Am I the only E300 owner who's extremely disappointed?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
2009 C300 Sport, 2017 E300 Sport
Today while listening to a song, a tone came through the stereo system. It was a solid tone lasting multiple seconds, similar to a 1K Hz test tone, maybe slightly lower in frequently. Regardless, it was very concerning, seemed like an electronic malfunction.
No, this wasn't the alert notification or pay attention warning. I was stopped at a red light when it happened. I have never heard this before from any of my other cars, it was new, odd, and concerning.
No, this wasn't the alert notification or pay attention warning. I was stopped at a red light when it happened. I have never heard this before from any of my other cars, it was new, odd, and concerning.
I've read all of your posts and feel sorry for your experience. This is also my 4th Mercedes and have had a completely different experience.
I can see why they removed the CD player from the car. TBH I have never used the CD player in any of my past cars. Everything now a days is digital.
As far as the engine goes. 4-cylinders paired with a turbo is basically the new V6. Yeah it might have less horse power but the torque makes up for it. The result is a car just as quick as the past generation E350. If you were looking for a car with more power then I would've waited for the E43.
In my opinion I feel like this car is the safest I have ever driven. You always know what's going on.
As far as the COMMAND system goes, the experience is incredible. Yeah it might be advanced but what do you expect? This certainly isn't a Toyota Camry we're talking about.
Now these are just MY opinions of the car. To each his own. But comparing this car to other German luxuries is day and night.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
CD is a dying format. A techie would abhore a bulky cd in favor of a thumb drive.
Re the 4 cylinder, I have driven it and yup, it's plenty torquey but also somewhat peaky. I've only driven the 4 with the 7 speed. I can imagine that with a 9 speed, some of that peakiness would vanish.
Re the 4 cylinder, I have driven it and yup, it's plenty torquey but also somewhat peaky. I've only driven the 4 with the 7 speed. I can imagine that with a 9 speed, some of that peakiness would vanish.
Last edited by Zavato; Oct 21, 2016 at 08:23 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
So a techie wants a CD player, didn't bother to test drive the car, nor read any of the 20 or so articles written about the new E Class which states its a 4 cylinder in the first paragraph of all of those articles. It's also listed prominently on the window sticker.
The Command issues are on MB, but the rest of your "issues" can be blamed on your complete lack of detail in choosing a car.
The Command issues are on MB, but the rest of your "issues" can be blamed on your complete lack of detail in choosing a car.
Last edited by Mike450; Oct 20, 2016 at 09:15 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 344
Likes: 45
From: Florida & New Jersey
2017 E300 4matic Sport
Good to hear a positive view. I would appreciate to hear what you like about the new E.
Just ordered one and the tone of this thread was making me doubt my decision. I had the use of a loaner for 4 days and I enjoyed the ride. I ordered the car soon thereafter. Power was fine. The dash display for the Command system is incredible. Nice safety features.
Had to order the car because I do not want the stupid illuminated star in the grill nor the comfort box (takes up too much space in the trunk) which so many in stock cars have.
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Down Unda
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
Good to hear a positive view. I would appreciate to hear what you like about the new E.
Just ordered one and the tone of this thread was making me doubt my decision. I had the use of a loaner for 4 days and I enjoyed the ride. I ordered the car soon thereafter. Power was fine. The dash display for the Command system is incredible. Nice safety features.
Had to order the car because I do not want the stupid illuminated star in the grill nor the comfort box (takes up too much space in the trunk) which so many in stock cars have.
Just ordered one and the tone of this thread was making me doubt my decision. I had the use of a loaner for 4 days and I enjoyed the ride. I ordered the car soon thereafter. Power was fine. The dash display for the Command system is incredible. Nice safety features.
Had to order the car because I do not want the stupid illuminated star in the grill nor the comfort box (takes up too much space in the trunk) which so many in stock cars have.
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From: Cary, NC
2024 AMG EQE SUV , 2021 E63S Wagon - gone, 2018 E63S Sedan - gone
Good to hear a positive view. I would appreciate to hear what you like about the new E.
Just ordered one and the tone of this thread was making me doubt my decision. I had the use of a loaner for 4 days and I enjoyed the ride. I ordered the car soon thereafter. Power was fine. The dash display for the Command system is incredible. Nice safety features.
Had to order the car because I do not want the stupid illuminated star in the grill nor the comfort box (takes up too much space in the trunk) which so many in stock cars have.
Just ordered one and the tone of this thread was making me doubt my decision. I had the use of a loaner for 4 days and I enjoyed the ride. I ordered the car soon thereafter. Power was fine. The dash display for the Command system is incredible. Nice safety features.
Had to order the car because I do not want the stupid illuminated star in the grill nor the comfort box (takes up too much space in the trunk) which so many in stock cars have.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
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E 350
So a techie wants a CD player, didn't bother to test drive the car, nor read any of the 20 or so articles written about the new E Class which states its a 4 cylinder in the first paragraph of all of those articles. It's also listed prominently on the window sticker. The Command issues are on MB, but the rest of your "issues" can be blamed on your complete lack of detail in choosing a car.
To the OP. Try to concentrate on the positive aspects of the car and if you get no joy out of it, cut your losses while the car is still new and trade it for another one you prefer. Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 344
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From: Florida & New Jersey
2017 E300 4matic Sport
As you said, I can always order one afterwards.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
2017 E300
CD is a dying format. A techie would abhore a bulky cd in favor of a thumb drive.
Re the 4 cylinder, I have driven it and yup, it's plenty torquey but also somewhat peaky. I've only driven the 4 with the 7 speed. I can imagine that with a 9 speed, some of that perkiness would vanish.
Re the 4 cylinder, I have driven it and yup, it's plenty torquey but also somewhat peaky. I've only driven the 4 with the 7 speed. I can imagine that with a 9 speed, some of that perkiness would vanish.
I actually don't have a problem with the lack of CD player, but I was caught by surprise as I have used the rip to hard drive feature on previous cars. I have used a SD card for the previous two cars.
I actually don't have a huge problem with the engine either, although it does not perform as well as my 2014 E350, IMO.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
2017 E300
Good to hear a positive view. I would appreciate to hear what you like about the new E.
Just ordered one and the tone of this thread was making me doubt my decision. I had the use of a loaner for 4 days and I enjoyed the ride. I ordered the car soon thereafter. Power was fine. The dash display for the Command system is incredible. Nice safety features.
Had to order the car because I do not want the stupid illuminated star in the grill nor the comfort box (takes up too much space in the trunk) which so many in stock cars have.
Just ordered one and the tone of this thread was making me doubt my decision. I had the use of a loaner for 4 days and I enjoyed the ride. I ordered the car soon thereafter. Power was fine. The dash display for the Command system is incredible. Nice safety features.
Had to order the car because I do not want the stupid illuminated star in the grill nor the comfort box (takes up too much space in the trunk) which so many in stock cars have.
I just encourage others to listen objectively to my concerns, look for the challenges, and decide for yourself if they are a big deal to you or not. The simple things that you could be before with a push of a button have been lost, and it truly can be distracting to the driver. I actually found myself veering into another lane today changing a song, it truly is distracting, this is a simple thing and it shouldn't be that hard.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
2017 E300
Also, try to have your spouse or kid change the song or station while you're driving. Honestly, just try it.
They both complain about it frequently, and besides one incident with my wife, they aren't really aware of my concerns. I've been trying the fake it until you make it approach while trying to get rid of it.
They both complain about it frequently, and besides one incident with my wife, they aren't really aware of my concerns. I've been trying the fake it until you make it approach while trying to get rid of it.
Last edited by Stephen Lee; Oct 21, 2016 at 08:18 PM. Reason: Fixed typo
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
Likes: 99
From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
Modern cars have a learning curve. FWIW it took me two days of driving to master 90% of the features of my W212. Back in the day when I owned a late 70's Celica, took me 3 minutes. Price of progress.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 515
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
I think you mean 8 track- lived through those too, or maybe you did mean four track as in Stereo Pak. They were terrible. But yes, I had to have an 8 track deck. Cassettes where much superior. 8 track was a mechanically compromised system from the start which guaranteed eventual tape problem from stretching (a certainty) to outright failure (quite possible)
Last edited by Zavato; Oct 21, 2016 at 08:28 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
2017 E300
As of today, I've had the car for 60 days, and my opinion hasn't gotten better despite my best efforts; if anything, I've added more concerns to my list. Trust me, I wish I didn't feel the way that I did.
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I think you mean 8 track- lived through those too, or maybe you did mean four track as in Stereo Pak. They were terrible. But yes, I had to have an 8 track deck. Cassettes where much superior. 8 track was a mechanically compromised system from the start which guaranteed eventual tape problem from stretching (a certainty) to outright failure (quite possible)
I did mean that 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
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E 350
I think I've been pretty clear on what my intentions are, including trying to get rid of my vehicle and the reasons for my decision. I'm working this through multiple channels. As of today, I've had the car for 60 days, and my opinion hasn't gotten better despite my best efforts; if anything, I've added more concerns to my list. Trust me, I wish I didn't feel the way that I did.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,073
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From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
FWIW, most people only listen to a handful of radio stations, which are saved as presents. Once they are in the car, you can push the middle button of the touch controller, looks like a folder, and it will instantly bring up a new radio station menu (and disappear shortly), where you can swipe left or right to change stations.
I agree the new COMAND has a steep learning curve, but that is the price to pay for those beautiful graphics. I do miss the dial pad on previous mercedes. Easy to call someone and change stations.
I agree the new COMAND has a steep learning curve, but that is the price to pay for those beautiful graphics. I do miss the dial pad on previous mercedes. Easy to call someone and change stations.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 344
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From: Florida & New Jersey
2017 E300 4matic Sport
Mercedes has put its most advanced technologies into the E. Soon the other models and brands will follow. Change is hard and with a little homework, it will become more intuitive.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
One can read and commit to memory every aspect of the operating manual. That doesn't mean the logic was well designed or intuitive to use or have ease of use as a priority. Hopefully it is well designed. In my book a well designed interphase should be intuitive to use and one should be able to figure it out without a manual, no secret handshakes needed. Regards. Ned.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
I still dont think the new COMAND needs a read of the manual if you are familiar with the previous COMAND from MB. As long as you understand the three tiered sections of the screen, as well as the main categories on the top, you should be able to figure it out.
