K-A

I think the thud from the trunk is definitely a real issue with some Airmatic cars. Also to note, the 212's headrests don't have the option to fall back like the 211's do, so I wouldn't think they could bounce around back there, if that has indeed been an issue with any 211's.

emilner

You are right, I took a few days and through a process of elimination I crossed off anything cabin or trunk related for the thud. It can only be the airmatic which seems to be the common diagnosis for 211 E's.

As far as not getting the new motors yet- this is a very common practice. We always get technology a year or more after it comes out in Europe. Radar based cruise control was there the better part of a decade before the lawyers would let it come here.

gaazmon

I wish it never came here. Now may radar detector has become pretty useless at times since the cruise controls give off K and Ka band frequency. I have the X band turned off due to so many false alarms from auto doors and such for supermarkets (and now they are also using K band, dammit!!!). I've never even detected a cop using X band here in LA or even so cal for that matter. I've never detected laser either so the detector is beginning to lose it's use slowly. Bet the police depts are loving this new technology.

vicv

emilner,

You're right, but I believe it's a marketing thing. They come out with a new model and then introduce the new engine or feature a year or two later to keep interest up. But my gripe is they introduced DI into other markets and didn't here in the states & Canada. Are we second-class world citizens?

BTW, I found out that my wife's E cleared Customs in Jacksonville on the 16th, but it left Jax for my local dealer today (30th). MB reps at both ends of that transportation chain told me on the QT that MB sometimes gives priority to cars that are unsold before those that are already sold (in the European Delivery Program). That makes sense for them, but screws the EDP constomer. MB already as our money on the EDP cars, but needs to sell the others and get them off their books. And I think that's what happened here. This delay sure has taken a lot of the fun out of our new purchase and is making me think that, with those business ethics, this car's replacement will be a BMW.

vicv

It came in on Thursday afternoon. Watched it get off-loaded and drove it home. What a ride. There's nothing like a Mercedes.

Boulder GT3

No, N. America is a big market and it's easier to support new releases closer to the tight confines of home. I'd be thankful. By the time product hits the N.A. market it should be better sorted out.

emilner

Well, saga is over. Yesterday I dropped off my 212 and picked up my 2007 S550!! The dealership (Massapequa) was awesome through the whole thing. I cannot recommend them enough- perfect service, great pricing- all in all great. MB took back my car and applied the out of pocket money I had payed to the new car. The new one is really something special. I love the color and the interior just feels and looks great. I started a new thread in the 221 section for those interested. I will still hang out here as well. Thanks for all of the comments/help!!

https://mbworld.org/forums/new-s-cla...yesterday.html

gaazmon

congrats. now you will never feel the same if you ever get rid of the s-class . that's how i've been since my W140 S420. they are just amazing cars, nothing like them.

El Cid

Sorry about your problems and I re-read your first posts. What else was wrong with your E550? Was it just the air suspension?
Also, apparently you got a 2010 S550 or did you really get a 2007 S550?
Glad it happened for you, but find it hard to believe M-B took the car back without a hassle, especially in a non-California state.

sunny_j

congrats emilner

emilner

Thanks Gaaz, I agree- after driving the S you can't ever drive another vehicle with the same perspective.

I had a number of rattles that were mostly due to the pano (which I will stay away from in the future). The rest was due to a defect in my car. I would caution people not to take my experience as an indication of normal MB's. I happened to have a VERY early build E550 (4/09) and had a classic lemon. In the end MB was spectacular through the whole ordeal. They understood that I liked the brand but my car was a problem. They could either turn me off to the brand for the next 30 yrs or do the right thing and let me buy another car. I did go for an '07, not by ideal choice , but more for economics. I could have leased a 2010 car priced at $103k for $1400 a month with $5000 OOP. I could not justify the cost difference. I will say that from every point except for outright track performance an '07 S550 beats a 2010 E550 for me. I am 6' 5" and I can set the seat back far enough to not be ABLE to touch the pedal! I have to RAISE my seat- I don't do that in my ESV!!! I know this is miniscule for most, but it is one small observation for me with a car I have driven only 50 miles (there are many other things that puts this car on top, I will reserve the viewpoints until I have more driving time)...

K-A

Congraats.

Good choice and move, can't beat the S-Class.

starbrite

Thanks for the pm Ed. This thread explained a lot and I too am glad it worked out for you !
Now I have to go and read your posts in the 221 forum.

Btw, I ssume that you're now staying away from H MB ?

emilner

Massapequa actually, they have been so frustrating to deal with. When you have to go into the shop and show the foreman how to fix something on your car (especially when you are in finance and not a mechanic) over and over, you finally give up....

starbrite

Ok, I assumed from your above post, back in January, that Massapequa treated you so well with the S550 that they were the ones you preferred.

So, it's still Huntington for service? ( I've been very satisfied with them)

Got my eye on a '08 E63, just waiting for the price to be right, as they're falling like a sinking rock.

emilner

Sales was awesome at Pequa, it was the service I would run away from. I have had very good service at Huntington, but they were terrible on the sale side. I always found them to be very pompous. I showed them the deal Pequa gave me on my 2010 E550 and they basically said "well that is the south shore, don't forget, we are on the north shore, it's a very different experience" and then quoted me an extra $100 a month lol. Their service people seemed to always be courteous and never tried to nickel and dime me. I would have had them fix my other stuff, but Pequa was involved from the beginning...

BPhillyBenz

My 2011 charges while it is in the glove box. My solution. Get an i-POD, stick it in there and forget about. I use my i-PHONE with the bluetooth and place it in the ashtray. All is good.