Quote:
Originally Posted by RJC
It would depend upon how the two cars drive/ride, many new buyers may not even notice the difference w/o the airmatic. I think the new engines will be the biggest allure especially for the 350's. If I had a current 350 and was looking to move into something new I'd do it quickly as resale has only one way to go and that's unfortunately lower.
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Not trying to inflame anyone, but I've seen this myth now posted in two different threads. A quick research of blue book trade-in values shows little to no impact when a new engine is released, and trade-in values are more a factor of age and condition. If the release of a new engine triggers a drop in trade-in, the same effect would impact the trades on the E550 as well as all other cars when a newer version of that model includes an upgrade to a new engine. As an example, I know first hand a 2007 997 S didn't lose significant value simply as a result of the 2009 997.2 being equipped with the DI engine, but did lose a rather predictable amount based upon mileage and condition.
Using Kelly as a source (yes, we can dispute KBB, but it is at least as credible as an internet forum for such facts), here is what it shows:
- 2010 E350 - 24,000 miles, excellent condition = $42,450
- 2009 E350 - 36,000 miles, excellent condition = $33,375 (21.37% drop from following year, even with new body style in 2010)
- 2008 E350 - 48,000 miles, excellent condition = $28,050 (15.95% drop from following year)
- 2007 E350 - 60,000 miles, excellent condition = $22,600 (19.42% drop from following year)
- 2006 E350 - 72,000 miles, excellent condition = $17,875 (20.9% drop from following year)
- 2005 E320 - 84,000 miles, excellent condition = $14,750 (17.48% drop from following year. This was the last year of the E320 variant. Note, the 2006, first year of the E350 with the new motor suffered greater % loss in trade-in value)
- 2004 E320 - 96,000, excellent condition = $12,700 (13.89% drop from following year)
- 2003 E320 - 108,000, excellent condition = $10,700 (15.74% drop from the following year)
Besides the impact from a new body style, it seems in this case the greatest % loss in trade-in value came from the 1st year of a new motor rather than the last year of the previous motor.
Rest easy, my MBWorld brethren, the sky is not falling!!
**For sake of comparison, equipment packages were kept as close as possible; sport, multi-CD player, HK stereo, Nav, premium wheels,
no leather.