Few Changes on new '05's
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Few Changes on new '05's
I just picked up my car today and noticed two distinct changes from earlier 2005 models:
1. The center armrest has been redesigned. IMO, it has cheapened the interior significantly. It now has a single compartment that opens via a sliding wood cover.
2. The windshield sticker with Daimler's signature is no more. The sticker is still there, but it has "Mercedes" written in bold old-fashioned script.
3. Center console now has strips of chrome covering the seam on each side.
That's all I've noticed so far. I hope there are no more suprises unless they are good (I doubt that).
1. The center armrest has been redesigned. IMO, it has cheapened the interior significantly. It now has a single compartment that opens via a sliding wood cover.
2. The windshield sticker with Daimler's signature is no more. The sticker is still there, but it has "Mercedes" written in bold old-fashioned script.
3. Center console now has strips of chrome covering the seam on each side.
That's all I've noticed so far. I hope there are no more suprises unless they are good (I doubt that).
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Please post a picture of the redesigned center armrest if you can; inquiring minds want to know. The M-B web site still has a Quicktime 360-degree movie of the 2003 interior, with (of course) the old-style center armrest.
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
On the weekend I saw a 2005 E500 with the new center armrest and it kinda' looks awful.. It is a sliding center console with only one copartment without the cool wood triangles.
He is right, the sticker is weird too.. It is too bold in my opinion although the font is kinda' cool.
Also, the dash grill is now a mesh speaker thing and does not blend with the two vents below.
I personally do not like the changes at all..
He is right, the sticker is weird too.. It is too bold in my opinion although the font is kinda' cool.
Also, the dash grill is now a mesh speaker thing and does not blend with the two vents below.
I personally do not like the changes at all..
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Here are a few pics of the console. Sorry for the phone pics, but it was quick and easy. Hopefully, these can at least give you an idea of what I'm talking about. I'll post better pics later if necessary.
Last edited by Baby Jocko; Sep 29, 2004 at 06:40 PM.
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Thanks for the pictures, but it's hard to make out the details of the new sliding door - is it a tambour door? It must be; a solid door wouldn't have anyplace to go unless it's split down the middle and the halves recess into the side of the console.
Either way, it looks like you can't possibly rest your arm on it.
Either way, it looks like you can't possibly rest your arm on it.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
A little more sleek looking, but doesn't look very ergonomic. Where does the phone go? Down in the bottom of the hole? Where are the cup "holders"?
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Sep 29, 2004 at 04:35 PM.
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by DWP
is it a tambour door?
Either way, it looks like you can't possibly rest your arm on it.
WTF were they thinking?
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
I believe the cupholder is in there at the front.
Yeah your arm rest is now not as comfortable... Tell them you want the old center, I am sure they could order one for you and that it wouldn't be that expensive..
Yeah your arm rest is now not as comfortable... Tell them you want the old center, I am sure they could order one for you and that it wouldn't be that expensive..
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by atssystems.com
ITell them you want the old center, I am sure they could order one for you and that it wouldn't be that expensive..
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by CALBenzo
That's really strange? For some reason, the pictures are not uploading for me, but apparently others are getting the pictures? 
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From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
Some of these changes are apparently mid production run. I have an 05 E500 delivered 8/20/05. The window decalis new style. The dashboard "grille" is new style (also no temperature adjustment for the front vents), but I do have the old style center console. Just as a point of curiosity, where would they put the phone in the new center console?
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Originally Posted by CALBenzo
Tried that already. Just get 3 red X's. Just one of the unlucky ones today 
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by Baby Jocko
I have a phone call into my man right now. But, I doubt it would be an easy replacement. The whole console from the ashtray to the armrest, including the shift, appears to be a single piece. We'll see.
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From: DFW
'05 E320 CDI, ‘10 E63, ‘13 SL63, Sprinter 170
Congrats on getting the car and sorry to hear about the arm rest. I must have gotten lucky, as mine which was delivered only 3 weeks ago, had the old style one.
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by weinschela
Just as a point of curiosity, where would they put the phone in the new center console?
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
You know what? You'll get used to the look. That's what makes yours an '05. Don't try to make "Frankenbenz". Cars designs evolve. The look will soften. Don't let it make you crazy! I does look different, but it is sleeker.
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Originally Posted by Baby Jocko
Well,my man called me back and said they could swap it out for me at no cost. What a deal! Thanks atssystems for the suggestion.
Yes, I have seen two E500 with different armrests. The one with the new features was a 4Matic made in Australia and the one with the old features (except for the new speaker grill) was a German E320.
One REALLY nice thing about the new E series is the door below the front seats (where I put all my stuff) looks wayyyyy better in the new 05's. It looks more leather while in the 03 and 04 it looks very plastic. What is it made of on the new 05's? Is it covered in a faux plastic? Let me know..
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by atssystems.com
One REALLY nice thing about the new E series is the door below the front seats (where I put all my stuff) looks wayyyyy better in the new 05's. It looks more leather while in the 03 and 04 it looks very plastic. What is it made of on the new 05's? Is it covered in a faux plastic? Let me know..
