Nitpicks
11-17-2011, 04:45 PM
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Nitpicks
I have no intention of composing a long drawn out synopsis of the almost first year anniversery of my e550 4matic. I think that it is worthy of the long storied history of Mercedes Benz, much better than my 2000 e320. The car is solid, no rattles, built like a tank, good fit and finish, comfotable, great engine, good tranny, like the feel of the controls, handles well enough, beautiful design(still think that it is among the best looking production luxury sedans ever built, if not the nicest) and it has been problem free. My nitpicks are:1) the hardness of the airmatic over rough roads and the lack of "travel" in the shocks which makes the car more prone to tire and wheel damage when hitting pot holes. 2)The interior could be more insulated from wind noise at speeds over 60mph.3)the auto adjusting high beams need to be more responsive. They work well for oncoming cars but don't kick in enough on winding local roads with ambient light from house and street lights. I recently deactivated the feature. Great idea not well executed.4)No volume setting indicator for the radio!!! I know this is a minor issue but this is nitpicks after all. I would appreciate a db readout so I can monitor my deteriorating hearing!!5)I know this is a Mercedes thing and I am well used to it having been driving Mercedes for 25 years, but a bit less throttle lag would be nice. That sums it up. I am content that I made a good purchase decision by buying the e550. A great performance luxury sedan without the quality and reliability issues of Audi and BMW(I know too many people with serious BMW quality issues from engines to trannys to electronics). Regards. Ned.
11-17-2011, 04:51 PM
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
What car has a db readout on the radio? Perhaps more frequent visits to your audiologist would be helpful.
Throttle lag? Try a 2011 BMW 535 or any turbo VW/Audi.
Pothole damage comes from potholes and low profile tires. Use the smallest wheel that will clear your brakes and you'll refuce pothole damage.
Throttle lag? Try a 2011 BMW 535 or any turbo VW/Audi.
Pothole damage comes from potholes and low profile tires. Use the smallest wheel that will clear your brakes and you'll refuce pothole damage.
11-17-2011, 05:07 PM
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
What car has a db readout on the radio? Perhaps more frequent visits to your audiologist would be helpful.
Throttle lag? Try a 2011 BMW 535 or any turbo VW/Audi.
Pothole damage comes from potholes and low profile tires. Use the smallest wheel that will clear your brakes and you'll refuce pothole damage.
Throttle lag? Try a 2011 BMW 535 or any turbo VW/Audi.
Pothole damage comes from potholes and low profile tires. Use the smallest wheel that will clear your brakes and you'll refuce pothole damage.
11-17-2011, 05:33 PM
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1969 280S, 1991 300E
The throttle lag is gone in both the 2012 E350 and 550.
There is no suspension that will stop your wheels from being damaged if you hit a big pothole.
Volume control read-out? The fact that you mention this as a nitpick just re-affirms to me how awesome this car is.
Sweet.
There is no suspension that will stop your wheels from being damaged if you hit a big pothole.
Volume control read-out? The fact that you mention this as a nitpick just re-affirms to me how awesome this car is.
Sweet.
11-18-2011, 02:06 AM
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I guess my biggest and most prevalent nitpick would be the imbalance on rough roads. This car has such a perfect ride, but on rough roads, it's a mess, no coddling from the harshness, and lots of noticeable and disconcerting stress on the frame (thus being a potential introduction to rattles, even with the vault-like/tank-like build and construction of the W212).
Fortunately, throttle lag isn't really an issue. I find the car to take off very smoothly and nicely, unlike my W211 with the earlier 7G Tronic (a total disaster). I agree about the 535i, well documented throttle lag and jolt, and was quite noticeable to me, especially in traffic.
Fortunately, throttle lag isn't really an issue. I find the car to take off very smoothly and nicely, unlike my W211 with the earlier 7G Tronic (a total disaster). I agree about the 535i, well documented throttle lag and jolt, and was quite noticeable to me, especially in traffic.
11-18-2011, 10:51 AM
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I haven't. And while I'm certainly curious to experience the difference myself, I don't want to temp myself. I am looking forward to getting some informed feedback from forum members who have owned the "old" e550 and can give some in depth analysis between the two engines. Regards. Ned.
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11-18-2011, 02:36 PM
#8
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I think a lot of the throttle lag your talking about is because of the drive by wire settup. The throttle is controlled by a sensor , receiving the info from a wire on the peddle instead of a cable. The sensor performs slower than your traditional instant cable settup. It drives me nuts. Just try feathering the throttle into a parking space, its delayed. The sensors on the airmatic are the same way, not instant response, but delayed when a pothole comes into the picture and is slow to react to it like a standard coil does.
11-18-2011, 03:07 PM
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1969 280S, 1991 300E
I haven't. And while I'm certainly curious to experience the difference myself, I don't want to temp myself. I am looking forward to getting some informed feedback from forum members who have owned the "old" e550 and can give some in depth analysis between the two engines. Regards. Ned.
I posted in the other thread...
I had a 2007 E550
My wife drives a 2011 E550
So, ive had the 5.5 with the 5-speed and the 7-speed over long periods of time.
I'm telling you, this new 4.6L in the 2012 is AMAZING in comparison.
11-18-2011, 04:25 PM
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hmmm........
never thought about a volume display, hehe.......
It kind of bothers me how long the disc's take to change...
the engine lag I do notice, but it doesn't bother me, I try to drive
with that lag in mind and give it a bit more petal in those situations,
but I do see it being annoying to some....
I can't tell if it's me, but does anyone else notice or think the ambient lighting
throughout the cabin has diminished some? I just turned mine up from 3 to 5, and they still seem a bit dim......
I can't really think of any other things that really bother me.....
as of late I have adjusted my side mirrors further out to see behind me;trying to balance out the view between the windshield mirror and the side mirrors..does anyone else already do this?
I'm getting used to it and like it alot.....
never thought about a volume display, hehe.......
It kind of bothers me how long the disc's take to change...
the engine lag I do notice, but it doesn't bother me, I try to drive
with that lag in mind and give it a bit more petal in those situations,
but I do see it being annoying to some....
I can't tell if it's me, but does anyone else notice or think the ambient lighting
throughout the cabin has diminished some? I just turned mine up from 3 to 5, and they still seem a bit dim......
I can't really think of any other things that really bother me.....
as of late I have adjusted my side mirrors further out to see behind me;trying to balance out the view between the windshield mirror and the side mirrors..does anyone else already do this?
I'm getting used to it and like it alot.....
11-18-2011, 04:33 PM
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2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
it is unlikely the ambient lighting has gotten dimmer. LED's are pretty consistent, then they die. have you checked to see if any of them are no longer lighting?
11-18-2011, 04:36 PM
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did you know I was just sitting here analyzing and I think it's because of the
creamy inside on my 63.......that inside could be like a beacon on dark nights....
but then again, I should go and check deadbeat for outages....
can just singles go out?
thanx
creamy inside on my 63.......that inside could be like a beacon on dark nights....
but then again, I should go and check deadbeat for outages....
can just singles go out?
thanx
11-18-2011, 05:56 PM
#13
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If you want to experience throttle lag, test drive an infiniti M35. You'll stop talking about the throttle lag in the mercedes.... Try to accelerate an M35 on an interstate to pass....and you'll wonder if you'll live long enough to get the car back to the dealer. I had a 2011 M35 and bought myself out of the lease because I considered the car unsafe. I am extremely happy with my 2011 e350 Bluetec....i've never experienced throttle lag, but I drive it a bit less aggressively.
11-18-2011, 06:25 PM
#14
hmmm........
never thought about a volume display, hehe.......
It kind of bothers me how long the disc's take to change...
the engine lag I do notice, but it doesn't bother me, I try to drive
with that lag in mind and give it a bit more petal in those situations,
but I do see it being annoying to some....
I can't tell if it's me, but does anyone else notice or think the ambient lighting
throughout the cabin has diminished some? I just turned mine up from 3 to 5, and they still seem a bit dim......
I can't really think of any other things that really bother me.....
as of late I have adjusted my side mirrors further out to see behind me;trying to balance out the view between the windshield mirror and the side mirrors..does anyone else already do this?
I'm getting used to it and like it alot.....
never thought about a volume display, hehe.......
It kind of bothers me how long the disc's take to change...
the engine lag I do notice, but it doesn't bother me, I try to drive
with that lag in mind and give it a bit more petal in those situations,
but I do see it being annoying to some....
I can't tell if it's me, but does anyone else notice or think the ambient lighting
throughout the cabin has diminished some? I just turned mine up from 3 to 5, and they still seem a bit dim......
I can't really think of any other things that really bother me.....
as of late I have adjusted my side mirrors further out to see behind me;trying to balance out the view between the windshield mirror and the side mirrors..does anyone else already do this?
I'm getting used to it and like it alot.....
I actually thing the side mirrors on the E350 are way too small for the car and the housing is too small for the mirror allowing it to be angled out as far as it needs to be.
11-18-2011, 07:37 PM
#15
Sooo many people have no idea how to adjust their side mirrors. If you are sitting in your driver seat and you can see ANY of your car in the side mirrors, the mirrors are angled waaay too far in. Google 'how to adjust side mirrors'. It takes a while to get used to - 1. sit in driver seat and lean over to where your head is literally just barely touching the driver side window. Angle driver side mirror out until you can just barely see side of car. 2. Sit in driver side seat and lean over to middle of car and angle passenger side mirror out until you can barely see side of car. THEN your mirrors are close to being right. If you can see side of car with side mirrors while sitting in driver seat you have so much overlap between rearview mirror and side mirror you might as well not have side mirrors. Angling your side mirrors out can eliminate blind spot usually. Unfortunately with my height (6'4") and with driver side mirror angled all the way out I still have a blind spot on driver side (drives me nuts). I have no blind spot on passenger side. I know it is odd at first, but if you give it a week you will never go back to having your mirrors adjusted the old way. Trust me.
I actually thing the side mirrors on the E350 are way too small for the car and the housing is too small for the mirror allowing it to be angled out as far as it needs to be.
I actually thing the side mirrors on the E350 are way too small for the car and the housing is too small for the mirror allowing it to be angled out as far as it needs to be.
Why do people want 3 rear-view mirrors?
11-18-2011, 08:37 PM
#16
Another thing I wish I would have got was the blind spot assist, but I had no idea I would have such a bad blind spot after property adjusting mirrors (just not enough adjustment available). I have even considered sticking on one of those granny fish eyes on the driver side mirror to eliminate the blind spot. Has anyone done that or found one that doesn't look hideous??
11-19-2011, 06:50 AM
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LOL, I don't think grannies give a chit about using mirrors........or any sense driving at all for that matter, I hate seeing old people driving........even more than the handicapped drivers with their placard on the mirror, when it clearly says to 'remove while in motion'.....now, before you get upset, I realize not ALL elders suck behind the wheel.....just 98% of them......
people do SUX!!!!!!!!!!
but yes, if you think a 'fisheye' would help then why the hell not? might out live the other guy
people do SUX!!!!!!!!!!
but yes, if you think a 'fisheye' would help then why the hell not? might out live the other guy
Last edited by hyperion667; 11-19-2011 at 06:52 AM.
11-19-2011, 08:42 AM
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
LOL, I don't think grannies give a chit about using mirrors........or any sense driving at all for that matter, I hate seeing old people driving........even more than the handicapped drivers with their placard on the mirror, when it clearly says to 'remove while in motion'.....now, before you get upset, I realize not ALL elders suck behind the wheel.....just 98% of them......
people do SUX!!!!!!!!!!
but yes, if you think a 'fisheye' would help then why the hell not? might out live the other guy
people do SUX!!!!!!!!!!
but yes, if you think a 'fisheye' would help then why the hell not? might out live the other guy
Here's an actual nitpick - people that derail threads with useless off topic rants displaying ignorance and prejudice.
My office works closely with AARP's driver training and I can tell you first hand that the majority of regular senior drivers are much safer drivers than drivers under 25.The problem is that we don't see the perfectly fine drivers; we see a bad driver and allow our prejudices to take over and lump them into the "bad driver" category du jour - Korean, elderly, young drivers, women etc.
11-19-2011, 09:32 AM
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2012 CLS63
wow, you nailed 'em all..........
and you label me, LOL
you can block me or report me if you really feel the need
and then I will be punished and possibly banned from commenting....
you have the power, but don't cast some aspersion on me huh?
and you label me, LOLyou can block me or report me if you really feel the need
and then I will be punished and possibly banned from commenting....
you have the power, but don't cast some aspersion on me huh?
11-19-2011, 10:25 AM
#20
Your comment about handicap drivers was a bit over the line...I agree about people that use the placards that aren't really handicap, but I sympathize with those that really are. Not back on topic...another nitpick someone, quick. All my complaints are pretty major so I have nothing to add...
11-19-2011, 10:43 AM
#21
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2012 CLS63
it bothers me that these people are so handicapped that they CANNOT read the instructions and take the thing down........plain and simple.......
11-19-2011, 11:30 AM
#22
Most experienced drivers who care about cars are going to have some nitpicks. Some have more than others.
My 350 Sport nitpicks (Top 10):
1. Underachieving 6 cylinder engine. (Seems this may have been addressed in the 2012 model year - and certainly not an issue with the 550.)
2. Terrible ride on harsh roads with a suspension that bottoms out and "thunks" over even small potholes. (This may be eliminated with the luxury-tuned suspension, but the trade-off is handling.)
3. Inferior lights on the P1 equipped cars. (I realize that I could have optioned for the P2 with xenons - but really - the standard lights are not worthy of this car - or any car.)
4. Throttle lag on 3 point turns is a safety hazzard. This is an issue every time I pull out of a friend's driveway. (I am not talking about normal driving throttle lag. Read the white paper.)
5. Basic electronics not up to date. (Nav, radio, backup cam, side view mirrors, etc. are far, far, far from class leading.)
6. Plastic seats in a $60K car. (Yes, yes - I could have special ordered. But IMO no excuse for MB to have the vast majority of cars imported with MB-Tex.)
7. Transmission not programmed right for a sporty sedan. (You need to select sport everytime you restart the car because it reverts to economy. Even in sport the tranny is too slow to downshift, however, I realize this is probably designed to get higher mpg ratings.)
8. No ski pass through to the trunk (probably no big deal for a lot of MB drivers - but very nice ot have for us skiers.)
9. The front spoiler is way too low. (The car should be designed so the front spoiler clears most curbs and parking lot parking barriers.)
10. All the complaints about rattles in the car makes me question long term reliability. (Glad I only leased this car for 24 months.)
My 350 Sport nitpicks (Top 10):
1. Underachieving 6 cylinder engine. (Seems this may have been addressed in the 2012 model year - and certainly not an issue with the 550.)
2. Terrible ride on harsh roads with a suspension that bottoms out and "thunks" over even small potholes. (This may be eliminated with the luxury-tuned suspension, but the trade-off is handling.)
3. Inferior lights on the P1 equipped cars. (I realize that I could have optioned for the P2 with xenons - but really - the standard lights are not worthy of this car - or any car.)
4. Throttle lag on 3 point turns is a safety hazzard. This is an issue every time I pull out of a friend's driveway. (I am not talking about normal driving throttle lag. Read the white paper.)
5. Basic electronics not up to date. (Nav, radio, backup cam, side view mirrors, etc. are far, far, far from class leading.)
6. Plastic seats in a $60K car. (Yes, yes - I could have special ordered. But IMO no excuse for MB to have the vast majority of cars imported with MB-Tex.)
7. Transmission not programmed right for a sporty sedan. (You need to select sport everytime you restart the car because it reverts to economy. Even in sport the tranny is too slow to downshift, however, I realize this is probably designed to get higher mpg ratings.)
8. No ski pass through to the trunk (probably no big deal for a lot of MB drivers - but very nice ot have for us skiers.)
9. The front spoiler is way too low. (The car should be designed so the front spoiler clears most curbs and parking lot parking barriers.)
10. All the complaints about rattles in the car makes me question long term reliability. (Glad I only leased this car for 24 months.)
11-19-2011, 11:39 AM
#23
Most experienced drivers who care about cars are going to have some nitpicks. Some have more than others.
My 350 Sport nitpicks (Top 10):
1. Underachieving 6 cylinder engine. (Seems this may have been addressed in the 2012 model year - and certainly not an issue with the 550.). I feel the 2011 V6 is fine, but more power is always better of course.
2. Terrible ride on harsh roads with a suspension that bottoms out and "thunks" over even small potholes. (This may be eliminated with the luxury-tuned suspension, but the trade-off is handling.). Luxury seems to handle fine for me but I am not weaving in and out of traffic at 70mph either.
3. Inferior lights on the P1 equipped cars. (I realize that I could have optioned for the P2 with xenons - but really - the standard lights are not worthy of this car - or any car.). Agree 100%!!!
4. Throttle lag on 3 point turns is a safety hazzard. This is an issue every time I pull out of a friend's driveway. (I am not talking about normal driving throttle lag. Read the white paper.). I have never really experienced this problem that others seem to have an issue with.
5. Basic electronics not up to date. (Nav, radio, backup cam, side view mirrors, etc. are far, far, far from class leading.). Agree 100%.
6. Plastic seats in a $60K car. (Yes, yes - I could have special ordered. But IMO no excuse for MB to have the vast majority of cars imported with MB-Tex.)
I have the leather and honestly it is not that much better than the MBTEX.
7. Transmission not programmed right for a sporty sedan. (You need to select sport everytime you restart the car because it reverts to economy. Even in sport the tranny is too slow to downshift, however, I realize this is probably designed to get higher mpg ratings.). I prefer E over S.
8. No ski pass through to the trunk (probably no big deal for a lot of MB drivers - but very nice ot have for us skiers.). I have pass thru, but I also have split folding rear seats.
9. The front spoiler is way too low. (The car should be designed so the front spoiler clears most curbs and parking lot parking barriers.). We actually test drove many cars and pulled up against parking lot barriers - another reason we went with luxury, it clears parking lot barriers easily. See many sports with the front end tore up.
10. All the complaints about rattles in the car makes me question long term reliability. (Glad I only leased this car for 24 months.Yet another reason for luxury - rough ride equals things being shaken around resulting in rattles. Our luxury is rattle free (for now).
My 350 Sport nitpicks (Top 10):
1. Underachieving 6 cylinder engine. (Seems this may have been addressed in the 2012 model year - and certainly not an issue with the 550.). I feel the 2011 V6 is fine, but more power is always better of course.
2. Terrible ride on harsh roads with a suspension that bottoms out and "thunks" over even small potholes. (This may be eliminated with the luxury-tuned suspension, but the trade-off is handling.). Luxury seems to handle fine for me but I am not weaving in and out of traffic at 70mph either.
3. Inferior lights on the P1 equipped cars. (I realize that I could have optioned for the P2 with xenons - but really - the standard lights are not worthy of this car - or any car.). Agree 100%!!!
4. Throttle lag on 3 point turns is a safety hazzard. This is an issue every time I pull out of a friend's driveway. (I am not talking about normal driving throttle lag. Read the white paper.). I have never really experienced this problem that others seem to have an issue with.
5. Basic electronics not up to date. (Nav, radio, backup cam, side view mirrors, etc. are far, far, far from class leading.). Agree 100%.
6. Plastic seats in a $60K car. (Yes, yes - I could have special ordered. But IMO no excuse for MB to have the vast majority of cars imported with MB-Tex.)
I have the leather and honestly it is not that much better than the MBTEX.
7. Transmission not programmed right for a sporty sedan. (You need to select sport everytime you restart the car because it reverts to economy. Even in sport the tranny is too slow to downshift, however, I realize this is probably designed to get higher mpg ratings.). I prefer E over S.
8. No ski pass through to the trunk (probably no big deal for a lot of MB drivers - but very nice ot have for us skiers.). I have pass thru, but I also have split folding rear seats.
9. The front spoiler is way too low. (The car should be designed so the front spoiler clears most curbs and parking lot parking barriers.). We actually test drove many cars and pulled up against parking lot barriers - another reason we went with luxury, it clears parking lot barriers easily. See many sports with the front end tore up.
10. All the complaints about rattles in the car makes me question long term reliability. (Glad I only leased this car for 24 months.Yet another reason for luxury - rough ride equals things being shaken around resulting in rattles. Our luxury is rattle free (for now).
11-19-2011, 01:22 PM
#24
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Another thing I wish I would have got was the blind spot assist, but I had no idea I would have such a bad blind spot after property adjusting mirrors (just not enough adjustment available). I have even considered sticking on one of those granny fish eyes on the driver side mirror to eliminate the blind spot. Has anyone done that or found one that doesn't look hideous??
Would be so nice if they had these cars equipped with the same mirrors as they have in Europe. All new cars there now have the blind spot mirror integrated in the right and left side rear view mirrors, even the cars with blind spot warning system.
Have been thinking to get these mirrors from Germany but have not got to do it yet. I did it for my Audi Q7 before traded it in for the E350 I now drive.
11-19-2011, 01:33 PM
#25
Would be so nice if they had these cars equipped with the same mirrors as they have in Europe. All new cars there now have the blind spot mirror integrated in the right and left side rear view mirrors, even the cars with blind spot warning system.
Have been thinking to get these mirrors from Germany but have not got to do it yet. I did it for my Audi Q7 before traded it in for the E350 I now drive.
Have been thinking to get these mirrors from Germany but have not got to do it yet. I did it for my Audi Q7 before traded it in for the E350 I now drive.
