Car & Driver E320 Test
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 229
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SL500
Car & Driver E320 Test
As most/all of you know, the March issue of Car & Driver has a comparison test in which the E320 came out on top. Under Lows they state: "Weird steering, brake and accelerator feel; transmission is reluctant to downshift; lots of road noise."
Having driven both the 500 and 320 a couple of times, I have a different view. The steering feel/weight is probably the most balanced on an MB I have ever driven, not to light but not overly weighty. Personally, I appreciate a heavy accelerator and hope MB never changes. As for the brakes, they blow my CLK out of the water, not even close. These are the best brakes I have ever used. Better than the S-class, Bmw 330i and 745. I absolutely loved them.
Any road noise issue could probably be alleviated by a change in tires. As for the transmission, I'l leave that up to owners who have experienced extensive time behind the wheel.
I'm not saying that the E-class is the best 4 door sedan you can buy, but what I am saying is it is the best all around 4 door sedan I have ever driven.
Having driven both the 500 and 320 a couple of times, I have a different view. The steering feel/weight is probably the most balanced on an MB I have ever driven, not to light but not overly weighty. Personally, I appreciate a heavy accelerator and hope MB never changes. As for the brakes, they blow my CLK out of the water, not even close. These are the best brakes I have ever used. Better than the S-class, Bmw 330i and 745. I absolutely loved them.
Any road noise issue could probably be alleviated by a change in tires. As for the transmission, I'l leave that up to owners who have experienced extensive time behind the wheel.
I'm not saying that the E-class is the best 4 door sedan you can buy, but what I am saying is it is the best all around 4 door sedan I have ever driven.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 910
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
I totally agree about the "Wierd Steering." I drove an E500 for nearlly two weeks in Germany and was very uncomfortable with the steering. I could hardly wait to get back and drive my 02 C320 which has much better response in the steering. I really wanted the E but simply did not feel comfortable with it. Sorry.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 391
Likes: 18
From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
I guess they had to pick on a few things. Me, I dont like the window controls.
As for the car and driver lows, they NEVER like any type of electronic assisted braking, steering, etc. Road noise? It is louder than the previous model but it is air tight and far from loud.
The increased 'sportiness' of the new e-class, which is much closer to that of a BMW, dictates that it will have more road feel.
6000 miles now and I really like the steering feel.
Take that Car and Driver!
As for the car and driver lows, they NEVER like any type of electronic assisted braking, steering, etc. Road noise? It is louder than the previous model but it is air tight and far from loud.
The increased 'sportiness' of the new e-class, which is much closer to that of a BMW, dictates that it will have more road feel.
6000 miles now and I really like the steering feel.
Take that Car and Driver!
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
MB 2003 E 320
E320 with 6,700 Miles
Based on my experience, the steering is great. Is is very responsive including in an emergency situation. It saved me from rear-ending the car in front of me and I maneuvered through construction barrels to boot!
I admit the brakes take getting used to but again. Rock solid and if you stand on them, the car stop. Period.
As for the noise, with Michelins, the car is so quiet I can hear my 7 month old breathing in the back seat at 65 MPH. Good enough for me
I admit the brakes take getting used to but again. Rock solid and if you stand on them, the car stop. Period.
As for the noise, with Michelins, the car is so quiet I can hear my 7 month old breathing in the back seat at 65 MPH. Good enough for me
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 69
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From: NYC
2003 E320
I have to say, as an ex BMW owner, my E320 has a very light and unresponsive steering wheel. However, it is still a very comfortable feel overwell.
The poor points in my opinion are- terrible side mirrors, very delayed gas pedal, terrible quality upgraded leather (very very rough to the touch), strange transmission shifting in certain gears.
Oh yeah, $150 for replacement wipers??? R U KIDDING ME!!!!!
The poor points in my opinion are- terrible side mirrors, very delayed gas pedal, terrible quality upgraded leather (very very rough to the touch), strange transmission shifting in certain gears.
Oh yeah, $150 for replacement wipers??? R U KIDDING ME!!!!!
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ABC
Originally posted by MB-JIM
I totally agree about the "Wierd Steering." I drove an E500 for nearlly two weeks in Germany and was very uncomfortable with the steering. I could hardly wait to get back and drive my 02 C320 which has much better response in the steering. I really wanted the E but simply did not feel comfortable with it. Sorry.
I totally agree about the "Wierd Steering." I drove an E500 for nearlly two weeks in Germany and was very uncomfortable with the steering. I could hardly wait to get back and drive my 02 C320 which has much better response in the steering. I really wanted the E but simply did not feel comfortable with it. Sorry.
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Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 148
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From: N. California
ML430, E500
I think the steering and overall feel is much better than my 96 E320, especially with the sport settings. My major complaints are the side mirrors. I never can get them set well to get good views with minimal blind spot. The window controls are too small as is the armrest they are on are both too narrow.
