Kenechi

Looks like the only positive change for MY-05 is re-arrangement of the cupholder and center console. I'm a little disappointed, the wait for 05, in my opinion is not worth it afterall. See, somehow I was hoping for a major surprise. I should have bought the 04 . Also, they now give you the option of getting the Burl versus birdseye wood at no charge when you order the appearance pckg, but would not allow you to opt for birdseye when you order the AMG pckg, meaning you're stuck with the Burl unless you get the appearance pckg, which you still can't order with the AMG. This is all so frustrating. If you're spending $70k on a car, couldn't you atleast spec what you desire?

Miguk_Saram

If your serious about the '04, then check out MarcusBenz's post, $6000 off MSRP:

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/74719-6000-off-msrp.html


GL.

TPAbnz

And, I believe, no more A/C to the console.

konigstiger

Unfortunate that you feel this way but I gotta tell ya various discussions here on the forum mentioned (and dare I say recommended) waiting for '06 for substantial changes. Anyway, don"t loose any sleep over it, you still have a great car, and best of luck with it.

GLisella

My opinion is that you should be able to choose all options, leather, color, woodgrain. What else could you expect for the price of a condo?

ATS

Condo... Wow where do you live?

Hehe..

I can buy a storage spot here for that price, hehe..

Brian_I.

That's actually more than I would expect on the third model year of a benz.

Kenechi

From depreciation/value perspective, 04 is a little too late now, especially when dealer promised $5000 0ff MSRP on the 05. On that note, could they be playing games and change their mind when the car shows up? Could they possibly fling it to a higher bidder? I'm concerned because I asked him to put it in writing and he simply said to trust him????? Anybody knows how this thing work?

Barry45RPM

For what its worth, I bought my car from a dealer in PA, over the phone. He gave me the lowest price. Period. He asked for & got my credit report, faxed me a contract, took a credit card number for a $500.00 deposit, and ordered my car from Germany to my exact specifications.

He never actually charged my card, never asked me to sign & fax back the contract, and did everything he said he would. I am a CYNICAL New Yorker & couldn't believe he would deliver the car. I told him to his face I would be shocked if he delivered the car to me without diverting it to some local willing to pay more for it. Whenever I called him to say hi, I would mention that he never charged my credit card. His reply was..."I know you'll take the car as soon as you see it." When I asked him ..."but you don't know me either, what if I didn't?" He said "...It will be beautiful car, I'll sell it in a minute." But he DID do everything exactly as he said he would and it was the most surprising, honorable car deal I have ever experienced.

I did drive down (2.5 hours) 1/2 way thru the waiting/building/shipping time for them to appraise my 2002 Caddy DHS trade in, which was very fairly evaluated, was told it would be reevaluated on the day of delivery. It was traded at the same price as I had been quoted those 6 weeks earlier.

I guess you have to check out the Dealer's reputation. If its good, no one gave it to him, he earned it. I was absolutely shocked at how honorable, fair & easy my deal was. Just typing this post up, I'm STILL amazed. Hope yours goes as well.

luxury1

Get it in writing! Prices for my spoiler started changing at the last minute but fortunately I had the quote to say... Hmmm.... "I will just take the price you gave me the first time"

konigstiger

I too am cynical by way of NY. Street smarts, worth every penny! Not that I think your dealership would renege on their offer, but I think it good practice to always get it in writing – even on the back of a business card if need be. If it’s any relief, the majority of dealers talked about here on the forum have, for the most part, honored their offers.

ATS

As for waiting for 06 for substantial changes.. They said that about the 05.. I am sure if you go back to the 03, they said that about the 04..

This car was totally redisgned at a cost of 2 billion (??). I can't see major changes happening for a while..

ATS

By the way, how did they change the cupholder or center console? Anyone have pics?

konigstiger

First, given the problems experienced in '03 (not by all but a fair number of owners) it is my opinion that MB should have spent more than 2 billion.

Second, concerning changes; major, fantastic, fabulous, marvelous, spectacular, groundbreaking, absolutely not however, enough so that the car doesn't become stale which would include a bit more than playing with the cup holder – borderline substantial.

ATS

From what I understand 2 billion on one car line is unheard of and that Chrysler and Form and GM do not spend that on ALL their cars combined in a year.

Brian_I.

MB has always (in the past) made changes to things that I (coincidentally) wished would be changed (e.g. clear headlights on the w203 and w220 and also updated lenses on the taillights).

As far as the w211, the only thing externally that bothers me is the somewhat boring rear trunklid area. I believe there will be some "improvements" done in that area in the '06 facelift (or in this case, buttlift).

konigstiger

Form? Nonetheless, with outstanding sales projected (otherwise they would not have allotted the 2 billion) why not do it right rather than 3/4 of the way (ie: navigation) and back step later? I understand nothing or no one is perfect but Chrysler, Form (?), and GM spent less and ALL are in exactly the same boat with comparable various problems. I'm betting that the 2 billion went more into marketing than R&D as it relates to total cost.

Before the back lash begins, I like the e320 just fine. My intent here is only to defend my opinion as to regardless how much money was spent for initial development and introduction changes are coming (in one way or another) in ’06 - maybe the removal of more content?

HotWheels500

So does anyone know what's new with the console and cup holder?

Barry45RPM

Ooooh, I hope it has more hinges, swivels, dampeners and springs. Oh yeah, I hope they make it smaller in diameter and shallower...maybe put some electronics controller pc boards under it in the console so that spills don't stain the carpet.

CALBenzo

Don't forget that the passenger holder has to be a little higher, and extend further over into the passenger space!

scorchie

Even better, into the driver on a RHD car.

-s-

alewifebp

Maybe they will even make it electric.

Seriously, does anyone have any pics? I have the 2005 brochure, and it has a little note that reads "Console and cupholder design subject to change during model year 2005 production." No where do they show any pictures.