MB E-350 4 Matic

[AirgunSavant]

Hello folks.
I'm new to the forum.
Consumer reports listed the E350 as a USA best buy in class for 2006.
Sadly reviews speak of horrors with the transmissions etc. You name it and people are complaining.
I'm looking at a new 2006 E350 4Matic. Like the car but fear the worst.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[television]

Are you sure that they make a 4matic option.

Malcolm

 

[AirgunSavant]

Malcolm
Yes I drove one and it comes only in the 5 sp (Auto) as they can not fit the new 7spd with the 4matic
A link
http://www.carsdirect.com/build/options?zipcode=21921&acode=USB60MBC682A0&restore=false

 

[television]

The write ups for the 7 speed are very good why not go for that.

Malcolm

 

[Rory]

'Cos he's probably in a snowy bit of The States where they 'have' to have 4WD. As well as Merc's, some BMW's and Volvo's (maybe others that I dont know, apart from the obvious Audi) are sold there with 4WD.

 

[AirgunSavant]

The 7 sp auto in the M and E series is the one the bad news is about.
Many failures. Go to yahoo.com then autos and see the 7sp fiascos.
Yes Rory is correct and I'm hoping the 5sp auto is bullet proff unlike the 7sp.

 

[jberks]

Not really surprised. The New diesel V6's are probably going to be troublesome for a while too. Old adage holds true, always go for something that's been out for a couple of years so they can iron out the problems. I note the 350 engine is quite new too, though hopefully it's basically a bored out 320. At least the 5speed/4 matic have been out for a while so that should be ok.

 

[AirgunSavant]

Thanks Jberks
I was hoping the same for the 5spd/4matic
One guy commented in yahoo that MB is rushing to the market too much technology and they need to test it and torture the mechanicals like the real world does. Sound advice since I see what people do to my products. If you can think it, someones already done it!