E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

If you could change 3 things about your car.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 02:16 PM
  #76  
ngerstman's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
So many have been covered. But some of mine are:1)An improved airmatic suspension that has more travel so as not to jar you when hitting a pot hole and better over rough roads. 2)more comfortable seats. Not enough cushioning for me and my bony ***. 3)a volume control readout for the stereo. I have never had a car before without one. I need to monitor my hearing loss more quantitatively! 4)a one notch upgrade to the stereo would be nice. It's not terrible but not great either. As others have said, needs better subs with volume control.No ***** in the bass!!!5)an option for a factory remote starter, especially one with an iphone app to start remotely from a distance. Get that heat or air conditioning going before I leave work to go home at night. I tried an after market product from a company called Drone and Mercedes could not get it to work. 6)better NAV system. That's all for now. I've gone over the limit anyway. Regards. Ned.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 02:18 PM
  #77  
SolidGranite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Originally Posted by ngerstman
So many have been covered. But some of mine are:1)An improved airmatic suspension that has more travel so as not to jar you when hitting a pot hole and better over rough roads. 2)more comfortable seats. Not enough cushioning for me and my bony ***. 3)a volume control readout for the stereo. I have never had a car before without one. I need to monitor my hearing loss more quantitatively! 4)a one notch upgrade to the stereo would be nice. It's not terrible but not great either. As others have said, needs better subs with volume control.No ***** in the bass!!!5)an option for a factory remote starter, especially one with an iphone app to start remotely from a distance. Get that heat or air conditioning going before I leave work to go home at night. I tried an after market product from a company called Drone and Mercedes could not get it to work. 6)better NAV system. That's all for now. I've gone over the limit anyway. Regards. Ned.
I second the remote start application for iphone/droid. It really pisses me off when I see commercials touting that feature on cars for a 1/3 of the cost of the E.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 03:15 PM
  #78  
threeMBs's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
I'm late to the party, but anyway:

1. Shifter were it is suppose to be - on the console. Will eliminate that annoing delay everyone complains about when making a 3-point U-turn with traffic around.

2. Standard Xenon. Halogen lights are a joke in these cars. (Love my quads too much to give them up).

3. Longer seats cushion (it is shorter than in W211 or C207). Do not know how tall people here (or those with long legs) do not complain more often.

3a. Some plastics are too cheap, specifically the area on the center console facing rear seats were rear heat/AC vents are.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 08:18 PM
  #79  
K-A's Avatar
K-A
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
Also, I hate how the stereo ALWAYS go back to a certain level of volume when you get back in the car. Always too jarringly loud as an entry setting to me. It should be the opposite, if anything, more soothing upon entry, maybe floating upwards, or allowing you to do so. Doesn't feel very "luxurious" the way they have it set up now.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 10:20 PM
  #80  
listerone's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
Originally Posted by Busta Riles
You know you can turn off the honking sound in the steering wheel controls, right?
Yup.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2012 | 10:57 PM
  #81  
mnje350's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 764
Likes: 10
From: North Carolina
2010 E350, 2015 S550
Originally Posted by K-A
Also, I hate how the stereo ALWAYS go back to a certain level of volume when you get back in the car. Always too jarringly loud as an entry setting to me. It should be the opposite, if anything, more soothing upon entry, maybe floating upwards, or allowing you to do so. Doesn't feel very "luxurious" the way they have it set up now.
I agree my '00 Audi always reset to a low standard volume whenever the car was restarted.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2012 | 01:39 PM
  #82  
ngerstman's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Originally Posted by threeMBs
I'm late to the party, but anyway:

1. Shifter were it is suppose to be - on the console. Will eliminate that annoing delay everyone complains about when making a 3-point U-turn with traffic around.

2. Standard Xenon. Halogen lights are a joke in these cars. (Love my quads too much to give them up).

3. Longer seats cushion (it is shorter than in W211 or C207). Do not know how tall people here (or those with long legs) do not complain more often.

3a. Some plastics are too cheap, specifically the area on the center console facing rear seats were rear heat/AC vents are.
Good point about the tranny lag. I do really like the shifter on the steering column, however. Great idea. Frees up a lot of space on the center console. Regards. Ned.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2012 | 01:46 PM
  #83  
ngerstman's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
One last point(well maybe not the last, there will never be a last point!!). Recently I have been observing how Mercedes managed to make the REAL wood trim in the interior look and feel more like plastic. Even when you tap on it, it sounds like plastic!!! I'm assuming that there is real wood buried somewhere deep inside there but given the amount of finish above the wood it doesn't seem that different from the "real plastic" in my wife's Acura MDX. I guess what I'm saying is that I want more wood, less acrylic!!!! Regards. Ned.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 19, 2012 | 04:32 PM
  #84  
BM2BZ's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
w212 E550
i was talking to another w212 owner last night who owned a w211 before. she told me the thing she hates the most is the driver's seat. her w211's seat moved backward a bit so she had more room to exit but not anymore in the w212. i didn't own any w211 so i don't know. any of you have the same issue?
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2012 | 05:43 PM
  #85  
SolidGranite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Originally Posted by ngerstman
So many have been covered. But some of mine are:1)An improved airmatic suspension that has more travel so as not to jar you when hitting a pot hole and better over rough roads. 2)more comfortable seats. Not enough cushioning for me and my bony ***. 3)a volume control readout for the stereo. I have never had a car before without one. I need to monitor my hearing loss more quantitatively! 4)a one notch upgrade to the stereo would be nice. It's not terrible but not great either. As others have said, needs better subs with volume control.No ***** in the bass!!!5)an option for a factory remote starter, especially one with an iphone app to start remotely from a distance. Get that heat or air conditioning going before I leave work to go home at night. I tried an after market product from a company called Drone and Mercedes could not get it to work. 6)better NAV system. That's all for now. I've gone over the limit anyway. Regards. Ned.
Yer right about the airmatic. I know I've disagreed with you in the past, but that was in comparison to my 2009 which in my opinion had a much better airmatic setup than the W212. The W211 had 3 settings while the W212 only has 2 and I think the "comfort" setting in the W212 is still way too stiff. Doesn't travel well at all on the uneven surfaces in Chicago. Have you compared to a non-airmatic 2012 yet?
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2012 | 05:54 PM
  #86  
ngerstman's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Originally Posted by SolidGranite
Yer right about the airmatic. I know I've disagreed with you in the past, but that was in comparison to my 2009 which in my opinion had a much better airmatic setup than the W212. The W211 had 3 settings while the W212 only has 2 and I think the "comfort" setting in the W212 is still way too stiff. Doesn't travel well at all on the uneven surfaces in Chicago. Have you compared to a non-airmatic 2012 yet?
I haven't and don't intend to. I wouldn't want to test drive the 2012 e550 for fear of becoming less satisfied with my 2011!! What would happen if I really liked the new engine versus ours and preferred the non airmatic suspension? Way too soon to want a new car for me considering that I normally keep my cars a long time. Regards. Ned.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2012 | 07:31 PM
  #87  
SolidGranite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Originally Posted by ngerstman
I haven't and don't intend to. I wouldn't want to test drive the 2012 e550 for fear of becoming less satisfied with my 2011!! What would happen if I really liked the new engine versus ours and preferred the non airmatic suspension? Way too soon to want a new car for me considering that I normally keep my cars a long time. Regards. Ned.
I drove a 2012 but it was smooth suburban roads only unfortunately. The engine is sweet but it sounds weird and for now I prefer the 2011. PLENTY of power in my opinion and available at all ranges.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2012 | 08:25 PM
  #88  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I tested a cls550(2012) with the new engine and couldn't tell anything that was different
except for the cls part
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 02:50 AM
  #89  
PHML's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 771
Likes: 7
From: Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii
2011 GLK350 P1, Multi-media & AMG Pkg; 2010 E350 w/ prem 2; 2018 4Runner SR5 Prem. 4x4
I wish my E came with these things....

- LEDs lights vs. regular bulbs.
- Factory tints
- Nicer wheels with lip action
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 08:28 AM
  #90  
stemags's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 7
From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Originally Posted by hyperion667
I tested a cls550(2012) with the new engine and couldn't tell anything that was different
except for the cls part
Hype are you saying the cls isnt all that? I mean I look at it and knowing the price tag,I say why to myself.Especially if the ride and all is not superior? I dont see many of them out there so I guess Im not alone.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 09:10 AM
  #91  
K-A's Avatar
K-A
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
Originally Posted by stemags
Hype are you saying the cls isnt all that? I mean I look at it and knowing the price tag,I say why to myself.Especially if the ride and all is not superior? I dont see many of them out there so I guess Im not alone.
They're basically the same car. The CLS has a smaller, less functional interior, a sweepier exterior (that somehow is less aerodynamic than the E), but the interior layout is the same. The CLS has some softer touch and fancier materials, which may in turn wear faster if not cared for than the E's harder plastics.

When you get a CLS, you're basically paying for less function and a higher price tag, because the lack of function makes the styling more unique, and with an inflated price tag (much higher profit margins than an E-Class, considering they're basically the same car, save for the aesthetic stuff), you buy exclusivity over a cheaper car (in this case, E-Class).
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 09:15 AM
  #92  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Originally Posted by stemags
Hype are you saying the cls isnt all that? I mean I look at it and knowing the price tag,I say why to myself.Especially if the ride and all is not superior? I dont see many of them out there so I guess Im not alone.
no, it's very nice, I just meant I could not tell much difference in engine qualities.....
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 10:45 AM
  #93  
El Cid's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
1. Much better reliability and longer warranties
2. Improved ride. Even the Luxury version with comfort suspension rides rougher than should.
3. Ability to turn on headlights, DRL's and fog lights at same time. This is those with four round lights, which I think are no longer made. BTW, I much prefer the four round lights to the "sticks."
Leave the shifter on the column. Only reason to have a shifter in floor is if you have a manual transmission. Paddle shifters have eliminated need for floor mounted automatic transmissions.
Would never purchase a car with run flat tires.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 12:15 PM
  #94  
telemakhos's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Canada
E350 4Matic 2011
Originally Posted by BM2BZ
i have yet touched that button as the headrests don't really bother me and thought it's doing the same thing as previous models .
I have two child seats in the back which force the headrests to sit a little high and block my view rearward somewhat. When the child seats are out of the car the headrest sit reasonably low enough.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 08:23 AM
  #95  
stemags's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 7
From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
Originally Posted by K-A
They're basically the same car. The CLS has a smaller, less functional interior, a sweepier exterior (that somehow is less aerodynamic than the E), but the interior layout is the same. The CLS has some softer touch and fancier materials, which may in turn wear faster if not cared for than the E's harder plastics.

When you get a CLS, you're basically paying for less function and a higher price tag, because the lack of function makes the styling more unique, and with an inflated price tag (much higher profit margins than an E-Class, considering they're basically the same car, save for the aesthetic stuff), you buy exclusivity over a cheaper car (in this case, E-Class).
Could not agree more,,in fact got it straight from a trusted salesman who confides some MB news when no one is looking. I just know that if I was in the bracket,,I would like the SL,,but bang for buck,,the E is hard to beat.

Hype,the car (cls) is stylish for sure,being tall I always look to the back seat comfort,,none too big. The salesman told me its a cl with added doors,,added weight,and lowered roofline when they first offered it. I even work with a dude who bought a 2009 AMG version,,,oh momma talk about a waste of cash.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 06:14 PM
  #96  
El Cid's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Someone mentioned that Recirc disengages whenever you stop the car. Actually, this could be a problem. The instructions in the Operator's Manual state that Recirc should be engaged if using an automatic car wash. I do for my other vehicles, but not for E - yet.
Problem is that when I park and turn off the car so the attendant can vacum it or even just move it, it is then started again and driven to end of conveyor. This means that Recirc is no longer engaged. I can tell the attendant 100 times to push the button, but if he understands me (doubtful), he won't.
M-B engineers should have thought of this. Apparently water pressure from auto car washes can damage the cabin filter system.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 07:46 PM
  #97  
dfordham's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
Likes: 2
From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
Originally Posted by El Cid
Someone mentioned that Recirc disengages whenever you stop the car. Actually, this could be a problem. The instructions in the Operator's Manual state that Recirc should be engaged if using an automatic car wash. I do for my other vehicles, but not for E - yet.
Problem is that when I park and turn off the car so the attendant can vacum it or even just move it, it is then started again and driven to end of conveyor. This means that Recirc is no longer engaged. I can tell the attendant 100 times to push the button, but if he understands me (doubtful), he won't.
M-B engineers should have thought of this. Apparently water pressure from auto car washes can damage the cabin filter system.
Good observation.

I wonder if turning the system off would accomplish the same. Surely that closes off outside air as well.

Regards,
Don
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:42 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE