I'm currently trying to get out of my 2001 SLK lease to buy a new E class. I would just like some of your thoughts on the new car. I drove it, and I was completely impressed...very spaceous, plethora of features, very comfortable, very powerful. I drove the 500 version, and I hope to drive the 320 today. Any thoughts of yours would be appreciated. I was also wondering if you guys had any recommendations as far as options you like and dislike.
Thanks in advance,
Todd
Without a purchase in mind, just out of curiosity, I drove the E500.
And I thought a sedan would be a dog. NOT!! The 2003 E500 is not your father's Oldsmobile - (of course neither is the 320).
The airmatic suspension is fabulous in blending amazing comfort and great handling with good road feel. The new E is a step way above the previous model! A true challenger to the BMW handling throne with Benz comfort thrown in.
I could would not order without the sport package - i simply don't like the brown wood or white on black instruments. I have ordered a 500 with sport, and the panorama roof, and keyless go (which is honestly just one obvious unnecessary toy).
I would not get the panorama roof on a white car, I looked at one and it looks a bit strange - this white car with a big black stripe for a roof. Also the stone interior is very light - the demo I drove was getting dirty already - the trim around the doors is for some reason a cloth material that picks up dirt very quickly. I chose the charcoal interior which looks fabulous with the sport trim black wood and chrome/white instrument trim.
Would be interesting to hear comments regarding the 320 handling vs the 500. I have heard that the 320 does not feel as heavy but personally I like the sound and punch of the V8 and didn't think the 500 had a "heavy" feel.
I am looking forward to many miles in this car [:)]
I have an E500 Pewter/Stone on order. At the E-Motion event in Miami, I got to drive both the 320 and the 500. First, they are both wonderful. The problem for me is that, while the car I am trading is a CLK320, we have had an '03 SL500 since March. So, I am now a firm believer in a V-8.
Had I never had a V-8, I probably would have been thrilled with the E320 and not thought twice about the E500. I may have optioned some of the items from the E500, though-airmatic, 4 zone air, larger wheels, metallic, leather. As a result, by my calculations, I am paying effectively $2,000 for the larger engine, depending upon how you value the larger wheels.
So, from my perspective (prejudices disclosed!!) the E500 is the top choice. It actually drives much like the SL. The power, smoothness and ride (from the airmatic) are fabulous.
I think every exterior color I have seen is great. I agree, however, that with any light color exterior, the panorama roof looks like a "striped roof". If I really wanted that option, I would get one of the black colors or, perhaps, tectite.
On the interior color, I like the Stone best. I would not get it if we had young children. But, we don't.
On the "sport" option, I don't care for the wheels as they look like many others. I prefer the standard ones. The other exterior items are too subtle to make a real difference to me. The interior wood trim is too dark to me.
All this is a matter of taste. As I have said in posts elsewhere, they are all good choices and I wouldn't want to see everyone driving the same car!!
how is the pewter / stone combo? For some reason I can't picture them going together too well. I am also interested in pewter or perhaps even tectite. Both seem as though the charcoal would look best. However, I really wanted the stone interior, so I was thinking of getting the burgandy color on the exterior. I agree with the V8. I took a test drive in the 500 over the weekend and a 320 yesterday. The V8 is infinitely better, but it's a bit out of my price range. I'm still considering the CLK too, but the E is much more versatile. Oh well, decisions, decisions :)
Love it (E320, Silver, Xenon, other Canadian options).
Much smoother than the 2001 C320 I had before, much bigger, and not much less powerful (though new, so I am not stressing it yet). Braking is just great - very noticeable. Controls better (though some are not ideal: after 2 years in the C I still have to hunt enlessly through the menus every time I need to change a setting or check the oil!)
And the fuel/temp gages have colours inverted from what would be logical).
Wipers noisy: harder blades than on previous models.
Cruise control instrument display excellent.
Extra compartiments handy.
Roadholding superb for an E.
Steering very light at low speeds (not too light: just comfortable) and nice and firm at higher speeds. Rack and pinion i noticeable. Again, great.
Overall, excellent car: I am glad I made the switch.
ToddPhilly: I saw the Pewter/Stone on an E320 and was very pleased with it. It led me to order that combination. But it is all a matter of taste, so go with yours!!
hey guys,
maybe i can be of some help. I just picked up my new 03 E500 sport this past...
hey guys,
maybe i can be of some help. I just picked up my new 03 E500 sport this past week. See my post above for pics. Anyhow this car is above and beyond anything I have ever driven from mercedes including the Sclass. I love this car that much! The suspension has the most amazing mix of both sport feel and great cushy feeling on some of the most bumpy roads. The engine so far has been great. It has tremendous down low torque althogh i haven't really pushed my car much due to it only have 200 miles on it currently :) I ordered the keyless go figuring that it would be a neat frill to have. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I have. It is so nice to not even have to put any key in the ignition at all... just have the fob in my pocket, hop in, press the start button once and it fires the engine over like a charm. Other features that I ordered were the panoramic roof and the solar panels. The solar panels really do keep the interior cool while the car is parked. I"m a believer now after having my new black E500 parked during in the hot FL sun during church this morning ;) As for the radio, the harmon kardon sound is pretty nice although i'm still fiddling around trying to get the optimal settings. I do enjoy the 6cd changer being hidden however behind the dash. Other than that guys i'm in heaven right now! If you guys have any specific questions I will do my best to answer them so just fire away!
__________________
2003 E500 Sport
Black, Panoramic Roof
Solar Panels, Keyless GO
Hey, I just picked up my E500 couple days ago. I have the solar panel too and was wondering if I have to do anything to turn it on or does it work by itself. Thx.
Oh ya here are some pics of my car.
2003 E500 Obsisidian Black/Charcoal Black interior Keyless Go, Logic 7, Distronic, Drive-Dynamic Seats, 6 CD in-dash, Bi-Xenon, Active Ventilated Seats/Front, Panorama Sunroof, Solar Panel, Tire pressure Monitor System, Wood/leather sterring wheel, Power Rear Sunshade, Rear Side Roller Blinds... whew i thinks that it lol
oh ya and DVD NAV comin in January
wow.....our cars are about have the same damn options except i have the sport package and ...
wow.....our cars are about have the same damn options except i have the sport package and different interior color. As for the solar panels... no need to try to activate them. I haven't done so and they are always working. It makes an amazing difference.
I hate the transmission/throttle feel compared to my 2000 5 Series BMW. Changing lanes from a stop in traffic is a challenge. 1/2 second hesitation (more sometimes). Dealer said they could not replicate my experience. Other than the above, the car is great.
Linear Mode
