I used to have a 2023 E450 Cabriolet and I loved it, it was so elegant and sexy, problem was it kept stalling, I think due to the recall on the fuel pump but I got rid of it and right now I have an EQS 450+, I wanted to try electric for a change… well after 6 months of ownership, Mercedes is doing a buyback because I keep having repeated errors, charging problems and today, less than 24 hours after I picked it back up after being at the dealership for 3 weeks, the tablet screen went out and I can’t control anything, plus 3 more errors popped up. I’m waiting for the adjuster to call me in regard to the buyback (they approved it on Monday). I’m trying to decide which route to go, should I lease a new CLE450 or CLE53 for 3 years or finance 2020-2023 E450?

I really don’t know what to do, I don’t like the interior dash of the CLE, also the backseat is small (we have two kids), but a friend of mine suggests I should get it because of all the new tech and new improvements to the suspension and drivetrain.

The 2020 E450 that I’m looking at tomorrow looks slightly dated (mainly the steering wheel and the non-touchscreen) but it’s bigger in the backseat and just feels more substantial to me, but would it become problematic soon? Who knows.. Which route should I take? I’ve been losing sleep over this haha it’s so ridiculous, I just don’t want to run into anymore problems like I’ve had with the EQS I’m also scared of the tablet screen in the CLE since that happened to me today where I couldn’t turn on the AC and it was 92 degrees outside 🥵

Also has anyone had any experience with a buyback through Mercedes? I heard from some that they would help with a discount on your next vehicle if you choose a Mercedes, is that true?

Thanks everyone, I know it’s a lot…

 

Ugh sorry to hear about the rocky experience with the two MBs, how far back do you wish to go, if you get pre-facelift E coupe C238 (like model year 2019), you have the very reliable M276 without the 48V mild hybrid system and don't have to deal with chip shortage issues and other production quality issues during those trying times.

If buying used, make sure to get a PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection), it will be worth it.

Good luck with the search, let us forum members know what do you want or expect to have in a car, package options you need, body style, etc.

 

yeah the one I’m looking at today is a 2020 which is pre-mild hybrid model, this one is fully loaded (AMG package, drivers assistance, digital light, massaging seats, etc) personally I need the digital light package because I have a hard time seeing the road when I drive at night if it’s really dark, I know the drivers assistance package isn’t as advanced as my EQS but that would be a benefit but not needed, definitely want the AMG package though… this one is actually certified too surprisingly, which is a huge plus…

 

Where can I get a PPI?

 

Depends on the region, I guess ask around. Mostly MB dealership, if it is a CPO, you could still get a PPI given that not everyone actually follows the CPO checklist so PPI does still catch things.

 

Based on your described use case, I would tend to look at the E class ones you mentioned.

Oh heck yes, leverage anything you can based on the buy back, as you're out some time, energy, (sleep LOL), and some frustration dealing with all that nonsense, as well as out of a car you paid/are paying for, so a nice gesture of goodwill should be on the table somewhere, either in a further discount off or an extended warranty of sorts.

 

Don't forget brain cells as well having to deal with this : (

 

Does the adjuster write that into the deal or do I ask for that when I drop the car off? (The discount or extended warranty)

 

I would not think the adjuster would have anything to do with that. That said - bring it up with them and ask!

I would definitely talk to someone in management (or at the higher level of MB USA - someone, somewhere had to approve the buyback), when you are turning it in and starting the process of getting the replacement new/used vehicle. Don't let them forget your frustrations and time consuming dealings with the broken EQ car.

When you are chatting about pricing and all that jazz on the replacement vehicle - pounce on the "hey, MB screwed me with a lemon" line and know you are in charge and have some negotiating power in that.

 

What are those? 🥴

 

very true, not to mention this is the second time… I’ve been driving Mercedes vehicles since 2007 when I got my first C class and the past two cars have been such a disappointment, but especially this electric car, it’s ridiculous

 

Mention that every doggone step of the way to get your replacement vehicle. Every single time.

We drove them 1995-2005 and then ditched them because they treated us like poop after a similar event. Sigh, now here we are 20 years later, and, yes, I mentioned it a few times. LOL

Let us know how it goes with the return and replacement activities.

 

Living things

 

Will do! I’m just thinking, should I do the 2020 or should I do a 2023? I really love the touchscreen and refreshed newer feel of a car but the price tag is higher

 

Was 2020 still the pre-facelift? Depending on how long you plan to keep the vehicle, if it is the pre-facrelift e450, it has the more reliable M276 engine. 2020 is during the chip shortage era was it?

 

oh maybe… hmmm

 

I'm hoping for the best and just purchased the last year E-450 Coupe. Again, hoping the bugs were all worked out before the changeover to CLE's. I did immediately place the 12V battery on a charger / desulfator and let it run its course over 14 hours. Ive read that these are super sensitive to voltage and i saw that my battery registered as LOW on the NOCO charger unit. The desulfator just sends a high frequency wave through the battery in regular intervals to break down lead sulfate off the battery plates and allow it to re-dissolve into the acid. Ill continue to keep tabs on the 12v, pray over my car and hope its as trouble free as my first MB.

 

Hope all goes well, congrats on the vehicle.

 

So I confirmed the 2020 model year is still the pre-facelift but I think you know that already. The other benefit of the pre-facelift is the stardust tailights. Although that is personal preference after all.

 

https://img.icarcdn.com/autospinn-my...enz_c238_8.jpg

 

keeping your car in my prayers, I’m tempted to do the same thing but with a cabriolet

 

yes, I’ve had a 2020 and a 2023, I’m going to go drive the 2020 right now and see how it feels, I already got some numbers on it, which are way in my budget, so we’ll see…

 

Way in your budget sounds good, as long as it is not way over your budget. Hope you enjoy the test drive and good luck with it

 

Thank you!

On a side note, what do you think about a 2019 E53 Cabriolet?

 

You're welcome happy to help.
It shares the same engine as the facelift E coupe same M256 but tuned differently plus the E 53 has a supercharger. If you are into daily driving pleasure, E 53 of course but given it is a sporty car, the ride and the transmission is not the best for daily driving say, stop and go traffic.