Other than the wheels and slightly different front air dam, it seems like there is no other difference on the outside. Are the shocks or other suspension components different? If not, then it depends if you like the black maple. It's starting to grow on me, but would be nice to have the choice and stay with the walnut. Has anyone seen the charcoal/black maple in person?

 

Yeah, saw one in person. Like you I have mixed feelings about the black wood trim. The black wood trim is also mandated with the Berry Red interior on the SL500 which does look sharp. I just don't know why one would want black wood trim with a black (charcoal) interior. If you are going for the sport I'd try for a stone or other interior that doesn't leave you feeling like you are stepping into a black hole each time you get in the car. I do like those sport wheels though over the standard ones.

 

The birdseye trim is exactly the reason I did not get the sports package. MB should give us a choice of interior trim colors

 

I own a black / charcoal sport. I like the black maple, it blends in well with the interior. the aluminum accents also look great. Of course, this is my humble opinion.

Here is a fact though -- The sport package is THE only way to differentiation your E320 or E500. The wheels look the same on the E320 and the E500 w/o the sport package and the interior accents look the same. Another fact regarding Burl vs Black wood trim -- almost every single mercedes ever made has Burl ... try something new. the Bird's eye maple is attractive and 'wood' unlike the faux carbon fiber bmw uses on their 5 series sport package.

Regarding the differences. the sport package looks much better in person than in the brochures.

Differences: For $1375 US you get --

Upgraded wheels and tires (w-rated)
Aluminum / White interior accents
Xenon headlights and washers (standard)
LED brake lights
Exterior front and rear flares (barely noticeable)
Undistinguishable 'blue' tint on windows

Given that the xenons are $1,150, it is actually alot of extras / differentiation for $225 dollars

 

Here is a picture of the Charcoal / Sport Interior. Sorry the resolution is not great.

 

skymast you've told me nothing I already didn't know. Glad you like the birdseye. I don't. I presume you would not have bought it if you didn't like it. It doesn't matter what you get with the sports package if you don't like it. I don't. I also don't like the aluminum on the shifter. I think the wood looks much better. For me the burl IS a change over what I have now so I have tried something different. I believe one size doesn't fit all. For those of us with different tastes I think MB should have given us a choice to customize this option a little. I'm not saying that I'm right and you're wrong I just want to be able to buy what I want not what is forced on me.

 

Love the interior, black with maple wood. What's the official name of the colour interior you got? Is it Anthracite or is it actually called charcoal? We don't seem to have charcoal in Australia. I've ordered the E320 Avantgarde, in metallic brilliant silver with anthracite interior. If the interior looks like yours I will be well chuffed!

 

Rayscar -- My post wasn't for you, it was information related to the question posed in the originally post by cte430. You are way too agressive and missed the point.

 

1) Poropat: For you and for me Charcoal will be Antracite and Sport will be Avantgarde

2) Rays: You need to tone it down. I agree with skymast, you were too agressive in your response in which by the way was not a direct answer to your comment.

You should remember that everyone has a different taste. When you buy this car you clearly has 2 options.

A) Mercedes Luxury called (Elegance). Wood and Leather
B) Mercedes Luxury with a Sporty Look (Avantgarde/Sport). Black Wood/Leather and a little bit of aluminum.

In my case I went for the Avantgarde because I'm a big fan of luxury with Sport packages, therefore the Avantgarde for me was the way to go.

Cheers,

Enrique
Crazy4Cars Racing
Panama

 

Does anyone know why the needles on the guages are not red or orange. It looks like they blend right into the guages since they are the same color.

 

I have the bird's eye maple/ash interior combination. It blends nicely and I love it. No picture can justify the quality and looks of the bird's eye maple. You have to see it to appreciate it.

Again, this is my opinion only. Others may say, "if you do not have what you love, love what you have got".

 

Love the w211 sports' look. But I have one concern, I saw a w210 sport comes with black bird's eye maple; it looks a little bit fake to me (more like plastic than wood). Is that the same birds eye maple used in the w211 sports package?

Went to the dealer the other day but they don't have a w211 with sports package available to see... Also, the sales man (as well as the 'big E book' say that E3 package "requires optional Airmatic suspension and premium leather upholstery on E320". As the sales man told me that mean order the E3 will cost you: $3800 + $1575 + $1440).

Can someone who already got the E320 with sports package please confirm this. thanks.

 

Here is an intersting fact found in the owners manual...

The top speed on a 'non-sport' E-Class is limited to 130 MPH. This is based on the H rated tires stadard on both the E320 (16")and the E500 (17"). H rated tires have a max speed rating of 130, thus the limit imposed by MB.

The Sport Package has W rated tires (rated to 155 MPH) so there is no limiter placed on the engine.

Not that most people will be crusing past 130 MPH, but a thought just in case you want to challenge a 911!