. love them red seats 
My Ford Focus is Better than Your Mercedes.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
All very valid points from all that contributed. Couldn't have said it better, K-A (exactly what I was thinking...you tend to put a lot of thought in ensuring sensibility, prudence and accuracy in your posts. Reminds me of how I use to post on other forums when I was younger and even more avid about performance cars--sedans especially). Bottom line, EKlasseMercedes, YOU paid $55K for your car and your friend only paid $25K. Say what he will (I like to call it "hater-ism"), that in itself ends the argument/debate (if there even was one). End of discussion. Goes w/o saying that EVERYONE IN THE WORLD knows what the M-B brand stands for: PRESTIGE and benchmark automotive engineering and PRESTIGE and R&D and PRESTIGE and countless patents & safety "firsts" and so on and so on and so on...and did I mention "PRESTIGE"?!! I'm sure you get the picture! I mean, come on, when someone says "I own a Benz", you automatically take social/professional status and affluence for granted, once again, given what M-B stands for. PERIOD. In reflection, it's no wonder now why everyone was "congratulating" me on purchasing the E! It's not just a purchase; it's an accomplishment! So be proud of what you've accomplished in your life to be able to afford such "greatness" and hope that your friend can one day achieve the same...because he's your friend. Okay, off my soapbox!
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Tesla Model S P100D
It probably was NOT a 95-97 E Class. I don't know what the German's were smoking when the designed that car. The MB customers who bought those model years and got into a bad accident definitely got screwed with their car purchase. Just look at this video: 
On this morning's news, they showed a high-speed virtual head-on collision between a 1990's-something Mercedes and a full sized Ford police car. The Benz appeared to be a smaller model - perhaps a 190 or something like that? For those who may not know, a full size Ford Crown Vic with the Interceptor V8 police package, and probably some heavy special
equipment in the trunk, weighs a hell of a lot more than that old Merc.
I was stunned by the results of the crash. The Merc had collapsed roughly back to the area of the windshield. The passenger compartment was intact. The driver was, as they say, treated and released. The patrol car was flat out demolished, although some of the damage was due to rescue having to pry the officer out. He is lucky to be alive and is being treated for multiple trauma, most of it very serious.
No, it's not safe to make sweeping assumptions about relative safety based upon this one incident, given there are so many variables involved in accident reconstruction.
But one thing is for sure, after seeing something like this: rightly or wrongly, I feel just a little more secure getting into my "over-priced" car every day. For those of you driving the full size sedan, even more so.
equipment in the trunk, weighs a hell of a lot more than that old Merc.
I was stunned by the results of the crash. The Merc had collapsed roughly back to the area of the windshield. The passenger compartment was intact. The driver was, as they say, treated and released. The patrol car was flat out demolished, although some of the damage was due to rescue having to pry the officer out. He is lucky to be alive and is being treated for multiple trauma, most of it very serious.
No, it's not safe to make sweeping assumptions about relative safety based upon this one incident, given there are so many variables involved in accident reconstruction.
But one thing is for sure, after seeing something like this: rightly or wrongly, I feel just a little more secure getting into my "over-priced" car every day. For those of you driving the full size sedan, even more so.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
We in Benz Land don't like to hear talk about the pre-facelift W210 crash capabilities.... Nein!
They fixed it quite well with the facelift.
However, as I always say.... even in that horrible showing of the pre-facelift W210.... M-B's have never been crash statistic champions (except for the newest line which actually performs remarkably in standardized tests as well), in fact, statistics are NEVER what M-B's are about, they avoid headline grabbing stats for the true, real, and bonafide holistic experience, however the W210 was proven to be the safest real world vehicle on the roads, with the lowest death rate of any cars period during its entire production run. That's what M-B's are truly about.
They fixed it quite well with the facelift.
However, as I always say.... even in that horrible showing of the pre-facelift W210.... M-B's have never been crash statistic champions (except for the newest line which actually performs remarkably in standardized tests as well), in fact, statistics are NEVER what M-B's are about, they avoid headline grabbing stats for the true, real, and bonafide holistic experience, however the W210 was proven to be the safest real world vehicle on the roads, with the lowest death rate of any cars period during its entire production run. That's what M-B's are truly about.
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Tesla Model S P100D
Maybe the statistics have more to do with Mercedes drivers doing everything they can in general to keep their babies safe... I know I drive my Mercedes a lot more carefully than my Volvo -- and this is not to suggest that I drive the Volvo recklessly but I am so protective of my Mercedes and actively keep away from anyone or anything that could be a threat. I don't even let the car come near a shrub or bush on the side of the road
All things being equal I'm a numbers guy and I'd prefer to be in the car with the better proven crash test results.
With the video I was just pointing out with all the Mercedes quality control they managed to release a horrible E class safety-wise and it is only after the crash videos came out that they addressed the safety issues. There is nothing more important in a car than safety and with the recent models Mercedes seems to understand that and that is good for us all.
All things being equal I'm a numbers guy and I'd prefer to be in the car with the better proven crash test results.
With the video I was just pointing out with all the Mercedes quality control they managed to release a horrible E class safety-wise and it is only after the crash videos came out that they addressed the safety issues. There is nothing more important in a car than safety and with the recent models Mercedes seems to understand that and that is good for us all.
However, as I always say.... even in that horrible showing of the pre-facelift W210.... M-B's have never been crash statistic champions (except for the newest line which actually performs remarkably in standardized tests as well), in fact, statistics are NEVER what M-B's are about, they avoid headline grabbing stats for the true, real, and bonafide holistic experience, however the W210 was proven to be the safest real world vehicle on the roads, with the lowest death rate of any cars period during its entire production run. That's what M-B's are truly about.
Last edited by WEBSRFR; May 12, 2012 at 04:59 PM.
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2012 E350
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
BTW:
You want to try something fun? Whenever those Napoleon-Complex'ers use this "comparison" to compensate their "whatever car" for your "overpriced car", use the Thread topic to talk about a Focus VS Phantom, or better yet, Equus VS Phantom. The higher price the car gets, the far less it is technically "worth it", and surprisingly, you'll find many "features" missing compared to cars that cost a fraction of it.
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w212 E550
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Maybe the statistics have more to do with Mercedes drivers doing everything they can in general to keep their babies safe... I know I drive my Mercedes a lot more carefully than my Volvo -- and this is not to suggest that I drive the Volvo recklessly but I am so protective of my Mercedes and actively keep away from anyone or anything that could be a threat. I don't even let the car come near a shrub or bush on the side of the road
All things being equal I'm a numbers guy and I'd prefer to be in the car with the better proven crash test results.
With the video I was just pointing out with all the Mercedes quality control they managed to release a horrible E class safety-wise and it is only after the crash videos came out that they addressed the safety issues. There is nothing more important in a car than safety and with the recent models Mercedes seems to understand that and that is good for us all.
All things being equal I'm a numbers guy and I'd prefer to be in the car with the better proven crash test results.
With the video I was just pointing out with all the Mercedes quality control they managed to release a horrible E class safety-wise and it is only after the crash videos came out that they addressed the safety issues. There is nothing more important in a car than safety and with the recent models Mercedes seems to understand that and that is good for us all.
I remember how dismayed I was to see a Mercedes door come open during that crash test. Safety performance has increased across the board with Ford demonstrating strong crash performance. The way I look at it you will get a better value with a Ford because the R&D is amortized over a larger number of cars. Mercedes provides that something extra that makes sense for a smaller segment of the market. A Ford Fusion is a good car but it is built to cost so it's architecture is front wheel drive. Not optimum for driving dynamics.
Last edited by MBNUT1; May 13, 2012 at 10:57 AM.
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Lexus LS 400, 2008 BMW 528i, 2014 e250 BlueTec
I am glad Ford has come up with Focus that got your attention. Good for America,too. I sure hope Ford keeps that kinds of spirit going for America. Who knows, someday I might turn to Ford instead of MBZ, I mean it.
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From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
Yes, my car is kind of a XXth Anniversary edition of the very first car I could call my own. An all black Olds Starfire 2 door hardtop with an all-red interior.
I wrote "XXth" not because I don't want anyone to know how old I am, but because I can't bring myself to admit it.
Anyway, if you're healthy, age is as they say just a number; it evaporates quickly when I step on the gas of this slick "pillarless coupe." MB-speak for two door hardtop. What goes around comes around.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
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Tesla Model S P100D
I think the point the OP was trying to make is that a while ago, luxury cars were distinct because of the high-end features that they offered and they were not available in less expensive cars.
The point the OP made was that now you have to get a very well loaded Mercedes E class (face it, most cars are not loaded to the brim with options) to match the features of the Ford Focus. I tend to agree with that. My E550 is fully loaded with P2, pan. roof, etc., but I feel a bit short-changed when I look at some Hyundais and see not only the same features but other features in those cars that I can't even get as an option in my car -- such as head's up display for the Nav...
I think the point that the OP was making is that Mercedes needs to offer more features and generally take things up a notch in terms of what they offer in cars that cost as much as they do. When you can buy a Ford or Hyundai with more features than an E class, something is wrong. Heated seats, parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, etc., are no longer "luxury" features. Mercedes needs to take their game up a few notches.
At the end this will be good for us all! SO there's no arguing the point that the auto industry is getting more competitive and offer more. We just need our favorite German brand to not fall behind and indeed stay ahead of everyone else to justify what we pay.
Apart from all that I find it interesting that you took the time to comment on a "BS thread"
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2012 E350
I think you are missing the point. The same thread could have been started about a newer Hyundai and would still make sense.
I think the point the OP was trying to make is that a while ago, luxury cars were distinct because of the high-end features that they offered and they were not available in less expensive cars.
The point the OP made was that now you have to get a very well loaded Mercedes E class (face it, most cars are not loaded to the brim with options) to match the features of the Ford Focus. I tend to agree with that. My E550 is fully loaded with P2, pan. roof, etc., but I feel a bit short-changed when I look at some Hyundais and see not only the same features but other features in those cars that I can't even get as an option in my car -- such as head's up display for the Nav...
I think the point that the OP was making is that Mercedes needs to offer more features and generally take things up a notch in terms of what they offer in cars that cost as much as they do. When you can buy a Ford or Hyundai with more features than an E class, something is wrong. Heated seats, parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, etc., are no longer "luxury" features. Mercedes needs to take their game up a few notches.
At the end this will be good for us all! SO there's no arguing the point that the auto industry is getting more competitive and offer more. We just need our favorite German brand to not fall behind and indeed stay ahead of everyone else to justify what we pay.
Apart from all that I find it interesting that you took the time to comment on a "BS thread"
I think the point the OP was trying to make is that a while ago, luxury cars were distinct because of the high-end features that they offered and they were not available in less expensive cars.
The point the OP made was that now you have to get a very well loaded Mercedes E class (face it, most cars are not loaded to the brim with options) to match the features of the Ford Focus. I tend to agree with that. My E550 is fully loaded with P2, pan. roof, etc., but I feel a bit short-changed when I look at some Hyundais and see not only the same features but other features in those cars that I can't even get as an option in my car -- such as head's up display for the Nav...
I think the point that the OP was making is that Mercedes needs to offer more features and generally take things up a notch in terms of what they offer in cars that cost as much as they do. When you can buy a Ford or Hyundai with more features than an E class, something is wrong. Heated seats, parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, etc., are no longer "luxury" features. Mercedes needs to take their game up a few notches.
At the end this will be good for us all! SO there's no arguing the point that the auto industry is getting more competitive and offer more. We just need our favorite German brand to not fall behind and indeed stay ahead of everyone else to justify what we pay.
Apart from all that I find it interesting that you took the time to comment on a "BS thread"
saved me some typing, exactly what i was going to say.
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w212 E550
Thank you sir!
Yes, my car is kind of a XXth Anniversary edition of the very first car I could call my own. An all black Olds Starfire 2 door hardtop with an all-red interior.
I wrote "XXth" not because I don't want anyone to know how old I am, but because I can't bring myself to admit it.
Anyway, if you're healthy, age is as they say just a number; it evaporates quickly when I step on the gas of this slick "pillarless coupe." MB-speak for two door hardtop. What goes around comes around.
Yes, my car is kind of a XXth Anniversary edition of the very first car I could call my own. An all black Olds Starfire 2 door hardtop with an all-red interior.
I wrote "XXth" not because I don't want anyone to know how old I am, but because I can't bring myself to admit it.
Anyway, if you're healthy, age is as they say just a number; it evaporates quickly when I step on the gas of this slick "pillarless coupe." MB-speak for two door hardtop. What goes around comes around.
.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I recently test drove a Hyundai Elantra Limited. Leather seats and heated front AND rear seats. Damn fine vehicle. Solid as a rock, rattle free, decent stereo, voice command, navigation, the works. I was so impressed I purchased one for my sixteen year old. We also test drove the Focus. She liked the Hyundai better, and, in all honesty, I had to agree with her. The Focus has a bit better power train, but, the Elantra has delivered over 30 mpg with its 1.8 liter and six speed automatic. We actually saw 43 mpg (according to the trip computer) on the highway. It is rated for 40mpg. Not sure who Hyundai is benchmarking, but, the Elantra is one kickass little sedan. Bluetooth, Voice commands, satellite radio, steering wheel controls, fantastic iPod integration, power everything, great navigation, 19,800 taxed, tagged and down the road. What's not to like?
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
The Elantra is compelling for its class indeed, and like any Hyundai, is going above and beyond in the features and frills departments to nab away market share, however my knock against the Elantra is simply in its styling. For a 16 year old it's probably cute and funky, but IMO they look pretty bad. Not to say the Focus is an attractive car necessarily, but it looks more "mature" and is a more solid design, IMO. Both do make compelling cases for the price, however.
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From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
FWIW – Consumer Reports Latest Ratings:
Small cars with auto trans. (16 listed):
Elantra #2, Score 80
Focus #10, Score 68
Upscale sedans (15 listed)
Hyundai Genesis 3.8 #1, Score 92, among the higher scores of any type vehicle tested.
Luxury sedans (22 listed)
Mercedes E350 Blue-Tec #5, Score 89
Hyundai Genesis 4.6 #6, Score 87
Mercedes E350 Gas #14, Score 79.
There are other categories. I could go on. I won’t.
To sum up, CR loves the newer Hyundai vehicles. After a rocky start, there now does appear to be genuine value in the marq.
I know, I know already. And I agree with you. Please don’t shoot the messenger! Just FYI.
I will continue to put most MB vehicles at the top of my own list, for many reasons.
Small cars with auto trans. (16 listed):
Elantra #2, Score 80
Focus #10, Score 68
Upscale sedans (15 listed)
Hyundai Genesis 3.8 #1, Score 92, among the higher scores of any type vehicle tested.
Luxury sedans (22 listed)
Mercedes E350 Blue-Tec #5, Score 89
Hyundai Genesis 4.6 #6, Score 87
Mercedes E350 Gas #14, Score 79.
There are other categories. I could go on. I won’t.
To sum up, CR loves the newer Hyundai vehicles. After a rocky start, there now does appear to be genuine value in the marq.
I know, I know already. And I agree with you. Please don’t shoot the messenger! Just FYI.
I will continue to put most MB vehicles at the top of my own list, for many reasons.
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From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
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E350 Coupe
As someone who is getting very close to those Bucket List years my E350 Coupe was a Bucket List purchase. I had never owned a Mercedes. Prior to going with MB I went through a buy American only period where I drove Cadillacs. First purchase was a white diamond Eldorado. I can garantee you that the Ford Focus, Hyundai anything will absoutely never make my list.
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From: ChiTown
06 Carrera4
The way i see it, it’s easy to follow.
Sure you get all the options in a Nissan and Ford these days, but only when they are dirt cheap to make and cheap to purchase a patent on.
Benz had Cell phones in cars since the 80s. Electric ride control that Cadillac is so eager to point out came and went in the 90s. Keyless go also started in 90s. Bluetooth connectivity was available in my 2001 C Class. Benz had spent allot of money on R&D on everything that goes in their cars and always have it years before anyone else. Sure you can get all the same options in a cheaper car these days, but i chose to go with car manufacturer that actually prides itself on coming up with things for themselves and not just purchasing the technology from someone.
Im sure i will have some people saying i don’t know what im talking about as Benz didn’t do this first or purchased that from somewhere..... and i will not dispute as i do not have all of the facts... but a general statement I think still stands.
If ford would make a car for 20 grand that looked as appealing to me as benz or even some BMWs and drove like one I would not hesitate to look in to it. Just because your car can park itself is not going to win me over. And by the way Lexus had it firs I believe.
I do like the look of some of the new fords that are coming out, but that’s because they look like Austin Martin.
I would rather enjoy the feel and drive of a basic Benz or BMW than fully loaded corolla, focus or altima.
Sure you get all the options in a Nissan and Ford these days, but only when they are dirt cheap to make and cheap to purchase a patent on.
Benz had Cell phones in cars since the 80s. Electric ride control that Cadillac is so eager to point out came and went in the 90s. Keyless go also started in 90s. Bluetooth connectivity was available in my 2001 C Class. Benz had spent allot of money on R&D on everything that goes in their cars and always have it years before anyone else. Sure you can get all the same options in a cheaper car these days, but i chose to go with car manufacturer that actually prides itself on coming up with things for themselves and not just purchasing the technology from someone.
Im sure i will have some people saying i don’t know what im talking about as Benz didn’t do this first or purchased that from somewhere..... and i will not dispute as i do not have all of the facts... but a general statement I think still stands.
If ford would make a car for 20 grand that looked as appealing to me as benz or even some BMWs and drove like one I would not hesitate to look in to it. Just because your car can park itself is not going to win me over. And by the way Lexus had it firs I believe.
I do like the look of some of the new fords that are coming out, but that’s because they look like Austin Martin.
I would rather enjoy the feel and drive of a basic Benz or BMW than fully loaded corolla, focus or altima.
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
The thing about Features/frills are that they take the attention away from the CAR. People will buy cars for the tech in it, which is ridiculous, as those are simple add ons to a core piece of equipment and design. I do need what I need (or want/require), but I'm pretty simple in that regard. The more "stuff" a car has on it, the worse a candidate it is for the long haul. As tech-heavy cars age, their resale is worse than simplified ones, as nobody wants to touch a car with Air suspension, or going forward, digital speedo displays (a'la W221, not gonna be pretty when those go out). A 2011 E350 with a non D/I motor, no F/I, and a relative to its competitors, higher concentration on lasting value and durability (and let's say, less tech-feature heavy), will be a more friendly and sensical purchase to someone who wants to keep a car for a long time. That concept is becoming a lost art in automotive land.
Also, it is true about M-B introducing so much. Keyless Go, the friggin' SEATBELT AND AIRBAGS for f's sake. M-B has like over a million patents on automobiles, many of which they never collected royalties on, for the goodness of "safety for all", i.e Seatbelts, Airbags, etc.
Also, it is true about M-B introducing so much. Keyless Go, the friggin' SEATBELT AND AIRBAGS for f's sake. M-B has like over a million patents on automobiles, many of which they never collected royalties on, for the goodness of "safety for all", i.e Seatbelts, Airbags, etc.
Last edited by K-A; May 14, 2012 at 02:15 PM.
