c4004matic

The E43 is truly a masterpiece. I finally had the opportunity to take the car for a wonderful 1000 mile drive that included long highway drives, heavy city traffic, grueling traffic jams and everything in between. The car acquitted itself spectacularly in all elements. On the highway it basically wafts effortlessly at any speed even in 50 mph gusting winds. The drive pilot works almost flawlessly eliminating the tedium of hours of constant driving. On the always frustrating bumper to bumper Chicago traffic jams its more effective than any anxiolytic, just set it and forget it, all you are left to do is watch for lane jumpers, the system will take care of the rest. The ride is compliant and comfortable even on the worst of Chicago's often pockmarked pavement, never harsh and always in tight control. Power is never an issue, there is always an abundance of available reserve thrust even in eco mode.
Every control interface works with "precision fluidity". The transmission functions flawlessly with a level dexterity that approaches prescience.
If you want to cavort, its more than willing, providing the surefootedness of a fullback slicing through a defensive line avoiding tacklers along the way. In summary, this is from all perspective among the best if not the best sport/luxury sedan ever made. I've been driving for almost 40 years and have and have yet to experience a more thoroughly complete and satisfying car. Truly the "Best or Nothing". Thank you!

petee1997

Thanks for reinforcing my decision. I ordered two of these sight unseen.

HBerman

Are you at least getting a reasonable discount? I'm quite satisfied with my E300 with P3, air body control, and acoustic package. Spending an additional 8k (USD) for a 6-cyl engine doesn't seem worth it to me when all of the options on the E43 are available without the engine. I've got 9k miles on my vehicle now and it is certainly a pleasure to drive. Totally quiet inside.

Benzinini

Okay , you are almost beginning to sound like a salesman Glad you are enjoying your ride. I still think it's way overpriced for what it is. Probably why I've only seen one on the road since it's release. I'm sure it's a nice car as I think the E300 is just as nice with a wimpier engine. I wonder how it's being received by the AMG forum?

c4004matic

True, that is if you take a 300 add every avalable option and give almost twice the power, in that light its a steal

petee1997

I have been buying my cars from the same MB dealer since 1983. We established a discount formula a long time ago and this applies to anything I buy regardless of how tight the allocations are.
I bought the E43's because with all the options, it was only about 4K more than a comparatively equipped E400. This was based on 2017 prices. I should get this back when I trade these cars in two or three years plus I may have a better driver experience. In the end, it's all subjective. For most of us, we will never use the extra power and it will all be for naught.

HBerman

I understand. I also have an arrangement with my dealer. My E63s will be $1500 over invoice.

c4004matic

What kind of arrangement is this? No one will give you 20K worth of extras for 1.5K on a new brand new model. On the AMG models P3 is 7K, carbon brakes 5k, Designo paint 4k, 3d burmester 4k, etc. That doesn't even scratch the additional 63 model AMG options. Most preffered dealer deals are at best 10% break. The majority of E 63's will be around 120K. Heck they might even stick it with an additional charge just because they can if the waiting list starts getting real long.

ua549

IIRC the employee discount in the US is ~12%. I usually get close to 10%. That said, dealer margins are lower than they used to be. I'm hoping for 8% on my '18 E300.

arnsbrae

I think what I appreciate most about this post is the imaginative use of language - very refreshing!

c4004matic

Something had to stick from 13 years of post graduate education!
BTW there is one spelling/concordance error, I never did learn how to type worth a lick.

HBerman

No clue about what you are saying. I always pay 1500 over the invoice for the total vehicle. Did you assume just the base car? The C63s that I cancelled last year had the same arrangement with my dealer. Sorry if that is a problem for you, but it is the arrangement​ I have had for the past 14 years.

Enjoy your ride.

dieseldoc

Good for you. Your dealer values your as a customer!

c4004matic

You mean "under" not "over". Right? Thats the confusion. That would make more sense, ergo he's giving you a 1500 dollar loyalty bonus.

petee1997

What is so hard to understand? There is MSRP=retail price and dealer invoice is the dealer billing. He pays $1,500.00 over dealer billing. The dealer retains the 3% holdback.

HBerman

Nope! $1500 over the dealer invoice, NOT a loyalty discount from the MSRP! For example, my current E300 was $76,750 on the sticker, delivered in November, 2017 at $71,600. My "loyalty" kicker was a free 3-year MB maintenance contract. Here is the copy of the original order:

Code Description Price
E300W4 $54,650
992 Selenite Grey Metallic $720
201 Black Leather $1,620
K32 LED lighting
K33 Extended Restart by STOP and GO Traffic
L3C 3-spoke Multifunction Steering Wheel
PAF PAF Acoustic Comfort Package: Increased Cabin Insulation, $1,100
PAF : Acoustic & Comfort Package
596 : Infrared glass (SPC)
P03 P03 Premium 3 Package: Parking Pilot, NFC Wireless
Charging,
$10,400
P17 : Keyless Go Comfort Pack
P20 : Driving Assistance Package Plus
P21 : Air Balance Package
P35 : Lighting Package
P44 : Parking Package (RVC & Parktronic)
233 : DISTRONIC PLUS (with PRE-SAFE Brake)
235 : Parking Pilot
266 : Steering Assist for driver's assistance package
292 : PRE-SAFE Impulse Side
432 : Active Multicontour Seats
436 : Comfort Headrests/Front
463 : HEAD UP DISPLAY (HUD)
501 : Surround View Camera
513 : Speed Limit Assist
536 : SIRIUS XM Satelite Radio
540 : Power Rear-Window Sunshade
546 : Speedlimit Assist
608 : Intelligent Highbeam Control
640 : LED Intelligent Headlamps
871 : Hands-Free Access
881 : Electronic Trunk Closer
889 : KEYLESS-GO
897 : NFC Wireless Charging
902 : Heated front seats plus
RQR 18" AMG 5-Spoke Wheels
SPC Special Order $250
U80 115V AC Power Outlet $115
068 Wheel Locking bolts $150
104 Rear Deck Spoiler $350
137 Comfort Box $300
313 313 Manual Rear Side Window Sunshades (SPC) $380
P09 : Sun Protection Package Code (SPC)
313 : Manual Rear Side Window Sunshade (SPC)
322 322 Sport Wheel Package: Sport Body Styling, Mercedes-
Benz Star in
$650
P14 : Sport Interior
P15 : Sport Exterior
U29 : Perforated front brake discs & front brake calipers
772 : AMG Body Cladding
401 Heated and Ventilated Front Seats $450
413 Power Tilt / Sliding Panorama Sunroof $1,090
464 12.3" Instrument Cluster $850
489 AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension $1,900
51U Black Headliner
731 Burl Walnut Wood Trim
810 Burmester Surround Sound System $850
SUBTOTAL $75,825
DESTINATION & DELIVERY $925
TOTAL $76,750

arnsbrae

All the best mosaics have one tile out of place!

c4004matic

got it! Nice indeed!

Streamliner

Yes, BUT...........
The 3-pointed star is way too big and is not residing on top of the bonnet, where it belongs! Why MB won't bring an E400 Luxury model to the USA is a mystery. I can only hope that they are waiting for the new I6 to be available and will give us the model in 2019. Some of us don't care for the AMG Sports Pkg and much prefer our sedans to provide a softer ride and to look more traditional and less aggressive.

c4004matic

That's what the luxury line is for. Judging by sales of that particular line I don't think its going to last for long. The "flying" three pointed star had its time, just like the wheel on the trunk lid and the hank crank to start the engine. Most people don't realize that the "bonnet" ornament was there for a functional purpose, to vent steam when the car overheated, 100 yrs ago!

Streamliner

Well, tell that to all the S Class owners.

petee1997

I am looking at the msrp of Hberman's E300 and when US dollars are converted to Canadian $, this car is much more expensive than in Canada.
Example: 76,750.00 US = $101,693.00 CAN. The conversion rate is 1.00 US =1.32.5 Can.
My E43 equipped with the equivalent of P3 less the accoustic package(not available in Canada) is $92,770.00 CAN. msrp.

Surprising! Unfortunately American residents cannot buy the car for export.

ua549

Does the Canadian price include the horrendous double digit sales taxes? There is no US sales tax and zero to single digit state sales tax. I calculated that the Ontario HST is over CA$12,000. Do you know the "on the road" cost difference?

PeterUbers

Best sports sedan ever made??? Ok

c4004matic

You can buy it, the issue is the car cannot receive warranty service in the US so you would have to take it to a Canadian dealer. There is a small contingent of "just over" the border buyers that do just that.