What's new for 2004 E Class
 

Hi,

Just curious to know what are the new features for the 2004 model (not the E500):

- E320 or E350?
- Cornering Headlights?
- what else?
- Availability expected in Oct 2003?

Based on enhancements, I may decide for 2003 or 2004 model.

Thanks

I think there may be an 18in wheel option for 2004. If you check out the latest issue of R&T (I think), they do a writeup on the new E wagon. They say that there is a choice of 17in or 18in wheels.

That might apply to just the wagon, or maybe the sedan as well......or neither when it comes time.

I'm looking to get a 2004 E500 (my first post). My lease on my current car (Lexus GS300) ends in September. If you want to order a car (and not take dealer inventory), and want it when it first comes out, do yourself a favor and order one now. I'm expecting late September to early October availability.

Couple of things I found out so far:
- Some of the paint colors are no longer special order, so they won't cost more than the "standard" colors. I believe that Tectite gray and a few others are still special order
- Reogrinization of some of the option packages. At least according to the info that the dealer had, it looks as though the packages are no longer the E1, E2, etc. I see the availability of an Appearance Package to replace the Sport Package, and a seperate Premium Package that includes the current E1, E2, AVS and rear sunshade. And a couple of other changes.
- Not sure if it is available now, but also the Electronic Trunk Closer is an option.

I will be putting together what my options are soon, but I probably am going to go with E500 with Parktronic, Entertainment Package (HK and CD changer), Appearance Package, and the Sunroof Package (sunroof, rear sunshade, side roller blinds), COMAND (maybe), and either the Heating Package (E5) or AVS.

the current packages make alot of sense to me. to get xenon on a 2004, you have to get it as part of a package that includes active ventilated seats?

where you able to get the same pricing deal on a 2004 as a 2003?

HID's are still available in either the Appearance, Premium or new Lighting packages.

And yes, while the pricing is not known yet, and apparently won't be known until July, he is going to keep the pricing more or less the same.

does the newly replaced sport packaged (appearance package) include the current sport package's lower aprons, or is it the AMG aprons?

I am not sure. I have a printout (not with me right now) that was from the MB dealer ordering web site. The list that I have does not get specific in terms of what each of the options contains. It did mention the apron, but not what type. I am not even sure if it will be the same rims or not, but it seems to be the same size.

If I had to make a guess, I would say no. It seems that with the renaming of the package to Appearance that they are de-emphasizing some of the Sport aspirations.

Vivek: Cornering headlamps are mentioned, although I don't know that they mean in the ordering guide by them (they used different terminology in different parts of the option list), and my sales rep had no idea.

No mention of E350, though. I have a feeling that it will be 2005, but who knows?

My Guesstamite and Speculation on E350:

The ML430 went ML500 in 2002. Then E430 went E500 the next year for 2003.

The ML320 went ML350 in 2003. Maybe E350 will follow for 2004.

The 3.2L is being regulated down to the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire being built in Germany. I hope Daimler-Chrysler does not want the same engine in both 2004 E320 and Crossfire.

yes, but its pretty clear now that the 2004 model year will not begin with an E350. It might be a mid model year replacement, which may be even worse for buyers of 2004 E320s. There is much better leaked information available for BMWs.