E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

Image!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 12, 2005 | 11:32 PM
  #26  
michakaveli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
E300
For the diesel guys, the best reaction is when you say that you drive a Diesel Benz. There comes the dumbfounded look, then you say over 30mpg, eyes light up like on a Christmas tree.

People at my most recent places of employment always get curious and ask me, what's with the Benz, thinking I was a drug dealer or something. I just smile and thank them for the complement. I was looking at buying a brand new Passat when I bought mine, insurance would have killed me. I came across a beautiful looking diesel MB in the w210 chassis and it was clear enough for me a choice. Not only was the MB a far lot less than the Passat, it was lessa than half of what the insurance would have been on the Passat. I love my MB since I bought her. On the way home from purchasing my diesel E, when pulling away from the toll booths I couldn't believe that I was driving my own first Mercedes-Benz, and the engine has a buttery smooth sound of a bus engine. Sounds stupid to many, but to me, and other diesels guys, this defined the purpose for being born, blessed with ears.

The reactions I was getting after I started driving her, from looks of people when driving by was un believeable. I think it must really frustrate those when they see a young man driving this beautiful machine, not someone middle aged or older.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2005 | 11:38 PM
  #27  
mick1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 1
2005 C320wz
that's why volkswagen could not compete with mercedes and bmw with their phaeton. they simply don't have the images that mercedes and bmw do.

but if they rebadge that car and market it as a lamborghini phaeton, it will sell.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2005 | 11:44 PM
  #28  
michakaveli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
E300
Yes it would and will.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2005 | 12:20 AM
  #29  
CE750's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by michakaveli
when pulling away from the toll booths I couldn't believe that I was driving my own first Mercedes-Benz, and the engine has a buttery smooth sound of a bus engine. Sounds stupid to many, but to me, and other diesels guys, this defined the purpose for being born, blessed with ears.
Don't know how young you are, but I like my diesel because it reminds me of my days as a 15 year old riding in my best friends dad's 240D (1981) and just enjoying the that unique MB smell, and the sound of that diesel... I especially used to love the sound of that rear door when it slammed! Compared to my Dad's 1983 LTD, it was like a bank vault. They don't make them like that any more... but they're still made a lot better than most.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2005 | 12:37 AM
  #30  
michakaveli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally Posted by CE750
Don't know how young you are, but I like my diesel because it reminds me of my days as a 15 year old riding in my best friends dad's 240D (1981) and just enjoying the that unique MB smell, and the sound of that diesel... I especially used to love the sound of that rear door when it slammed! Compared to my Dad's 1983 LTD, it was like a bank vault. They don't make them like that any more... but they're still made a lot better than most.
It's funny. I got hooked on MB's diesels when we got our first MB diesel in the winter of 2000, a 1982 300D. I fell in love with diesel Benz's. I figured if these are that great, imagine what a newer MB diesel must be like. We've also owned a w126 Cali emmisions as well. I must admit, those are some of the best cars ever made, and I wish we still had them. But leaving that toll booth, listening to the refinement of that newer generation MB diesel was a thing of beauty. To me it reminded me the diesel sound of the OM617 that I grew to love, just much more refined. And yea, my NA E300 is slow, but this engine is so smooth and rev happy, it's just plain awesome for a diesel.

Today, a few weeks shy of my 25th birthday I appreciate the classics of yesterday. Maybe I'll be able to hold onto my E300 till the day that others may refer upon my diesel as I do upon the w123's and w126's today.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2005 | 12:44 AM
  #31  
mazeta's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, CA
2000 E320
Originally Posted by CE750
Mostly people "in the know" will know an AMG..

the average stiff, is not anymore likely to tell it from a regular MB with a body kit or fancy rims added. It's the same as with watches.. most people don't know what my Audemars Piguet is? They'll tell me how their friend has an "Expensive Rolex watch in gold" that costs $18000 or something... Meanwhile I'm wearing a watch, that in Stainless Steel costs more than the gold Rolex..

People who'll comment on your AMG, are 90% of the time going to be MB fans and MB owners... not you're Toyota and Buick driver.
Good point. I've owned both Rolexes and Pateks, and the cheaper Rolex got more looks than the Patek that cost me at least 10X more!
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2005 | 01:00 PM
  #32  
E-Klasse's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 2
From: Arizona, USA
W205 C300
Got to love the Image thing...

Last edited by E-Klasse; Apr 5, 2007 at 02:13 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2005 | 03:56 PM
  #33  
pocholin's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 20,081
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Volvo V90 CC
Originally Posted by E-Klasse
Got to love the Image thing...
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 13, 2005 | 11:32 PM
  #34  
PHXATC's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 66
From: Naples, FL
2025 AMG CLE53, 2025 Range Rover P550E, 2025 Ford F150 Raptor
Stop that...........I feel all dirty again.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2005 | 06:37 AM
  #35  
ccmbduong's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Image!

Before I bought my used '96 E320, I was ready to buy '98 GS400 (so MB was not my first choice), but the deal felt thru because in the end his wife wanted additional $500 out of $30,000. I told myself if he is worry about $500 out of $30,000 then I don't want to deal with him, especially after he already agreed the $30,000 price. I was looking for another Lexus but no good deal came along back in 2000. I travel to Germany a lot for my job and my buddy there ALWAYS drives at 150 mph on autobarn with his MB and I was impressed with the stability of the engine (I assume that Lexus GS400 or 430 would be as stable at that speed), so I bought my '96 E320. Not by image, not by status, but mainly by having a chance sitting in an MB at 150 mph on autobarn. I am pretty sure that image and status are there, but they were not on my priority list... Remember that GS400 was my first choice.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2005 | 11:32 AM
  #36  
S2 PTH's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by guitarplayer
Dinner tonight with my two favorite physicians. Subject got to money, investing, saving, spending, toys we buy, and of course autos.

Both told me the only reason they drive a MB is for IMAGE only. Said they feel that's the REAL reason any of us buy one. Said we all use excuses like safety, quality, and so on but it really boils down to image. How it makes us feel when we see that beautiful Mercedes-Benz in our driveway, when we are driving it in our neighborhood, on the freeway, this is the big motivator. Said if we wanted reliable transportation we would all be driving Honda's or Toyota's.

I think I pretty much agree with them. My car looks so good in my driveway. I think my heart skips a beat when I come home and see it looking out of the garage at me......and the neighbors too.

Your heart skips a beat when you look at your E320? you might want to go to your GP, or speak to your "two favorite physicians" as that can't be good for your health hehe
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2005 | 02:07 PM
  #37  
MG's Avatar
MG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,187
Likes: 38
From: Right Behind You
1998 E430; 2007 Porsche 911 C4S Cabriolet; 2011 Expedition EL Limited; 2014 E350 Estate
About once a month or so I go out with about 10 of my friends from college. We'll go into a bar early, claim one whole side of it and proceed to ignore everyone else there as we catch up.

Just before it gets overly gay some one will call "Keys Out!" and we all flop our car keys on the bar. Not one of us drives a car that is less than $45k new. The collection ranges from Lexus, BMW, MB, to Porsche to Land Rover.

Within an hour every single girl in the place is on our side of the bar. *edit that should read every girl which is single

By far, the guys with the MB keys get the most attention.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2005 | 07:16 PM
  #38  
E-Klasse's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 2
From: Arizona, USA
W205 C300
Keys out...

Last edited by E-Klasse; Apr 5, 2007 at 02:12 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2005 | 09:40 PM
  #39  
adv074's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: South San Francisco, CA
2001 E320 Sport
For me I got the car because it was the one with most standard safety features out the cars I was considering (GS and 5-series) and I loved the styling of it. I would be lying though if I said image did not have any impact on my decision to get it (25% or so influence, hehe). Oh ya those are some pretty sweet pictures E-Klasse, haha.

Last edited by adv074; Sep 19, 2005 at 09:42 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2005 | 09:23 PM
  #40  
FlatlineEF9's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 26
From: Hawaii
1996 E320, 2018 Ducati Panigale V4S, 2012 1199 Panigale
I bought my mercedes because i was always scared of people trying to steal one of my civics. Plus, its automatic, with power everything, and air conditioning. Unlike my civics. I noticed that less people notice me, but thats great, i didnt like the unwanted attention from the police when i cruised by them. As for the reliability issue, My mercedes is way more reliable than either of my civics. Probably because the benz is still stock. lol.

Last edited by FlatlineEF9; Sep 22, 2005 at 09:24 PM. Reason: type o
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2005 | 09:53 PM
  #41  
michakaveli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally Posted by FlatlineEF9
I bought my mercedes because i was always scared of people trying to steal one of my civics. Plus, its automatic, with power everything, and air conditioning. Unlike my civics. I noticed that less people notice me, but thats great, i didnt like the unwanted attention from the police when i cruised by them. As for the reliability issue, My mercedes is way more reliable than either of my civics. Probably because the benz is still stock. lol.
Don't worry, you'll be noticed, but for the good reasons.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2005 | 05:10 PM
  #42  
Peteski's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Wausau, Wis.
'04 CL500 '08 ML320CDI
When my wife hemmed and hawed about my buying my previous Benz - a '97 E420 - and added, "But it's not a convertible..." My best friend said "It's a Benz, *****!" (Jovially, I might add.) That about summed it up for me.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2005 | 05:34 PM
  #43  
NO_WUR_E's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 0
From: bay area, CA
'06 E350 Iridium Silver with pano
Originally Posted by E-Klasse
Keys out...
Keep it coming! Who are the girls?!?!?!
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2005 | 10:44 PM
  #44  
michakaveli's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally Posted by Peteski
My best friend said "It's a Benz, *****!" (Jovially, I might add.) That about summed it up for me.

Priceless
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:54 PM.

story-0
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-2
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-3
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE