W211 E Class Replacement Announced

[johnmc]

Undisguised pictures of the W211 E-Class replacement have been published in Auto Express magazine this week. The twin headlamp look is out, new motor is much more modern looking, similar to the Lexus GS in some ways, more squared-off headlamps.

Values of the W211 will soon begin to plunge, be warned. The W210 values collapsed shortly after the W211 came out. Better quality is promised with the W211 recognised for poor quality by Merc.

John

 

[E Class Newbie]

New E-Class

Have seen the pics in Auto Express. Have to say I don't like it. The front looks like a Euro box or Japanese saloon (just like the new Lexus GS as you say) and the back looks, well, ugly. Similar to the new Audi A6 but the Audi rear end looks stylish whereas the Merc looks like Moby Dick. Lets hope the real thing is more attractive.

I think it's a shame that they're moving away from the 'classic' look as that's what attracted me to the current E-class.

Also disappointed that they're moving away from the Sensotronic brake function as I find the 'hold' function brilliant when driving in stop / start traffic.

Having recently taken delivery of a new E-Class I think MB have sorted out most of the glitches that beset earlier versions, but they must do something about the seats in any replacement as the current E-class version lacks under thigh support and is uncomfortable compared to most other executive cars.

 

[pascal]

Hi,
Be careful with the W211 E Class, formal pictures of the replacement for
the current W211 Eclass have just been published this week in Auto Express.

Within the next 2 years the current Eclass will be replaced and values of the W211 will plunge, just like the W210 did.

John, all cars get replaced by new models sooner or later. All cars depreciate also. They all depreciate when a new model replaces them. The E-Class is less affected by depreciation.

If one was to worry about replacements, facelifts etc all the time, you'd never buy a new car.

I think that your information, that the W211 is being replaced in two years may be overexagerated. The new model is due to replace the W211 in 2009, which would sound correct and in keeping with normal replacement times.

Pascal

 

[GlynC]

I think you'll find these are very good mock up photo's too
Auto Express are reknowned for doing this ( I have subscribed to it for years)
MB are hardly going to be out testing something like this without a lot of black plastic covering the shape and style of the car when it's not due to hit the road for 4 years.
On the same page they have pictures ( more realistic without fake backgrounds etc.) of the new SL due to hit next year which is totally covered up
It's just A/E fiddling with images of cars and sticking a merc badge on the bonnent for good measure.
Looks like a cross between the new GS Lexus and the Latest Audi A6 with a good effort from some using Photo Shop to me
Calm down it's only a motoring mag!!!

 

[MOHDW211]

The facelift is going to be minor and is expected mid06. It is be mainly minor cabin changes and subtle changes on the body. This will NOT affect resale much. The new w212 is due out 2009 and by then most of us will have a different car by then so depreciation isn't worth talking about on the w211.

Of all cars the E(w211) is one of the cars which holds it's value well even after all the neg publicity and reliability issues....its the badge which helps.

 

[GlynC]

here here

 

[johnmc]

I don't entirely disgree with the depreciation comments. Lots of the retoric about low depreciation is based on forecasts, the reality doesn't sink home until you trade in. My colleague at work attempted to trade in a 2.5year old
W210 E320CDi, lots of kit. Cost him 39k. Modest miles, about 26kmiles on the clock. Main dealers are baulking at giving him 20grand for it against a new one. Merc's line up is based mostly on 3 box saloons and estates, hardly the most cutting edge of design. Some more interesting stuff on the way though. Model changes or facelifts will hit you in the wallet harder than you might think. My own W210 after 4.5years has dropped from 32k to 7.5k. Not too bothered, going to run it for another 3 years or so. In a shift in buying away from 3 box saloons to MPV and 4x4 styled vehicles (lots on the way from Merc) should see worsening depreciation for the standard old stuff. BMW's up to the same with 5 and 7 seater MPV and 4x4s on the way.

I think that the pictures in Autoexpress could be a leak to see what reaction the new E-class gets. I think it looks ok, but not startling. Wouldn't be surprised if the replacement cycle time was shorter than 7 years though. Design cycle times are dropping across the industry. Why bother with a facelift if you can get new product to market faster?

 

[baron210]

Have bought a 2006 (56 plate) E320 CDI - going to run it for a few years!

Hi,
I have had a bit of an unusual experience in that I have bought an E Class 320 CDI, which I am extremely happy with, as a result of an accident at work with my old Peugeot 307 Convertable (CC).
I bought that car pre-recession for £19,000 (bar a fiver), and tried to trade it in after having it hit by a transit van from a nearby company to ours (I am an IT Technician BTW), and then I was cheeky to Direct Line insurance (my insurer), and asked for an SLR Mclaren while it (the Peugeot) was being fixed.
They provided me with an E class 220 CDi, which I loved , and had no idea previously that the drive could be so good, so I did some homework with finance, and being in a depression/ recession, hoped I could pick up a bargain.
I went to a main network Mercedes dealer (in Chichester), and tried to negotiate a deal on a 2005 E220 CDI (Iridium Silver) with 15k on the clock, against my 2005 Peugeot (that had 27k on the clock btw - below average, and was really in fantastic condition for its type).
I was horrified that the maximum I could get in value was 4k (I would have had to fund / get a loan for 25k to cover the negative equity of 11K in my 307), so although credit worthy, nobody would offer me this amount unsecured, the Merc was on sale for £18.500.
I went out with the lads at work a week later on a "contaminated water test" at a local bar, and when I woke up from the experience, I had the "Eurika" moment idea of, hang on a moment, I was paying for the 307 on a pure Hire Purchase over 5 years, and on further investigation had only 1 month to pay before having paid 1/2 off of this term.
After some further shopping for a Mercedes E class, I found a pristine example Iridium Silver E320 CDI (27K) 56 reg at Brighton Mercedes (Portslade), for which I secured a finance deal for 17.5K at a fantastically low APR rate, so I phoned the finance company who had loaned for the 307 and asked for a settlement figure, handed my old car to British car auctions, paid up the balance remaining and walked away from that one (a consumer right in the UK).
Now I am the proud owner of the facelift E class, and I have to say, I prefer this ones raked back pointed front to its squared off replacement with its seemingly stuck on tick LED running lights. I know im happy with the car, have achieved 42MPG (indicated) on a good run, and have only so far had to relace one tyre after having run over a nail which stuck near the side wall (will teach me for parking outside a tool hire company), and got a broken inlet valve replaced under warranty.
I'm paying £55.00 per month less to boot than the 307, although I know this will be offset by servicing / parts costs, but I dont mind paying for what I consider the finest drive I've had!, and hope she lasts me for a few years to come.

Baron210 (Portchester near Fareham UK).:wink:

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Now I am the proud owner of the facelift E class, and I have to say, I prefer this ones raked back pointed front to its squared off replacement with its seemingly stuck on tick LED running lights. I know im happy with the car, have achieved 42MPG (indicated) on a good run,

I'm paying £55.00 per month less to boot than the 307, although I know this will be offset by servicing / parts costs, but I dont mind paying for what I consider the finest drive I've had!, and hope she lasts me for a few years to come.

Baron210 (Portchester near Fareham UK).:wink:

Welcome Baron, and well done. They do say that, once you have decided on what to do, the means to do it will appear - and certainly have done in your case.

I had numerous Peugeots over the years and they were good cars. MB is a different proposition altogether and may spoil us for anything else, but it is a risk worth taking.

A good Independant specialist is what you need for maintenance (and any repairs) and I think you are well blessed for these near where you live.

Can we look forward to seeing you and your car at the get together (gtg) on 16th May @ Portsmouth?

 

[Dosco]

Welcome

.. to you and your fine steed. I have no doubt that you are about to enjoy the ride of your life - in a well sorted car.

Congrats on the choice

 

[Razoo]

...Also disappointed that they're moving away from the Sensotronic brake function as I find the 'hold' function brilliant when driving in stop / start traffic.

I like the brake 'hold' function too.

Trouble is, I've got so used to using it that I've suffered a few overrun situations with my wife's automatic Vauxhall Zafira, when I've pumped the brake pedal to initiate a 'hold' function that isn't there!

Razoo

 

[st4]

Hi,
I have had a bit of an unusual experience in that I have bought an E Class 320 CDI, which I am extremely happy with, as a result of an accident at work with my old Peugeot 307 Convertable (CC).
I bought that car pre-recession for £19,000 (bar a fiver), and tried to trade it in after having it hit by a transit van from a nearby company to ours (I am an IT Technician BTW), and then I was cheeky to Direct Line insurance (my insurer), and asked for an SLR Mclaren while it (the Peugeot) was being fixed.
They provided me with an E class 220 CDi, which I loved , and had no idea previously that the drive could be so good, so I did some homework with finance, and being in a depression/ recession, hoped I could pick up a bargain.
I went to a main network Mercedes dealer (in Chichester), and tried to negotiate a deal on a 2005 E220 CDI (Iridium Silver) with 15k on the clock, against my 2005 Peugeot (that had 27k on the clock btw - below average, and was really in fantastic condition for its type).
I was horrified that the maximum I could get in value was 4k (I would have had to fund / get a loan for 25k to cover the negative equity of 11K in my 307), so although credit worthy, nobody would offer me this amount unsecured, the Merc was on sale for £18.500.
I went out with the lads at work a week later on a "contaminated water test" at a local bar, and when I woke up from the experience, I had the "Eurika" moment idea of, hang on a moment, I was paying for the 307 on a pure Hire Purchase over 5 years, and on further investigation had only 1 month to pay before having paid 1/2 off of this term.
After some further shopping for a Mercedes E class, I found a pristine example Iridium Silver E320 CDI (27K) 56 reg at Brighton Mercedes (Portslade), for which I secured a finance deal for 17.5K at a fantastically low APR rate, so I phoned the finance company who had loaned for the 307 and asked for a settlement figure, handed my old car to British car auctions, paid up the balance remaining and walked away from that one (a consumer right in the UK).
Now I am the proud owner of the facelift E class, and I have to say, I prefer this ones raked back pointed front to its squared off replacement with its seemingly stuck on tick LED running lights. I know im happy with the car, have achieved 42MPG (indicated) on a good run, and have only so far had to relace one tyre after having run over a nail which stuck near the side wall (will teach me for parking outside a tool hire company), and got a broken inlet valve replaced under warranty.
I'm paying £55.00 per month less to boot than the 307, although I know this will be offset by servicing / parts costs, but I dont mind paying for what I consider the finest drive I've had!, and hope she lasts me for a few years to come.

Baron210 (Portchester near Fareham UK).:wink:

Welcome. You've done the right thing. The 50% rule is just wonderful. I intend in doing that with mine in sept 2010, dropping it off @ BCA and buying it straight back for tuppence @ the auction. Reckon I'll save £4k for a days hassle etc.

It sounds like you have quite a lot of finance on the car, and it may be worth you doing the same half way into the agreement.