W210 vs. W211

[FastDriver]

Any of test driven the W211 AMG? I realize the W211 is faster but what about the materials?

I think the W210 will hold up better over the long run compared to the W211. The steering wheel seems very cheap for a $90,000 car. The dash and interior materials seemed on par with the Acura TL.

The Lexus GS has a much nicer interior. Any opinions about the W211? I think this car will depreciate like a rock.

[Don L]

My opinion, based on spending time driving and from my Mercedes mechanic friends, is that the pre and post Chrysler merger cars are worlds appart in build quality and durability. The older cars are far more solid and built with higher quality materials "behind the scenes". Their service track records are also far better than the newer cars. Post-merger cars are constantly in the shop for CAN-BUS issues as well as other glitches, I'm told. I can certainly appreciate the power of the w211 E55s, but for me, the styling and quality of the w210 E55 is far and away superior.

Comparing my wife's W209 CLK500 (2005) and my W210 E55 (2001), the E55 looks to be in equal-to-better condition as far as wear and tear to the interior at 55k miles than the CLK at only 8k miles. The CLK has already begun to develop rattles and creaks and has spent 3 weeks (combined total) in the dealership for repairs versus 2 days for the E55 that has nearly 7x the mileage. . . . go figure.

[JamE55]

FastDriver - 12/17/2005 9:14 PM

Any of test driven the W211 AMG? I realize the W211 is faster but what about the materials?

I think the W210 will hold up better over the long run compared to the W211. The steering wheel seems very cheap for a $90,000 car. The dash and interior materials seemed on par with the Acura TL.

Test drove the W211 55 a while back and thought the interior has too much plastic in it and looked to cheap imo compared to my W210 55. Dealer offered it to me but i passed because of again the interior. As far as the 211 55 being faster...not in my case![:D]

[E55Cent]

I really like the 211 E55 but I drive too much for a car that cost that much. By the time I can afford a 211, I worried they will have too many problems. My car is a 99 but I can do most all the service myself. I'm not as fast as Jam55 but I'm catching up to the 211.
Mario

[JamE55]

E55Cent - 12/19/2005 10:01 PM

My car is a 99 but I can do most all the service myself. I'm not as fast as Jam55 but I'm catching up to the 211.
Mario

You're getting there Mario! Keep it up bro! Also our cars is about 400-500lbs lighter than the 211's.

[E55Cent]

JamE55 - 12/20/2005 3:26 PM

You're getting there Mario! Keep it up bro! Also our cars is about 400-500lbs lighter than the 211's.

Thanks Jam, I will be in the LA area soon, we should meet up with a few other supcharged Benz's. I know Josh K is up for it. Don't forget we have lower gears also. 210's will rule again.

[JamE55]

E55Cent - 12/20/2005 7:37 PM

Thanks Jam, I will be in the LA area soon, we should meet up with a few other supcharged Benz's. I know Josh K is up for it. Don't forget we have lower gears also. 210's will rule again.

Just let me know in advance and give me the details on the meet. It's the holidays so my schedule is pretty hectic.

[My04230k]

C'mon folks let's be fair about this..

I agree that the W211 doesn't seem or even look as durable as the W210, but in all fairness, The w211 has only been out for like 3 years full. And you all have to admit the styling is pretty awesome especially the AMG sport package!! How long has the W210 been out like 10 years? That say's a lot in itself but durable or not, in Today's terms, the body is just plain dated just like every other brand whose body's aren't "current" with today's motor vehicle styling

When I first got behind the wheel of my 2000 E- Class, I thought I had died and went to car heaven.

When I first drove my 2004 E, I said shit.. then this must be like a second motoring heavenly experience....cuz,, Damn!!!

I'd like to be in this same conversation in about 4 years.. Then compare these two cars apples to apples.

I'd actually like to have one of each.....

[2K5E500]

I agreed, I have an 01 E430Sport and I absolutely love the 4 round lights and will NOT sell/trade it for anything!

[Double0hE55]

Just wanted to throw my .02 cents. I like the w210 body styling. but dont get me wrong the w211 is like a w210 with liposuction. "Metaphorically speaking not technicaly"