Advice Requested about Upcoming Purchase - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

G-AMG · 11-18-2009, 11:58 AM

Hey folks!

I was wondering if I could "Pick your Brains" about the W212.

I realize it is a new item, so there is not much time for things to go sour on them, but have any of you either 1- Experiencied or 2- "Heard Rumors of" Problems??

I must admit, the "recent" line-up of MB vehicles has left me quite luke-warm, but I really like the W212. Also, it seems to have the "Old MB Quality" feel to it, as opposed to the DC era. I feel "outdated" now, as my frame of reference of my "last car" was the '99 S420, which is about THE most beautiful piece of engineering I've owned... and what I believe was the "Last" of the Great MB legacies.(I'm sure I'll get an earfull for this comment, but that is "my" opinion). (The '04 G55 doesn't count, since it's the same basic design as mine made in 1979!)

One of the few "gripes" I had driving it (E350) was the 722.9 Transmission. Thinking it was related to the local dealer's car, I went out of town to try another car, but found the same results. I was hoping for your Input---

Granted, I'm used to the 722.6 box on three of my present cars/trucks... but when I thought "7-Speed, Hmmm it should be EVEN SMOOTHER shift than a 5 speed"... I was shocked when driving the 7-speed.

For a lack of better description, I felt as if the box was "searching" for the correct gear, and rather "abruptly" shifting once it decides. Even my wife complained of the same thing.

Uuuggg. The car is for my wife, and she is REALLY enamored with the Jaguar XF (which I must admit, WAS a sweet ride... and quite "Sexy" to boot), but I refuse to Jump Ship from a known entity.

Any input on the W212 would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
G

sosh · 11-18-2009, 06:43 PM

My feeling about the 212 was so strong that I ordered one for Feb delivery after only a 20 min drive. This will be the 3rd E in recent years (01, 05 and now the 10) I have had 2 others with the 7 speed and it has never been an issue nor have I had any problems with it. Both of those were in ML's. an 06 ML500 and now an 10 ML550. I like the way it shifts and its quite smooth. The 05 E which is being replace has the 5 speed and its not as smooth as the 7. (All E's were/are 4Matics).
As for the Jag, yes its sexy but not durable and the Indian owners are doing everything to cut costs where its not seen. They are also not as reliable as MB and never have been. Dealer service usually suks at least around here. Friend of mine had an 09 usually keeps cars 4 years but got rid of his after less than a year and went back to MB S Class. Would not be surprised to see everything moved to India. Remember this is the only Luxury car that Tata owns. Don't think they know how Americans think or what they want. They have a very small piece of the market here.

G-AMG · 11-18-2009, 07:07 PM

Sosh,

Thanks a bunch for the input...

I just got back from the dealer.. I was "fondling" one of the E350's...

I'm sold...

In terms of shifting, I wonder if it is a "thrust to weight ratio" thing.. (ie. why the ML's shift nicely, which you aren't the first to mention this). I notice the new S400 (hybrid) had a silky smooth shifting when we drove it the same day as the E350. Again, the S is a bit more of a "tank" than the E.

sosh · 11-19-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-AMG

Sosh,

Thanks a bunch for the input...

I just got back from the dealer.. I was "fondling" one of the E350's...

I'm sold...

In terms of shifting, I wonder if it is a "thrust to weight ratio" thing.. (ie. why the ML's shift nicely, which you aren't the first to mention this). I notice the new S400 (hybrid) had a silky smooth shifting when we drove it the same day as the E350. Again, the S is a bit more of a "tank" than the E.

My thoughts re the shifting in the S Class is that it shifts just about like the ML's. Remember that the transmission is adaptive and perhaps it has not tuned itself to your driving habits or anyone else's as the ones you drove were most likely brand new. A friend has an S and I have driven it several times. Think you will love the E.

G-AMG · 11-19-2009, 08:35 AM

Sosh,

Thanks for the reply.

I'm curious, does the 722,9 use the similar "Reset" procedure as the 722,6? (ie. Key in position II, hold gas pedal to floor for 5 secs. then turn off and wait for 2 minutes without touching anything?)

If so, I am tempted to go to the dealer, and "reset" one of the cars, and see what happens.. I'm sure the tranny "Learns" bad habits from all those test driving maniacs!!!

Valkirk · 11-23-2009, 07:50 AM

I'm really not a fan of the "learning" auto's as they are in direct conflict with your learning brain.

If the amount you pushed the accelerator gave the same result each time in terms of dropping 1 or 2 gears etc you could adapt your driving.

That being said; if you drive it around in a constant way it's a wonderfully smooth auto.

sosh · 11-23-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-AMG

Sosh,

Thanks for the reply.

I'm curious, does the 722,9 use the similar "Reset" procedure as the 722,6? (ie. Key in position II, hold gas pedal to floor for 5 secs. then turn off and wait for 2 minutes without touching anything?)

If so, I am tempted to go to the dealer, and "reset" one of the cars, and see what happens.. I'm sure the tranny "Learns" bad habits from all those test driving maniacs!!!

Sorry can't answer that as with all of the MB's I have owned I never have reset the trans nor have I had the desire or need to do that.