First Impressions
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 664
Likes: 33
From: Ft. Lauderdale
2015 C300, 2025 GLC300 4Matic
First Impressions
I looked at the new E-Class at the dealer today, and it is a great looking car. I did notice, however, a few things I didn't like and which really surprised me. The armrest in the door is extremely flimsy. It is made of soft material, and if you grab it hard it actually wiggles around - like it is loose. It reminds me of the door handle in my Chevy truck! I much prefer the very solid feel of the one in my '2000 E. The other problem is that they moved the power window switched to the door handle and placed them in such a way that it is very awkward to operate them. The ones closest to the door are impossible to operate except with your little finger - very awkward! The switches are also very small. I much prefer them on the center as in the old 'E. I was very disappointed when I saw these gaffs in design. Does anyone agree?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Toronto
SLK 350 '05
i like your criticism about the buttons being moved to the door...i like them in the middle too like my E430. but i don't think the new door is THAT flimsy...although it did loose the solid "thud" that you get from the previous generation
oh yea...those buttoms....i think they're fine, not too far in..unless you have really big hands..
oh yea...those buttoms....i think they're fine, not too far in..unless you have really big hands..
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 664
Likes: 33
From: Ft. Lauderdale
2015 C300, 2025 GLC300 4Matic
The old 'E has that nice solid bar running up from the armrest that makes for a very comfortable handhold when I am driving. I think I would miss that. Some people are not too gentle when it comes to closing the door, so I would be surprised if MB didn't have to start replacing a lot of these armrests when they get loose.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Toronto
SLK 350 '05
hehe...i get what you mean..
but i don't really like where the handle is placed on my other car. its harder to pull the door in. but suits the arm very comfortably when driving....
i like both the new and old E classes...both are too pretty.
but i don't really like where the handle is placed on my other car. its harder to pull the door in. but suits the arm very comfortably when driving....
i like both the new and old E classes...both are too pretty.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 392
Likes: 18
From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
I have had my e for about three weeks now. There is no perfect car but i think the new e is a GREAT car.
I'm not wild about a few things including the center console buttons which can jetison everything into the back seat when you open the larger comparment (yes, this is a real world experience). I didnt notice the interior door handle ... and I hope I dont start now!
There is one really cheapo aspect of the car -- the way the plastic grill is attached to the hood. it feels like it is going to break off when you open and close the hood.
I'm not wild about a few things including the center console buttons which can jetison everything into the back seat when you open the larger comparment (yes, this is a real world experience). I didnt notice the interior door handle ... and I hope I dont start now!
There is one really cheapo aspect of the car -- the way the plastic grill is attached to the hood. it feels like it is going to break off when you open and close the hood.
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 182
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From: Washington, DC
2004 E 4matic StationWagon
Window Switches
I like the idea of having the window switches on the door, but the problem in my view is merely an ergonomic one - the switches are awkward to use (especially when closing the windows, less so when opening the windows).
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 392
Likes: 18
From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
hpilot - my e500 arm rest is rock solid.
The arm rest on the old MBs was more substantial in size because the design had the handle you use to close the door closer to the door hinge, and thus required more effort to close the door. The door closes much nicer on the new ones and I personally like the new one better.
However, I am biased because I wrote a 60K check!
The arm rest on the old MBs was more substantial in size because the design had the handle you use to close the door closer to the door hinge, and thus required more effort to close the door. The door closes much nicer on the new ones and I personally like the new one better.
However, I am biased because I wrote a 60K check!
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 182
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From: Washington, DC
2004 E 4matic StationWagon
"One Touch" a Misnomer
Actually, the phrase "one touch" is a misnomer. While the windows go down based on a mere touch -- which is quite easy to do with the new placement of the window switches -- getting the windows to go up requires one to get ones fingers underneath the switch and pull up. It is the pulling up that I find less than comfortable.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 664
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From: Ft. Lauderdale
2015 C300, 2025 GLC300 4Matic
skymast,
Yes, I guess that would make one somewhat bias. Don't get me wrong, I love the car and I will get one early next year, but I guess I am just too critical. Ergonomic flaws just seem to really irritate me. I guess they should have checked with me before they built it
Yes, I guess that would make one somewhat bias. Don't get me wrong, I love the car and I will get one early next year, but I guess I am just too critical. Ergonomic flaws just seem to really irritate me. I guess they should have checked with me before they built it
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 636
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From: New Jersey, USA
W211 & Q7
switches on the door is the way to go
well, not only volvo but bmer has switches on the door side. it is the way to go.
if you drive a car with a manual stick, you will appreciate this design -- after you pay tolls (left hand), you can close window (left hand) and switch gears (right hand) quickly. I know the new e does not come any manual models but if you want to enjoy the speed of new e -- holding the shift to the left (right hand) then you will understand why the switches have to be moved to the door side.
if you drive a car with a manual stick, you will appreciate this design -- after you pay tolls (left hand), you can close window (left hand) and switch gears (right hand) quickly. I know the new e does not come any manual models but if you want to enjoy the speed of new e -- holding the shift to the left (right hand) then you will understand why the switches have to be moved to the door side.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Toronto
SLK 350 '05
Juke-box, what is the interior color of your car? It looked like Ash in the previous pics, but this looks like the light blue...
The buttons ARE awkward to use...since i've been accustomed to the never changing design of mb window buttons since the 80's, but i guess with more practice, it works better.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
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From: California
i535
Originally posted by skymast
hpilot - my e500 arm rest is rock solid.
The arm rest on the old MBs was more substantial in size because the design had the handle you use to close the door closer to the door hinge, and thus required more effort to close the door. The door closes much nicer on the new ones and I personally like the new one better.
However, I am biased because I wrote a 60K check!
hpilot - my e500 arm rest is rock solid.
The arm rest on the old MBs was more substantial in size because the design had the handle you use to close the door closer to the door hinge, and thus required more effort to close the door. The door closes much nicer on the new ones and I personally like the new one better.
However, I am biased because I wrote a 60K check!
