[kent11202]

We decided to check them out even though neither of us are particularly impressed with the design - prefer the E350.

In any event, we didn't do a full on test because traffic was a bit of a mess.

We found the interior to be much nicer than our 328i. Dash display (gauges, radio, nav screen, etc.) much nicer - sharper and brighter. The car was much quieter than our diesel - oops I meant our gas powered car. The ride was smoother as well. Oh, and it comes with RFT's so no spare - salesman was kind of funny when he saw the expression on my face and proceeded to say most buyers have no interest in changing a flat (like that makes it OK?)

One thing they blew it on IMO is the turn signal setup. It has the "three flashes" setup BUT, if you push the stalk to the full detent spot, you can't lightly touch it to cancel - you actually have to push it in the opposite direction - first world problem. The outside mirrors automatically fold which is nice. I'm sure there are other plus/minus features but we didn't want to spend a lot of time - pursuing first impression.

Now, when it came to driving it, NEVER, and I do mean NEVER, pull up in a 328i and then drive the E300 for comparison! While the MBZ is smooth, it just doesn't have the "snap" the BMW has - not by a LONG shot. I had to put it in sport plus to get any type of "performance" feel at all. IMO, the BMW comfort mode is actually better than the MBZ in this little test.

Rats! I forgot to check to see if it has a dipstick.

All of this info is FWIW...

[Blksnowflake]

Wait, no pics....guess I'll have take your word on it. : )

[kent11202]

Originally Posted by Blksnowflake

Wait, no pics....guess I'll have take your word on it. : )

If I had taken a single picture of that car, the salesman would have presumed I was ready to sign up and my phone or email would be overflowing.

[Bbb34]

I'm not sure why would you ever compare E class with 3 series in terms of handling and performance. Same way you'd never really want to compare them in terms of fit and finish, completely different cars, designed with totally different buyer in mind. Not to say you shouldn't be shopping for one, but comparing the two is not exactly "apples to apples".

I haven't tried new one, however to me old E class didn't handle anywhere close as good as 5 series or A6. Fit and finish and comfort were exceptional though. I liked, but didn't love the looks of it comparing to the other two (same is true for new model). I also found that old model also felt more cramped than both Audi and BMW competitors, curious if they improved that ?

[kent11202]

It really wasn't met to be a "comparison" in the classic sense so I fully acknowledge it wasn't "apples to apples."

We are looking at what, if anything, would suit us as a replacement for the 328i. We liked our E Class (MY 2010) but the overall style and aspect ratio of the 3 Series body design was more appealing. The 5 Series is definitely a nice ride but we find we prefer the 3 Series size more.

When it comes to the MBZ C Class, which is closer in size to the 3 Series, neither of us can stand the design (personal choice kind of deal, right?).

Neither of us are what you would call "large" people (not 175-200 pounds) so we can fit in anything including a Miata. Also, even though we have a three car garage, it's nice to be able to just slide in and out of the one bay it would be parked in (with mirrors folded) and not run into the furnace (the single bay is a little shorter than the others which taken up by an SUV and my monster 1976 Torino (bought new 40 years ago BTW).

This begs the question, if the 3 size is more appealing, why on earth did you test the E300? Answer. Because we are "exploring" options.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by kent11202

....This the question, if the 3 size is more appealing, why on earth did you test the E300? Answer. Because we are "exploring" options.

No argument here, I think everybody should explore, sometimes you find you like something you didn't think you would.
Long time ago, good friend of mine test drove used Suzuki Swift one day, then showed up few days later with his new (used) Crown Vic.

E class is a fine grand touring car in my opinion, it's just not all that exciting to drive.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by kent11202

This begs the question, if the 3 size is more appealing, why on earth did you test the E300? Answer. Because we are "exploring" options.

No harm in that. Seems like a G30 530i test drive will be in order early next year when they arrive on dealership lots. It'll lose a couple hundred pounds vs. the existing F10, and while it won't feel as spritely as a 328i (now 330i), it should be an improvement from the outgoing model.

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by kent11202

When it comes to the MBZ C Class ... neither of us can stand the design (personal choice kind of deal, right?).

weird, because the new E class and the current C class look exactly the same.

[BEM-S4]

If you'd consider the C at all there are great deals to be had on the C450 right now. I just looked at one that was marked 20% off sticker before we even started working the deal. C45 AMG coming for 2017, it's exactly the same thing with minor (if any) differences aside from the badge. Lease was right around $600 for 12k miles. Car was an exec demo w 900 miles on it.

[P1]

Beautiful car though. I've been checking out MB more and more...

[DieGrüneHölle]

Is the new dual screens available on the E300?

[RM7]

Those seat controls on the door are hideous. I hated those on my C, mainly because it's not a natural/ergonomic place for a switch, along the side of the wall. There are some interior things that MB just doesn't get, sometimes they look nice, but it's no end-all. Lots of auto makers have upped their game and in the price range of the E I think you'll find some pretty good competition.