New E200

[Guest kepiting1sg]

Mr. M wrote:

Just went to 4 PIs today to check out on the E250.

Realised that taking a loan makes a heck of a difference in price.

Anyway full-spec E250 Avantgarde is going for about 193-196k, that seems to be the 'market rate'.

For some less mainstream choices, like the E250 SE (or Classic) and the E250 AMG, prices seem to be more attractive.

Will I see any W212s at the meetup tomorrow? :bounce:

Did U cum to the GTG!

I sprained my neck looking out for U J?

I m still in town tmr.

Can gimme a call pls.

91777772

[Guest Mr. M]

blackmercs wrote:

Yes, there is one ready for u to molest!!!!

Hey, sorry I don't remember names so well... But I did see 3 black E250 Avantgardes at the meetup! Not sure if I met you, but thanks everybody for offering valuable advice... :becky:

notti wrote:

hi mr m

if u decide to go pi, best get the high spec or else your buyer if u so choose to sell, they will start to compare yours with cycle specs n press you for a lower px

you r right, high specs pi e is value for money

Thanks notti. Can't really compare because we're considering either a high-spec Avantgarde or a mid-spec AMG (without Keyless & Memory Seats) and the latter doesn't really sell at C&C unless you indent! The former will be exact C&C specs and will probably be good for resale... But the E250 w/ AMG pkg is at such an attractive price it makes the keyless + memory seats options look kinda unimportant...

kepiting1sg wrote:

Did U cum to the GTG!

I sprained my neck looking out for U J?

I m still in town tmr.

Can gimme a call pls.

91777772

Yes sir! I was also looking out for you!

I guess we headed down at different times.

I'll drop you a message!

[Guest blackmercs]

Mr. M wrote:

Hey, sorry I don't remember names so well... But I did see 3 black E250 Avantgardes at the meetup! Not sure if I met you, but thanks everybody for offering valuable advice... :becky:

Thanks notti. Can't really compare because we're considering either a high-spec Avantgarde or a mid-spec AMG (without Keyless & Memory Seats) and the latter doesn't really sell at C&C unless you indent! The former will be exact C&C specs and will probably be good for resale... But the E250 w/ AMG pkg is at such an attractive price it makes the keyless + memory seats options look kinda unimportant...

hi I don't own e E250, it Is beyond my reach!! As for whether to go for high specs, is depend on yr needs & wants. In my opinion, if u getting a sedan, u can forgo e memory seats. But not for coupe as u need to shift yr seat quite often. As for keyless go from PI, there is one at turf city if I can remember correctly. For AMG pkg, i can live without it!!

[Guest notti]

Hi Mr M

Take the E250 Avantgarde and AMG along the way loh (to meet your budget)

At least you won't regret later that there is no keyless go and memory seats later - it's a personal thing u know.

Hey I don't see you in yest's meetup?

Mr. M wrote:

Hey, sorry I don't remember names so well... But I did see 3 black E250 Avantgardes at the meetup! Not sure if I met you, but thanks everybody for offering valuable advice... :becky:

Thanks notti. Can't really compare because we're considering either a high-spec Avantgarde or a mid-spec AMG (without Keyless & Memory Seats) and the latter doesn't really sell at C&C unless you indent! The former will be exact C&C specs and will probably be good for resale... But the E250 w/ AMG pkg is at such an attractive price it makes the keyless + memory seats options look kinda unimportant...

Yes sir! I was also looking out for you!

I guess we headed down at different times.

I'll drop you a message!

[Guest achtungbaby]

Hi notti.

missed the gtg..kallang a bit off for me on sundays..perhaps somewhere else for lunch if there is enuff nos..not sure if there are such gatherings here instead...

looks like there wld be quite a few new rides come jul..my incl. lost rack how my have already done their rides here..ha

[Guest Mr. M]

notti wrote:

Hi Mr M

Take the E250 Avantgarde and AMG along the way loh (to meet your budget)

At least you won't regret later that there is no keyless go and memory seats later - it's a personal thing u know.

Hey I don't see you in yest's meetup?

Hey notti,

AMG + Avantgarde (Mem seats + Keyless) is of course the best combination, but comes at a price and right now, haven't found any PI holding such a combination with ready stock yet (and with colours we want). No black due to maintenance, we are happy with Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver or Culprit Brown! Interior also gotta be brown as shown:

As you can see, our requirements are quite specialised. :becky:

I was there, I even asked for 'notti' - but guess you were elsewhere in the meetup.

[Guest Mr. M]

Actually, the consideration for Memory Seats + Keyless Go is not that we need it, but whether it would affect resale value greatly, since these are standard items on a C&C car. If not for resale value, these two options are not really necessary for us.

As for the AMG package, there is no direction comparison with C&C as it comes without Keyless & mem seats. But the package of brakes, bodykit, rims, steering wheel, paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, instrument gauge cowels, sport seats etc are too value for $ to ignore! Especially when it is so much more 'visual' than the keyless/mem options... But whether for resale, will the buyer look more for AMG pkg or keyless/mem? That is something to ponder about...

Still haven't gotten to a conclusion about this yet...

[Guest kepiting1sg]

Mr. M wrote:

Actually, the consideration for Memory Seats + Keyless Go is not that we need it, but whether it would affect resale value greatly, since these are standard items on a C&C car. If not for resale value, these two options are not really necessary for us.

As for the AMG package, there is no direction comparison with C&C as it comes without Keyless & mem seats. But the package of brakes, bodykit, rims, steering wheel, paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, instrument gauge cowels, sport seats etc are too value for $ to ignore! Especially when it is so much more 'visual' than the keyless/mem options... But whether for resale, will the buyer look more for AMG pkg or keyless/mem? That is something to ponder about...

Still haven't gotten to a conclusion about this yet...

Nice meeting U James!

Like we always said - "Goes with your heart!"

I hope I can afford to keep mine for the next 10 years.....hahahaha!:becky:

[Guest NewC180]

Memory seats is important if there is more than 1 driver driving the same car. It is so difficult to get back that 'perfect' seat position after someone has adjusted it. Well, at least that's the case for me.

Keyless go (means keyless entry?) is something nice to have, but not a must-have for me. Pressing the button on the key or pressing the button on the door handle is the same to me, both need to press something.

For resellability, it really depends on who is buying your car. For the young at heart, AMG package is a must have, chio factor is definitely there. For the not so young and like to be pampered ones, memory seats and keyless go is a must have, if got massage chair better still, haha! End of the day, I think having certain features etc does not get you very much more on resale value. A few years ago, I sold my MPV with twin sun roof (a 4k option that I've paid). Dealer told me nobody wants sun roof nowadays cos weather is freaking hot, if I want I can demod (how to demod sunroof???).. nnb... Me anxious to take over my new car LL just let go to him.

My 2 cts... hehehe....

.

[Guest Mr. M]

kepiting1sg wrote:

Nice meeting U James!

Like we always said - "Goes with your heart!"

I hope I can afford to keep mine for the next 10 years.....hahahaha!:becky:

Yes, and my dad's heart says Avantgarde!

NewC180 wrote:

Memory seats is important if there is more than 1 driver driving the same car. It is so difficult to get back that 'perfect' seat position after someone has adjusted it. Well, at least that's the case for me.

Keyless go (means keyless entry?) is something nice to have, but not a must-have for me. Pressing the button on the key or pressing the button on the door handle is the same to me, both need to press something.

For resellability, it really depends on who is buying your car. For the young at heart, AMG package is a must have, chio factor is definitely there. For the not so young and like to be pampered ones, memory seats and keyless go is a must have, if got massage chair better still, haha! End of the day, I think having certain features etc does not get you very much more on resale value. A few years ago, I sold my MPV with twin sun roof (a 4k option that I've paid). Dealer told me nobody wants sun roof nowadays cos weather is freaking hot, if I want I can demod (how to demod sunroof???).. nnb... Me anxious to take over my new car LL just let go to him.

My 2 cts... hehehe....

.

Very true NewC180. I think we more or less decided on what we want already, now it's about warranty.

Is anyone under TWM warranty or Khang's Automatic? How about Kar Engineering? I've been reading countless threads about warranty and it seems like a really thorny issue. Considering that some PIs have a 2 years/40k warranty claim with C&C, some with TWM (think it's also warranty.com.sg aka Khang's) and some with MBM... And all with different warranty periods/mileage. So confusing. Just want to be sure there's somebody to turn to when something goes haywire in the car.

[Guest NewC180]

Mr. M wrote:

Yes, and my dad's heart says Avantgarde!

Very true NewC180. I think we more or less decided on what we want already, now it's about warranty.

Is anyone under TWM warranty or Khang's Automatic? How about Kar Engineering? I've been reading countless threads about warranty and it seems like a really thorny issue. Considering that some PIs have a 2 years/40k warranty claim with C&C, some with TWM (think it's also warranty.com.sg aka Khang's) and some with MBM... And all with different warranty periods/mileage. So confusing. Just want to be sure there's somebody to turn to when something goes haywire in the car.

Dunno much about the external warranty issue, can't advise sorry.

One more thing for you to check if you're going the PI route. A friend of mine recently nearly bought a PI Merc, and 'suddenly' discovered that the car does not have ESP! It is strange that the car does not have such 'basic' features that almost every new Merc has nowadays. Please check whether the one you're eyeing have this feature or not. Also, the one he checked doesn't have Bluetooth and it is single disc as well. Usually, sellers always emphasize to you that their cars have this and have that, but they won't tell you what you're missing. Check, check and check!

Good luck in your search!

.

[Guest Raskie]

Mr. M wrote:

Very true NewC180. I think we more or less decided on what we want already, now it's about warranty.

There is always a compromise when you go the non-AD route. If it is the same, what business model does the AD operates on ?

Your warranty will be managed by the 'assigned' workshop and hopefully they have the diagnostic tools & expertise to do a proper job. There are many w/s who specialise in Merc, some better than others and obviously some more 'affordable'.

In the event there is a major recall, your w/s is responsible for helping you get the recall rectified. Daimler is also at hand to assist if yr w/s has an issue ... but it the w/s refuses to help or disappears, that is another story.

For the 'faint-hearted' or those who hates hassles, then go AD, peace of mind right till the day you scrap or sell the car. Maybe can fetch a little more *fingers crossed*

If you has so many doubts about warranty and support, my suggestion is to go AD .. you are not parting with 60-80 big ones ... but more in the region of 200 ?

Even if you go PI route and then get yr Merc C&C 'adopted' ... yes, between a C&C car and yours, you'll get ticket number 2 in the queue ... that's only fair right ?

On and yes, if possible, go for the full works ... memory pkg, Keyless Go, AMG whatever you can get your hands on ...

[Guest blackmercs]

NewC180 wrote:

Dunno much about the external warranty issue, can't advise sorry.

One more thing for you to check if you're going the PI route. A friend of mine recently nearly bought a PI Merc, and 'suddenly' discovered that the car does not have ESP! It is strange that the car does not have such 'basic' features that almost every new Merc has nowadays. Please check whether the one you're eyeing have this feature or not. Also, the one he checked doesn't have Bluetooth and it is single disc as well. Usually, sellers always emphasize to you that their cars have this and have that, but they won't tell you what you're missing. Check, check and check!

Good luck in your search!

.

I m the fren. In short, if you wan PI specs near to AD of 80% for brandnew model is hard to come by. Provided that the model is on the market for a year or so. Just like Z4, presently PI spec able to meet AD of 90%++ or so, with estimated $50K lower for 23i mdoel.

[Guest NewC180]

Raskie wrote:

There is always a compromise when you go the non-AD route. If it is the same, what business model does the AD operates on ?

Your warranty will be managed by the 'assigned' workshop and hopefully they have the diagnostic tools & expertise to do a proper job. There are many w/s who specialise in Merc, some better than others and obviously some more 'affordable'.

In the event there is a major recall, your w/s is responsible for helping you get the recall rectified. Daimler is also at hand to assist if yr w/s has an issue ... but it the w/s refuses to help or disappears, that is another story.

For the 'faint-hearted' or those who hates hassles, then go AD, peace of mind right till the day you scrap or sell the car. Maybe can fetch a little more *fingers crossed*

If you has so many doubts about warranty and support, my suggestion is to go AD .. you are parting with 60-80 big ones ... but more in the region of 200 ?

Even if you go PI route and then get yr Merc C&C 'adopted' ... yes, between a C&C car and yours, you'll get ticket number 2 in the queue ... that's only fair right ?

On and yes, if possible, go for the full works ... memory pkg, Keyless Go, AMG whatever you can get your hands on ...

Agree with many of your points, I'm a AD guy as well, sleeping well is important to me! haha!

But there's nothing wrong with going the PI route if some folks here prefer it that way though.

I've heard that AD is going to up the adoption fees from $500 to $10k, or have they already implemented it?

My maths not very good, but the way I count is something like this:

Buy AD 200k. Sell 2 yrs later 150k. Cost of 2 years usage = 50k

Buy PI 170k, Sell 2 yrs later 120k. Cost of 2 years usage = 50k

Above numbers are just plucked from the sky just for discussion.

So if I am right, there's no real cost savings in buying PI, except for the interest cost of 30k for 2 yrs. I might be wrong though...

Anyway, like I said earlier, whoever wanna go the PI route please do more research, check, check and check!

Good luck once again!

.

[Guest blackmercs]

NewC180 wrote:

Agree with many of your points, I'm a AD guy as well, sleeping well is important to me! haha!

But there's nothing wrong with going the PI route if some folks here prefer it that way though.

I've heard that AD is going to up the adoption fees from $500 to $10k, or have they already implemented it?

My maths not very good, but the way I count is something like this:

Buy AD 200k. Sell 2 yrs later 150k. Cost of 2 years usage = 50k

Buy PI 170k, Sell 2 yrs later 120k. Cost of 2 years usage = 50k

Above numbers are just plucked from the sky just for discussion.

So if I am right, there's no real cost savings in buying PI, except for the interest cost of 30k for 2 yrs. I might be wrong though...

Anyway, like I said earlier, whoever wanna go the PI route please do more research, check, check and check!

Good luck once again!

.

My heart is PI route for a start, after few months of searching, I give up for this incoming, will look for PI for the next one though, that is one year later .............

[Guest kepiting1sg]

Raskie wrote:

On and yes, if possible, go for the full works ... memory pkg, Keyless Go, AMG whatever you can get your hands on ...

PI Like Bro BlackMerc said - buy only when the car is in front of you and U can check all the options that come with it. ASK! ASK! ASK! Like Blackmerc said - ask even for basic like got ESP or 6 CD changer.

Parkronic got parking guidance?

If got DRL is it original from factory or locally fitted?

Got iPod/USB/Aux input? Got Hold Assist? Hill Assist?

Nice to have - rear side window blinds, rear electric blind, power boot with remote closure, luggage compartment box

It just me - I cannot live without Keyless & Memory seats.

AMG package - full amg bodykit with R/L exos? 18" staggered amg rims & tyres? peforated front rotors/Mercedes calipers? 3 spoke steering with paddle shifts?

IMHCCBO will be diifcult for PI to fulfill the "full works"

Next go to AD.....hahahaha!....can wait or not?.....with so much uncertainties in COE it will take some mths if U want the whole works from AD.

I was more or less settled on the AD avantgarde and hoping

they have the extra AMG Sport Package and or Panaroof.

The reply boh!

No Command dun mind - not willing to cum out a hand or limp and I've cheaper alternatives for GPS, DTV, DVD, RC playing thru the stock LCD screen.

BTW got my GPS done up today & loaded it up with JW latest V3.94.

Swee swee boh chow chwee - better resolution on the E250 5+" screen then the previous Audi bigger 6.5" TFT 1/4 VGA LCD screen.

Saw a E250 CGI in the showroom with Panaroof but alas Elegant model & not Avantgarde.

Ask about the Estate - reply nothing in stk too.

End up LL took the stock E250 Avantgarde with some selection choices of colors and trims:Cry:

[Guest notti]

unker kep,

Does your gps has the map with kpe and if your contact able to update on a w221?

What is the damage like?

He can do tv tuner as well?

kepiting1sg wrote:

PI Like Bro BlackMerc said - buy only when the car is in front of you and U can check all the options that come with it. ASK! ASK! ASK! Like Blackmerc said - ask even for basic like got ESP or 6 CD changer.

Parkronic got parking guidance?

If got DRL is it original from factory or locally fitted?

Got iPod/USB/Aux input? Got Hold Assist? Hill Assist?

Nice to have - rear side window blinds, rear electric blind, power boot with remote closure, luggage compartment box

It just me - I cannot live without Keyless & Memory seats.

AMG package - full amg bodykit with R/L exos? 18" staggered amg rims & tyres? peforated front rotors/Mercedes calipers? 3 spoke steering with paddle shifts?

IMHCCBO will be diifcult for PI to fulfill the "full works"

Next go to AD.....hahahaha!....can wait or not?.....with so much uncertainties in COE it will take some mths if U want the whole works from AD.

I was more or less settled on the AD avantgarde and hoping

they have the extra AMG Sport Package and or Panaroof.

The reply boh!

No Command dun mind - not willing to cum out a hand or limp and I've cheaper alternatives for GPS, DTV, DVD, RC playing thru the stock LCD screen.

BTW got my GPS done up today & loaded it up with JW latest V3.94.

Swee swee boh chow chwee - better resolution on the E250 5+" screen then the previous Audi bigger 6.5" TFT 1/4 VGA LCD screen.

Saw a E250 CGI in the showroom with Panaroof but alas Elegant model & not Avantgarde.

Ask about the Estate - reply nothing in stk too.

End up LL took the stock E250 Avantgarde with some selection choices of colors and trims:Cry:

[Guest Mr. M]

I'll definitely scrutinise the car hard and deep from the PI before commiting! Looking for missing options is one thing I'm pretty sharp at, I think... :becky:

About warranty concerns, we definitely have our reservations but definitely not worth the 30k of savings over AD... Haha! Was just wondering if anybody has experience with Kar Engineering. Otherwise, guess we'll just have to find out for ourselves!

Thanks all for the advice. Probably gonna go to more PIs again today...

[Guest Mr. M]

Hey guys,

I need some help.

Those of you with your W212s, could you check if your instrumentation looks like:

1)

Or

2)

And state whether you have the SE, Elegance, Avantgarde or AMG trim. Thanks!

Because I read the press release and Avantgarde should have 2), but I'm seeing quite a number of Avantgarde E250s without it. Is there something fishy going on? Considering that the SE/Elegance is easily 'facelifted' to look like an Avantgarde... :scared:

[Guest Raskie]

kepiting1sg wrote:

It just me - I cannot live without Keyless & Memory seats.

unker, both of us la ... old fart needs more creature comfort ...

for your next change to E-cabrio, I buy you pirate design bandana and myself a yellow with black poka-dot one ... hair or no hair, we also can lao-yankee ... wahahahahaha ....

[Guest NewC180]

NewC180 wrote:

For the not so young and like to be pampered ones, memory seats and keyless go is a must have, if got massage chair better still, haha!

kepiting1sg wrote:

It just me - I cannot live without Keyless & Memory seats.

Raskie wrote:

unker, both of us la ... old fart needs more creature comfort ...

See, I am soooooo right! Wakakakaka!!!!

.

[Guest lightning]

NewC180 wrote:

See, I am soooooo right! Wakakakaka!!!!

.

i m still "quite" young (at heart) but also luv the keyless-go & memory seat functions leh... :becky::whistle:

[Guest NewC180]

lightning wrote:

i m still "quite" young (at heart) but also luv the keyless-go & memory seat functions leh... :becky::whistle:

When I said young I mean YOUNG, young at heart and those collected CPF lio ones not counted. Wahahaha!

BTW lightning, your instrument cluster is hooded or non hooded type?

.

[Guest lightning]

NewC180 wrote:

See, I am soooooo right! Wakakakaka!!!!

.

NewC180 wrote:

When I said young I mean YOUNG, young at heart and those collected CPF lio ones not counted. Wahahaha!

BTW lightning, your instrument cluster is hooded or non hooded type?

.

hooded...similar to my previous W204 :whistle:

[Guest Mr. M]

lightning wrote:

hooded...similar to my previous W204 :whistle:

Hmm... Yours is Avantgarde trim from C&C?