Hi everyone,

I presently own a '97 E320 and am extremely happy. I've been considering making an upgarde to a 4MATIC model and purchasing the E43O at the same time. Two questions:

1. How effective is 4MATIC?

2. I've had people warn me that Mercedes V8's are HIGH maintenance and not especially reliable. I'm a low maintenance type of guy.

Any experiences?

Thanks!

Thanks for all the help with your responses!

 

4Matic is excellent and you will find that the 4 Matic has a heavier more substancial feel when driving. Its very good in snow but not quite as good as my ML500 due to the front/rear power distribution and the lower ground clearance. Re the V8's, I have never heard that they are higher maint and having owned both 6 and V8 I notice no difference with maint.

 

The V8 engine in the e430 is the exact same thing as the V6 with 2 cylinders added on. It is a modular engine so maintenance on the 8 will be the same as the 6. I have the older 97 e420, which uses the M119 motor. The car has 79K miles on it and has only needed oil changes and the regular scheduled service. I think most people that tell you MB v8s are high maintenance have probably never owned one. I cant imagine not having one. Get your e430 and enjoy.

Philip

 

i'm a happy camper. very powerful , and great in the slush we had here the other morning...

 

With 17k miles on my 2001 E430 4-Matic, the engine and drive train have been perfect. The only thing I've done is change the oil. The power is always on tap for passing and the 4 wheel drive is great in the snow.

 

Having moved from an E430 sport to an E430 4Matic in 2002, I can tell you the car rides a whole lot different-even on dry pavement. Not near as much roll and no slippage in the wet stuff. I tried to spin it last winter in the snow-could not be done. 4Matic highly recommended : )

 

mpe430, (or anyone else who may help)
have you noticed any rear end 'clacking' (over modest bumps) in either of your e430's?
can't think its shocks at less than 10k miles, i bought car at 6k, and have experienced it since i've had it.

fwiw ,i thought it was rear headrests bouncing against deck, but i proved that wrong thru some trial and error, and i do recall an older post or two maybe bringing up the general subject.
thanks to all , j.

 

Hi,

No, I haven't noticed any clacking, but sometimes I hear and feel a "thump" when shifts down to 1st gear. It also does it when it's stop and go traffic and I coast then accelerate in 1st gear. It feels like the transmission (or differential?) engages and disengages...

 

Jago1244:

I had the same problem, and it turned out to be drumming of the sunroof shade. When the shade was closed it remained quiet, but when open it was succeptible to thumping over bumps. The dealer installed some insulation, which solved the problem for about a year. I hear it again, and will ask them for a more permanent repair when I go in for the next oil change.

2001 E430 4-Matic

 

livetodrive,
thanks, we may be on to something there...annoying to say the least, in a $50k+ car

 

hi New E,
yeah, i get that too, now and then,a different thing than my 'clack' , doesnt really bug me at all personally. in fact , my last benz, a 99 c280 sport , did it a lot more, combined with hesitation that seemed to be an issue with those cars, it was a b**ch in traffic. i dont really find it to be an issue in the e430 though.
thanks , j.

 

jago1244,

Thanks! I'm glad to hear that despite that thump, my car is normal! Speaking of hesitation, do you feel any at all in your current E430?

 

new e,
not a problem with this car...much smoother than w202...

and it looks like some of us can sample 4matic tonite! i have about a 2-mile drive from train to home tonite in wooded hilly area, and i'm on pirelli p7000s , m+s type, on stock 17" wheels, so i will report back on my personal snow performance.
safe drive to all tonite!

 

Here in Southern California there really isn't a chance to try the 4Matic in any condition other than occasional rain, but it's great to hear from other people's posts that the 4Matic is pretty effective.

Thanks!

 

well, last nite wasnt bad. this car doesnt grab like SUV with those big truck tires, but i was in no danger of getting stuck, only a few brief wheel slips when i took turns a little on the quick side. i mean , i'm no hi-skill driver, so to me , being able to go 20-30 on two lane hilly twisties in sloppily plowed 4-6" is an accomplishment. i am sure that with real winter tires on the 4matics, you're effortless, these sporty m+s tires are a necessary compromise for allyear driving i guess.

and you cali guys, yet one more reason for me to be jealous! i'm already sick of winter...aaarrrrrrrgh!