2011 E350 4Matic ownership experience
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2011 E350 4Matic ownership experience
My previous car was a 2010 E350 Coupe which I truly hated for its brutal ride. After two years I traded it for a 2011 E350 4Matic Sedan.
After another two years I am ready to sell the sedan too and this will be the final good-bye to Mercedes. I am still undecided what I am going to get. I don't really care as long as it has a comfortable seat and a comfortable ride.
My 2011 E350 4Matic review:
PROS
After four years of putting up with MB I have a craving for a comfortable car. I could put it this way: I want my life back.
These are the features I want in my next car:
Comfortable seats
After another two years I am ready to sell the sedan too and this will be the final good-bye to Mercedes. I am still undecided what I am going to get. I don't really care as long as it has a comfortable seat and a comfortable ride.
My 2011 E350 4Matic review:
PROS
- It has been reliable. No problems. Only routine maintenance.
- Good sound system; the heated seats and steering wheel are nice in the winter
- The big one: the ride is harsh. The smallest road imperfection results in a direct hit to your frame. Driving this car is a process of taking a non-stop beating.
- The seat has about a thousand setting combinations. Only one is missing: the “Comfortable”. This is the most uncomfortable car seat I ever sat in (ignoring the coupe's seat which is basically a wooden bench). I don't think I had a single comfortable moment in that seat in two years. Out of curiosity I test drove an E550 with air suspension and dynamic seat – it is just as bad, both the ride and the seat.
- The rain sensing wiper usually wipes too slow but occasionally starts wiping frantically for no particular reason, startling the driver. Worse, there is no manual intermittent setting. “Stuttgart knows best” and the driver is not to be trusted with making his own decisions.
- There are small things like: the cup holder insert in the central console is a cheap piece of hard plastic. The fingers rattle whenever a cup is in it. Honestly, don't these people have shame? Anything you can find in a Hyundai is better than this.
- The “floating dial” of the speedometer is impossible to read. It is small and blends in with the gray & white color scheme.
- The wipers squeak. The old wipers did; the brand new Bosh wipers do. Nothing helps.
After four years of putting up with MB I have a craving for a comfortable car. I could put it this way: I want my life back.
These are the features I want in my next car:
Comfortable seats
- Comfortable ride
- No low profile tires
- No “sport” anything
- No rain sensors
- No “attention assist”
- Door that doesn't chime when I open it (I am willing to pay extra for this)
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 580
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From: Maryland
2013 E550 4Matic
2006 LS430 Ultra Luxury (or any newer LS, really, but not older than 2005 for that generation of LS)... had more features back then than my 2011 E350 with P1 (like a cassette player!). And the people who buy those cars (look for 1 owner) tend to take care of them. The seats were like clouds, the air suspension was soft. The Ultra Luxury trim is a must, otherwise just get a Camry. I considered trading my E350 for one of those, but ended up keeping the E.
As far as "comfortable" goes, Lexus is better than MB and BMW.
As far as "comfortable" goes, Lexus is better than MB and BMW.
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2019 E300
Das Rattlebox, how about a 1990 Lincoln Town Car, very comfortable ride, the front seats are more comfortable than your living room couch, no rain sensing wipers, no floating dial.......
Last edited by The G Man; Mar 31, 2016 at 08:46 AM.
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
My previous car was a 2010 E350 Coupe which I truly hated for its brutal ride. After two years I traded it for a 2011 E350 4Matic Sedan.
After another two years I am ready to sell the sedan too and this will be the final good-bye to Mercedes. I am still undecided what I am going to get. I don't really care as long as it has a comfortable seat and a comfortable ride.
My 2011 E350 4Matic review:
PROS
These are the features I want in my next car:
Comfortable seats
After another two years I am ready to sell the sedan too and this will be the final good-bye to Mercedes. I am still undecided what I am going to get. I don't really care as long as it has a comfortable seat and a comfortable ride.
My 2011 E350 4Matic review:
PROS
- It has been reliable. No problems. Only routine maintenance.
- Good sound system; the heated seats and steering wheel are nice in the winter
- The big one: the ride is harsh. The smallest road imperfection results in a direct hit to your frame. Driving this car is a process of taking a non-stop beating.
- The seat has about a thousand setting combinations. Only one is missing: the “Comfortable”. This is the most uncomfortable car seat I ever sat in (ignoring the coupe's seat which is basically a wooden bench). I don't think I had a single comfortable moment in that seat in two years. Out of curiosity I test drove an E550 with air suspension and dynamic seat – it is just as bad, both the ride and the seat.
- The rain sensing wiper usually wipes too slow but occasionally starts wiping frantically for no particular reason, startling the driver. Worse, there is no manual intermittent setting. “Stuttgart knows best” and the driver is not to be trusted with making his own decisions.
- There are small things like: the cup holder insert in the central console is a cheap piece of hard plastic. The fingers rattle whenever a cup is in it. Honestly, don't these people have shame? Anything you can find in a Hyundai is better than this.
- The “floating dial” of the speedometer is impossible to read. It is small and blends in with the gray & white color scheme.
- The wipers squeak. The old wipers did; the brand new Bosh wipers do. Nothing helps.
These are the features I want in my next car:
Comfortable seats
- Comfortable ride
- No low profile tires
- No “sport” anything
- No rain sensors
- No “attention assist”
- Door that doesn't chime when I open it (I am willing to pay extra for this)
Get a Lincoln, a new one.
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2011 E350 Sport 4Matic
[*]The rain sensing wiper usually wipes too slow but occasionally starts wiping frantically for no particular reason, startling the driver. Worse, there is no manual intermittent setting. “Stuttgart knows best” and the driver is not to be trusted with making his own decisions.
The ride on the sports package is definitely not soft, but I love how it looks, so I'm willing to sacrifice. Sadly I live in a neighborhood in MD with 3rd world quality roads, so I feel the bumps every day.
I think seats and speedometer are very much personal preference, and I can't say I feel like you do, but that's just me. What I'd really like is a W212 exterior with a W213 interior.
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Junior Member
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Likes: 4
2010 e350 4matic with P1 and Luxury packages
I had to laugh at this, bc I have the same model and year and have experienced it many times. Sometimes they just freak out. Also sometimes they won't stop even when no rain (I think it's fogging of the window outside the sensor that causes this).
The ride on the sports package is definitely not soft, but I love how it looks, so I'm willing to sacrifice. Sadly I live in a neighborhood in MD with 3rd world quality roads, so I feel the bumps every day.
I think seats and speedometer are very much personal preference, and I can't say I feel like you do, but that's just me. What I'd really like is a W212 exterior with a W213 interior.
The ride on the sports package is definitely not soft, but I love how it looks, so I'm willing to sacrifice. Sadly I live in a neighborhood in MD with 3rd world quality roads, so I feel the bumps every day.
I think seats and speedometer are very much personal preference, and I can't say I feel like you do, but that's just me. What I'd really like is a W212 exterior with a W213 interior.
Last edited by Salacak; Mar 31, 2016 at 09:47 PM.
Thread Starter
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I believe that we will see them making a return as the current idiotic obsession with the "sport sedan" passes.
Thanks for all the comments.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
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2012 E-350
These are the features I want in my next car:
Comfortable seats
- Comfortable ride
- No low profile tires
[*]No “sport” anything - No rain sensors
- No “attention assist”
- Door that doesn't chime when I open it (I am willing to pay extra for this)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
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From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
I've never seen someone complain so much about the seats and ride on an E350. I think you need an SUV on air ride or the before mentioned 88 Cadillac. If anything, most people complain the suspension is soft on that car, looking for something a little more sporty (compare BMW, Audi).
My first drive in the E550 sport was a 1000mi trip, and I never felt fatigue from the seat at all. They aren't the softest, but they seem to support right. I really wish I had the side support of the dynamic seat upgrade. The normal ones just don't hug enough for spirited driving, made for fat people or something.
My first drive in the E550 sport was a 1000mi trip, and I never felt fatigue from the seat at all. They aren't the softest, but they seem to support right. I really wish I had the side support of the dynamic seat upgrade. The normal ones just don't hug enough for spirited driving, made for fat people or something.
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Upon the advice of a long time MB owner I test drove both the luxury and sport versions when I was shopping. Dramatic difference in the ride quality with the luxury due to comfort suspension and 17" wheels. 17" wheels have larger sidewalls and this increases comfortable ride.
However, the best riding, most comfortable car I tested was a Lexus LS460 ($10K more than E). The E350 was not too bad, but sort of mid-way between MB and LS. The Lexus ES is based on the Toyota Avalon platform and it is supposedly pretty comfortable. Unfortunately LS prices have really gone up compared to MB E Class.
My wife has a 2014 Nissan Rogue and it rides better and is quieter than my "E."
Never had a problem with my auto wipers. There are two settings for slow and faster. They will speed up as rain increases.
However, the best riding, most comfortable car I tested was a Lexus LS460 ($10K more than E). The E350 was not too bad, but sort of mid-way between MB and LS. The Lexus ES is based on the Toyota Avalon platform and it is supposedly pretty comfortable. Unfortunately LS prices have really gone up compared to MB E Class.
My wife has a 2014 Nissan Rogue and it rides better and is quieter than my "E."
Never had a problem with my auto wipers. There are two settings for slow and faster. They will speed up as rain increases.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 48
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2010 e350 4matic with P1 and Luxury packages
Upon the advice of a long time MB owner I test drove both the luxury and sport versions when I was shopping. Dramatic difference in the ride quality with the luxury due to comfort suspension and 17" wheels. 17" wheels have larger sidewalls and this increases comfortable ride.
However, the best riding, most comfortable car I tested was a Lexus LS460 ($10K more than E). The E350 was not too bad, but sort of mid-way between MB and LS. The Lexus ES is based on the Toyota Avalon platform and it is supposedly pretty comfortable. Unfortunately LS prices have really gone up compared to MB E Class.
My wife has a 2014 Nissan Rogue and it rides better and is quieter than my "E."
Never had a problem with my auto wipers. There are two settings for slow and faster. They will speed up as rain increases.
However, the best riding, most comfortable car I tested was a Lexus LS460 ($10K more than E). The E350 was not too bad, but sort of mid-way between MB and LS. The Lexus ES is based on the Toyota Avalon platform and it is supposedly pretty comfortable. Unfortunately LS prices have really gone up compared to MB E Class.
My wife has a 2014 Nissan Rogue and it rides better and is quieter than my "E."
Never had a problem with my auto wipers. There are two settings for slow and faster. They will speed up as rain increases.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 264
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From: OKC, OK
2022 GLE 450;
I go with the others here - you need a Lincoln.
Its all a matter of perspective. My 335i with run flats is a fairly firm but acceptable ride but the E350 is like a soft sloppy boat in comparison (and I have the 'sport' model)and the seats are pretty soft as well. If cupholders are important, again the Mercedes has much better more usable ones than stupid cupholder arms in BMW. I am positive you do not want a BMW if you think the E350 has a rough ride.
The softest ride I've ever seen was in a Lincoln Town car. From what you are describing you need in a car, I think that might fit. Good luck.
Its all a matter of perspective. My 335i with run flats is a fairly firm but acceptable ride but the E350 is like a soft sloppy boat in comparison (and I have the 'sport' model)and the seats are pretty soft as well. If cupholders are important, again the Mercedes has much better more usable ones than stupid cupholder arms in BMW. I am positive you do not want a BMW if you think the E350 has a rough ride.
The softest ride I've ever seen was in a Lincoln Town car. From what you are describing you need in a car, I think that might fit. Good luck.
Last edited by Diamond White W212; Apr 10, 2016 at 07:59 PM.
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Occured to me that you are probably on the wrong forum for a really comfortable car in the E class siaz and price range. European cars are seldom among the most comfortable as they also want sporty, firm handling.
Buick is coming out with a new LaCrosse for 2017 and Lincoln is coming out with a new Continental soon.
Buick is coming out with a new LaCrosse for 2017 and Lincoln is coming out with a new Continental soon.
Thread Starter
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Upon the advice of a long time MB owner I test drove both the luxury and sport versions when I was shopping. Dramatic difference in the ride quality with the luxury due to comfort suspension and 17" wheels. 17" wheels have larger sidewalls and this increases comfortable ride.
However, the best riding, most comfortable car I tested was a Lexus LS460 ($10K more than E). The E350 was not too bad, but sort of mid-way between MB and LS. The Lexus ES is based on the Toyota Avalon platform and it is supposedly pretty comfortable. Unfortunately LS prices have really gone up compared to MB E Class.
My wife has a 2014 Nissan Rogue and it rides better and is quieter than my "E."
However, the best riding, most comfortable car I tested was a Lexus LS460 ($10K more than E). The E350 was not too bad, but sort of mid-way between MB and LS. The Lexus ES is based on the Toyota Avalon platform and it is supposedly pretty comfortable. Unfortunately LS prices have really gone up compared to MB E Class.
My wife has a 2014 Nissan Rogue and it rides better and is quieter than my "E."
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2015
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Occured to me that you are probably on the wrong forum for a really comfortable car in the E class siaz and price range. European cars are seldom among the most comfortable as they also want sporty, firm handling.
Buick is coming out with a new LaCrosse for 2017 and Lincoln is coming out with a new Continental soon.
Buick is coming out with a new LaCrosse for 2017 and Lincoln is coming out with a new Continental soon.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2015
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I go with the others here - you need a Lincoln.
Its all a matter of perspective. My 335i with run flats is a fairly firm but acceptable ride but the E350 is like a soft sloppy boat in comparison (and I have the 'sport' model)and the seats are pretty soft as well. If cupholders are important, again the Mercedes has much better more usable ones than stupid cupholder arms in BMW. I am positive you do not want a BMW if you think the E350 has a rough ride.
The softest ride I've ever seen was in a Lincoln Town car. From what you are describing you need it a car, I think that might fit. Good luck.
Its all a matter of perspective. My 335i with run flats is a fairly firm but acceptable ride but the E350 is like a soft sloppy boat in comparison (and I have the 'sport' model)and the seats are pretty soft as well. If cupholders are important, again the Mercedes has much better more usable ones than stupid cupholder arms in BMW. I am positive you do not want a BMW if you think the E350 has a rough ride.
The softest ride I've ever seen was in a Lincoln Town car. From what you are describing you need it a car, I think that might fit. Good luck.
I'm not so sure about BMW because I did test drive the F10 528 and 535 and both rode better (softer) than my E350.
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This is always an easy point to make, but you know, a test drive is a tricky thing. Driving on good roads around the dealership, with a salesman talking BS into your ear is different from driving "real life". Plus I was desperately trying to get rid of my E-class coupé and anything would ride better than that.
But, doing more due diligence is a good point. I will not buy another car again (new car anyway) before I can rent that model for a day or two.
But, doing more due diligence is a good point. I will not buy another car again (new car anyway) before I can rent that model for a day or two.
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E 350
This is always an easy point to make, but you know, a test drive is a tricky thing. Driving on good roads around the dealership, with a salesman talking BS into your ear is different from driving "real life". Plus I was desperately trying to get rid of my E-class coupé and anything would ride better than that.
But, doing more due diligence is a good point. I will not buy another car again (new car anyway) before I can rent that model for a day or two.
But, doing more due diligence is a good point. I will not buy another car again (new car anyway) before I can rent that model for a day or two.
When I was shopping for the E class I test drove both the sport and luxury versions. Couldn't tell any difference but I was completely overwhelmed with driving my possible first Benz
. Both felt so solid and quiet. There are so many features which I got confused between the two models. I also agree with someone's comment earlier that the Lincoln Towncar is the quietest and plushest car I have ever ridden in (even though as NY cabs).
