Wow, that really is basic.

Unless something has changed I'm not sure if that is correct. You can always push in the wiper stalk for a manual swipe of the windshield. Other than that you have to get rainsensing. I have it, just turn it on and forget it and it works brilliantly.

M

The lack of speed-sensing wipers is a fairly important oversight, particularly for this class. Even the base E36 318i had this (and I would not be surprised if the Mercedes rival of the time had it too). Class competitors like the G35 have it, as do "lower-class" cars like Ford Fusion and Mini.

If you set the wipers to "auto" they'll vary in speed accordingly depending on the rain downpour. The system will however only select from the 3-4 standard wiper speeds that the car already has. At least this is the case on our '02 E320.

Is this a big deal in the US?

Yes, I believe those are the rain-sensing wipers. Standard on the E-Class for quite some time now. The other aspect, vehicle speed-sensing, is generally more fundamental technology and has been around awhile longer, as I recall.
Not a big deal in the US. But a nice feature to have in any market that sees rain.

I love rain-sensing wipers, I will never buy a car again without it Its one of those must have things.

Whoa!!!

Got it.

I guess it is an important or convenient feature in markets like North America where buyers do expect so much from cars, even entry-level luxury.

FOR ANYONE INTERESTED:

Wiper settings:

First stage push-in activates a single swipe.
Push beyond the first stage and that activates wash and swipe.

Twist 1 = Intermittent slow ( low auto sensing if available)

Twist 2 = Intermittent fast (high auto sensing if available)

Twist 3 = continuous slow

Twist 4 = continuous fast

I suppose these are the four settings referred to by Edmunds.

The wipers also default to " Twist postion 1 " when the car comes to a complete halt in traffic, and then reverts to the selected mode once you move off again, this is a feature which was available on my W202.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport: That Tears It!

My first quality time with our long-term 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 proved quite enjoyable overall. The 3.0-liter V6 has plenty of power and mid-range torque -- enough, in fact, to make me question the extra cost of the C350 version. The seven-speed automatic is quite responsive in "Sport" mode, though its refusal to upshift at low speeds, and associated "dragging" effect might have you initially checking the emergency brake setting. That was easy to get used to, as was the car's standard-issue M-B "vault-ness" that makes this car feel more substantial than many entry-luxury competitors.

About my only concern is a small tear in the driver's door panel. It was there when I got in the car (I swear!) so I don't know what caused it, but this was disconcerting in a 4,800-mile, $40,000 Mercedes-Benz. Not sure if someone's wedding ring caught it or if the tear was there when we got the car. Regardless, it's a minor de-merit in an otherwise sound vehicle. The iPod integration cable was particularly appreciated, as it worked fluidly with my iPhone.

Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief, Edmunds.com @ 4,820 miles


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