Few Changes on new '05's
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
My car is in for its 1st B service. They gave me a new ML3something... It has a tambour sliding door on it & its tight, & nice to lean on (if I try). Ergonomically speaking, I cant believe that the Motherland would make something non-ergonomic for the W211 E.
As for the rest of the vehicle... I'm not familliar with the truck at all, but it feels like an underpowered throw-back to an earlier day at MB. I don't like it.
...and man do you have to really lean into it to turn the key into the crank position. Wonder what kind of return springs they're using in that lock!
As for the rest of the vehicle... I'm not familliar with the truck at all, but it feels like an underpowered throw-back to an earlier day at MB. I don't like it.
...and man do you have to really lean into it to turn the key into the crank position. Wonder what kind of return springs they're using in that lock!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 38
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From: Portland, OR
E 320 CDI
As I said before, I've driven 1000km's with the new armrest and it does function OK as an armrest while driving. My arms are medium length and with the seat and wheel comfortably adjusted my elbow can only reach the edge of the console anyway and that is essentially the same shape and position as the old armrest. The same is true on the door arm rest too. At first I was worried that my elbow would overlap onto the console door but in reality it wasn't a problem. I still find both the old and new armrests to be not very good design. My adjustable Q-45 armrest beats them both by a mile.
Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 219
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From: San Diego, CA
2006 Corvette Coupe
BTW, the 05 E-class brochure I picked up about 1-2 months ago had a footnote which stated that the center console would be redesigned during production. I guess this thread answers what that redesign is all about. Personally, just from the pictures, I like the original styled center console better.
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Originally Posted by CALBenzo
I really like having two separate compartments for my junk. The upper one is for just junk, and the lower one is for really junky junk. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
Besides the better cupholder, since I do tend to keep a decent amount of stuff in my center console, including pads, pens, tissues, MP3 player, cell phone charger, this design more or less negates almost all of those options. And does not allow you to use it as a functional arm rest.
Concerning the discussion about why one would use the arm rest, here in the US, let's face it, we are lazy, and I like to have my arms resting while I drive. Overall, the pre 05 design is not that comfortable as it is, and now, having to lean on the edge or on wood doesn't seem very comfortable to me. In the ML, the door is on an extreme slope, and it still includes a high mounted center arm rest, with a good amount of storage space. They of course had to move where the cupholders were to achieve this though.
In either case, it appears that MB has no clue as to how to implement a cupholder in to ANY of their cars. Which is disheartening, considering that even BMW has figured it out (albeit finally). Has anyone seen the cupholder design in the new SLK? It is in a pop out compartment above the vents, meaning that it will be pretty much right below the mirror right in your line of sight.
Two of my previous cars, a Lexus and a Honda, both had a sizable, large, and comfortable center console, plenty of room for the gear shift, and two functional cupholders, that did not get in the way of either your arms or in the way of radio or climate controls.
Very frustrating.
Concerning the discussion about why one would use the arm rest, here in the US, let's face it, we are lazy, and I like to have my arms resting while I drive. Overall, the pre 05 design is not that comfortable as it is, and now, having to lean on the edge or on wood doesn't seem very comfortable to me. In the ML, the door is on an extreme slope, and it still includes a high mounted center arm rest, with a good amount of storage space. They of course had to move where the cupholders were to achieve this though.
In either case, it appears that MB has no clue as to how to implement a cupholder in to ANY of their cars. Which is disheartening, considering that even BMW has figured it out (albeit finally). Has anyone seen the cupholder design in the new SLK? It is in a pop out compartment above the vents, meaning that it will be pretty much right below the mirror right in your line of sight.
Two of my previous cars, a Lexus and a Honda, both had a sizable, large, and comfortable center console, plenty of room for the gear shift, and two functional cupholders, that did not get in the way of either your arms or in the way of radio or climate controls.
Very frustrating.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 2
From: Scotland, UK
2019 Mercedes Benz S500L AMG Premium Plus
Being from the humble UK we simply don't place as much priority on the presence or otherwise of cup holders. I think if I was as desperate to have my cup held as some of you sound, I'd buy a tart for the night and tell her to hold my drink!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 993
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Well, after having my car spend 6 hours at the dealership, I drove away with the exact same console (plus a couple of new scratches, which they will resolve by replacing the door). As it turns out, the new and old console are not interchangeable. Apparently, the fiber optic connection and routing is different between the two consoles. They didn't realize this until they had taken it apart and tried to connect the phone and TeleAid wiring. So, unless MB comes out with an adapter (which they no reason to do so), then there will be no swapping.
Oh well, I guess I will have to get used to it.
Oh well, I guess I will have to get used to it.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 993
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by Gunther
I'm in Atlanta too....what dealer do you go to? Amazed they did the switch for you!
But, regarding this thread, make sure you read post #82.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by atssystems.com
Oh well.. At least the dealership tried to go the extra distance for you.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Here's another example of an 05 E320 (CDI) with a build date of 07/04 with the newer armrest.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...492079550&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...492079550&rd=1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 14
From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Originally Posted by Samoan_Ridah
Here's another example of an 05 E320 (CDI) with a build date of 07/04 with the newer armrest.
I don't care what anyone else says, in my own opinion those 'orange' mats will never catch on!!! Regards
John
A wet morning in Torquay
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 768
Likes: 74
From: S.F. Bay Area, CA
'18 E63S AMG
Originally Posted by glojo
I don't care what anyone else says, in my own opinion those 'orange' mats will never catch on!!! Regards
John
A wet morning in Torquay
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 2
From: Scotland, UK
2019 Mercedes Benz S500L AMG Premium Plus
Originally Posted by glojo
I don't care what anyone else says, in my own opinion those 'orange' mats will never catch on!!! LOL, but they're better looking than the straw ones that someone posted on the W203 forum!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
The cardboard mats ARE nicer than the straw mats... and if you look carefully, they have an extra flap which nicely covers the dead pedal area on the left. Does anybody know where I can order these? These must be the Designo cardboard mats.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,917
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From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
The cardboard mats ARE nicer than the straw mats... and if you look carefully, they have an extra flap which nicely covers the dead pedal area on the left. Does anybody know where I can order these? These must be the Designo cardboard mats.
Regards,
John
Sunny Torquay
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 299
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From: Atlanta, GA
1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
[QUOTE=Baby Jocko]Atlanta Classic Cars -- by FAR the best MB dealership in Atlanta. Just make sure you avoid RBM -- horror stories. Ask for Lonnie McNear at Atlanta Classic Cars. He gave me the best car buying experience in my life! I am not exaggerating.
Totally agree Baby Jocko. We have purchased all of our MBs from ACC as well. We have worked with David Phillips on several deals now - both ours and for other family members. We have been nothing but impressed with the dealership and with David. (The family members were from out of state and did much better with deals through ACC.)
Sorry to hear that the console switch didn't work and that additional issues came up....but do agree that I've heard nothing but horrible things abour RBM. We've referred several friends to drive MB's to the service department at ACC because they were SO unhappy with RBM.
Totally agree Baby Jocko. We have purchased all of our MBs from ACC as well. We have worked with David Phillips on several deals now - both ours and for other family members. We have been nothing but impressed with the dealership and with David. (The family members were from out of state and did much better with deals through ACC.)
Sorry to hear that the console switch didn't work and that additional issues came up....but do agree that I've heard nothing but horrible things abour RBM. We've referred several friends to drive MB's to the service department at ACC because they were SO unhappy with RBM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Originally Posted by glojo
On a serious note are you saying that your mats do NOT have a 'thingy' that covers the foot rest??? We no longer have the death penalty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by glojo
On a serious note are you saying that your mats do NOT have a 'thingy' that covers the foot rest??? We no longer have the death penalty.
Regards,
John
Sunny Torquay
Regards,
John
Sunny Torquay
Is that a metal plaque attached to the mats that says "Mercedes Benz"? Ours have the logo there too,(much wider & not as tall by a few millimeters, but it is stitched into the mat using light gray(non metalic silver?) thread! Your mat looks like it would fit my American car. I might have to order a set in Stone, from across the pond!
At one time I had searched the net & found a website that said they had made in Germany mats with a metal Mercedes plaque on it, that covered exactly the entire floor, but I never found it again.
Are they OEM?
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Oct 2, 2004 at 02:03 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 698
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From: Oslo - Norway
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
... why does your mat look like the gas pedal is on the left side of the transmission tunnel, and fit an American drive car?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
So let me get this straight... You guys who have the wheel on the right side of the car, are getting a left side footwell mat, cut for us, and we are getting a left side footwell mat cut for you? (Since a passenger would not usually place their feet in a driving position, with the left shoe on a left side dead pedal.) It IS a "front passenger side" style mat since it doesn't have the dark square heel scuff "pad" in it.
Does your right side footwell mat have that flap too? MY right side footwell has no dead pedal raised up, so there is no flap on my right (passenger) side, so obviously you are getting cars built with left side drive floorboards.
This is getting sooooo confusing... but it looks like you have a left side mat that we could use here!
Does your right side footwell mat have that flap too? MY right side footwell has no dead pedal raised up, so there is no flap on my right (passenger) side, so obviously you are getting cars built with left side drive floorboards.
This is getting sooooo confusing... but it looks like you have a left side mat that we could use here!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 14
From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Boy oh boy, I'm on the morphine and you lot are chuntering (just made that word up)
It does NOT matter what side the steering wheel is on, you silly billies.
You still have the throttle on the right??????? and then the footbrake?????? and then your dead pedal???????
We have these mats cause we deserve them, (we do not get cup holders as standard fitments ) boy I'm having fun.
Seriously though I also have heavy duty rubber mats in our car. If you want I will sort out the numbers for the different mats.
I'm a bit of a zombie at the moment and am feeling tooo drowsy.
Bye for now,
John
Bed time in Torquay
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Oslo - Norway
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
So let me get this straight... You guys who have the wheel on the right side of the car, are getting a left side footwell mat, cut for us, and we are getting a left side footwell mat cut for you? (Since a passenger would not usually place their feet in a driving position, with the left shoe on a left side dead pedal.) It IS a "front passenger side" style mat since it doesn't have the dark square heel scuff "pad" in it.
Does your right side footwell mat have that flap too? MY right side footwell has no dead pedal raised up, so there is no flap on my right (passenger) side, so obviously you are getting cars built with left side drive floorboards.
This is getting sooooo confusing... but it looks like you have a left side mat that we could use here!
Does your right side footwell mat have that flap too? MY right side footwell has no dead pedal raised up, so there is no flap on my right (passenger) side, so obviously you are getting cars built with left side drive floorboards.
This is getting sooooo confusing... but it looks like you have a left side mat that we could use here!
