Musikmann

Hello Friends,

Could some of you please post the pros and cons of the E430s with the all-wheel drive vs. the rear-wheel only?

I live in a temperate climate, and all I can gather is that the 4WD versions are better under winter driving conditions. In other words, why would I even want one. A persistant salesman is telling me that they are wonderful.

How about control, handling, and fuel economy?

Thanks in advance,

Musikmann

vraa

If you're never going to see snow, pass on it.

livetodrive

I have a 4Matic. It is much better in snow, but otherwise, I don't see any advantages. Performance stats:

Weight
E430: 3,757 lb.
E4304Matic: 3,944 lb.

0-60 mph Acceleration
E430: 6.2 sec.
E430 4matic: 6.6 sec

Fuel Economy
E430: 18/24 mpg
E430 4Matic: 17/23 mpg

On the other hand, the 4Matic has been reliable. I have never seen problems posted regarding this system.

lexrex

You won't have any mechanical problems with the 4Matic. Reliability is a non-issue.

AWD is becoming increasingly popular, even if its advantages are not always clear cut in dry conditions. 4Matic should add to the resale value should you eventually sell the car.

Some have said that the 4Matic handles better and has better directional stability. I've never driven a RWD W210, so I can't compare. I can tell you that I can floor my 4Matic in a 90 degree corner and not break traction; it just whips around! Drive them both. Go with the one you like better.

Biggest disadvantage in mind of the 4Matic is that of the front end parts, such as shock absorbers and motor mounts, are specialized for the AWD versions. They're often more expensive to replace because there are fewer aftermarket alternatives. For example, the OEM front shocks on my car cost $200 each, almost double the cost of the OEM front shocks for the RWD.

You may be interested to know that the E430 4Matic comes standard with the E55 front brakes!

slk55lvr

Even if you don't drive in the snow I think you'll find the 4matic to be a better driving car in inclement weather. Mine is incredibly stable in the rain, and feels much more planted than a RWD car. It will have a higher resale, particularly in the Northeast/mid atlantic. I drove both before I bought this one, and I really noticed a difference.

cragigotgame

Cons... they dont make lowering springs for em. Sucks for modders

Musikmann

Thanks to all who replied to my questions. I can see that now that it's not a black and white issue, but those of you who have 4Matics certainly seem to be satisfied with them. I forgot to ask about reliability, but that WAS one of my concerns. Although the performance statistics (0-60) are slightly different, I would deem those irrelevant when balanced against the heightened cornering and stabilty (we all drive in rain). The increased re-sale value is attractive too.

Musikmann

lexrex

Just curious, are you getting another E or trading in the one you already have?

Air Marshall Eldritch

I don't know. I have 2wd and have no trouble in snow. I run Michelin Pilot A/S in winter. It snowed all of 2 times this year (in NJ). 2wd was just fine both times.

I think the extra 200+ pounds all year round are not worth it, especially in a temperate zone. Let's face it, if you are driving this car hard enough to need 4wd in the turns, the e430 probably is not the right car anyway.

just my two cents.

Franasia

Leaving snow aside, AWD always has an edge on handling. Handling meaning going fast on twisty roads mountain roads- like the ones they show on TV commercials that you have no idea where to find (actually I do know of some awesome ones in northern California). In the typical highway commute - sipping coffe, the RWD is the better choice.

There's also a penalty to pay in fuel consumption with the 4Matic you have to consider. Hope it helps.

Cheers.

E430_4MATIC

I LOVE my 4Matic and would never buy another car without it. Granted I live in New England, it was the month of May when I purchased my E430, after 4 RWD MB's. I immediately noticed how sure-footed it felt in driving rain and how much fun it was to drive. Snowy winters are just the icing on the cake!

Musikmann

I am planning to upgrade my 98 to something newer, fewer miles, cleaner, with the sport package: any or all of the above. Unfortunately, I can't afford to buy a 2nd E, so if the price difference seems reasonable, I'll be trading what I have now.

Musikmann

I live in West Virginia, and we have quite a few twisty "mountain" roads here, but I drive my Toyota and Plymouth when I'm working the territory (salesman). Up to now, my E is only driven around town, and on interstates. Back in the day, before I had other financial obligations, I used to have a lot of fun driving 911s on some of our secondary highways.
Thanks, it does help.