DrRx

For 2011, a new option package is available in Canada that bundles Distronic Plus, ACTIVE Lane Keeping Assist, and ACTIVE Blind Spot Assist. This is different from the 2010 Technoloy Package which contained just Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist (ie not the ACTIVE versions) and is still available for 2011.

What is the difference between the "regular" and the ACTIVE versions? I can't seem to find any info.

Also, since 2011 prices are not yet released, any thoughts on the potential pricing of such an "ACTIVE" package (the 2010 price would have been CDN $2400 for Distronic and CDN $800 for the Lane Keeping Assist & Blind Spot Assist pkg). If I opt for this package (the favorable reviews of Distronic are appealing) I won't know the cost until after my order is locked in, so sticker shock is certainly possible .

As an aside, the AMG steering wheel is no longer available for 2011! All these tech pkgs use steering wheel vibration to alert the driver, and I'm guessing this is incompatible with the AMG steering wheel (does this hold true for Attention Assist as well??). That's why the AMG sport pkg and the Tech Pkg were incompatible in 2010 - you couldn't get both and MB was losing sales of one option or the other. So for 2011 you can get only the AMG wheels ($$$) but this is compatible with any of the Tech pkg options (more $$$).

DerekACS

[QUOTE=DrRx;4090854)

What is the difference between the "regular" and the ACTIVE versions? I can't seem to find any info.
So for 2011 you can get only the AMG wheels ($$$) but this is compatible with any of the Tech pkg options (more $$$).[/QUOTE]

I cannot answer your first question, but the new AMG wheels for MY2011 are 18" twin 5 spoke, code #791. The 2010 wheels are twin 6 spoke.

Have you considered waiting for the new 3.5L DI engine that will likely go into production June 2011 for MY2012 ? Huge improvement in fuel economy (about 24%) and approx. 306 hp !! The current car is underpowered, IMO, but lots of folks seem to think it is adequate.

newyorktoLA

According to the MBUSA site for the 2011 E Wagon:
With technology that monitors ordinary road markings, Active Lane Keeping Assist helps detect unintended drifting off-course,and alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver continues to drift, it can apply the brake to a single rear wheel to help guide the car back into its lane.(1)

Active Blind Spot Assist:
When the vehicle is traveling above 18 mph, this system uses radar technology to sense when a vehicle enters the blind-spot area. Blind Spot Assist then automatically alerts the driver via an illuminated red icon in the vehicle's side mirrors. The system also gives an audible warning if the driver activates a turn signal while a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. Further, if the driver continues to change lanes, it can apply the brake to a single rear wheel to help guide the car back into its lane.(1)

Stockwell

Hi,,, I have the AMG Sport wheel with my 2010 E350 4matic.. As you all highlighted, it cannot support the Vibrate function, so cannot mix with Technology package,,, also, you lost the heated wheel function as well.. But I do like the wheel a lot than the regular 4 spoke steering wheel. I think I saw in this forum, someone want to change the regular to the AMG 3 spoke and dealer cost is US$2400 !

For the engine power,, the E350 was replacing a 2007 530xi,, so engine power is OK..

YYZ-E55

Figure around $2,700 for the active package with DISTRONIC PLUS. Well worth it.

And you are correct about the steering wheel variants - the 3 spoke wheel does not have the vibration capability (nor is it heated) and thus it was dropped to reduce complexity/confusion.