dudley07726

Test drove this yesterday. It had the appearance package that brings 18 in tires, sport suspension, etc. Is it me or does this car have a way too stiff suspension? I felt every imperfection. Since I removed the runflats on my lexus SC 430, it rides great. This MB reminds me of the Lexus on runflats but with regular tires. I was a bit surprised and it's sort of keeping from buying this car. Can anyone please tell me their experiences with this model?

Thanks

nawlinstornado

I had a friend who test drove the E350 non-AMG package, loved it, but then bought the 550 without test-driving because of the looks. She's regretting it now because she liked the softer suspension on the 350.

Personally, I love the ride. If you don't, skip the package and order the side sills, wheels, etc. individually.

dudley07726

All the ones that I have seen in inventory have the AMG Package.

nawlinstornado

Yep, you'll probably have to special order it.

dudley07726

I don't think they will be special ordering any 2013 as the 2014's will be coming out later this summer. They will be making changes to the outside as well as inside. Electronics are being enhanced as well.
I think I will probably go for a 2014 BMW 3/4 series convertible. My wife and I wanted a convertible (we have had one for 10 years 2002 BMW 325 (sold)and 2006 Lexus sc 430. I only want a hardtop convertible. I was going to trade the Lexus for the MB but now I am very much leaning towrds holding off on that move. The dealer had a E350 4matic coupe (polar white / red black leather interior, P2, AMG appearance, wood trim) listing for $62945 and selling it for around $57100 which for me isn't such a great deal for a model that will essentially be old in a few months.

dudley07726

For everyone's info ( if you care), the e350 coupe that I was looking at listed for $62945. Polar White, P2, Appear Package, Wood Trim, Leather Interior

The best price I could get was $57053. Way too much for a car that will be an old generation style in 4 months.

I'll pass. I'll look at the 2014 version, a 2014 Lexus IS 350 Convert (if that rear hump isn't as pronounced as it is now) and a 2014 BMW 4 series Convertible.

If I do not get a hardtop convertible (soft top is out of the question), then the only hardtop coupe my wife wants is the MB E350. It will be hard to give up my 2006 SC 430 either way.

Caker

I hear ya, I gave up my SC430 for an E550 coupe and I miss it a lot. Both are excellent cars, but the SC seems like it was built a lot better.

dudley07726

It's not that I have to sell the SC 430. After 7 years, I think it is time for a change. It only has 21950 miles.

sinape62

I've had my 2012 E350 Coupe since August 2011, nearly 2 years. On the contrary the suspension is not as stiff as I would like it...not up to BMW standards. I personally would not like an automobile to be softer than the E350 coupe, like the Lexus otherwise I would have considered a Lexus. If softer suspension is what youre after, then Lexus might be right for you. For myself, I would like to improve the handling and suspension of my E350 coupe with coilovers, wheels and new brakes... My opinion is the Lexus can't hold a candle to the to E350/550 Coupe. A Mercedes is a Mercedes through and through. A Lexus is a Toyota.

dudley07726

From a C&D review of the 2010 E350 Coupe (current generation)

"The sport suspension’s springing is too stiff for all but the smoothest of roads and jostles the car and its occupants around in misery over broken pavement. The harder suspension does help the car settle quickly into turns, but the steering, so nonlinear off-center, doesn’t want to hear about it. Its laziness is at odds with the directness of the car’s newfound body control.
Our advice: Stick with the base suspension, and keep the E350 coupe honest. Keep it a two-door sedan. "


I fully agree with them. To each is own. What ever makes one happy. I just did not think I could live with that suspension. If i was leasing and returning it in 2 years, then maybe. But, I purchase my cars always with the possibility I might have to keep them for quite a while if my finances won't allow me to change. So far, that has not been the case.

As for Lexus, I think the new G350 F just surpassed the MB in terms of handling, suspension, etc. And definitely in electronics. Never been in a car that you had to press a button to turn on the NAV & backup camera.