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Hi! Kind of new to this forum and kind of not. I was here about 8 years ago when I had a 2003 C320 4M Sedan. I had it about 3 years and loved it in every way except reliability. I hated needing something fixed every 6 - 8 weeks. So I sold it and got a 2007 Lexus GS350 AWD. Excellent car with zero problemsl. But it lacked the engineering of a M-B.
I believe that the quality has improved in the last few years and so I just bought a 2015 E400 4M Sedan with Premium and Intel Drive. I did a bunch of research, figured out exactly what I wanted, and found it at a M-B dealer on the other end of Canada, 4500 kms away. It's a M-B "Star Certified" and looks to be in pristine shape (they sent me a lot of photos and full history of the car. It takes a couple weeks for it to get out west, but it's now just a few days away! Excited! I've found and viewed every online video and review of it I can find, downloaded and read the operators manuals, and anxiously waiting for the car.
I'm very thankful to whoever the previous owner was as they were kind enough to eat about half the value of the car in its 3 years and 42,000 kms lease, then I swoop in and scoop up a like-new car for cheap. I hardly ever buy an extended warranty on anything, but I'm still a bit timid about M-B, so I bought the full package and it's covered bumper-to-bumper to Nov 2020 / 140,000 kms and powertrain to Nov 2021 / 160,000 kms. I can relax a bit now.
It has the Premium and Intelligent Drive packages, so almost as loaded as they get. Looking forward to trying out all those goodies.
I'm having it delivered to an independent M-B repair shop to get the out-of-province inspection done. Dealers wanted about $450 for that, but this place does it for half that. Then I'm getting windows tinted and clear paint protection film on front, hood, lower side parts, and rear bumper. Then all I need after that is a remote starter. Damn M-B and their lack of remote starters until the W213. Anybody have a W212 with remote starter? Suggestions?
I'm also considering putting a few things like illuminated door sills, M-B logo light on door, and a trunk mat.
As I see others have mentioned here, these W212s seem to be somewhat rare. One of the two M-B dealers in Edmonton hasn't got a single used E-class in stock, and they are fair size dealer! In the month and a bit since I started shopping for E400, I have not yet seen ONE on the road. Tons of C's and several S's, but later model E's are just not out there.
Looking forward to being a regular here in this forum!
2007 mercedes e63, 2006 bmw 530 Xi with Mtech kit , 2005 ford expedition
Congrats.. I agree ..these aren't common.. well not the sedan .. I do tend to see the coupe from time to time Im really getting into my 15 e400 ..also love the fact that they have some pep .. mine is pretty loaded which was a must when I was shopoish for one ....
I'm glad to meet another W212 E400 owner - especially one who chose the car for what it is, not for the star alone. The E400, while not "rare" is certainly "uncommon." I've had mine for 2 1/2 years and have only actually met one other E400 owner. I have seen perhaps 2 or 3 others - and I live near Chicago!
I usually change a few things on my new cars, but with the E400 I have changed nothing. Yeah, I would change the sub-woofer, but while the car is still under warranty I am not going that far into the wiring. . . plus, I've gotten too darned old to do it myself any more and I don't have a shop I really trust for sound system work.
You will, I'm sure, quickly learn that they mis-labeled the mode button. Or at least, they mis-named the 'S' mode. They call it "Sport." I think it should be named "Stupid" for that enormous STUPID GRIN it pastes onto your face when you push that button and get on the gas!
I'm debating the e400 comparing it to a e550 with the aromatic... any thoughts?
the e400 is 35k while the e550 is 33k, 20k and 40k miles respectively...
I drove the e400 and it feels great, I love the interior as well, has the anthracite with grey interior and designo graphic on the outside... its stunning
while the e550 is the designo mocha black... both are good cars...
It comes down to performance and where you apply it for me. I've driven both. I like the handling of the 400 better, and the difference in power is negligible for winding roads. Not that the thing is driven like a really car, but I have a little too much coffee some mornings and start feeling my post again. If you want a little more of the line and like to rip the guy next to you at the light in his hands with the giant won't taped to the trunk either will do the job but the 550 will get it done a little better. I love my 400. I've had quite a few mbz over the years, a free Audi, a couple Porsche, and my wife likes her bmw. I use the 400 as a duall driver. Luxurious, economical, definitely my new current favorite.
The E400 looks stunning and drives fine, I just need to get over the old factory headunit.. I'm actually looking at an Audi A4 as well b/c of the lack of phone connection in the Mercedes, however the Audi is underpowered and the materials in the cabin are lower quality.
I'm getting the E400 4matic for $34K, 20K Miles, is that a decent deal?
That's a little high for the E400. I would expect around $30K unless it's in pristine condition, fully loaded, etc. If it's Cert. pre-owned and has a warranty I would go for it. I put about 5-10% premium on CPO if you're not mechanically inclined. I've always done all my own maintenance and repairs so I really don't bite that lure. It's not (neither is the E550) an easy find lately unless it's high mileage or on the other side of the country. Buy it if you like it - buy it. I would definitely buy mine again. I paid 36700, 2016, fully loaded, pristine, remaining warranty, not CPO, and it was a little high but I had to have it. Rare vehicle out here in Vegas area. Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions.
After looking through CarGuru's and Autotrader this one is priced 2k lower than what I am finding and is in good condition. It is a one owner car, regularly serviced. I've called the dealership that it was serviced at to attain the records and I am still waiting for that...
What sites do you use to do look for cars on sale?
its loaded as a e400 can be, design exterior, distronic, park assist, lane keeping, lighting package, rear spoiler
If it's been dealer serviced a Carfax or similar report will show visits and most mx done. I search them all, Google is our friend here and look at everything. There was a few in the S. CA area and will run about 7-800 to ship to NE, but may be worth a cheap airline ticket out to look at (or one-way and drive that F'r back). Just depends on how much time you have to invest. If you have the time - don't settle. Get out there and drive them. I wouldn't pick one up sight unseen with a history in a major metropolitan area (amongst other criteria) - just my thing. I like to touch.
04-20-2018, 01:00 AM
