Are the LX cars rebadged Mercedes E-Class vehicles? *

[DMAG]

No.

No.

No.

Some parts and systems of the vehicles do use Mercedes sourced or re-engineered Mercedes parts, but the vehicles are not re-badged Mercedes. Some parts that are shared or re-engineered are the transmission used in the V8 and AWD models, steering columns and seat frames. Much of the wiring is common to other DC vehicles as well.

You'll probably notice (and if you are like many owners... dislike) the cruise control stalk that is common on Mercedes brand vehicles. The use of parts bin components like this saves DC millions of dollars over the life cycle of a car.

[gn300]

I thought during a 300 test drive that the drive and Feel was very europien as well as the inside with its squared not rounded edges.NOT THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT.Father benz had a good influence on mother mopar!

[Northern Rider]

Most of the interior controls are from the E-Class as are the suspension design; transmission; IRS and brake system.

The most important transplant from the TRI-STAR E-Class is the multiprocessor computerized system that ensures safety and stability at high speeds (traction control; yaw control; ABS; throttle control; torque management). MB spent huge sums of money 5 years ago developing this system; still world class and unheard of in a $35k vehicle.

[Phil Hunter]

Hi,

I agree that the cruise control stalk and for that matter audio controls (on the stearing wheel) are inferior to my T&C. In this case, MB could learn from Mopar.


Phil

[Northern Rider]

Hi,

I agree that the cruise control stalk and for that matter audio controls (on the stearing wheel) are inferior to my T&C. In this case, MB could learn from Mopar.


Phil

I agree. The cruise control stalk is the most non-intuitive car control I have ever come across. I rarely use it.

[snow_mag]

I read that many of the suspension parts are the same castings as the E-series but made of steel instead of aluminium - heavier but stronger.

When I go to use the cruise control it's like getting up from the couch to change the channel of the T.V. - everthing ends up OK but it could be done better.

[FOHN_JARGO]

One feature I would like to have is somthing I've seen on a MB in this office park. I am not sure which Mercedes it is but it appears that when he parks, his side view mirrors swing in automaticly.

I had the drivers side mirror on my old Elantra removed by a truck. I don't think the SOB even new he did it.

[SeadooSandi]

I like the CC stalk and find it very simple to use and I like the location of it!

[DawsonMagnum]

I agree. The cruise control stalk is the most non-intuitive car control I have ever come across. I rarely use it.

Agreed. My old Audi S4 had a very nicely laid out control system and was much easier to deal with than the Magnum's. The Germans really pay attention to ergonomics. That being said, however, after a year of living with the Magnum, all the controls are now just second nature. It's surprising what you can get used to, I guess.

[E55 KEV]

One feature I would like to have is somthing I've seen on a MB in this office park. I am not sure which Mercedes it is but it appears that when he parks, his side view mirrors swing in automaticly.

I had the drivers side mirror on my old Elantra removed by a truck. I don't think the SOB even new he did it.

That is standard on the 300C. Both mirrors move. On my 2002 E55 only the right side moves.

[FOHN_JARGO]

That is standard on the 300C. Both mirrors move. On my 2002 E55 only the right side moves.

Automaticly?

[Northern Rider]

Automaticly?

On the 300C, they tilt down automatically on reversing. You have to fold them in manually.

[E55 KEV]

Most of the interior controls are from the E-Class as are the suspension design; transmission; IRS and brake system.

The most important transplant from the TRI-STAR E-Class is the multiprocessor computerized system that ensures safety and stability at high speeds (traction control; yaw control; ABS; throttle control; torque management). MB spent huge sums of money 5 years ago developing this system; still world class and unheard of in a $35k vehicle.

I don't believe the LX chassis takes from the Mercedes parts bin per se. I don't think any parts are interchangeable. I believe it is mainly shared design and technology. Even with the exact same tranny specs the LX tranny does not perform like my MB tranny especially on kickdown.

My daily drivers are 02 E55 AMG and 05 Magnum RT and the ol lady flies the 300C. I really don't see anything all that similar in the interior appearance or controls expect maybe the placement of the CC Stalk. The LX cars have more in common with the old W210 E-Class (1996-2002) and current W203 C-Class chassis (2001-today). The LX front suspension has a design similar to the W203 with coil over damper setup. The W210 has separate coil and damper.

ESP first appeared in MB cars for the 1998 model year. Traction control appeared before that.

[Black on Black]

Correct; shared parts, where applicable, are with the previous E-class generation (W210).

I don't believe the LX chassis takes from the Mercedes parts bin per se. I don't think any parts are interchangeable. I believe it is mainly shared design and technology. Even with the exact same tranny specs the LX tranny does not perform like my MB tranny especially on kickdown.

My daily drivers are 02 E55 AMG and 05 Magnum RT and the ol lady flies the 300C. I really don't see anything all that similar in the interior appearance or controls expect maybe the placement of the CC Stalk. The LX cars have more in common with the old W210 E-Class (1996-2002) and current W203 C-Class chassis (2001-today). The LX front suspension has a design similar to the W203 with coil over damper setup. The W210 has separate coil and damper.

ESP first appeared in MB cars for the 1998 model year. Traction control appeared before that.

[E55 KEV]

Automaticly?

adding to what Northern Rider stated. The mirrors on the 300C are also tied to the Memory system which sets the mirrors, steering wheel and seats for 2 drivers. I do wish the Magnum had that.