03 E320 v. 06 or 07 E350
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: San Diego, CA
2008 E550
03 E320 v. 06 or 07 E350
We are looking at getting a new E and was wondering what differences there are between our current E and the new ones. I know about the 7 speed and the increased HP, but what else is there to look forward to? Its hard spend the extra $$$ with the same body style.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The '06 has a more advanced COMAND than the '03 so that, for instance, you can fit the iPOD integration kit. Can't do that with an '03.
In some respects, BTW, the '06 is less car than the '03, due to what has been called "decontenting" during MY '04 and '05. I don't have the full list of disappearing features, but they include puddle lights. Not many people consider the current center console an improvement over the one on the '03, but that may be a matter of opinion. Also, you may still have some free maintenance left with an '03 (I have over a year left) but you won't get any with an '06.
In some respects, BTW, the '06 is less car than the '03, due to what has been called "decontenting" during MY '04 and '05. I don't have the full list of disappearing features, but they include puddle lights. Not many people consider the current center console an improvement over the one on the '03, but that may be a matter of opinion. Also, you may still have some free maintenance left with an '03 (I have over a year left) but you won't get any with an '06.
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The '07 body, meaning the aluminum and steel body panels, isn't different. The things that are different are the pieces that are relatively cheap to fiddle with - the grille, lights, and plastic bits, for instance.
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From: Oregon
Harley-Davidson
Don't forget that the '07 will not have the Sensotronic Brake Control that many people are not happy with in their current W211's. It will use the PRE-SAFE braking system that is already in use in the 2007 S-Class.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Tesla Model S P100D
Puddle lights
Originally Posted by DWP
The '06 has a more advanced COMAND than the '03 so that, for instance, you can fit the iPOD integration kit. Can't do that with an '03.
In some respects, BTW, the '06 is less car than the '03, due to what has been called "decontenting" during MY '04 and '05. I don't have the full list of disappearing features, but they include puddle lights. Not many people consider the current center console an improvement over the one on the '03, but that may be a matter of opinion. Also, you may still have some free maintenance left with an '03 (I have over a year left) but you won't get any with an '06.
In some respects, BTW, the '06 is less car than the '03, due to what has been called "decontenting" during MY '04 and '05. I don't have the full list of disappearing features, but they include puddle lights. Not many people consider the current center console an improvement over the one on the '03, but that may be a matter of opinion. Also, you may still have some free maintenance left with an '03 (I have over a year left) but you won't get any with an '06.
I didn't even realize MB removed them! Why would they do something so stupid? 
It's such a thoughtful and useful feature when it is late at night and dark outside. It makes for a very nice entrance into the car at night. Especially when you open the door for a date at night 
I've absolutely loved that feature since my Volvo S80.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: NYC
S550
Originally Posted by DWP
The '06 has a more advanced COMAND than the '03 so that, for instance, you can fit the iPOD integration kit. Can't do that with an '03.
In some respects, BTW, the '06 is less car than the '03, due to what has been called "decontenting" during MY '04 and '05. I don't have the full list of disappearing features, but they include puddle lights. Not many people consider the current center console an improvement over the one on the '03, but that may be a matter of opinion. Also, you may still have some free maintenance left with an '03 (I have over a year left) but you won't get any with an '06.
In some respects, BTW, the '06 is less car than the '03, due to what has been called "decontenting" during MY '04 and '05. I don't have the full list of disappearing features, but they include puddle lights. Not many people consider the current center console an improvement over the one on the '03, but that may be a matter of opinion. Also, you may still have some free maintenance left with an '03 (I have over a year left) but you won't get any with an '06.
i think the bigger engine made them cut some costs in the interior and overall amenities
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Virginia
2005 Carlsson CD32 E320 CDI Inline-6
Wait and get a slightly used 07
Like 5,000 miles. Find a seller who's wants exceeded their means and make an offer, they'll be relieved to get out and you can get the "new" car for like $43K.
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Tesla Model S P100D
Originally Posted by edspider
Now why'd you tell me about the missing puddle lights. I never would have noticed, but now I miss them!
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Here's a thread from 1.5 years ago that discusses some of the feature changes (additions and deletions) in the W211 from introduction to 12/04:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/90064-re-contenting.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/90064-re-contenting.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 124
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From: San Diego, CA
2008 E550
Thanks for the replies. My biggest surprise is that scheduled service is no longer part of the deal.
I wish our current E drove a little better and I wouldn't need to worry about a replacement (yet). I have one of the E's with the hesitation off the stop and its makes driving it less than the 'Mercedes' it should be.
I wish our current E drove a little better and I wouldn't need to worry about a replacement (yet). I have one of the E's with the hesitation off the stop and its makes driving it less than the 'Mercedes' it should be.
