YYZ-E55

4-spoke steering wheel does not change. 3-spoke is updated to CLS-style.

storm10

That is the problem with 2011 E-Class. Here is the quote from the same website, but different review: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sport Sedan vs. Luxury Sedan

"If you do decide to pick E-Class Sport edition, BenzOnly.com suggests doing yourself a big favor by adding "R08 AMG Wheel Package". AMG Wheel Package adds tremendous look and better future resale value! Considering the price ticket of the car, AMG Wheel Package cost almost nothing - just $760! Also, this package adds 3 spoke Sport Steering wheel (excluded with Driver Assistance Package). AMG twin 5-spoke wheels make E-Class Sport look exquisite! R08 package is not available on the Luxury edition."

So the problem for 2011 E350 Sedan is you can not combine Driver Assistance Package with 3 spoke AMG steering wheel. So 2012 E-Class has no more issues, because they use new CLS steering wheel.

Raiden

Just turned in my 2007 CLK 550 with 26m miles. I was leasing through another lender and the buyout was $27,500, plus tax. They would not negoitate on the price, so back it went. Every time I called the lender they asked waht they could do to get me to buy the car, just not lower the price. Oh well.

Instead, I just took delivery of a 2012 E-350 convertible. It came off the boat on July 12 or 13 and arrived at the Coral Gables MB on Jul 15. The MSRP was $72,205 (TandH - $875). I was able to lease it for $500 below invoice, through USAA's incentive program. It took a while to get USAA to recognize the model year, but the incentive was $2,000 off of the USAA negotiated cost, which worked out to $500 below invoice.

Car is fully optioned, with exception of Distronic. Is had the 6-cd changer, Prem 2, Wood Trim, Appearance Package, Lane Tracking, All season tires, Partronic, mbrace, Burl Walnut trim, Blue soft top, Quartz blue paint, Illuminated door sills (whoopee), wheel locks, rear spoiler. I got it right off of the transport truck so no dealer add-ons like fabric or paint protector, no door moldings, no undercoat protection. That said, they did charge a bank fee of $1,095, which I was told included gap insurance costing about $750 and of course the old "service fee" of $589 (which I have always assumed was dealer profit.)

Res val = .52%
Money rate = .0024 (which I was told was their Tier 1a (or best money rate).

Car is beautiful, but does not sound as good as the old 2007 CLK550. But, it sure does ride nice.

MB-JIM

Has anyone received a firm production date for a special ordered 2012 E350?

BenzMan369

We're in the wrong thread for the A207, but hearty congratulations anyway!

Would you please re-post in the "E Class (Coupe) and Cabrio (A207)" thread. I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask you. Either start a new thread there or post under "My 2012 E350C has been built." That would be me.

Thanks.

MB_FanAddict

I've just come across some information that Airmatic is still available (as a special order option) on the 2012 E550 4-Matic. Thought I'd pass it along.

Code: 489 AIRMATIC air suspension $1,610

Note:
Price is estimated & subject to change/special order charge ect.

AMGTTV8

Bugatti Veyron, P Cars, Audi, Gumpert Apollo, Lambo, Nissan GTR...

Just to name a few.

You have no clue what you are talking about.

Lastly, to try and validate your premise of RWD being king by citing a crown victoria is utterly ridiculous.

AMGTTV8

How could you not have?

The allocation was released a lonnnng time ago..

hyperion667

knowledge speaks, wisdom listens.

jimi hendrix

storm10

You sound like a loud mouth...
Fortunately, I don't give a damn about you or your self-indulgent opinions...

AMGTTV8

That's the beauty of freedom of speech and freedom of thought!

Have to say that it's hard to "hear" things in a written message.

K-A

So when do 2012's hit the lots (Sedans)?

Hopefully in a very long time, as it'll give me less reason to doubt my decision of jumping into a 2011 last month.

AMGTTV8

3-5 weeks...

hope all is well boss!

YYZ-E55

Production doesn't start until September. 7+ weeks is more accurate.

silberrosa

Production for the sedan and wagon apparently starts only in September. New engines I guess take time. Based on that I'd guess a few cars make it here late Sep but more likely Oct.

MB-JIM

I just placed an order for a 2012 E350 Luxury Model. My production date is 25 September.
My salesman showed me August production dates and they are for 2011 models.
There are 2012 cars being built earlier than mine but they are those that are ordered by MBUSA for the dealer's initial stock.
I believe the initial release at the dealers will be 1 October.
Jim

Victor

It is confirmed that canadian 2012 E550 will have Airmatic as standard item.

Gsc

You must have paid premium. Any reason why not go with an 2011 and pocket the savings? Just curious.

WEBSRFR

Are the AMG wheels the low profile type? If so I would run away from them like the plague. Unless you enjoy the time and expense involved in fixing broken wheels when you go over a pothole... It's also a safety issue...

WEBSRFR

I would never buy MB without 4MATIC no matter where I live. You don't need snow to realize the benefits of 4MATIC. I love how surefooted my car is under heavy rain or slick road surfaces covered in leaves in the fall. Of course in the winter it is a joy to drive on slick snow covered roads.

Also FWIW you get much better launch control from a stop with 4MATIC if you want to accelerate from a stop light. While the idiot next to me is spinning his wheels, I can fly away with no drama and no fuss.

I really don't understand the fetish behind RWD...

If you want more proof that 4MATIC is safer, based on a recent report that came out no one has yet to die in a W211 with 4MATIC (knock on wood) while there were 12 deaths reported in the corresponding RWD model. RWD might be fun but 4MATIC gives you more control and safety and at the end of the day nothing else matters more when your family is in the car. It is very prescient of Mercedes to introduce 4Matic across so many of their models as I would not have bought my car if they did not.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...teresting.html

vettdvr

[QUOTE=WEBSRFR;4794705..........I really don't understand the fetish behind RWD......

[/QUOTE]

Fewer parts, less maintenance, better mpg, lower cost doesn't exactly sound like fetish expecially when the car comes with traction control to prevent wheel spin. Also I don't normally full throttle from a stop while others are spinning wheels.

Snow No I don't drive on snow. Rain, flooding, hurricanes yes, we each have our own weather and local.

When I want FWD I drive my diesel truck.

WEBSRFR

Okay so perhaps there are occasions for RWD but the cost of maintenance and 1-2 MPG lower gas mileage is not an issue (at least for me) considering we are paying a huge premium for these cars anyway, especially when safety is at stake. More than anything I see 4MATIC as a safety feature and would not buy a car without it.

We are obviously free to like one or the other and will unlikely convince each other anyway as we both have valid reasons for liking one or the other. Enjoy your ride and drive safe

MB-JIM

I ordered using the USAA discount but may have paid a premium since the current $4k discount may go back to $2K.

My main reasons for ordering a 2012 model are:
I believe that buying at the end of a model year may not be a good deal when you look at the difference in value several years from now.
I wanted a luxury model and my dealer seldom has one for sale.
I wanted black leather and again, my dealer doesn't usually stock any.
I believe the 302 HP will make a significant difference to the performance.
There were other options that I wanted that would require a special order like Blind Spot display, P2, Rear pass through plus the Heated & Ventilated seats.

220S

I wouldn't call RWD preference a "fetish." I understand the desire for AWD and I think for the majority of drivers (esp Mercedes owners), AWD definitely does offer a feeling of security and safety. Understeer is normally built into a chassis for that reason; most people feel more comfortable with it.

But don't forget (and don't discount) those other drivers out there who might drive more assertively and prefer a chassis that has oversteer tendencies. A RWD car allows for a combo of precise throttle control and steering as a way of balancing the car and keeping it on edge and yet getting the most control out of it.

AWD will potentially keep a driver out of trouble in the first place, and a RWD has the potential to keep you safe if you ever do get into trouble. Any good driving school (like the AMG Driving Academy) will teach you control of a RWD car in both dry and wet and you'll be surprised just how easy a RWD vehicle is to control in extreme (speed) and adverse (weather) conditions.

It's all about what a driver wants out of their vehicle, and not about what's "better." AWD is better for you, your environment, and your driving style whereas I prefer the characteristics of RWD. I personally don't like the plowing and pushing that I get from AWD and want something with a lot less understeer. But that's my preference. And it's simply a preference that favors one's driving styles, abilities, and desires.

ttoE550

Normally I think your posts are spot on, but I respectfully disagree here. Yes, AWD potentially keeps the driver out of trouble in more circumstances, but it can also SOMETIMES be better when in trouble. Think of it as the front help being pulled along rather than pushed along -- I'd much rather have AWD a long nasty oversteer situation in rain or ice. Also hydroplaning for the same reason. Think about it: In what kind of racing do cars face extreme terrains of many, many types? Rallying! What are their typical drivetrains? AWD with adjustable bias -- not all AWD, not all RWD. The driver adjusts so the bias is appropriate for the conditions.

I also just want to mention that the AMG academy (as well as other similar schools) are not good racing schools. They are there to show off the cars. None would come close to qualifying someone to race. Not that you wouldn't have a hell of a lot of fun and go really fast, but a good racing school (like Skip Barber) would teach you to beat an E63* with a Miata (unless the straights were very long).

EDIT: *an E63 driven by an average driver. Didn't mean experienced racer in both cars. LOL