miser in the same time. In addition I don't seem to experience the turbo lag some of other post suggested maybe because I am used to diesels, or maybe they had the transmission in winter mode in which case the transmission is set s the car to start in second gear only.

Regards

redlands40

owned mine 3 months no problem, except it pulls to the left, was pulling to the right,and they rotated the tires, not sure why its does it

Barry45RPM

Owned mine since Dec 23 '03. Leaky seal on rear end in late March. Had to get whole new rear end shipped in from Germany because seals were not available in the USA at that time. Took 4 days, with loaner car.

1st car I ever owned that didn't have to go back to the dealer numerous times in the 1st 2 months. I consider the seal a fluke failure & disregard it as a "typical flaw". The car is AWESOME & accelerates like a '70 Olds 442...frighteningly instantaneous & torquey response at all speeds!

Seats are neat! A/C superb, ride solid as granite, Bi Xenons bright, white & like driving in daylight. HK Stereo, great sounding, and loud enough, though you wont be able to rattle the windows. Syling is an excercise in art! An AWESOME car, worth every penny. Those who own one know, Those who don't, don't know what all the fuss is about. This aint no Lexus! All the thrill of a BMW, PLUS looks, comfort, & room for the Wife, kids & luggage when necessary!

I think there were a few rough edges when the new W 211 was rushed to market, but they have been addressed, and now the wounded image needs to heal. Time & service will take care of that. Ask anyone with an '04 (we missed the early problems) & you'll hear almost the same things. Enjoy!

benzboy

Now on my 6th Eclass. (93,95,97,99,01 and now 03E500). This is by far the best E MB ever built. Problem free and a delight to drive! I read about the problems in the Forum but (knock wood) I've had none.

chairman

They impose their limited responses over an entire model. I just read The review in the June Road & Track. If you want a publication to believe, start there.

I have had my E 320 since the end of March 04, and have no major complaints. The car is comfortable and responsive. The creature comforts, fit and finish, and the materials are outstanding.

Cars are mechanical and parts may break, but someone else pointed out that unless there is a major design flaw, take the critisims and consider the source.

Forums like this one are the best source for reliability and maintinence issues.

mhc

Other than a software Update following Sirius Installation...No Problems. Car was built in March 04. Black, Stone Interior, 17" Mercedes "Almach" Wheels with Continentals. Set of 17" BBS RX II's with Michelins on standby.
I spend a lot of time on the road and this car is truly the best long trip(400-600miles) vehicle I have ever driven. The interior is by far the most .....what can I say other than close to perfect for me.
The ride, handling, city and highway performance is great.
Took delivery first week of May and have run hard, following break-in, for 2800 miles.