I know this will not concern our brothers on the west coast and southern states, but those of us who are preparing for another Northeast / Mid-west winter will appreciate this.

We have several 2004 E class 4matic cars instock and ready for immediate delivery!

Contact me for specifics:

Keil Powell @ MB of West Chester
888-882-2748

 

Can someone provide some feedback as to how 4matics handle compared to the standard rear-wheel drive E320/500's? While I would expect traction to be much better on slippery surfaces, how about for everyday, dry road conditions?

And does it improve on, detract from or have no effect on aggressive handling vis-a-vis the standard set-up?

 

reviews I have read say the steering feel is slightly heavier with the 4MATIC. and I recall that some posters said the passenger footwell space was reduced.

 

footwell space is definitely smaller on passenger side, and they eliminated that cute little webbing used to hold a map, as that carpeted surface is now running at an odd curve / angle and downward slant. Steering is only slightly heavier in my opinion. But the traction increase more than makes up for it. I don't notice any speed difference. The "launch effect" is out of this world with 4matic. When they mate a 4 matic to the E55, I'm in with both feet!!

 

How did you make out with your rear differential? If I remember correctly, you were having problems with a leak...

It sounds like you're up and running! That's great!

 

Up and running indeed!

Only after 3 shipments (yes, 3!) of incorrect differentials...they kept receiving C-class diff's; claimed that as a result of this, all new parts catalogs for the 04 E class are being reprinted and distributed to service centers. Computer data entry error on German side for coding part # on E-class diff., they said. Hmmm..

Anyway, I told the dealership on the last delay / go-around that they could take their time repairing the car because as far as I was concerned they could keep the car and order me a new one. I was fed up! Their response... they would remove a differential from a new car in inventory and install it on mine. So, they scavenged a diff out of a brand new 500 4matic wagon (he,he). (This was the suggestion I gave to them in the beginning.) "Oh no", they said. Couldn't do that! Guess they could when push came to shove. They also sent me a check to cover my first month's payment which I told them was a nice "start", and that I would be a completely happy camper when they sent to me (when available) a Nav kit to install in my car since they blew it when they talked me out of a Nav unit to begin with! I then called MBUSA and gave them the whole saga as well, citing I wouldn't fill out the survey until all issues were resolved.

They also replaced the torn head rest (result of an abusive / inattentive service person) and they successfully buffed out a major scuff on the crease of the front fender. They traded the crappy tires out for true Winter tires (Dunlop M2 winter sport's). Now they have an alloy wheel on backorder for me because they dropped one of mine off of the axle and onto a socket tool, leaving a beautiful hexagonal socket imprint on the face of the wheel. They were smart enough to report this to me before I found it.

But now that I have the car back, I have put a couple of hundred additional miles on it and it truly is a fantastic car. Unfortunately just a very rough start of the relationship. I had the mud guards installed, which look great and I had the entire front of the car, bumper and mirrors included, covered in the 3M Scotch Cal protective film to keep it looking fresh for ever. I truly love to drive this car. It's a blast. Especially in the winter snow we now have.

 

What a STORY. It sounds like your dealer needs brain reorientation!

3 tries and they still couldn't get the correct part because of a coding error in Germany? You have probably saved the day for thousands of E class owners by catching this "mistake".

Sorry to hear about them dinging your wheel, but I'm glad you finally got some REAL tires and they fixed your scratch and headrest.

They owe you... at least it sounds like they're trying (with MBUSA's help, of course)!