First time poster seeking input on purchase
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First time poster seeking input on purchase
Greetings. First, thanks to previous posters to the W214 forum for the valuable info I’ve been able to obtain. I’m getting close to placing an order with our local dealer for an E450. Been searching alternatives for some time. We’ll be replacing an Infiniti Q70 AWD that we bought new seven years ago and use for our long trip road car and daily. This was Infiniti’s attempt at a large sedan that has since been discontinued. Car has been a delight with zero visits to the dealer except for scheduled service but it’s getting a bit long in the tooth and time for a change. E450 has nearly the same dimensions as the Q. My goal is to build what a previous poster referred to as a mini S. Proposed specs include: 18 inch wheels, Nappa tonka brown leather, Natural grain brown maple trim, DX2 Pinnacle, DA2 Driver assistance, DB8 Multicontour seats, DC8 Airmatic. Also, 21U Dashcam and 883 Soft close doors. Are cars are always white so Moonlight white metallic.
Any thoughts/ concerns about any of the selected options?
I’ve been reading MBW re run flats. The Infiniti has a spare. No spare does cause me some anxiety for road trips but we are AAA members so do I just get over it? Also I’ve been reading on the forum about some reliability issues with MBUX and some transmission shifting issues. Are these significant concerns? My experience with other forums is that participants are generally more discriminating about their cars than the public as a whole and those with problems speak up more frequently than those that have no issues.
Sorry for the long winded first post but thanks for reading if you made it this far!
Any thoughts/ concerns about any of the selected options?
I’ve been reading MBW re run flats. The Infiniti has a spare. No spare does cause me some anxiety for road trips but we are AAA members so do I just get over it? Also I’ve been reading on the forum about some reliability issues with MBUX and some transmission shifting issues. Are these significant concerns? My experience with other forums is that participants are generally more discriminating about their cars than the public as a whole and those with problems speak up more frequently than those that have no issues.
Sorry for the long winded first post but thanks for reading if you made it this far!
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 104
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MB E53
I can only share my own experiences and concerns. I recently returned to Mercedes-Benz (MB) after spending some time with Audi. I truly enjoyed my time with Audi, appreciating the exceptional service I received and how everyone at the dealership, from sales to service, treated me.
Although I like my new MB car, the service and support I've experienced with MB have not matched the high level I had at Audi.
I’ve faced several issues with the MBUX system, and my local dealership's service department has not provided the care I expected; in fact, they have been rude.
I even reached out to MB USA regarding the problems with MBUX, but their response was disappointing.
They essentially shifted the blame to everything but a possible flaw in Mercedes-Benz.
While I'm frustrated, I must say that aside from the MBUX shutting down on its own periodically and lacking some essential features that my Audi had, the car itself is quite good.
Although I like my new MB car, the service and support I've experienced with MB have not matched the high level I had at Audi.
I’ve faced several issues with the MBUX system, and my local dealership's service department has not provided the care I expected; in fact, they have been rude.
I even reached out to MB USA regarding the problems with MBUX, but their response was disappointing.
They essentially shifted the blame to everything but a possible flaw in Mercedes-Benz.
While I'm frustrated, I must say that aside from the MBUX shutting down on its own periodically and lacking some essential features that my Audi had, the car itself is quite good.
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 333
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From: The Middle of the Fairway
2025 E450 All Terrain Wagon, Nautical Blue Metallic, Macchiato Beige/Black Interior
Like with any other car, service and support will vary from dealer to dealer. I've been with the same dealer for 20 years and they have been outstanding.
The list of options you plan for your car are great. I'd also include the Winter package and the Driver Assistance package as that gives you Distronic cruise. The Multicontour Seating Package is special as well. I have those in my E450 and I'm really glad that I do. Good luck with your purchase!
The list of options you plan for your car are great. I'd also include the Winter package and the Driver Assistance package as that gives you Distronic cruise. The Multicontour Seating Package is special as well. I have those in my E450 and I'm really glad that I do. Good luck with your purchase!
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Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 488
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From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
My thoughts/opinion on the soft close doors is that they’re not worth the money and probably an expense in the future. Everyone automatically slams the door when entering and exiting the car anyway because they don’t know any better. My experience was with a CL500 I had and the driver’s door messed up twice. It was an expensive fix and an annoyance. If you don’t fix it then you really have to slam the door hard.
Just my opinion and I didn’t order it on my new E450.
Your option choices are very good, but I personally would move up to 20” wheels and the night package. That makes the car look so much better IMO.
BTW, I haven’t had a single hiccup with my car.
The no spare tire is a little concerning to me as well, but as I think back, I haven’t had to put a spare tire on any vehicle in the last 25 years…
Just my opinion and I didn’t order it on my new E450.
Your option choices are very good, but I personally would move up to 20” wheels and the night package. That makes the car look so much better IMO.
BTW, I haven’t had a single hiccup with my car.
The no spare tire is a little concerning to me as well, but as I think back, I haven’t had to put a spare tire on any vehicle in the last 25 years…
Last edited by Hicksra; Jan 6, 2025 at 10:46 AM.
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My E300 is going on 8 years old. I have only one repair to the soft close doors. I ordered them because my rear seat passengers often did not close the door fully and I had to exit and walk around the car to close the door. properly. They are a "must have" on any car I buy.
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Thanks for the comments. I do tend to obsess about tires. My thinking on the 18 inch wheels is that the taller sidewall tire may help with the ride a bit and maybe protect the wheel some in the case of a mishap. Also, I think the 18 inchers are the same front and rear so they can be rotated. If I can get over this no spare tire thing, I’m considering swapping the run flats out for a set Michelin Primacy’s. I never run my tires to less than 4/32 and rotate my tires every 5000 miles and also have never had one of the donuts spares out of the trunk.
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I bought a spare from the MB parts counter at my local dealer. When the car was new (100 miles) I had a flat that destroyed a runflat. Car had to be hauled to the dealer on a flat bed truck. They had to order a tire, but gave me a loner car. The replacement tire and labor was paid for courtesy of Mercedes Benz USA. The bottom line is that runflat tire protection is over rated. Having a spare is cheap peace of mind insurance.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
Greetings. First, thanks to previous posters to the W214 forum for the valuable info I’ve been able to obtain. I’m getting close to placing an order with our local dealer for an E450. Been searching alternatives for some time. We’ll be replacing an Infiniti Q70 AWD that we bought new seven years ago and use for our long trip road car and daily. This was Infiniti’s attempt at a large sedan that has since been discontinued. Car has been a delight with zero visits to the dealer except for scheduled service but it’s getting a bit long in the tooth and time for a change. E450 has nearly the same dimensions as the Q. My goal is to build what a previous poster referred to as a mini S. Proposed specs include: 18 inch wheels, Nappa tonka brown leather, Natural grain brown maple trim, DX2 Pinnacle, DA2 Driver assistance, DB8 Multicontour seats, DC8 Airmatic. Also, 21U Dashcam and 883 Soft close doors. Are cars are always white so Moonlight white metallic.
Any thoughts/ concerns about any of the selected options?
I’ve been reading MBW re run flats. The Infiniti has a spare. No spare does cause me some anxiety for road trips but we are AAA members so do I just get over it? Also I’ve been reading on the forum about some reliability issues with MBUX and some transmission shifting issues. Are these significant concerns? My experience with other forums is that participants are generally more discriminating about their cars than the public as a whole and those with problems speak up more frequently than those that have no issues.
Sorry for the long winded first post but thanks for reading if you made it this far!
Any thoughts/ concerns about any of the selected options?
I’ve been reading MBW re run flats. The Infiniti has a spare. No spare does cause me some anxiety for road trips but we are AAA members so do I just get over it? Also I’ve been reading on the forum about some reliability issues with MBUX and some transmission shifting issues. Are these significant concerns? My experience with other forums is that participants are generally more discriminating about their cars than the public as a whole and those with problems speak up more frequently than those that have no issues.
Sorry for the long winded first post but thanks for reading if you made it this far!
My wife has aE450 with 19” run flat tires. The car has air suspension and you would not know you are drinking on RF all season tires with 38 lbs of air because the car is so smooth and quiet. You may want to consider rear door air bags for safety of your ack seat passengers.
We have been driving MB cars since 1983 and this E450 is the nicest driving Mercedes we have ever had. I include two S class in the comparison.
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Thread Starter
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I can only share my own experiences and concerns. I recently returned to Mercedes-Benz (MB) after spending some time with Audi. I truly enjoyed my time with Audi, appreciating the exceptional service I received and how everyone at the dealership, from sales to service, treated me.
Although I like my new MB car, the service and support I've experienced with MB have not matched the high level I had at Audi.
I’ve faced several issues with the MBUX system, and my local dealership's service department has not provided the care I expected; in fact, they have been rude.
I even reached out to MB USA regarding the problems with MBUX, but their response was disappointing.
They essentially shifted the blame to everything but a possible flaw in Mercedes-Benz.
While I'm frustrated, I must say that aside from the MBUX shutting down on its own periodically and lacking some essential features that my Audi had, the car itself is quite good.
Although I like my new MB car, the service and support I've experienced with MB have not matched the high level I had at Audi.
I’ve faced several issues with the MBUX system, and my local dealership's service department has not provided the care I expected; in fact, they have been rude.
I even reached out to MB USA regarding the problems with MBUX, but their response was disappointing.
They essentially shifted the blame to everything but a possible flaw in Mercedes-Benz.
While I'm frustrated, I must say that aside from the MBUX shutting down on its own periodically and lacking some essential features that my Audi had, the car itself is quite good.
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,948
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
I don't think there is an "MBUX Issue". Some owners on this site have reported issues with the screens or reboots, but it's hard to say if that is widespread or just isolated issues of specific cars. Often these things get magnified since people complain when there are issues and often stay silent when there are none. Is there an MBUX issue? I really don't know, but I and many others have not had an issue so far.
Member
Joined: Dec 2024
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MB E53
Well, I am experiencing an MBUX issue
I don't think there is an "MBUX Issue". Some owners on this site have reported issues with the screens or reboots, but it's hard to say if that is widespread or just isolated issues of specific cars. Often these things get magnified since people complain when there are issues and often stay silent when there are none. Is there an MBUX issue? I really don't know, but I and many others have not had an issue so far.
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
Thank god things get magnified in such forums. This way, other users can chime in and help spread the word about issues and fixes if there are any. Whether you or anyone else wants to hear it, I am experiencing an issue with the MBUX. If I were the only one having the problem of the screens rebooting on their own while driving, it would be an isolated incident. But am I the only one facing this issue?
If I had "the MBUX" issue, I would be plenty upset and would want MB to fix it ASAP. So far, I don't and I hope it stays that way.
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MB E53
I agree that forums like this are great tools for reporting issues and getting help. That's why I'm here. That doesn't mean that every reported issue is a widespread issue. Even if several people are reporting it. MB sells thousands of cars and the owners on this forum are a small fraction. When someone asks has "the MBUX issue" been solved, it implies that there is a widespread issue. Is there? How many W214 cars have the issue verses those that do not? I don't know. If we just look at you and I as a sample set it's 50%. What would it be if we look at every W214 owner on this site or every owner in the world?
If I had "the MBUX" issue, I would be plenty upset and would want MB to fix it ASAP. So far, I don't and I hope it stays that way.
If I had "the MBUX" issue, I would be plenty upset and would want MB to fix it ASAP. So far, I don't and I hope it stays that way.
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Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 44
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From: Fremont California in the San Francisco Bay area
2024 Mercedes E450
I recommend you don’t remove the run-flats. I did it on my 21 E450 with 19-inch wheels and only had a slightly better ride. I then 6 tire failures in 3 years, with 4 occurring on California freeways. I now own a 24 E450 with 18-inch wheels and air-suspension. Comfort/safety beats fashion for me.
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Thanks to all for the comments and advice. It is reassuring that the E450 has been so well received, and even defended, by its owners. We went for a long test drive in what would be essentially a base model 2025 E450 with 19 inch wheels and a super screen and was really impressed; very smooth ride, super quiet and plenty of performance. Certainly a huge upgrade over our Infiniti. Now ready to place our order; dealer says somewhere between 90 and 120 day delivery.
I will need the advice concerning retaining the run flats. We travel pretty heavy. Just can’t give up that trunk space for a spare.
I am curious if anyone has experience with the MBUX superscreen? We’ve sort of bounced back and forth on that option but just can’t see if we have a use for it and I think we like the look of the wood dash better..
Thanks again.
I will need the advice concerning retaining the run flats. We travel pretty heavy. Just can’t give up that trunk space for a spare.
I am curious if anyone has experience with the MBUX superscreen? We’ve sort of bounced back and forth on that option but just can’t see if we have a use for it and I think we like the look of the wood dash better..
Thanks again.
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Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 488
Likes: 160
From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
Thanks to all for the comments and advice. It is reassuring that the E450 has been so well received, and even defended, by its owners. We went for a long test drive in what would be essentially a base model 2025 E450 with 19 inch wheels and a super screen and was really impressed; very smooth ride, super quiet and plenty of performance. Certainly a huge upgrade over our Infiniti. Now ready to place our order; dealer says somewhere between 90 and 120 day delivery.
I will need the advice concerning retaining the run flats. We travel pretty heavy. Just can’t give up that trunk space for a spare.
I am curious if anyone has experience with the MBUX superscreen? We’ve sort of bounced back and forth on that option but just can’t see if we have a use for it and I think we like the look of the wood dash better..
Thanks again.
I will need the advice concerning retaining the run flats. We travel pretty heavy. Just can’t give up that trunk space for a spare.
I am curious if anyone has experience with the MBUX superscreen? We’ve sort of bounced back and forth on that option but just can’t see if we have a use for it and I think we like the look of the wood dash better..
Thanks again.
I ordered the backlit dash instead and we love it. That’s just my taste and may not be to your liking, but here’s a look. Also, my car did not come with runflats. It has 20” Michelin Primacy tires. Rides like a dream.
Last edited by Hicksra; Jan 8, 2025 at 11:03 AM.
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From: Orlando, FL
W214 2024 E450
I have a 24 E450 that I picked up in July last year, currently sitting at about 4500 miles and I have had absolutely no trouble so far. The car has been wonderful. Your spec is close to mine which is fully optioned with the exception of the super screen. We went for the brown maple trim as well with a Verde Silver exterior. I am on the 20 inch AMG wheels which I think look absolutely stunning, it gives the E a very classy side profile. The ride quality has been fantastic despite the larger wheel size. I think the air suspension makes up for the larger wheels but I bet the 18 will be the best for comfort if that's your angle.
The 20 inch wheels I have are not run flats and I have no spare, we haven't been on any extremely long road trips. Mostly just a couple hours up and down FL but I haven't had any issues so far. You're probably fine since you have AAA and worst case you can always try MB roadside assistance, though I'm unsure how many people here have had experience with them.
No one can guarantee you will be trouble free but I think MB has a much better product than the competition (Looking at the G60 5-series mostly). I feel the W214 has had a much better rollout so far and the quality control and reliability seems far better, especially when you compare it to the horror stories you see for the MB SUV lineup and even the S-Class. Long term still remains to be seen though.
The 20 inch wheels I have are not run flats and I have no spare, we haven't been on any extremely long road trips. Mostly just a couple hours up and down FL but I haven't had any issues so far. You're probably fine since you have AAA and worst case you can always try MB roadside assistance, though I'm unsure how many people here have had experience with them.
No one can guarantee you will be trouble free but I think MB has a much better product than the competition (Looking at the G60 5-series mostly). I feel the W214 has had a much better rollout so far and the quality control and reliability seems far better, especially when you compare it to the horror stories you see for the MB SUV lineup and even the S-Class. Long term still remains to be seen though.
Last edited by lelouch0202; Jan 8, 2025 at 11:24 PM.
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I have a 24 E450 that I picked up in July last year, currently sitting at about 4500 miles and I have had absolutely no trouble so far. The car has been wonderful. Your spec is close to mine which is fully optioned with the exception of the super screen. We went for the brown maple trim as well with a Verde Silver exterior. I am on the 20 inch AMG wheels which I think look absolutely stunning, it gives the E a very classy side profile. The ride quality has been fantastic despite the larger wheel size. I think the air suspension makes up for the larger wheels but I bet the 18 will be the best for comfort if that's your angle.
The 20 inch wheels I have are not run flats and I have no spare, we haven't been on any extremely long road trips. Mostly just a couple hours up and down FL but I haven't had any issues so far. You're probably fine since you have AAA and worst case you can always try MB roadside assistance, though I'm unsure how many people here have had experience with them.
No one can guarantee you will be trouble free but I think MB has a much better product than the competition (Looking at the G60 5-series mostly). I feel the W214 has had a much better rollout so far and the quality control and reliability seems far better, especially when you compare it to the horror stories you see for the MB SUV lineup and even the S-Class. Long term still remains to be seen though.
The 20 inch wheels I have are not run flats and I have no spare, we haven't been on any extremely long road trips. Mostly just a couple hours up and down FL but I haven't had any issues so far. You're probably fine since you have AAA and worst case you can always try MB roadside assistance, though I'm unsure how many people here have had experience with them.
No one can guarantee you will be trouble free but I think MB has a much better product than the competition (Looking at the G60 5-series mostly). I feel the W214 has had a much better rollout so far and the quality control and reliability seems far better, especially when you compare it to the horror stories you see for the MB SUV lineup and even the S-Class. Long term still remains to be seen though.
I thinks I’m now convinced to stay with the brown maple dash. The stretch for me is the Tonka brown leather seating. We currently have five cars in the stable and they are all black leather interior. We’re going to try something different this time!
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
Great comments; thanks. My thoughts on the 18 inch wheels are threefold; first, I like the higher sidewalls from a ride and wheel protection standpoint. Second, I like that the front and rear sizes are the same and I can rotate my tires for more even wear. And third, like our Q70, we will use the E for travel and it will spend a bit of time in parking lots; airports, restaurants, hotels, when we’re off on hikes, (not overnight, we’re too old), etc. It’s one of the reasons we love sedans; the trunk’s full of our stuff, but nobody knows it. So I like having a travel car that is rather demure on the outside but really nice on the inside. And the MB E class is great for this; the exterior design is classy and not overdone and if you don’t know anything about cars, it just looks like another MB.
I thinks I’m now convinced to stay with the brown maple dash. The stretch for me is the Tonka brown leather seating. We currently have five cars in the stable and they are all black leather interior. We’re going to try something different this time!
I thinks I’m now convinced to stay with the brown maple dash. The stretch for me is the Tonka brown leather seating. We currently have five cars in the stable and they are all black leather interior. We’re going to try something different this time!
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I can only share my own experiences and concerns. I recently returned to Mercedes-Benz (MB) after spending some time with Audi. I truly enjoyed my time with Audi, appreciating the exceptional service I received and how everyone at the dealership, from sales to service, treated me.
Although I like my new MB car, the service and support I've experienced with MB have not matched the high level I had at Audi.
I’ve faced several issues with the MBUX system, and my local dealership's service department has not provided the care I expected; in fact, they have been rude.
I even reached out to MB USA regarding the problems with MBUX, but their response was disappointing.
They essentially shifted the blame to everything but a possible flaw in Mercedes-Benz.
While I'm frustrated, I must say that aside from the MBUX shutting down on its own periodically and lacking some essential features that my Audi had, the car itself is quite good.
Although I like my new MB car, the service and support I've experienced with MB have not matched the high level I had at Audi.
I’ve faced several issues with the MBUX system, and my local dealership's service department has not provided the care I expected; in fact, they have been rude.
I even reached out to MB USA regarding the problems with MBUX, but their response was disappointing.
They essentially shifted the blame to everything but a possible flaw in Mercedes-Benz.
While I'm frustrated, I must say that aside from the MBUX shutting down on its own periodically and lacking some essential features that my Audi had, the car itself is quite good.
