Mercedes Saved My Life
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 0
From: New York
2011 E550 Sedan
Glad to hear you are safe and were able to walk away from the accident with only minor cuts and bruises.
This is exactly the reason many of us purchased Mercedes -- Safety! F fuel efficiency, we want a tank.
This is exactly the reason many of us purchased Mercedes -- Safety! F fuel efficiency, we want a tank.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
2011 E550, 2018 Land Cruiser, 1966 Vette
Other than 3-point seat belts, just about every safety feature on today's cars was developed by Mercedes. They have allowed the competition to use those features without having to pay for it.
Now we have GM advertising the brake drying feature as if they invented it. It isn't the first time they've done this.
Now we have GM advertising the brake drying feature as if they invented it. It isn't the first time they've done this.
To the OP, thank goodness you're safe -- it's amazing what these cars do.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
W212 & W210
Wow, good to know you and your GF walked away from the crash.
Mercedes vehicles are one of the safe cars period. This is one of the reasons I won't let my wife drive anything else.
Looking forward to the crash photos.
I have to show them to my wife and let her know how well she's protected in her car.
Mercedes vehicles are one of the safe cars period. This is one of the reasons I won't let my wife drive anything else.
Looking forward to the crash photos.
I have to show them to my wife and let her know how well she's protected in her car.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
For pics, check them out here: https://picasaweb.google.com/1102561...50970997367938
After talking to my GF more about what happened and seeing the car I had no idea how hard both sides of the car were hit. We were essentially sandwiched in-between the red light blowing Suburban and a Trailblazer also turning left right next to me.
After talking to my GF more about what happened and seeing the car I had no idea how hard both sides of the car were hit. We were essentially sandwiched in-between the red light blowing Suburban and a Trailblazer also turning left right next to me.
Last edited by SolidGranite; Jan 16, 2012 at 05:13 PM.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 945
W212 FL
Kudos to MB ,that was a serious incident indeed . Your car was really a solid one and hold up well considering a SUV getting into your doors and you know it's one of the worst places in car crashes
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Wow @ Those pics.
Looks like the safety cell remained perfectly intact. Was there any deformation to the B-Pillar (before they obviously cut it)? The B-Pillars are made of some very High Strength steel, and the W212's considerably stronger than the W211's, so it is really a task for these guys to cut them.
Also, did the Airbag deployment melt part of the steering wheel? (looks like something like that toward the top left of the wheel).
Amazed, and very nice to know the outcome.
Looks like the safety cell remained perfectly intact. Was there any deformation to the B-Pillar (before they obviously cut it)? The B-Pillars are made of some very High Strength steel, and the W212's considerably stronger than the W211's, so it is really a task for these guys to cut them.
Also, did the Airbag deployment melt part of the steering wheel? (looks like something like that toward the top left of the wheel).
Amazed, and very nice to know the outcome.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
It was a beautiful car and perhaps maybe even a little more so now.. seeing it now that it has served the ultimate purpose for which it was designed - to protect you and your passengers.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Wow @ Those pics.
Looks like the safety cell remained perfectly intact. Was there any deformation to the B-Pillar (before they obviously cut it)? The B-Pillars are made of some very High Strength steel, and the W212's considerably stronger than the W211's, so it is really a task for these guys to cut them.
Also, did the Airbag deployment melt part of the steering wheel? (looks like something like that toward the top left of the wheel).
Amazed, and very nice to know the outcome.
Looks like the safety cell remained perfectly intact. Was there any deformation to the B-Pillar (before they obviously cut it)? The B-Pillars are made of some very High Strength steel, and the W212's considerably stronger than the W211's, so it is really a task for these guys to cut them.
Also, did the Airbag deployment melt part of the steering wheel? (looks like something like that toward the top left of the wheel).
Amazed, and very nice to know the outcome.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
holy smokes!
I was in awe looking at those pictures man!
simply incredible....
what an insane spot to be in! seems you really took the brunt of
that oncoming.....
have you begun to think about which model you'll replace your 550 with?
good for you man, and your lady too
thanx for sharing these pictures, hope you continue to do well
I was in awe looking at those pictures man!simply incredible....
what an insane spot to be in! seems you really took the brunt of
that oncoming.....
have you begun to think about which model you'll replace your 550 with?
good for you man, and your lady too
thanx for sharing these pictures, hope you continue to do well
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 127
2020 G63, 2021 E450 All-Terrain Wagon
It's amazing to see that you came away from that accident
I suggest you look into a 2010 preowned S class or even a new S class...SOOO much nicer than the E (bigger, quieter, and even safer!) After all, it is the flagship of the brand
I suggest you look into a 2010 preowned S class or even a new S class...SOOO much nicer than the E (bigger, quieter, and even safer!) After all, it is the flagship of the brand
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Thank God and good engineering. That was one hell of an impact. The W212 is even stronger. Makes me stop and think how we really do not know what is around the next corner.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
The W212 consists of 75% of High Strength and Ultra High and Mega High Strength Steels, while the W221 consists of around 50%. Thus, the W212 should have a greater torsional rigidity figure. It's also built to a higher/more modern safety code (naturally, coming out several years later). Not to mention, additional active safety technology it has that the W221 doesn't have.
Styling is of course subjective, but IMO the W212 looks improved and much more modern/dynamic than the W221. The S is more elegant, but the E is a sportier and more aggressive hybrid whilst retaining some elegance. Though, all in all I like them all in their own ways.
Last edited by K-A; Jan 16, 2012 at 11:15 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I like the size of the SWB better than the LWB W221, however IMO the SWB is awkwardly proportioned while the LWB looks a lot more "fit to size".
Curious to know what SolidGranite chooses! Though it looks like his mind is made up!
Curious to know what SolidGranite chooses! Though it looks like his mind is made up!
