2nd Thoughts
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: VA
03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
2nd Thoughts
My dealer says my new E320 will arrive at the dock on 20NOV. I had been excited about this until I started reading the numerous E320/500 complaints on this forum. I am beginning to have second thoughts, and wonder if it is time to cancel my order. I have a perfectly good 2001 E320. Some of you say even with the many new E problems you would buy again.
Given all the problems, is there a reason to avoid trading a perfectly good used E for a new but potentially compromised E?
PS My dealer says he has seen no 2003 Es returned with problems.
Given all the problems, is there a reason to avoid trading a perfectly good used E for a new but potentially compromised E?
PS My dealer says he has seen no 2003 Es returned with problems.
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FWIW, I have now 1450 miles on my E320 and have had it for a month. I have had no problems at all except 1: Sometimes the tilt sunroof doesn't shut by pulling down on the switch, you need to push the switch back as if you were opening it to make it come down. Other times it works as the manual states. Very minor issue.
Other than that, a fantastic car. I'd get it again in a heart beat.
Other than that, a fantastic car. I'd get it again in a heart beat.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Roof
Originally posted by potxoli
FWIW, I have now 1450 miles on my E320 and have had it for a month. I have had no problems at all except 1: Sometimes the tilt sunroof doesn't shut by pulling down on the switch, you need to push the switch back as if you were opening it to make it come down. Other times it works as the manual states. Very minor issue.
Other than that, a fantastic car. I'd get it again in a heart beat.
FWIW, I have now 1450 miles on my E320 and have had it for a month. I have had no problems at all except 1: Sometimes the tilt sunroof doesn't shut by pulling down on the switch, you need to push the switch back as if you were opening it to make it come down. Other times it works as the manual states. Very minor issue.
Other than that, a fantastic car. I'd get it again in a heart beat.
Having said all that: small issues and fixable, and I would sure buy again. All these issues WILL be fixed, and at no cost to me (though some hassle).
Mike
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From: So. FL
2003 SL Launch Edition, 2003 E500 Pewter/Stone
We've had our E500 now for over 3 weeks. We have had no problems and are thrilled with the styling, performance and features. I am especially assured by the safety aspects. One that no one seems to discuss is the "roll over detector" which sets off the side air bags and is a new first for MB. This is typical of the engineering MB puts into the car. It hopefully will never be used but is reassuring.
There have been a lot of nits and picks by folks, some about cupholders, some about compasses and some about mechanical issues. But most, if not all, of those folks look at this in perspective and still say that they would absolutely buy the new E again, notwithstanding.
There is no panacea. But, for me the choice was simple. Did I want to compromise on the styling, ride, elegance, handling and engineering that really appeals to me in the new E for a car that would never disappoint in the reliability department, like a Lexus; or did I want to suffer a few first year nits to have a car that otherwise appeals to me in every way? I have had a totally reliable Lexus and a number of first year MBs, some of which have had some nits. I will always choose the one I really want to drive every day (even if I am deprived a few of them for the service department!!!!).
There have been a lot of nits and picks by folks, some about cupholders, some about compasses and some about mechanical issues. But most, if not all, of those folks look at this in perspective and still say that they would absolutely buy the new E again, notwithstanding.
There is no panacea. But, for me the choice was simple. Did I want to compromise on the styling, ride, elegance, handling and engineering that really appeals to me in the new E for a car that would never disappoint in the reliability department, like a Lexus; or did I want to suffer a few first year nits to have a car that otherwise appeals to me in every way? I have had a totally reliable Lexus and a number of first year MBs, some of which have had some nits. I will always choose the one I really want to drive every day (even if I am deprived a few of them for the service department!!!!).
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From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
I have 860 miles on my E500. It's a wonderful car. No problems so far. Performance, style, handling, are all great and its rock solid. We tend to only hear from the people who are having problems but I'm sure there are a lot of us who are just enjoying our cars. Wait til your car arrives, drive it and you will be convinced you made the right choice IMHO.
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From: New York
2003 E500
E320 followon...E370 ??
I think the only reason someone might have 2nd thoughts about an E320 at this point is the current 30 day delay on new E-6-cylinder orders.
In conversation last night with a salesguy at my dealer, checking the status of my E500, he mentioned that there were no holdups on 500s, but 320s were being delayed 30 days because of the introduction of what he called a 3.7 liter motor to the production line.
What that means for US consumers, I don't know. Unsure if this vehicle is a way-too-soon-after-launch upgrade of the E320 or what.
Alternately, my salesguy could be smoking something.
In conversation last night with a salesguy at my dealer, checking the status of my E500, he mentioned that there were no holdups on 500s, but 320s were being delayed 30 days because of the introduction of what he called a 3.7 liter motor to the production line.
What that means for US consumers, I don't know. Unsure if this vehicle is a way-too-soon-after-launch upgrade of the E320 or what.
Alternately, my salesguy could be smoking something.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
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From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
Take it when it arrives-- I could not be more satisfied.
Regarding the 3.7/E350, it's not listed as a model yet in Germany, but they are building the S350 for non-US. I expect an E350 will be introduced over there well in advance of here, as is the custom, and that the S will get the bulk of 3.7 production now as they introduce the freshened S model.
I may be mistaken, but I believe the S is produced in Sindelfingen where most E's are built, along with the engines, and it may have to do with balancing overall V6 production if in fact there is any delay on them. I have not heard or inquired. (11th digit in the serial, A through E is Sindelfingen, I believe).
Regarding the 3.7/E350, it's not listed as a model yet in Germany, but they are building the S350 for non-US. I expect an E350 will be introduced over there well in advance of here, as is the custom, and that the S will get the bulk of 3.7 production now as they introduce the freshened S model.
I may be mistaken, but I believe the S is produced in Sindelfingen where most E's are built, along with the engines, and it may have to do with balancing overall V6 production if in fact there is any delay on them. I have not heard or inquired. (11th digit in the serial, A through E is Sindelfingen, I believe).
