Why do (some) Mercedes Dealers treat you so well?

[st13phil]

I notice that both the Avantgarde and Sport models have lowered suspension and bigger wheels, which generally compromises ride, so would I be right in thinking that the basic SE suspension would be more compliant in respect of ride refinement??

The SE has what Mercedes call "Comfort Suspension" which, if you want it, can be had on the Avantgarde as a no-cost option. Personally, I thought the SE was a bit too floaty and that the Avantgarde gave the best balance of ride comfort and poise. Although both the Avantgade and Sport are lowered by 15mm the Sport is definitely firmer, and I'm not sure that it's all down to the 18-inch wheels vs the 17's on the Avantgarde. Incidentally, you can spec 18-inch wheels on the Avantgarde if you want, but only in conjunction with the Comfort Suspension. The SE comes on 16-inch wheels.

Bear with me for two other queries. Is your headlining in almond beige too, and how long do MB quote these days to build a car of this type?

The headlining is Macadamia Beige, which is a shade darker than the Almond Beige leather, but still quite light. On the Avantgarde you get an Alpaca Grey headlining if you specify Black or Alpaca Grey upholstery, Macadamia Beige with Almond Beige, and Black with both Chestnut Brown and Natural Beige upholstery.

As for delivery, it depends upon what the dealer has available as allocated build slots. These are cars that they have committed to take, but that they can still change the spec on. In my case it's about 10 weeks as the only remaining earlier slot they had was taken by someone else an hour or two before I placed my order.

BTW, you can download a pdf copy of the current E-Class Saloon brochure here, and the corresponding Pricelist here.

 

[elisetype25]

Unless they've changed something in the last 6 months the headlining is lighter than the leather. It's basically 'magnolia', a very pale beige.

As stated by OP, I also hated the traditional black interior, it's rather dour and depressing IMO.

Great choice of colour combo, but as my car is Indium Grey with Almond Beige I would say that. With the light headlining makes the whole interior space very light and airy, and a thoroughly pleasant place to be. Every one I speak to (even when they don't know it's my car) compliment the colour combo.

The only thing I think the OP hasn't fully appreciated is just how good Distronic is. IMO it's a travesty to buy a car like this without it. I am now commuting 90mile each way to work and it is truly fantastic.

Regards, Neil

 

[A-AvantGarde]

You guys are lucky we have Chester & Liverpool 2 dealers who think your a mug who will buy and believe anything they tell you and have little product knowledge.

Liverpool was a lot better when it was family owned as Road Range.

 

[Mercy1]

Apologies for being way off beam, I see now from the Configurator that SE is not offered on the 350, so it would have to be the Avantgarde!
My ML had Cashmere beige leather, carpets and headlining - and I agree with you that the light airy ambience was brilliant - a pig to keep the carpets in a decent state though!!
Thanks for all the info...

 

[st13phil]

The only thing I think the OP hasn't fully appreciated is just how good Distronic is. IMO it's a travesty to buy a car like this without it. I am now commuting 90mile each way to work and it is truly fantastic.

I'd pondered the Driving Assistance Package but I'm really fortunate that my daily commute is almost 25 miles each way on some fantastic B-roads. As such, Distronic would be a bit of an irrelevance for most of my driving so I decided to give it a miss. Were I doing a more heavily trafficked motorway commute I would definitely have gone for it.

Thanks for the correction on the headlining - you're right, it is a shade lighter than the upholstery

BTW, did you put beige floormats in yours or black to match the carpet?

 

[Mercy1]

BTW, did you put beige floormats in yours or black to match the carpet?

Car had set of MB beige mats (with studs) but I placed black mats on top - impossible, I would suggest, to keep beige ones looking smart. even in dry weather let alone wet. As car was Obsidian black, didn't look out of place.

 

[survey]

Phil, Interestingly I am just considering changing my W204 as it is now 3 years old. Not sure whether to keep it a while longer or change. I have been looking at an E Class and had a test drive in a E350. It was creamy smooth and IMHO gave a better ride than my C. Had you considered a E250, and if so why did you opt for the 350?

 

[snoop51]

Phil, Interestingly I am just considering changing my W204 as it is now 3 years old. Not sure whether to keep it a while longer or change. I have been looking at an E Class and had a test drive in a E350. It was creamy smooth and IMHO gave a better ride than my C. Had you considered a E250, and if so why did you opt for the 350?

See OP's post 19.

 

[rhud]

I have bought two cars from MB Harrogate and the experience on both occasions has been near immaculate. There was a bit of a to and fro last time about finance - I told them I didn't think they were trying quite hard enough. Business manager went and pounded his computer furiously for ten minutes and came back with an acceptable deal. 'We want you to go away happy' he said, and I believed him.

 

[elisetype25]

I'd pondered the Driving Assistance Package but I'm really fortunate that my daily commute is almost 25 miles each way on some fantastic B-roads. As such, Distronic would be a bit of an irrelevance for most of my driving so I decided to give it a miss. Were I doing a more heavily trafficked motorway commute I would definitely have gone for it.

Thanks for the correction on the headlining - you're right, it is a shade lighter than the upholstery

BTW, did you put beige floormats in yours or black to match the carpet?

Black mats please. With the black interior plastics and carpet, black mats go best. I think the contrast works really well and the bits that are likely to get scuffed and dirty, such as mats and plastics around the doors don't look scruffy (small children really don't understand why they can't put their feet where they like in Dads new merc!)

I see your point about Distronic, but I say again its fantastic!!

Regards, Neil