Are there 4matic drawbacks?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 42
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From: N. California
1994 C280, 2002 E320
Are there 4matic drawbacks?
I am considering trading in my 1994 C280 for a 1998 - 2000 E320. In my search, I've come across some 4matic models. We live in N.California, but AWD could be useful for the 5 to 10 times per year that we head to the mountains for snow skiing.
Are there drawbacks to having the AWD? Is the car slower, sluggish, less responsive? Is there a significant decrease in mileage? Does the additional AWD drivetrain cause more maintenance costs, or have reliability issues?
For the same reasons I do not want an SUV, I don't want to live with "significant" AWD drawbacks on the other 345 days a year.
Thank you for your advice.
Are there drawbacks to having the AWD? Is the car slower, sluggish, less responsive? Is there a significant decrease in mileage? Does the additional AWD drivetrain cause more maintenance costs, or have reliability issues?
For the same reasons I do not want an SUV, I don't want to live with "significant" AWD drawbacks on the other 345 days a year.
Thank you for your advice.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I have an 01 E320 4matic. Perhaps the mileage is a tad less but I do not notice it or care. Actually, I feel that the car rides better than the 2WD version, almost like its on rails. Performance is quite good and I have had no 4WD maint abnormalities. Seems a bit more solid. I would imagine that in the very long term there may be some more maint but have not heard of any complaints.When I replace my 01 I will buy another new 4Matic
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 223
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1973 280SEL 4.5; 2021 E450S4 Wagon
It's not just about snow. After the first torrential downpour I drove through, I was sold. There was an overwhelming sense of security and I too could not imagine driving anything but a 4Matic.
As for reliability and repair costs, make sure you by a Starkmark vehicle and purchase the full bumper to bumper coverage for as long as you think you'll own it.
As for reliability and repair costs, make sure you by a Starkmark vehicle and purchase the full bumper to bumper coverage for as long as you think you'll own it.
