E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

2 days in my new E320

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Old 02-25-2003, 12:50 PM
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E320 (2003), 300TE 24v
Question 2 days in my new E320

I pick up my new E320 Avantgarde (sport in US) yesterday.

Great car... Yet the sport suspension is too hard for a girl with fragile bones like me.

Anyway to change the setting to comfort mode?
Old 02-25-2003, 01:00 PM
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E500W '03, Porsche Cayman S '06
The center button under the gearshift lever has the modes indicated.

Of the three settings the 'lights off' is the comfort mode.

One lamp on is Sport 1
Two lamps on is Sport 2 which is the stiffest.

I'm assuming that since you have the sport
package you also have the Airmatic suspension.
Old 02-25-2003, 01:02 PM
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what do the modes do/?? By chaning modes does it really matter ? Do you really see the difference.
Old 02-25-2003, 01:05 PM
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E320 (2003), 300TE 24v
Wink

Thanks Jabo,

But I don't have the luxury airmatic DC.

I miss my 530 ...
Old 02-25-2003, 01:45 PM
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E500W '03, Porsche Cayman S '06
You can definitely tell the difference.

The only visual cue is the lamps. The change in behavior is VERY noticable.

The comfort setting really absorbs the bumps and rolls gently, great for long trips and 'softer' rearends.

Sport 1 is my preference for everyday.
Nimble feel but not bone jarringly stiff.

Sport 2 for the mountain switchbacks or twisty roads at speed. Very stiff.

The change occurs very fast when switching modes.

If you have occasion to drive a long straight road,with seams or bumps, it is easy to tell the difference between the modes.

In comfort mode you ride very level and the car will 'float' over them.

In sport modes you'll get a feeling that you are bouncing with every change in the road level.

The feel changes very distinctly with each mode.
Old 02-25-2003, 03:19 PM
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'03 E320 CDI Avantgarde '00 Renault Mégane Coupé 1.6 16v (wife).
jabo, in Europe Airmatic DC is an optional not included in the Avantgarde (sports) pack. It is included in the E500 and E400CDI. not sure if on E55.

Worried to read that , Caprese, I ordered the Avantgarde too, mainly becuase of the bi-xenons, leather-tex, and lowered sport suspension.

The E270CDI Elegance I tested seemed so "soft" that I thoght sport would be ideal for me and the revired roads of Spain.

I suposse it could be downgraded to the Elegance coil/springs.

Enjoy it!
Old 02-25-2003, 03:44 PM
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Bueno Juanjo,

I'll call my dealer tomorrow if they can done it.

It can actually be downgraded with no charge when you order, but I bought mine straight from the stock. I don't like to wait.
Old 02-25-2003, 05:04 PM
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E500W '03, Porsche Cayman S '06
Juanjo & Caprese,

I didn't realize that, I'm surprised at how much the packages vary in their specs.

I was wondering, I noticed you have indicated folding side mirrors, any chance you have photos of what that would look like on the E?

For those considering Airmatic DC as an option, I would say that this is definitely my favorite 'option'. The power of the E500 is great, but this one feature is, in my opinion, the most easy to use and most practical way to totally alter the driving character of this vehicle.

One additional item is the feature that allows you to 'raise' the vehicle in situations where there is snow on the ground. It severely reduces the buildup of ice in the wheelwells.

Hopefully, this post won't irritate those who have not opted for Airmatic, I just wanted to let anyone who may be considering a purchase to have some perspective.
Old 03-01-2003, 03:42 AM
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'03 E320
Originally posted by jabo
I didn't realize that, I'm surprised at how much the packages vary in their specs.

I was wondering, I noticed you have indicated folding side mirrors, any chance you have photos of what that would look like on the E?

For those considering Airmatic DC as an option, I would say that this is definitely my favorite 'option'. The power of the E500 is great, but this one feature is, in my opinion, the most easy to use and most practical way to totally alter the driving character of this vehicle.

One additional item is the feature that allows you to 'raise' the vehicle in situations where there is snow on the ground. It severely reduces the buildup of ice in the wheelwells.
I fully agree with JABO regarding the suspension settings, a feature that I appreciate much more than I thought I would.
And am also interested in seeing pics of folding side mirrors.

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