There's been several threads about the dissapointments and concerns with the W211 based on what's been posted here. Although I believe that using this forum to measure the extent of the problems with this car is unfair, I understand how it creates a negative impression.

There's been numerous post about how owners are dissapointed. I feel sad for the W211 owners who've had problems. However, I am sure there are more of us who are happy with the W211. Therefore, I encourage those satisfied W211 owners to post their positive experiences here for the benefit of future users with the hopes that they will get a 'balanced' view.

I'll start.....

Why I love my E320:
- I have not had a single problem with this car.
- Controls are very accessible and simple to use.
- Command is very easy to use in comparison to the BMW
- I love the shape of the W211, it is so very sexy
- The interior is elegant and yet masculine. It's also a like old style elegance meeting new age techno. Nice balanced design.
- The ride feels sportier than the 530i
- Although I regret not getting the Airmatic, I am very happy with the handling
- I've driven the car up to 200km/h and the car handled very well. I felt confident driving at that speed. The noise was suprisingly low.
- I love my Tealite Blue!!! (aka Platinum Blue)
- It's a 'fun' car to drive and quite responsive.
- My wife told me I had to be nuts if I bought the 530, Audi A6 or Lexus. She loves the looks of the W211 very much.
- I used to dislike the E-class as I thought it looked too old-ish. Now it is clear the design is targeted for the younger drivers.
- My BMW dealer has been calling me up. They want to make me an offer to get out of my E and into the new 530. I told them I'm not keen even if they make me a very attractive offer (ie. swap with same features at no added cost to me). It was a pure instinct reaction. Testimony to the satisfaction I have with the E.


I would go on and on and on....but I have a meeting to go to.

Come on people...join in!

Here's my beloved E.....

 

I don't see how that is possible.

 

Having owned lots of BMW from the same dealer, they allowed me to keep the car for hours in an effort to discourage my depature. Anyway, I test drove the 545 extensively and stretching in it to the limits, and I can boldly claim that the E-class seriously out classed the 545 when it comes to RIDE QUALITY. However, 545 edges the E500 in HANDLING. That, my friend, is the ONLY edge this horribly designed car has on the E. I'm still in pains because I've owned bimmers all my life.

Now, lets get back to the original thread, and I don't have much to offer besides my brothers problem free E500, since my E500 4matic wouldn't show up until June.

 

the new E's drive beautifully.
to say that BMW has a lock on
on being better
in the handling department
would be unfair to the E.

 

The 530 I test drove felt dull. Granted, the body roll felt less than the E, but the 530 had lowered suspension so that may not be a fair comparison. In terms of driving excitement, E320 beats 530.

 

BMWs don't have that "hesitation" when you floor the car. It doesn't keep you waiting for the power to kick-in after you floor the car. They have much better response.

 

Hey Kain, when you get a driver's license then you can test drive a Mercedes and KNOW that when you FLOOR it it will respond instantaneoulsy, only when tooling around does the slow response happens and that is because MB is a luxury car, they don't want to snap your neck everytime you gas it. But rest assured, when you need to it will respond quickly and decisively.

 

In the last 2-3 years I owned PLENTY of cars ranging from Euros to Jap cars. I enjoyed almost all of them but the E Class continues to bring a smile to my face everytime I drive it. No problems yet*knocks on wood graining*except for a damaged sunroof(per my fault I guess). I even find the 320 engine's HP adequate. Great purchase

 

I have my license and I have driven my father's E-Class so I know.

 

Great idea for a thread.

I love my E320 CDI. I bought it myself as the first car I have owned after 20 years of driving company cars (mostly Jags).

Every time I drive it, it makes me feel happy and relaxed. I find the ride quality and noise suppression excellent and when cruising at a constant speed it almost feels unreal when you look out of the windows and see the scenery going by, kind of like a good train!

When I push it, it responds like a wild beast, but it is the tamer side I really value.

I have had no serious problems, just one minor glitch with the phone and am getting 40-50mpg around town, running on fuel that (here) is half the cost of petrol.

Why wouldn't I be happy?????

 

Extremely pleased with the 2004 E55.

Test drove all the BMW sedans out there and find the E55 much more desirable. Much faster and more civilized than the fully loaded 545i (which is almost as expensive as the E55), also considered the 745i, etc.

The new E-class does not have the squeaks and rattles like the new 5 series. Car feels very solid and quiet with excellent ride.

And mind you, the interior looks far better than the competition, the auto trunk closer is very nice. Car is free from poor ergonomics like in the 5 and 7 BMWs. I was extremely annoyed by how the steering column tries to outwit you forcing you to tilt when all you wanted was to extend the reach.

Heck, the car phone even has a dial pad unlike the stupid 5-series iDrive!

 

Only problemo was the V60 phone and that got fixed.

Oh, one other problem I forgot...it leaves two parallel rubber marks on the street directly behind the car

 

I LOVE my E320!!!

 

The handling of my 98 E528, and my 98E320 w/ Bilstein shock upgrade are both better, somewhat significanlty, than my 04 E320.

However, the new W211 is much better looking (especially w/ the sport wheels that I just put on), have more gadgets, and is ....newer