How long did you think about buying an E? Must-have options?
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From: DC
How long did you think about buying an E? Must-have options?
After running all of the numbers, I've determined that an E320 CDI through the EDP would cost about $2,000 more per year to own than a Passat diesel or other midsize 25-35k sports sedan.
I'm thinking about the new Flint grey (amazing how few Benzes you see in gray compared to BMWs....seems like everyone in DC has a silver ML) with Stone interior. Am wondering how much it will show dirt, swirls, dings, and how hot it will get in direct sunlight.
Are Xenons and the Premium Sound System worth getting?
Fold-down rear seats and sunroof seem like the no brainers, but I'm wondering about others.
Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts and experience.
I'm thinking about the new Flint grey (amazing how few Benzes you see in gray compared to BMWs....seems like everyone in DC has a silver ML) with Stone interior. Am wondering how much it will show dirt, swirls, dings, and how hot it will get in direct sunlight.
Are Xenons and the Premium Sound System worth getting?
Fold-down rear seats and sunroof seem like the no brainers, but I'm wondering about others.
Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts and experience.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
[QUOTE=exporter]Are Xenons and the Premium Sound System worth getting?
The above 2 options are "must haves". The headlights are "the best damn lights on the road". I almost never use the high beams because the amount of light and areas illuminated by the the light are perfect.
Sunroof must have, premium sound is verrrry good in this car. Its not meant to rattle the hood ornament at a stop light, but the sound fills the car & surrounds you.
The stone interior is awesome & fairly screams "high maintenance", but it is NOT. It does require a weekly vacuuming & spot removal on the mats & door sills.
As you can see, I ordered ALL of MY "must haves"... For most people, including me, Its a balance between your wants & your wallet. Everything I ordered I enjoy immensely. If I were ordering today, I wouldn't change a thing.
The above 2 options are "must haves". The headlights are "the best damn lights on the road". I almost never use the high beams because the amount of light and areas illuminated by the the light are perfect.
Sunroof must have, premium sound is verrrry good in this car. Its not meant to rattle the hood ornament at a stop light, but the sound fills the car & surrounds you.
The stone interior is awesome & fairly screams "high maintenance", but it is NOT. It does require a weekly vacuuming & spot removal on the mats & door sills.
As you can see, I ordered ALL of MY "must haves"... For most people, including me, Its a balance between your wants & your wallet. Everything I ordered I enjoy immensely. If I were ordering today, I wouldn't change a thing.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Jul 22, 2004 at 06:53 PM.
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From: Red Sox Nation (No. Va. chapter)
2004 E500
The Xenon's are worth every penny IMO especially if you're over 40 and your night vision has started to go. I have the premium sound and love it but I never did a comparison so I can't tell you if it's worth it. Afraid I can't help you on the Stone interior but there has been a lot of discussion on various threads.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Michigan, USA
'05 E320 CDI, '07 VW Touareg V10 TDI, 2007 Porsche GT3
If you end up deciding to get a sunroof, the upgraded sound system and DVD Nav, don't overlook the Premium Package, which adds the improved drive-dynamic seats for only $210 more.
I blew it when I ordered ours and now it's too late to take advantage of that bargain, as we're locked into what we originally ordered.
I blew it when I ordered ours and now it's too late to take advantage of that bargain, as we're locked into what we originally ordered.
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From: DC
Meant Ash, not stone
I'm sure that Charcoal aka Black would look great with Flint gray, but I'd be a bit concerned for how hot it would get in summer sun.
That leaves Ash for the interior.
What about Alabaster White? Have people who have gotten that been happy with it? Looks a bit creamy.
This would be my first Benz. I'm going to think hard about it over the coming weeks to coincide with a trip to Europe in early Nov.
That leaves Ash for the interior.
What about Alabaster White? Have people who have gotten that been happy with it? Looks a bit creamy.
This would be my first Benz. I'm going to think hard about it over the coming weeks to coincide with a trip to Europe in early Nov.
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From: Red Sox Nation (No. Va. chapter)
2004 E500
Originally Posted by exporter
I'm sure that Charcoal aka Black would look great with Flint gray, but I'd be a bit concerned for how hot it would get in summer sun.
That leaves Ash for the interior.
What about Alabaster White? Have people who have gotten that been happy with it? Looks a bit creamy.
This would be my first Benz. I'm going to think hard about it over the coming weeks to coincide with a trip to Europe in early Nov.
That leaves Ash for the interior.
What about Alabaster White? Have people who have gotten that been happy with it? Looks a bit creamy.
This would be my first Benz. I'm going to think hard about it over the coming weeks to coincide with a trip to Europe in early Nov.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 233
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From: Sunny Fort Lauderdale, FL USA
2004 E500 w/ AMG Sport Package
1 thing to remember is....
some things cant be added later...or too much trouble to add later...as you can see i got the whole shibang.....and i'm still upset i didnt get the electronic trunk closer....
the features i've used the most: parktronic, navigation, solar
features i love the most: amg sport pkg, pano roof
some things cant be added later...or too much trouble to add later...as you can see i got the whole shibang.....and i'm still upset i didnt get the electronic trunk closer....
the features i've used the most: parktronic, navigation, solar
features i love the most: amg sport pkg, pano roof
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Central Illinois
2004 E500, 2001 BMW X5 4.4
Another supporting opinion
It's been pretty hot here the last few days and the Charcoal seats haven't been a problem.
As you said, the sunroof is mandatory (and with the 2005 I believe you have to get the Sunroof Package, which includes the blinds).
I recommend the Premium Sound system. I also got the heated seats, but they may not be necessary where you are (it get's pretty cold here in the winter).
I skimped and didn't load up my E500. Of the other options that have been discussed, my salesman recommended the Xenon (although he said if you haven't had them, you don't know what you are missing - so you can do without them until you've had them once) and the 4MATIC (which you can't get on the CDI). He also liked the automatic trunk closer.
As you said, the sunroof is mandatory (and with the 2005 I believe you have to get the Sunroof Package, which includes the blinds).
I recommend the Premium Sound system. I also got the heated seats, but they may not be necessary where you are (it get's pretty cold here in the winter).
I skimped and didn't load up my E500. Of the other options that have been discussed, my salesman recommended the Xenon (although he said if you haven't had them, you don't know what you are missing - so you can do without them until you've had them once) and the 4MATIC (which you can't get on the CDI). He also liked the automatic trunk closer.
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From: Southern California, USA
03 White on Stone E320
Not long at all. Me and my dad wanted an LS430 (mainly for the leather and DVD nav). Mom wanted a Mercedes. I guess it's her car (really her 2nd car) so we let her win since the E was an acceptable alternative.
Only must have option for me was the xenons. Absolutely worth the money. Sport package (body kit mainly) was something I wanted cuz it makes the car look so much better (surprisingly, my mom agreed and wanted it without me asking).
I absolutely love the Stone interior. Gorgeous, gorgeous color. Only problem: I've never seen a car interior get dirty so easily. Even the leather can get stained fairly easily if you're not careful. Problem seems really dramatic to me cuz my car has a black interior and Leatherette so dirt never shows and any cleanup is a breeze.
Only must have option for me was the xenons. Absolutely worth the money. Sport package (body kit mainly) was something I wanted cuz it makes the car look so much better (surprisingly, my mom agreed and wanted it without me asking).
I absolutely love the Stone interior. Gorgeous, gorgeous color. Only problem: I've never seen a car interior get dirty so easily. Even the leather can get stained fairly easily if you're not careful. Problem seems really dramatic to me cuz my car has a black interior and Leatherette so dirt never shows and any cleanup is a breeze.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 299
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From: Atlanta, GA
1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
Must haves:
Premium Package
Keyless Go
You'll love the A/V seats. NO, it's not a/c seats...but they do keep your back and *** much cooler on hot and muggy days. Don't worry about the charcoal color in DC. While it does get hot there...the a/c system has no problems keeping up and the a/v seats will make it even better.
Keyless go is THE BEST. I have it on my 04SL. Have never used the key since the day I got the car. Only time it was used was when the valet at a restaurant didn't understand how it worked.
My sister bought an 04E500. Has the above options. LOVES IT. Also got it in Tectite Grey and Charcoal. Very handsome and unusual combo. BTW, she's in Houston and has said that the car never gets hot despite the charcoal interior.
Premium Package
Keyless Go
You'll love the A/V seats. NO, it's not a/c seats...but they do keep your back and *** much cooler on hot and muggy days. Don't worry about the charcoal color in DC. While it does get hot there...the a/c system has no problems keeping up and the a/v seats will make it even better.
Keyless go is THE BEST. I have it on my 04SL. Have never used the key since the day I got the car. Only time it was used was when the valet at a restaurant didn't understand how it worked.
My sister bought an 04E500. Has the above options. LOVES IT. Also got it in Tectite Grey and Charcoal. Very handsome and unusual combo. BTW, she's in Houston and has said that the car never gets hot despite the charcoal interior.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 583
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
In my opinion I could not do without any of the options since I have them.
Appearance Package - You have to look good, after all that is why you spent the money
Premium - Comfort is worth the price considering the hours you spend.
Rear Seat Package - Very handy and a must have.
It will set you back but if you are spending this much be sure to get it how you want it... Just my opinion...
Appearance Package - You have to look good, after all that is why you spent the money
Premium - Comfort is worth the price considering the hours you spend.
Rear Seat Package - Very handy and a must have.
It will set you back but if you are spending this much be sure to get it how you want it... Just my opinion...
