Tech/owner opinions on W211 e-class

[amg280]

Hi Guys. I just wanted some opinions from techs (or owners) on the W211 E-class (03-current). We have both a W124 (92 400E) and a W210(01 E320) in the family. In my opinion, the W124 is the best sedan MB ever built. I would take that over our newer 210 anyday. We have had nothing but problems with the 210 E320 from day 1 (19,000 miles). The 400E with 170,000+ continues to this day to operate comfortably and trouble-free. I dont want to turn this thread into a whats better than what, but I would like some honest opinions if MB had regained some of there quality of the earlier models into the new 211's.

I have a strange feeling that nothing new that MB is putting out is going to satisfy me since I have one of there best ever now (late model W124). I have driven the new face-lifted e-class (07' E320 4M) last week, and I wasnt particularly impressed. The doors dont shut as solid, and the interior feels cheaper than mine. And it also has that annoying seat belt beep that will continue to beep unless you buckle your seatbelt. What am I in, a tuarus?

Im particularly interested in the new E550 that is coming out. My dealer wont have one for a while, but wanted to get some opinions on this style E before hand.

I really hope MB has fixed alot of the cheap problems that plagued the W210's, particularly quality. Our 210 rusted out (sunroof, trunk, underside of doors, rockers) at only 40,000 miles, and 4 years old. Thats total BS, especially since MB turned there heads and wanted no responsibility. The car wasnt neglected, believe me. It still puzzles me how MB still only offers a 4 yr corrosion warranty while almost all german car manufacturers offer 10 or 12. Thats particularly disturbing for one that is buying a 4-matic vehicle to battle the NY winters. I would expect body rust to happen on a 4 yr old dodge neon, not a 55K mercedes.

Thanks to all that reply.