northbenz

On another thread someone reported that 2004 E Class production had already started in Germany. Yet another poster claims a dealer told him he got an email from Mercedes informing that 2004 production would not start until September 2003. Can anyone in Germany confirm which, if either reporting is correct - or whether the tradlitional July/August period will be the changeover from 2003 to 2004 E Class models (to include the addition of 4Matic as an option.)

DKSNY

I was told by my Dealer to expect delivery in early Sept. for my 2004. He believes production will be in Late July/early August, but we've not received build date yet. I will advise when I get it.

David

Legacy

For what it is worth my "replacement" '03 E500 with COMAND/NAVI is scheduled to be built the first decade of July.

MB-JIM

My tourist delivery E320 is scheduled for early October which is apparently the same time the 04 E's will be here.

MBStar

CONFIRMED: 2004 Production for all V8 models begins in September likely due to the implementation of the 7 speed transmission. All Diesels for N. America likely will roll off later in the year.

abhansali

I also believe this is true. Dealer told me they received a fax earlier this week indicating this from MBUSA. Also, recent press regarding the 7G transmission also seems to indicate Sept. production.

northbenz

I understand that there are 2004 500 CLK Cabrios already at the Vehicle Prep Centers in the US so I assume not all V8 2004 Mercedes are awaiting September production in order to get the 7 speed transmission. Have no idea though whether the 7 speed will be added to the CLK 500 Cabrio come September though. Anyone else heard one way or the other?

Also will the 320 versions of the 2004 E Class (including the 4-Matic) be scheduled for production prior to September? Anyone heard or know? Any chance that 2004 E Class will arrive with the new 350 engine, and if not when will it replace the 320?

mbprince

and while we're on the topic ......... will 04s be nav and voice command capable from the start of the model year?

HizzleDizzle

I talked to my dealer and he said that my 04' E500 should come in no later than late Aug. He told me that since it was one of the first 04' cars to be ordered at the dealership that it would be one of the first there and that he was expecting it by mid Aug. I hope this is true since i didnt opt for the 7G tranny and just want the normal transmision seeing it was the first year for the 7G and didnt want any of the problems that might arise from this. but i guess we will see if it gets here when he told me.

mbprince

you bring up an interesting point ......... for the E500 in MY 04 is the 7 speed standard or an option? If it's standard and you get your E in late August and it has the 5 speed, is it really an '04? I'm now scratching my head

nyca

autoweek said no E350 for 2004, but some other "spy" information mentioned a possible mid-year switch, which would not be nice for "early" buyers of 2004 E320s.

The 7G is an E500 option? That would be interesting. Its hard getting reliable spy information on MBs, much more is available on BMWs.

akmal31

so are there going to be any changes for cars that are for 04?
My car is due in mid september......will my car be and 04 car? and this 7g transmission......will it be available on the E320 CDI?

Thanks...
AkMaL_17

ffjxc

For what it's worth my rebuild due to the Nav fiasco is scheduled for July 20th. I would think it will be one of the last '03's.


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E500 Brilliant Silver/Charcoal Sport Packge, Xenon, CD Changer

northbenz

The 7 g transmission is apparently only for 500 V8 engined cars in 2004 although it sound like the intent is to expand its inclusion thereafter. Even the V12 and AMG engines are not going to use it from the inception because of requirements that other components would need to be strengthened to accomodate it in the more powerful engined cars.

No one has confirmed it, but it has been suspected that the whole motivation behind rushing this tranny into the 500's is to get the fuel consumption down to avoid the now required gas guzzler tax on the 500's.

abhansali

I would think this is more of a side benefit. The real reason is the increased acceleration response and power from what I understand.

northbenz

For the long term that sounds right but my guess is that the rush to get it into the 500 engined cars first is motivated by the gas savings since I understand the 500's just missed the gas guzzler cut-off figures.

RJC

AMG and V12 cars probably won't get the new trans right away as if there are any "bugs" MBZ would not want their most prestigious models with initial problems if they can be avoided, IMHO. I also feel that the fuel savings is the main reason for the extra cogs and performance although secondary will be a nice benefit.

sf49ers79

Fuel saving is good... right now i only got 14mpg in the city dot know in the freeway. all i know that E500 is gas drinker

mbprince

but we do like pushing down on that pedal

mbprince

FYI ....... my MB salesman/friend emailed me yesterday and said this, "One last note, USA production of the E-Class including AMG begins officially in the first week of August. We can take orders now. Seems like command will be available immediately."

etenn

I hope my replacement car build order gets lost or delayed until after the first week in August. Then I will have an '04...pretty wishful thinking

Ed