Finally, got my E500 after 1yr
12-01-2003, 11:12 PM
#1
Finally, got my E500 after 1yr
So after 1 yr, I finally got my E500 yesterday evening, and it is one sweet vehicle. Just a quick summary of my story and then my initial impressions.
I live in TX and was going to order the car from here, but found, thanks to the forum, better deals in CA, plus the dealers here did not treat me like I would expect from a luxury brand, so I placed my order with a NoCal dealer, Thanksgiving weekend 2002. Then the Navi mess, and being that was an option I wanted, I ended up waiting for 04. But in the meantime, prices dropped, and the dealer that had my deposit would not re-negotiate, so I pulled my deposit and moved it to MarcusBenz who gave me a great deal.
One more note, for my religious reasons, I try not to use leather products, and so it was very important to me to get the car with minimal leather. I wanted the leather insert interior of the E320 in the E500, initially dealers just said "No can't be done", but I talked to the product managers at MBUSA and they set it up for me with the factory in Germany. They did not even charge me a special order charge since they said the special order charge would be balanced with the fact that I was getting the less expensive interior. Definitely impressive for MB to do this, I did not expect this when I started the process and probably would have bought an E320 if they had not accomodated me. Thanks to MBUSA if they are reading this, and for others that want non-leather interiors, it can be done...
I have only driven it 20 miles or so, since I will get my plates tomorrow, but here is what I have noticed:
1. Awesome power....keep in mind that I've been driving a 4 cyl. Toyo Camry, so the engine is amazing..
2. 7G - you can't tell the car shifts unless you watch the tach, it is that smooth.
3. Not as quite inside as an LS430 or other car, there is a little bit of interior noise, maybe because of the tires.
4. This is the first car that I have to read the manual on, I can't figure out how to use half the stuff in the car (and I'm an engineer). If you see my sig, my car is loaded. I still have not got to the point of putting the Navi DVD in...I'm still trying to work all the features of the seats..
5. Car does seem to pull to the right, and one parktronic led does not seem to glow properly, but I think I need to drive it a bit more to make sure.
6. Keyless go is the coolest thing, it will take time to get used to not pulling my keys out of my pocket....
7. This car is going to be a lot of fun.....
Will post some pics when I get a chance...
I live in TX and was going to order the car from here, but found, thanks to the forum, better deals in CA, plus the dealers here did not treat me like I would expect from a luxury brand, so I placed my order with a NoCal dealer, Thanksgiving weekend 2002. Then the Navi mess, and being that was an option I wanted, I ended up waiting for 04. But in the meantime, prices dropped, and the dealer that had my deposit would not re-negotiate, so I pulled my deposit and moved it to MarcusBenz who gave me a great deal.
One more note, for my religious reasons, I try not to use leather products, and so it was very important to me to get the car with minimal leather. I wanted the leather insert interior of the E320 in the E500, initially dealers just said "No can't be done", but I talked to the product managers at MBUSA and they set it up for me with the factory in Germany. They did not even charge me a special order charge since they said the special order charge would be balanced with the fact that I was getting the less expensive interior. Definitely impressive for MB to do this, I did not expect this when I started the process and probably would have bought an E320 if they had not accomodated me. Thanks to MBUSA if they are reading this, and for others that want non-leather interiors, it can be done...
I have only driven it 20 miles or so, since I will get my plates tomorrow, but here is what I have noticed:
1. Awesome power....keep in mind that I've been driving a 4 cyl. Toyo Camry, so the engine is amazing..
2. 7G - you can't tell the car shifts unless you watch the tach, it is that smooth.
3. Not as quite inside as an LS430 or other car, there is a little bit of interior noise, maybe because of the tires.
4. This is the first car that I have to read the manual on, I can't figure out how to use half the stuff in the car (and I'm an engineer). If you see my sig, my car is loaded. I still have not got to the point of putting the Navi DVD in...I'm still trying to work all the features of the seats..
5. Car does seem to pull to the right, and one parktronic led does not seem to glow properly, but I think I need to drive it a bit more to make sure.
6. Keyless go is the coolest thing, it will take time to get used to not pulling my keys out of my pocket....
7. This car is going to be a lot of fun.....
Will post some pics when I get a chance...
12-02-2003, 12:08 AM
#2
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E-500
CONGRATULATIONS....AT LAST!!!It is hard to believe that you are just getting your car. You have been posting on the W211 forum about as long as any of us. Actually, many of us are on our second car.
Despite all of our whining and sniveling you will really enjoy the car....but you already know that or you would have cancelled a long time ago.
Have fun and keep us posted....pictures???
_________
Ed
12-02-2003, 09:37 AM
#7
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04' E500 w/Appear. PKG, Panorama Roof
New Car
abhansali - Congrats ! I often am in Houston on business and you will find the smoothness on the concrete a pleasure and the ability to accelerate away from the toll ez pass lanes or booths a wonderful treat. My car is not near as loaded as yours but you will have fun. Be careful of thew valet guys over at the Omni Riverwalk- seen a few cars they parked.
BTW- PM for info on my dealer- I must say they have worked hard to keep me happy.
BTW- PM for info on my dealer- I must say they have worked hard to keep me happy.
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12-02-2003, 10:20 AM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
You should have posted earlier. There is a new Houston dealership that opened up this year in Sugarland. As a bonus for opening up a new dealership, MB gave them a very generous allocation of cars, even the most popular ones. That's how I got my E55 so quick! At the Greenway Plaza dealership, I was on the list that was over 2 years long. They are still getting a bunch of cars, you could have probably gotten one from them at a discount as well. I got a $1000 discount for my E55.
12-02-2003, 10:28 AM
#10
I'm in Austin, not Houston (even though I go there a couple times a year for sure). On the Sugarland dealership, I think they are owned by the same company as the Greenway dealership, and no one (including Greenway) was giving me any discounts over $500 off MSRP. I called every dealership in TX, but this was just before the Sugarland dealership opened. Once I got my deal with MarcusBenz, I did not bother calling Sugarland, I was not going to do better than what I got (even with other CA dealers).
Will post pics today or tomorrow...
Will post pics today or tomorrow...
12-02-2003, 10:48 AM
#11
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2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Congratulations abhansali!
Glad you have the deal completed...know you will enjoy the car
Another MarcusBenz satisfied customer.
Will be looking for the pictures.
Glad you have the deal completed...know you will enjoy the car
Another MarcusBenz satisfied customer.
Will be looking for the pictures.
12-02-2003, 11:11 AM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
hey ab, congrats on the car! like etenn said, youve been posting on the forum for so long, i thought you already had one:p
thats cool MBUSA could help you with that extra option, have fun!
thats cool MBUSA could help you with that extra option, have fun!
12-02-2003, 03:49 PM
#13
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2007 E63, 2007 BMW 335i Coupe & 1991 Honda Accord
Abhansali, congrats on your new car! I smiled after reading you post as you brought back memories of the day my car was delivered. I also went from a 4 cylinder Honda Accord to a V8 so I can relate. It's good to know MB was able to accommodate your needs. Enjoy the car!
12-02-2003, 07:37 PM
#16
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SL500
Sounds great. I wonder if the right drift is common in MB. Our 2004 SL just picked up last week has same problem. Took it to dealer with an appointment today and then the ycalled at noon saying their Hunter Alignment system is broken....
12-02-2003, 09:40 PM
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04' E500 w/Appear. PKG, Panorama Roof
Austin ?
I am in San Antonio traveling to Austin once every 2 weeks or so. Awesome city !. You will really be the top cat about Town Lake in this baby !.
12-02-2003, 10:53 PM
#23
Originally posted by pat a.
Congrats, abhansali, have you considered a business in which you act as an agent for other buyers of luxury cars?
Congrats, abhansali, have you considered a business in which you act as an agent for other buyers of luxury cars?
Will probably post pics on Thursday since I will be out of town tomorrow.
12-02-2003, 10:55 PM
#24
abhansali,
Austin is a great town!! Lived there for 9 years in Tarrytown.
How did you get in touch with the MBUSA product managers? I would not normally expect them to work directly with customers.
thanks!
Austin is a great town!! Lived there for 9 years in Tarrytown.
How did you get in touch with the MBUSA product managers? I would not normally expect them to work directly with customers.
thanks!
12-02-2003, 11:58 PM
#25
Found the name of the gm at MBUSA on the internet, called him up, his admin put me in touch with the product manager for e-class under him, and she was very helpful...I too was quite amazed about that. From reading these boards though, it seems when MBUSA get's involved they do take action, the problem often seems dealers that give the customer hard times.
