M-B of San Diego took the car back . . . refunding all monies, including CA. tax. Applied to a base black E320. Only option is the stone leather and roof pkg.. Power is fine, no 500 for sure, but satisfying. Suspension: I'll take the multi-link over the ABC which is standard on the 500. As far as my tire problem with the 500 . . it is non-existant on the 320. Fitted with the standard Continentals. The dealership is fantastic . . . . . reputable and consumer oriented. Wouldn't think of buying a Benz anywhere else. Martin Datnow, my salesperson does his very very best to please. Question: What do I do with four gorgeous sterling key chains now? Good luck to all . . . Peter

 

send me one of the keychains

 

Peter. Glad you are happy with the outcome and everything worked out for you. Just wondering why you decided to go to the 320 just because you had prob;ems with the keyless go and the car's tires. Why not another e500 without the keyless go? If the dealer was willing to do all that they probably would have done something with the tires too. Were you also having second thoughts about the 500 itself?

 

A: Because I have the same engine, minus 6 hp in my '03 CLK320 and I love that car; B: because I like the torque and "winding sound" of the 6 cyl; and C: because the 500 comes with the adaptive suspension . . . which felt artificial at times . . . which was not as smooth as the multilink, in my opinion. The shimmey problem and favoring of the right side was attributable to the suspension, in my opinion. Again, the power is sufficient. I know a larger 6 is in the works . . . but this 3.2 is tried . . . works well . . .trouble free . . . and gets great mileage. I wanted a car that would work - the fewer the gadgets the better . . .at this point. Peter