E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Car and Driver Comparison

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 4, 2003 | 12:45 PM
  #1  
rayscar's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
Car and Driver Comparison

The new issue of Car & Driver did a comparion of the 2003 E320, the 530i and several other models. The winner is . . . . .

The 2003 E320!

How about that. Car & Driver picking a Benz over a BMW. The world must be coming to an end. I haven't had a chance to read the article yet so I don't know details except that they did not like the feel of the E's brakes and steering. Any way the E is #1!!!

Now I want to see the E500 compared to the 540i
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2003 | 01:25 PM
  #2  
MPTLPTR's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: CA
W211
Wow, that really is amazing that something other than a BMW won one of their comparison tests!

Something tells me that when the new 5 comes out it'll be back on top in their book, though.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2003 | 12:27 AM
  #3  
briar's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz, CA
'03 E320
Re: Car and Driver Comparison

Originally posted by rayscar
The new issue of Car & Driver did a comparion of the 2003 E320, the 530i and several other models.
Rayscar, do you know the link to the C&D web site that has this report/article?
Much appreciated.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2003 | 12:51 AM
  #4  
CRB's Avatar
CRB
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
C&D tends to skew toward the newer models. The 5-series was conspicuous by its absence from the 10best list this year too. Look for major fawning over the new 5 in a few months.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2003 | 02:20 AM
  #5  
rickyfanmdr's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2003 E320
Talking

Great news! I'll look for a copy. Is it the February issue? I just checked their website and couldn't find anything useful there.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2003 | 11:31 AM
  #6  
rayscar's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
Re: Re: Car and Driver Comparison

Originally posted by briar
Rayscar, do you know the link to the C&D web site that has this report/article?
Much appreciated.
Don't know the link. I got the mag in the mail a couple of days ago so it must be the Feb 2003 issue.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2003 | 11:32 AM
  #7  
rayscar's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
Originally posted by rickyfanmdr
Great news! I'll look for a copy. Is it the February issue? I just checked their website and couldn't find anything useful there.
Yes I just got it a couple of days ago so it must the Feb 2003 issue.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2003 | 11:57 AM
  #8  
Mellow's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Sudan
2003 Toyota Prado
Thumbs up

Ive been reading car and driver and since 94 and a subscriber for three years now, for mercedes to have another accolade under its belt is,well, expected, for it to beat a 5 series in car and driver (read: BMW territory) , that my friends is worthy of mention!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 5, 2003 | 12:46 PM
  #9  
gobenz's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
BMW 5_Series were not included in C&D's Top Ten List this year...and now the E320 beats out a 530i.

I think BMW didn't pay C&D their dues this year!
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2003 | 09:28 PM
  #10  
schvetkaaks's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Bought the current Robb Report to read the 'best cars' article with the E500 in 5th place - it's in good company on that list, let me tell ya, although I'm not so sure about the Mini or XKR's inclusion...

If C&D would test the E500 against the current 540i, it would be a blowout, no question. I'm fairly confident the next 545i will also be a disapointment in comparison...
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2003 | 08:59 PM
  #11  
rickyfanmdr's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2003 E320
I picked up a copy of this while I was out cruising around today, and it's the MARCH issue (for anyone buying over an internet magazine service or something).

By the way, there is also a major separate article in the same issue on the E55 AMG. Very interesting and extremely positive!

Last edited by rickyfanmdr; Feb 10, 2003 at 12:48 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2003 | 03:23 PM
  #12  
rayscar's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
I read the E55 article too. It was a positive piece and sounds like a great car! Wish I had one.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2003 | 03:59 PM
  #13  
cte430's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
'07 Porsche 997TT
my only complaint about my E500 is that I didn't wait and get an E55!!. I have been wondering about this for a while, but this article put me over the edge. It is rare for a Merc to do well in this magazine. Check out the side bar in the E55 article by Aaron Robinson. Does he work for BMW or what.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2003 | 11:55 PM
  #14  
briar's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz, CA
'03 E320
Originally posted by rickyfanmdr
I picked up a copy of this while I was out cruising around today, and it's the MARCH issue (for anyone buying over an internet magazine service or something).
Ricky,
Thanks for the issue date. I have looked on i-net and local newstands (Feb issue only) and haven't seen this article. Thought I was really loosing it. Much appreciated!
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2003 | 05:41 PM
  #15  
Kassav's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: GA
E320, Lexus RX 300, Nissan Xterra
The link

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran...es.xml?&page=7

"The Verdict: An endlessly interesting car in its many exaggerations and excogitations." ....Car and Driver
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2003 | 09:49 PM
  #16  
CRB's Avatar
CRB
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
Originally posted by cte430
my only complaint about my E500 is that I didn't wait and get an E55!!. I have been wondering about this for a while, but this article put me over the edge. It is rare for a Merc to do well in this magazine. Check out the side bar in the E55 article by Aaron Robinson. Does he work for BMW or what.
I was thinking would he give the M5 an extra 70 hp if it had a slushbox too.
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2003 | 05:40 PM
  #17  
UncAl's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina, USA
1998 ML-320
Thanks, Rayscars!

After I saw your post, I went and bought it just for that article. Also, I read the E55 article.

I thought they came down pretty hard on the new "brake by wire" braking system. Is the feel REALLY that bad?
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2003 | 05:52 PM
  #18  
rayscar's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
IMHO UncAl I really don't notice mch difference with the new E's brakes. i know others have complained but I had no trouble whatsoever adjusting to them. No complaints here.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:39 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE