Shutting the Door
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: The OC
04 E320
Shutting the Door
Hi, I was just wondering if anybody else ever notice this. When I have passengers, and esp. new passengers, half the time my passengers have to close the door twice. They either assume that the door sucks itself in or they do not shut it hard enough. 
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
Originally Posted by nguyen_joe
Hi, I was just wondering if anybody else ever notice this. When I have passengers, and esp. new passengers, half the time my passengers have to close the door twice. They either assume that the door sucks itself in or they do not shut it hard enough.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Noticed it also. The doors are NOT as "free swinging" (the hinges seem tighter, and the fit of the check link seems tighter also) as American cars. I believe that's why. American cars have a simple pressed in hinge pin. These cars seem to have a screwed in & tightened hinge "pin". These doors have got to be heavier then the typical American car door, or else how do you get the overall "Bank Vault feel"? People don't know this & don't anticipate the aditional weight & resistance they have to overcome. It's more than a gentle push followed by a free swinging door.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Jul 28, 2004 at 02:36 PM.
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From: NY/CT
CLK 320
I got the answer for you... I didn't think about it until I asked, and you'd be surprised how simple the answer is: "people don't want to slam the door on a car like that".
They'll probably slam the Yugo ones, or the Hondas (no disrespect), but they're REALLY careful about MB doors... after all, it's a Mercedes...
I've found that, until they know that the doors require some muscle, they don't dare try to close the door any harder than you or I would on an Aston Martin... you're really careful about how you breathe if you're sitting in one...
They'll probably slam the Yugo ones, or the Hondas (no disrespect), but they're REALLY careful about MB doors... after all, it's a Mercedes...
I've found that, until they know that the doors require some muscle, they don't dare try to close the door any harder than you or I would on an Aston Martin... you're really careful about how you breathe if you're sitting in one...
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From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
Originally Posted by viguera
I got the answer for you... I didn't think about it until I asked, and you'd be surprised how simple the answer is: "people don't want to slam the door on a car like that".
They'll probably slam the Yugo ones, or the Hondas (no disrespect), but they're REALLY careful about MB doors... after all, it's a Mercedes...
I've found that, until they know that the doors require some muscle, they don't dare try to close the door any harder than you or I would on an Aston Martin... you're really careful about how you breathe if you're sitting in one...
They'll probably slam the Yugo ones, or the Hondas (no disrespect), but they're REALLY careful about MB doors... after all, it's a Mercedes...
I've found that, until they know that the doors require some muscle, they don't dare try to close the door any harder than you or I would on an Aston Martin... you're really careful about how you breathe if you're sitting in one...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by weinschela
When my S500 lease is over I'm going to miss that. Not enough to get another one, however.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: NY/CT
CLK 320
Originally Posted by weinschela
Maybe they're all used to riding in S-class cars whereh the door gently closes itself. When my S500 lease is over I'm going to miss that. Not enough to get another one, however.
It's easier to see on the CLKs though... the windows don't have a frame, so people might think that they'll break it if they close it too hard.
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From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
Why do you say that? There will be the next generation S out by then, so it will not be like you got the same car just in a different color... although I don't think I would buy a MB model in its 1st year of production, at least untill they get their "rock solid" reputation back on top again, as the '04 E's seem to have many of the '03s problems patched. Would you go to a different Make of car?
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Charlotte, NC
'16 528i MSport
I noticed that too but the driver's door is pretty much a slight light push and it closes fine. my next door neighbor just got a C230 Kompressor Sedan and hers are so light for all the doors. My boy's CLK320 is heavy as hell!...
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From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
Ever notice when your parked on a hill (front end downward) and you open the door, the car doors don't get away from you and "slam open" when you open them??? Its definatly its a hinge design, this may be a factor on the problems some are having closing the doors... I also feel the insulation on the doors are far superior and thicker than most other cars thus having to shut them with some authority....
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by weinschela
I am leaving S-class because it is too big and too expensive. Going from a S-500 to an E500. I rarely have anyone in the back seat except my dog. The E will be lots less expensive, will have more trunk room, and will be quicker and mare easily maneuvered in traffic. I went with S in 2001 (from a 540i) because I had back surgery and needed the longer wheelbase, smoother ride. Having had Es in the past (and having an 04 E wagon too), I am pretty confident that I am getting the right car.
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From: CT and FL
SL500 E320 ML350
I've found (after owning several MB sedans) that one aspect of these cars is the relative airtightness of the car itself. Try this; when entering the car leave your driver's door open while passengers enter and close their doors. They close easily (no resistance from air inside) and no double slam. Then close yours with the force needed. Works every time! 
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by benzboy
I've found (after owning several MB sedans) that one aspect of these cars is the relative airtightness of the car itself. Try this; when entering the car leave your driver's door open while passengers enter and close their doors. They close easily (no resistance from air inside) and no double slam. Then close yours with the force needed. Works every time!
