baldmike73

So i turned in my 05 E500 yesterday after a slew of problems with car (multiple engine issues and then the TCU and Tranny replacement that took 12 weeks) all with 8000 miles on it. I have a line on another 05 E500 and want to know if I am nuts to get into another 05.

I am more inclined to the 05 vs. 06 because I really like the Drive Dynamic Seats on the 05's. I have a deal ready for me waiting to purchase the car as their are only 2 left in the US with the packages I want.
So I am just looking for opinions of other owners who have had similar problems and decide if I should go for the 06 or stay with the 05.

On a side note anyone know if I can change out the center console from the flip up to the roll back?

Will post pics of my former car later - Scorchie hooked it up and the 19's made it look great!

Thanks
Mike

DWP

The previous questions about console-swapping have been from people wanting to ditch the new tambour-door model in favor of the old "butterfly" style. The word on that switch (from Scorchie, I believe) was that it would be very expensive and difficult. Since you've dealt with Scorchie anyway, he would be the one to ask about the console switch you want.

baldmike73

weird. so people prefer the butterfly version?

BudC

Of course Cup holders aren't all that important to me.

DWP

I can't speak for everyone here, but I tend to prefer two smaller collections of junk to one large collection. The "butterfly" seems to make a better armrest, too. The tambour-door version may have more functional cupholders, but I don't bring beverages into our car, and the Rube Goldberg-style cupholder on my car has major entertainment value.

baldmike73

I prefered the tambour version as I always have a bottle of water with me in the car and we have the pop up version cup holder on the 99 C280 and it is a POS - always think I am going to break it. Hopefully it has gotten better.

Either way it has only been one day and I miss my car already!

TPAbnz

I like the tamboor but I must agree that the butterfly is a better armrest.

HotWheels500

Back to the thread's question, I've had no real problems with the E500, it's the 4-matic wagon, and frankly I love the car. It's my 5th and best MB since 1988. That's my two cents.

MB Fanatic

Get the E500 again but make sure its fully loaded. I hate the new center console. It is uncomfortable and unpleasing to the eye. I want the center console from my 2004 E55 in my E350 to say the least.

CE750

while I have no use for the cupholders in my car.. I took mine out.. I like the tamboor doors too, more "MB" looking IMHO.

As for getting another E500.. go for it, you probably got a lemon... it can happen with any car.

jimbo1mcm

Go for the E500 that is equipped the way you want it. I absolutely love the dynamic seats in my 05 E320 CDI.

BudC

Let me begin by saying that I've owned German cars off and on since 1957 and currently have two Mercedes. Having said that, I'd recommend you give the new Lexus GS-430 a try. Take a look at one even if the pictures of the styling turn you off. They aren't so bad in the flesh and have a lot to offer.

liftman

I have just replaced my E320 CDI 04 model, lots of issues, however in the last month of ownership the following final parting issues, Alloys replaced due to corrosion including wheel nuts, roof trims replaced paint flaking off, Dynamic drivers seat shot to SH*T removed & rebuilt, torque convertor blown second unit, last unit fitted in December, however the amount of metal debri in the box means new transmission (dealer still progressing his car now), vehicle covered 74000 miles, I suspect the standard box is not tough enough to handle the CDI torque output.

After many years of trouble free high Mileage ownership, one last shot with MB.

I am now driving a CLS320CDI Just over one week old 1700miles i hope the next 70000 miles will be as uneventfull, time will tell.

Regards

Liftman

PHXATC

I agree, they are pretty cool.

Before I get sauted and grilled here, my regular commuter is a 2002 GS300 and my wife drives the 2002 E320. I have my opinions on both cars, good and bad that I will post soon.

Flame on.

jhh

Check with Steve at www.MBenzNL.com (and a frequent contributor to this forum). I believe he offers the old butterfly console as a kit.

sacguy

I really like the tambour door armrest on my 06 E350, works good, I have no problem resting my arm on it and I can keep a bottle of water in the cupholder with the door partially opened and still use the armrest. Love the drive dynamic seats too. No problems on the car after 3 months.

baldmike73

how did you find an 06 with Drive Dynamic Seats?