Hey all, this will be my first MB! My dad owns a 2001 CL55. I'm finally upgrading my daily driver from a 1988 Honda Accord (with nearly 250k miles). This is my graduation present for earning my BS in computer science.

Anyway the point of this thread was to ask you, the people who know more about MB's options and accessories, to give me some suggestions what to get with it. I'd like to get all my modification parts put on from the factory. Like so far I would like:

2005 E320 CDI (alibaster white)
- Panoramic roof :drool:
- Xenon HID's
- All windows tinted (charcoal black)
- 20" staggered chrome wheels (hopefully a valid upgrade from MB)
- Airmatic suspension (would like a 1"-1.5" drop from stock)

What do you all think? Are those all plausible? Am I missing anything that SHOULD NOT be left out?? Thanks! I'm excited!

 

You lucky guy!! You're going to love the CDI. But, there is no factory (or aftermarket) option for airmatic or tinted windows on the CDI. The panorama roof and the xenons are great options. I think 18s are the largest wheels you'll find from MB. As a techy, you'll also love Keyless Go, the tire pressure monitor, and the power trunk. Don't forget navigation.

 

My suggestion as an MB technician: get as few of the techno gadgets as you can live with. Panorama roofs are rare on an E class, Tire pressure monitoring gives many people fits, and keyless go does too. Sure they are nice when they work, but when they don't.... Well they aren't exactly easy to diagnose properly. Same goes for dynamic seats, too. The gizmos are cool but incredibly frustrating for everyone when they don't work properly.

 

The Dynamic seats do seam to occasionally let one know they are of "independant thought" to anything I want them to do or Helmut in Seat Engineering at DB wanted them to do!!!!! I run SL wheels one inch greater in diameter than the regular size. Chrome wheels do nothing for me unless they are on a purple or pink Cadillac . I enjoy the SAT radio, the premium sound, the active ventilated/heated seats (pretty much I got the premium package, active Xenon (another nice touch just because I have always been a Xenon/lighting freak), and the wheels. Staggered wheel sizes are costly with unidirectional tires if you do not pay attention to alignment!! Pics of my ride in the pic thread that is a sticky up top.

 

Airmatic is certainly available in NZ for the CDI as it is in Europe. I can't imagine that it is not an option in the US, unless the marketing department is playing tricks with you, obviously there is no technical issue.

 

Add the wood and leather steering wheel. I like the tire pressure monitoring and it works well.

 

As usual John your 100% correct. The CDI can have any option that the equivalent petrol model has. Unfortunately I believe MBUSA has other ideas.

Just thought of something. The 320CDI can have ALL the AMG options with the exception of the tailpipes. (Petrol 320 can have them)

My own vehicle is a good example of what our US members are missing. (The glaring one being S320CDI)

Regards,
John
A sunny cold morning in Torquay

 

i say the most important feature is Keyless-Go. though i've heard many people mention about problems, i have two cars ('04 S350 and 03' E240) with them and never yet had any problems. nowadays i cant believe it when someone needs to
find key,
take out key,
press "unlock",
sit in car,
find keyhole,
insert key,
and turn key!

i jz look smug, pull open the door handle (wink when indicator lights blink), sit in, and press the "Start" button

a definite must!

 

Upgrade to Bi-Xenon lights and get the ventilated and heated seats. Oh yeah, if you like music, get the Harmon Kardon..

 

Totally endorse the comment about Bi-Xenon headlights. They are the 'bees knees' Once you have experienced driving with these fantastic lights, it will be the number one specification on any new order.

Good spotting,

Regards,
John
Dusk in Torquay