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

62K views 49 replies 36 participants last post by  Mac10 
#1 ·
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.
 
#3 ·
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.
 
#5 ·
Phil Hunter said:
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.
 
#6 ·
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.
 
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#7 ·
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.
 
#8 ·
No complaints here!

I like the CC stalk and find it very simple to use and I like the location of it!
 
#9 ·
Northern Rider said:
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.
 
#35 ·
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.
I agree. I get in other cars now and they annoy me...
 
#10 ·
nwamagnumluvr said:
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.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Northern Rider said:
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.
 
#14 ·
Correct; shared parts, where applicable, are with the previous E-class generation (W210).
E55 KEV said:
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.
 
#16 ·
I sell Dodge in Dallas....Chrysler corp trains us to right up front and tell customers that all three LX cars are buildt on the E320 platform... I have driven the E320 and I like my Magnum RT better...maybe its the Borlas's?
 
#17 · (Edited)
Bluefox, to each his own, right? Other than their superior straight line run from start, the LX are not in the same league as a mercedes benz, heck not even in the same zip code.

But of course you pay nearly double the cost of an LX to play in the mercedes benz zip code wherein then comes the issue of value. Question that has to be asked is MB's significant superiority worth the price of 2 LXs? I don't think so. Therefore dollar for dollar the LXs are the better buy.

As to the interior controls. Only similarity I've seen are 2. The cruise control, and the esp designation. Otherwise none that I can tell from looks. Heck the benz has a 6 + 1 CD player, 7 speed automatic transmission, blah blah blah.

For me the cruise control has never been an issue since it's the least used control in the cars. I appreciate that the radio control, the phone control, etc that I use more often are placed front and center and are not cluttered up with more stuff. Brilliant.

So in closing, as I put on my armor and duck for cover:wrongforu , I will rather own 2 LXs (1 charger daytona go-mango, 1 300C SRT-8, and a small house) than 1 Mercedes Benz. Equalizer?

I Will rather have my left nut removed without medication than deal with Dodge Dealerships - Wife's Durango has been in the shop for nearly a week so far with blown transmission (3 year old car with low mileage). The service guy Joe at Glendora Dodge will rather argue with the tow truck driver than attend to me the frustrated Owner with no means of transporting his family. Yeah I got the 5 star dealership service for sure, all 5 points up my ASS.
 
#19 ·
bluefox said:
I sell Dodge in Dallas....Chrysler corp trains us to right up front and tell customers that all three LX cars are buildt on the E320 platform... I have driven the E320 and I like my Magnum RT better...maybe its the Borlas's?
So Chrysler teaches you guys to lie? Nothing new there - salesmans always lie. :D There are no LX cars "built on" an E320 chassis. The Mercedes technology and design the LX emulates is based on the old E-Class (W210) that went into production in 1995.
 
#20 ·
http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/040402.html

Here you go, and a quote.

"It should be emphasized that the LX was designed, engineered, and developed in America, with minimal reliance on the Mercedes parts bin. It is not a cost-constrained E-Class Mercedes with Chrysler or Dodge bodywork. Rather, it is a modern, capable, sport/luxury platform with world-class NVH and performance levels. In short, it's a pleasant surprise."
 
#21 ·
glhs837,

I love the way you concluded this discussion. End of story. LXs are a formidable car in their own right, and should be seen as that. Enough comparing it to other marquees.

Now someone show me a car for under $30k that will sit 5 in comfort with room to spare, are bad ass looking, and can kick ass. Show me one other than the LXs. It's a shame the Dodge versions come with the 5 Star Dodge Dealers.

I am just dying for Dodge to send me one of those questionnaires about my recent service experience...but then Dodge could care less any ways.
 
#22 ·
When we did the phone survey from DCX, Rick said the dealer was great which they were. He said the only thing he didn't like was the factory radio not having an audio jack on the front which as we all know DCX was not providing. They put it down as a black mark on the dealer. We were mad and put down a perfect score on the written.
 
#23 ·
I find the cruise control excellent, I never use it. My dealer has been great so far. As for the Mercedes connection, I don't really care what is and isn't on this car, the car is kick ass all the way and exactly what I wanted, great build quality, great ride, and enough power to put a smile on my face everytime I drive it. 05' Black RT.
 
#24 ·
First off, I love my Daytona. It may not be the fastest, most nimble, most sophisticated, etc. etc. etc. on the road. But as a package it just comes together to be a kick a$$ car. My favorite out of the 20 or so vehicles I've owned. It does some things great and some good and nothing badly (so far). Together for the price It's tops in my book. We traded a '00 Lincoln Continental w/ 65k miles on the Charger. The Lincoln was a good car for us. One problem (electrical) in 6 years. Good power and acceleration. Lot's of standard luxo features. I miss the memory seats and the mirrors that tilt down in reverse. But I never had fun just driving the car. I'm having a blast driving the Charger and other than missing a couple of luxo features I couldn't be happier. The Chargers Benz DNA shines through. I've given up little or nothing in ride despite all of the performance advantages of the Charger. The Chargers seats are more comfortable and I have much more room, especially leg room in the Charger. The Charger is a tank. But it's a fast, fun, comfortable, safe tank and I think that's the Daimler influence shinning through. We had a '94 Intrepid, What JUNK! Problems with every system on the car capped off by complete tranny failure at 64k miles. I vowed never to buy another Chrysler product. Daimler and the Charger changed my mind. What a difference! The LX platform cars, the best of all worlds in my opinion. :racing: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
 
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