This discount is for corporate employees; I'm not sure if the discount applies to dealership employees.

 

I owned an MB C Class before the TL. I have test driven and researched new benz's extensively, including E320 and 500 along with C classes. If you are interested in performance the E320 is not as fast as the TL, but like BMW much more linear in power delivery. This means you do not feel the great kick of VTEC at high rpms like Acura, but you also don't need to drive around at 6K rpm's just to get power either. I might even venture to say that the E320 is faster than my AT TL 0-40, while being smoother doing so. Let me make a point that the ONLY reason I would consider the E320 over the TL is because of the price savings your getting. The E320 has better interior both quality and luxury wise, more luxurious but less sporty seats. MB has real wood. I like the cockpit of Acura more than the E interior though. Acura has a better NAVI for sure. One good thing about Acura is the CD player is in dash as opposed to in trunk for alot of MB. As far as your concerns for children, both companies are on the top rung of safety. The RWD will bring it close to the handling of the TL, with no worry of skipping over bumps or around turns. MB has (let me stress) MUCH BETTER paint than Acura. Acura actually has fairly horrible paint. My C class which was a 97's paint still had near new car sparkle when I sold it. Add to the fact that my 97 with 95K had just one squeak or rattle coming from the sunroof which was fixed first time at the dealership. My Acura with 10K miles has numerous interior issues where this is concerned, though nothing major. MB stereo cannot match the TL's for clarity and sound quality. In my opinion MB heated seats are hotter and have larger surface. The TL reminds me of a "younger" car compared to the E class, seemingly aimed at a younger age group of buyers.

To the negativity side now, Benz quality has been going down for about 5 years nowand the merger with Chrysler didn't help the cause. Although my old Benz never left me stranded on the road, maintenance even for something like an oil change was horridly priced. Not that Acura is any bargain, but MB could be the King here. No squeaks and rattles like the TL but the trade off was several electrical malfunctions including power windows failing, gauge lights failing, BOSE stereo spontaneously not playing, etc. It seems like MB has begun to assume that since people have enough money to buy the cars, they have enough money for repairing them. I would probably rather have squeaks and rattles than those things, although if they are covered under warranty on the Benz no worries.

All in all, besides the bluetooth, and stereo, you can get all the other features on the MB. I believe both have decent resale value, but if you are getting the benz at like 10-15K off, that compensates for depreciation and may earn you some money when it comes time to sell. My suggestion: If want a keeper car, buy the Benz, wait for the 06 TL to come out and sell the Benz. By '06, Acura should have all the quirks fixed, better tires (these suck!), and hopefully AWD.

 

I'm not going to argue that one car is inherently better than the other.

My advice hinges on the owner/operator more than the car itself. If you get the Acura, are you going to be kicking yourself in the head? Thinking all the time that you could have had Mercedes for almost the same money? Or if you get the E320, will you constantly be thinking, "you know with the 5-10k i could have saved on the TL, I could re-do my kitchen or have gotten that plasma TV?"

I don't know you, but the fact that you've asked about this incredible MB deal on an E320 suggests to me, that you really really want the Mercedes. So for the 5-10k difference in price, give yourself piece of mind and buy the MB. If the money was a real concern you're looking at the wrong vehicles.

Personally, I think both are cars are fine automobiles each one more than capable of safely transporting your children. With that said, a Ford Focus is also highly capable of doing the same job, for 20k less. So don't worry that one might have fewer defects per 100 vehicles than the other, or comes with 20% better leather, or 13.5% better name-brand recognition.

 

If u got enough $ , E320 for sure~

 

As you can read from the post by NightRider (a M-B owner, not a dreamer) and as you can tell if you visit the M-B forums and NewsGroups, M-B quality has really gone downhill. I used to have an older 450SL that wouldn't die. It limped alot but it wouldn't die.

JD Powers focuses on initial quality surveys. But no one surveys the numbers that CR does. It is in the hundreds of thousands of owners with annual followups. JD Powers, IMO, has sold out to commercialism. I still read their reports but they don't have the weight with me they used to.

Since the Daimler-Chrysler merger, things have deteriorated further for M-B. I just had a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica for a week in Vegas. It has a 3.5L V6 engine which, I believe, is the new M-B replacement for the 3.2. It was truck-like. The all wheel drive left a lot to be desired. It was only FWD until the front wheels started to slip - then it transfered power to the rears. No low range. I got stuck easily in a wet grassy field going slightly uphill. Rattles everywhere on the dash and A pillars.

I know that's not an M-B but they are starting to use the same parts bins.

I have stated the good points of the E class: stately, matronly, smooth, quiet, classy looking, clean interior. I would be hard pressed to say that it looks as good as an LS430 or is better quality. I don't think it is.

I agree, however, that with a chance to get 25% off, it would be quite tempting because, if you didn't like it, you could dump it after a year and not take too big a bath.

XP

 

I would get the MB. But first I would make sure the dealer is fairly close to you. I wouldn't want to have to drive 60 miles to get to them. Also will the dealer give you a loaner car?

I had a ML430 for 5 years and we were at the dealership fairly frequently but usually just minor issues. The car was mechanically sound and reliable just had little issues that came up from time to time. My local dealer was great and convenient to my home and work so it made it easy to drop the car off, get a loaner and return it on the way home.

My wife and I drove a 99 E430 before deciding on the ML430 and one of her comments was that the E class made you feel rich. There was a certain feeling to the car and solidness that we liked. We went with the ML because we needed a vehicle we could tow a boat and race car with on the weekend. It was not nearly as nice.


With a 25% discount, there is no question I would get the E class. Or maybe a C55 AMG if you really want a quick, powerful car.

 

Well stated post.

Ironically, the same can be said about BMW and VW. They also have great initial quality but survey the owners after three years and see what they say. Not good.

 

Okay guys, I know it's been a while since my first post but I have to get a new car next month. My problem is this, I was just about set on getting an E320 when I saw a commercial for the TL highlighting the navigation system and it's many features. Upon reviewing Acura's website and going through all the great demos of the interior and exterior of the TL I am now in a bind.

Do I go with the E320 (which I still think wins the appearance vote) and spend $55K or do I go with the TL and save about $20K and get more stuff to play with? As much as I love the status symbol the E320 represents I also love technology, which the TL has a lot of.

If anyone has any experience with both cars that would be great. Otherwise, just input from you as a TL owner is good enough (I've already got enough input from the guys at mbworld.org). I currently have an MB CLK320 and a BMW 530i so I am quite used to German engineering. On the same token I am also aware of the fact that in recent years Mercedes doesn't represent the same mark of quality as it did prior to the Chrysler merger.

TIA,

Brian

 

How about a RL?

 

If you are willing to spend $55k, why not the C55 AMG?

 

If you have the Cash look at the RL. It will compair much better with the MB and 530 at 50K. If you want a great car with lots of trick tech. for 34K look at the TL. It will give you the same space as the MB and 530.

I just turned in my A6 2.7t for the TL and I am not sorry. There is a difference in the German cars vs the TL. If I had the cash to spend on a new 320 then I would look at the RL right away.

 

Welcome back to the board, samoan_ridah!



But of the two cars you mention: They are two completely different cars with totally different purposes. If you need a status symbol and true luxury (e.g. little to no sport), go for the 320. If you want a superior value for the money, and some sport, get the TL.

Since you're actually looking for TL advice, I'll keep this thread here for now instead of moving it as we usually do for "vs" threads.

 

I'd say you give RL a thought, at least test drive it.

 

The MB E-Class, and the TL are two different classes of vehicles, the RL would be more of a comparison to the E-Class. The E-Class is a beautiful car but a bit overpriced for what it is. If I were to choose bewteen the two I would pick the MB but then again you also pay alot more for the MB. Test drive both and see which one you like. The MB has more of a status symbol compared to Acura.

 

Well, if it is any help I went from a clk55 to an 05tl (was actually looking at an 05 e55).

Is it a step down? No question. Was the clk55 worth an additional 50k? NO WAY!

You will get the most bang for your buck with the TL.

If you are lucky enough that matter doesn't matter to you, then go for the E. Thats just my 2 cents. Good luck either way.

 

I thought of that but I don't know if I like the styling. Not only that but the only real reason I'm considering an Acura is that I can get so much more for so much less. In comparison with the RL I will just be getting the "so much more" part of the equation.

The C55 is a monster but I really need the space that the E and the TL offer. Not to mention that my sister just bought an 05 C240 so I don't want to have the same car as her (even though you know and I know that they aren't even in the same category!).

Thank you!

I would like to think that an Acura TL is at least a step above the 10 million Accords and Camry's you see on the freeway. I really really like the Bluetooth integration and the navigation puts MB's COMAND system to shame.

Oh and thanks for not moving my thread. I really need help deciding.

 

Wow, from an AMG to an Acura! That's a major statement all by itself.

Money does play somewhat of a significant role. I am not rich so either way I'll have to work hard for my new car but I can afford to get either one right now(thankfully). I don't want to just throw away money but I also want to be comfortable in what I drive.

 

I say look at the RL also ! But to give you some insight : I've recently test driven a 04 E320 and let me tell you what ! Daaaaaammm i was not impressed at all ! 1. I was hoping the ride would be smoother 2. I was hoping to have atleast decent acceleration 3. IMHO and the others that were with me- the interior of the TL was more pleasing to the eye 4. not really getting bang for your buck ! Dont get me wrong it is a nice car but I thought there would be way more to look foward too ! It was just uninspiring (<sp) ! It did have a ton of air bags, a decent stero system and a very classy look but just not for me ! Good luck with everything and make sure you check out the RL as well as the TL

* cant wait to go test drive the SL

 

I would hold off on the RL for at least a little while, although it is a very nice car. Remember all the early build problems that the TL had? Anyways, I considered getting (leasing actually, so I could afford it!) a CLK 500. Is the CLK a nicer car? Definitely. Is it worth an extra 20K? Not really. Plus, I would have had to pay extra to get many features that are standard on the TL. If you're a technophile (as I would consider myself to be), the TL just can't be beat at its price point. A big part of the reason that I didn't get the CLK was that I couldn't afford the Navi, which pales in comparison to a Honda Navi anyways. Good luck with your decision, and I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever car you get!

 

We have a '99 E320 4-matic, and our 2004 TL. The quality of Mercedes (at least w/ our '99) is phenomenal. However, so far, despite minor rattles/creaks/etc. in the TL, I am pretty impressed w/ its fit and finish -- still no match for the German, yet.

The RWD (60% RWD in our 4-matic) is so much easier in turns and when driving aggressively than the FWD TL .. no torque steer. RWD is the way every car would be were it not for inclement weather. I agree that the MB is not worth the extra dough over the TL, however, you're buying into a higher status symbol, a better built car, and a better handling vehicle -- and quite frankly, a better looking vehicle, IMHO.

The RL is definitely worth a look if you're in the $50K market, I agree w/ all above comments. I think you should wait however, for the '06 RL when all the kinks are worked out -- again, I agree w/ the above.

 

Base price on the C55 is $54,XXX ... so w/ some nice options, and tax, etc.. you're well over $60,000. The TL is $34,000 plus TTL .. considerable savings.

I'd take that extra $20,000 -- buy a 50" plasma, some Paradigm speakers, etc, and a nice dining room set. Plus I'd have a smooth ride (The TL) in my garage.

It's all about what you want your money to do for you --

 

BTW .. there isn't THAT much technology in the TL ..
1) XM radio
2) Bluetooth -- which most people don't use
3) DVD Audio -- for which there is a very limited selection of Titles at the moment -- and the stereo otherwise (CD, XM, and FM) sounds not significantly better than the competition. You really need a DVD-A to hear the difference.
4) Voice activated commands w/ the Navi -- which I've read doesn't work so well...
5) what other technology is there in the TL??

 

If you're leaning more towards the E-class I'd suggest the E320 CDI. Even though most people associate NVH with diesels, the new diesel engines from Mercedes are really smooth and quiet. Also not only does it have a much better fuel economy but also it's a lot faster then the E320. And the resale value will be much better too. I still see '98 and '99 E300 diesel’s going for $30K+ in Autotrader.com, so that alone should tell you that they depreciate much slower then the E320’s. Good luck on whatever you choose.

 

I think the RL would be a better comparison.

Also, IMO, the E is not worth getting unless you are talking about the E500 or E55.

Good luck!

 

can i say https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91585

just joking....

well i suggest u get teh TL or test drive teh new RL... good luck

 

Moved to Cars & Bikes where another thread on this topic is already running. I will merge this with the other thread that has the identical topic.

-XP

 

Didn't know about the other thread--I spend most of my time in 3G. Thanks for the tip, jatt.

 

Based on your situation of being not rich and having to work for your new car but being able to afford either, I would without a doubt get a TL.

I have a 2004 E270 at my house in Germany, and it is a great car, and I enjoy the comfort, luxury, smooth autobahn cruising, and yes, even the prestige is nice sometimes. But if I could have a TL in Germany, I would replace my E class in a heartbeat. First, I would be able to trade in my used E class for a brand-new TL, and still have leftover change. Second, the technology of even the top auto manufacturers in the world (MB, BMW, Audi, VW, Porsche) are playing catchup with the TL. I have a big family in Germany and America, and my brothers and cousins and I like to drive each others cars. In the past couple years, I have driven each of the following cars for at least a week: '04 Acura TL, '05 Acura TL (mine), '94 Acura Legend (mine previously), '05 Acura RL, '97 BMW M3, '99 Mercedes ML500, '01 Mercedes E430, '02 Mercedes C320 Wagon, '99 Mercedes SLK200, '04 Mercedes SLK350, '03 BMW 525 wagon, '04 BMW 540 sedan, '03 Audi S4, '04 Audi A8, '01 Cadillac STS. (and some VWs, Lexuses, and Nissans)

•The navigation on the TL kicks the s**t out of all of those cars and any navigation system I have ever seen or read about. The touch screen and the voice recognition make it the easiest and quickest to use.
•The sound system on the TL kicks the s**t out of all those cars.
•The seating comfort, build quality, and instrument layout and intuitiveness on the TL is on par with all of those vehicles (and kicks the s**t out of the Cadillac).
•For a front wheel drive car, the TL drives amazingly well. Nevertheless, the M3 and S4 handle better than the TL (but don't kick the s**t out of it).

Don't get me wrong... If a TL and an E55 each cost $35,000, I would get an E55 because the thrill of driving a neck-snapping rear-wheel drive Mercedes would outweigh the convenience and usefulness of the TL's navi and bluetooth. The E55 is a $90,000 car that is worth $90,000 dollars.

But we live in the real world where we have to weigh all the costs and benefits of our decisions. Depending on how much money a person has, the price of an automobile will have a greater impact on their purchase decision. To me, the TL is a $55,000 car that costs $35,000. The E-Klasse is a $55,000 car that costs $55,000.

 

BMW's and MB's are not short of technology ... most of theirs goes under the hood and the rest of the sheetmetal...

I'd rather have a car w/ a technologically advanced engine design, or suspension system, .. rather than XM radio, and a "kick-ass" navigation system and DVD-A such as in the TL.

Just my $0.02.

 

Wow, thanks to all of you guys for such great responses. I guess it really just boils down to how much I want to spend. They really do both have great pros and each have their cons.

If price weren't an issue at all, I still don't know if I would go with the E. I'm really starting to like the techno-goodies packed into the TL. I know PeterUbers doesn't think it's much but to me a good NAVI is a really strong selling point.

What's the demographics of the TL owners (age, race, etc.)?

 

If for no other reason, get a TL because we have the best forum!

 

That might just be true. Although I am a devout member of www.mbworld.org.

 

Those of us "fortunate" citizens living in California are "protected" by state law which prevents us from the temptation of new diesel car purchases until 2006(?) when low sulfur diesel fuel supposedly becomes available. You can't even buy a diesel car out of state and register it in CA unless it's 6 months old and 10k miles, or something along those lines to further protect us from these harmful machines... Otherwise, I would have bought a E320 CDI in a heartbeat.

E320 at/near MSRP vs. TL? I'd choose a TL.
E320 at MBUSA employee discount vs. TL? I chose the E320.
It's my understanding that LA area M-B dealers are routinely selling E320's at or slightly below invoice, which I think is about 9 or 10% below MSRP.

 

Oh yea I forgot CA prohibits diesel cars.

 

DO NOT GET THE MERCEDES BENZ E320!! IT IS A HASSLE WAITING TO HAPPEN FOR YOU!!!

I say this not because of a pure bias towards Acura, but because I have witnessed this myself. At the same time in May of 2003, my sister and I purchased new vehicles. I got an '03 TL-S, and she got an '04 E320. Approximately 17 months later, it is safe to say that my car, even though $15k cheaper, was a far greater deal. The only problem I have had with my car was the CD changer jamming from my own bootleg CD, and that is it.

As for my sister, let's just say she's been driving around a loaner C320 for the last 50 out of 60 days. Here are some of the problems she has been having:

-The transmission was acting up AT 15K miles and the car was doing a TL-esque up-and-down 0-to-6000 RPM shift several times. It was pretty fun driving around with her that night, I thought I was going to break my neck.

-There was a problem with water ''somehow'' getting into her engine, and it basically fried all her computers. This took 3 and a half weeks to fix, as the service managers were messing around with her and pretended like she didn't exist. Mind you, this wasn't caused by rain or a sudden dropping of a Poland Spring gallon tank of water into her engine. Her computers all just fried one day. Weird.

-There was a recall on the brakes.

-And my favorite, the radio does not work. I was driving with her one night and her radio started acting up, like the static you would get from an '84 Buick while going through a tunnel. IT TURNS OUT, WHEN YOU PUT THE REAR DEFROSTER ON, THE RADIO MALFUNCTIONS!!! Also, the screen blows out occasionally. Well-made German electronics!


Now of course a bunch of you guys will flame me by bringing up the infamous Acura transmission problem and the fact that all MB320's are not this way. However, I have seen plenty of threads in this forum about how a lot of 320's are being cautioned for lemon laws because of these reoccurring problems, and I remember one of you guys even saying you saw four of them on the side of the road in one week alone. The MB320 is undoubtedly a beautiful car, but I would go with the TL. It is $15k cheaper, it has a ton of power, the MB320 is slow as shit (I've driven it, it makes my TL-S feel like a Viper) and especially if you live in an area with bad winters, you aren't gonna go far with a RWD car (unless you get the 4-Matic). Get the TL with the A-Spec kit or even the OEM body kits, lip spoiler, and optional 18-inch wheels, and I'm sure you will love the car. We all do!

 

I'd get E320, not cuz I have an E55 but having owned a TL and MBs (yes TLs are more reliable, but that is NO secret). Drive both and you will see.

 

E320 is a little bit slow...

but if i were u, i would still like to pick up E320....

German car > Japan car

 

dont get the benz, my father has an E class with more problems than a fucking math book. And it is expensive like hell to fix.

 

His car woul be under warranty...its beyond the 50K that you get killed on...but I never keep cars more than 1 year or so, so I guess I never really cared about reliability.