Kept 300e instead of S500!

[Kwame69]

Just wanted to report that I elected to stay with the 300e instead of the S500. I was able to customize my present vechicle and thought long and hard how this vechicle has really not given me much problems. I glad that I can look to this forum as a source to many of my questions. Thanks to you all!!!

[Jordan_3202000]

I know what you mean, the old W124's where probably among the best cars ever made. When i ordered my C230, i was planning on selling my 300E. However when the new car came, i just couldn't bring myself to sell the old 300E. It's just too nice of a car, to me it seems more solidly built than the new mb's.

[Ferdman]

Jordan, the W124's don't just seem to be built better they are. The leather is a higher. The sheet metal is thicker. They are a more solid car and are more durable than the newer E-Class cars. We bought a new 1998 E320 and I prefer the ride, fit and finish of our 1991 300CE and 1992 300CE ... both of which we bought used and are in excellent shape. I do like the responsiveness and power of the W210 V6 engine and 5-speed transmission, but I doubt that those drivetrain components will outlast the W124 combination. The last time I was at the local MB dealer for state inspection I sat in every 2004 model in the showroom ... too many gadgets, too much plastic, cheaper quality leather, etc. I'm more comfortable in our W124 cars. The $60,000 CLK's have a fixed steering wheel. All, but the S-Class and maybe SL Class, have the felt/cloth trim piece that runs along the door sills -- a real dirt catcher, but simpler and less expensive to build than having the felt/cloth covered by a solid sill plate as in the older cars. MB is forced to take shortcuts to remain competitive in the luxury car market. The sticker price on our 1991 300CE was $60,000 ... more than the sticker price for a 2004 E320.