Anyone completely satisfied?
Regarding the cohesive versus non-cohesive argument, while I could discuss it, I feel it would be a fruitless conversation as we both feel that we could equally point out or point of view and still feel tied to our original opinion. In any event, you've had great input, and this is just a forum, so people, in general, should lighten up.
Anyway, thanks, and carry on with the positive Thread.
And then with factory 19"s/performance package or AMG package (E63) it might look fantastic.
I really can't opine til I see it again. While the first viewing at the NY auto show was impressive, really need to see one again and or on the road.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Sep 25, 2009 at 08:08 PM.
Also, i love the fact that the multicontour settings on the S are saved on the memory settings. The front seats are among the best I have ever had.
Also, i love the fact that the multicontour settings on the S are saved on the memory settings. The front seats are among the best I have ever had.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
As far as the seats, it looks like the W212 has the same multicontour controls as the W211. The S has it's multicontour controls in command and is more adjustable. eg. you can move the lumbar support up or down the seat to the point where you want to inflate it. Also, since these adjustments are remembered by the seat memory, you dont have to fiddle with all the minute adjustments once you have your perfect seating.
Does the W212 have a similar inteface?
My CLS 550's ride quality IMHO is inferior to that of my S.
Does the W212 have a similar inteface?
I'm guessing it will be the same with the W212 E63, but not necessarily in the W212 350/550. The W211 E350 had only manual lumbar 'control.' The leather in the E350 (as an option) and the E550 is stiffer and rougher feeling, imho.




I'm guessing it will be the same with the W212 E63, but not necessarily in the W212 350/550. The W211 E350 had only manual lumbar 'control.' The leather in the E350 (as an option) and the E550 is stiffer and rougher feeling, imho.
A little debate between friends is fun, isn't it?

(I still haven't mustered the enthusiasm for that first drive....
)
It was very like the current C Class inside, but has more wood and a slightly better quality of trim in places. Overall a nice cabin.
I know many have discussed this before, but the major disappointment was the engine. It felt like it was having to work hard all the time, and was noisier than I was hoping for. I dread to think how the E-Class feels in Europe with the smaller 4-pot engines.
For a car of this size and weight, I think the 268 hp no longer cuts it. It should be effortlessly powerful and smooth, but it did not feel like it.
People will say 'go for the E550', but not everyone wants the higher payments, insurance and gas costs.
I am hoping Benz will bring their rumored new V6 direct injection turbo-charged engine to North America. This 'M276' is supposed to arrive in the calendar year 2010. I hope we get this for the 2011 model year, but I'm not holding my breath.
I'm sure in the next couple of years or so we'll see a 300+ 6'er.




I test drove the 2010 E350.
My assessment.
Nice car. Fit and finish is great.
Quiet.
Shift smooth noticed no issues with up or down shifting.
Did not use paddle shifter
Like the voice operation of gps
New lane warning is nice for those of us with disc problems
Under 300 hp was a downer but for in town the car drove well.
I agree 300+ in the V6 would be great.
No evaluation on fuel mpg as only test drive
Solid feel to the car better than the Lincoln's Caddy's I test drove.
Concerns... The 2003 E500 has what I consider extremely poor reliability.
If the 2010 has this same reliability I would not touch one. IF the reliability is what I would consider normal I would probably buy a new one over the E550. The E550 has the airmatic ride and this is one item I can do without due to the reliability issues with it. I just don't need the headache when the E350 rides exceptionally well.
Would I buy one,, it is on my list of one to consider IF reliability is there.
Is it better than the 2003. I like it better due to the fit and finish/ride. But then that might just be the "new car halo" effect.
With that said, I have on order an E-350 which should be delivered by the end of this month. I have to believe (or so I hope) that Mercedes is not going to make the same mistake twice and have quality issues with the 1st year new production models. Keeping my fingers crossed!
For myself I didn't want to spend the extra $7K for the E-550. The 268hp engine in the E-350 is a vast improvment over the old 221hp E-300.




With that said, I have on order an E-350 which should be delivered by the end of this month. I have to believe (or so I hope) that Mercedes is not going to make the same mistake twice and have quality issues with the 1st year new production models. Keeping my fingers crossed!
For myself I didn't want to spend the extra $7K for the E-550. The 268hp engine in the E-350 is a vast improvment over the old 221hp E-300.
EDIT: 550 coupe doesn't airmatic, so that can be seen as a plus. I think especially with this agility control and damping, the airmatic can kind of be phased out on the E class. Even the 63 will only get air suspension in the rear. I wonder what this course of action would mean for the next gen CLS. The airmatic should probably be reserved for the higher (aka more expensive to maintain) models such as the S and CL.
Last edited by gaazmon; Oct 6, 2009 at 02:55 AM.

We were at the dealer last week and commented that we weren't thrilled with the exterior looks of the 2010. The salesman said we were the 3rd couple who said that to him that weekend.




With the 212, the tail-lights reminded me of a Hyundai, and the nod to the pontoons, well, it looked a little out of place. The front apron didn't do anything for me, it looked too bulky and the 'chin' of the front apron just looked wrong.
HOWEVER, the E63 is a totally different animal - *swoon*. When that hits our shores here in Singapore, I know I'll have to get myself one, even if I have to sell the house or pawn the wifey...



