E550 - Pano roof or not?
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I'd actually be a lot more confident with a Pano on a 212, considering the added structural rigidity and even more extensive use of ultra high strength steels. The 211 is a solid and sturdy car, but for my own preference, I wouldn't want to sacrifice any structural integrity, that might change were I to drive a Pano equipped 211 which didn't squeek or "groan" (if they do actually do that).
As for the headliner, I've driven a Pano 212, however like others have pointed out, I wasn't so concentrated in the pano aspect of it when analyzing the roof material, as I was how "cheap" it seemed to feel, in comparison. It's always a give and take with company's nowadays.
As for letting light in, I actually never really concentrate on that, as long as the sun isn't hitting me or really focusing strongly on any part of my cars interior, I'm cool. However the option to completely block any and all light out would be nice I guess.
As for the headliner, I've driven a Pano 212, however like others have pointed out, I wasn't so concentrated in the pano aspect of it when analyzing the roof material, as I was how "cheap" it seemed to feel, in comparison. It's always a give and take with company's nowadays.
As for letting light in, I actually never really concentrate on that, as long as the sun isn't hitting me or really focusing strongly on any part of my cars interior, I'm cool. However the option to completely block any and all light out would be nice I guess.
Last edited by K-A; Dec 22, 2009 at 09:58 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I think the amount of light let in is being way overblown. You can look directly at the sun and barely tell it is the sun vs a light bulb, seriously. My 211 with the regular sunroof let in the SAME amount of light through the vents in the back of the shade. What are we splitting hairs about?
One benefit I have found is the car is MUCH quieter in the rain! Any car I have been in, 211 included, you hear the metallic sound of the rain on the roof. With the pano there is no reverb, you barely hear it from the roof.
One benefit I have found is the car is MUCH quieter in the rain! Any car I have been in, 211 included, you hear the metallic sound of the rain on the roof. With the pano there is no reverb, you barely hear it from the roof.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Huntington NY
S560
Well mine creaks and groans like no tomorrow. I have had it back to the dealer twice for it, they have applied felt and adjusted to no avail. I have now been in 4 pano cars and they all have the exact same creaks. If you don't chances are your roads are THAT good...
Out Of Control!!
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Damn, well nevermind then, no pano for me. I can't deal with squeeks and groans, as it is, a lot of these cars have some without the Pano.
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
I think I made it sound worse than it is. The amount of light that comes through is (very) minimal. If I look up I can see that the sun is there (blurry orange ball), but it's not bright or anything. Looking directly up the shade is somewhat translucent, but from an angle you can't see anything but the material.
It wouldn't surprise me if it's a cheaper version of the old shade, though. That stuff does seem to happen. But, like I said, no creaks or groans from the panes like the old ones apparently had. Overall, I quite enjoy, and have no complaints about, the pano roof.
It wouldn't surprise me if it's a cheaper version of the old shade, though. That stuff does seem to happen. But, like I said, no creaks or groans from the panes like the old ones apparently had. Overall, I quite enjoy, and have no complaints about, the pano roof.
All I have to say is the Land Rover LR2 must have the crappiest sun shade as it lets in a lot of light.
agree, it is quieter
Last edited by gaazmon; Dec 23, 2009 at 03:10 AM.
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
K-A, I know what you mean about the wind. that was crap today. on my way to work, about 4 or 5 pebbles hit my windshield at the same time. i almost had a heart attack.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
That sucks. Yeah I hadn't driven my car in days, was happy to take it out today, in all its clean and garaged glory, and the wind war zone entered. Crap hitting my roof, etc. I did a thorough check after I parked and and no problems, but still scary as sh**!
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
On the other hand, my E350 creaked a lot more and the dash also rattled from day one. And my E63 has more miles on it now, too. It's really just luck of the draw, I guess.
In the end, minor creaks and groans don't bother me anyway. My Porsche is so super stiff (with PSS-10 coilovers) it's like a rolling tin can of stones. Notorious for a constant windshield squeak, too. But who cares, when you're too busy bringing the rear end out around the twisties anyway. It's all part of the package. (My BMW was also a rattle trap due to a stiff suspension.)
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Member
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From: San Carlos (SF Peninsula) CA
'03 ML500, '07 E350 Sport (wife's)
As much as I wanted it, (for the reasons of creaks and rattles) we ordered our W211 w/o the pano. This car replaced my wife's convertible and it would have been really nice, but the potential for noise issues scared me off. Obviously not everybody experiences it, but enough do, and obviously still do on the new ones. Obviously no good answer here. That was the only option we didn't order, along with the wood wheel. Leather is much cooler and prefer the feel. Enjoy your W212s.
