OB_330CiC

guys, new to the forum and looking to get the wife a new e-class... looks like alot of experts on this board and I could use a some advice... my wife currently has a 99' C280... of the two options below what would you get YOUR wife?

E320
leather + E2(sroof,Hk) + E3 Sport Pkg +CDchg + 4-zone= $55.4k

OR

E500 E2(sroof,HK) + E3 Sport Pkg + CD chg = $58.8k

looks like a 3.5k difference for V8, plus gas guzzler tax?, and any insurance premiums delta, luxo tax delta seems a nit

any views are appreciated....

bmms8

well with the 500 you also get mettalic paint and bigger wheels, but with the sport they are both the same, plus of course 81 more hp.....sounds like the 500 is more worth it..

amirsafdari

i would usually say e320 if its for the wife...

but honestly, the price is soo close, that it would be wiser to just get the 500...

better for resale, i think its really a bargain..

jco-amg

how she is going to use the car?....I would say it depends on how many people are typically going to ride in the car...If you are going to load it with kids and all their stuff for weekend trips and such I would get the 500...if it is mostly a run around town car just for her...the 320...

bmms8

but would you really want to buy a v6 at almost 60 grand! Doesnt sound typical...i know porshe and stuff have v6's, but those are for racing...and plus, if you ever need the power..its right there...if you ever need to over power some one in traffic or something....still sounds better, thats why we would never think of getting a e320.....with all of our options it would be around 58 grand....cuz the 4-zone, leather, and met paint...spending 65 grand with tax isnt worth it....i would settle with a c-class if i needed a v6.....

OB_330CiC

Thanks everyone for your views... my initial reaction was that v8 for the wife would be too much power and a waste for daily school commutes, around town etc... but after listening to you guys on re-sale and high price range for a V6,... you've convinced me to go for the 500.... off to the dealer tommorrow to get my order in...plus once in while I'll get to drive it!

one last q: opinions on the sport package on the e500? anyone seen it in person?.. worth it?

bmms8

well if you want xenons, and headlamp washers its worth it...the ride will be a lil harsher....but the rims look nice, i would go for it...it wont really enhance the drive itself though..

99ML430

I actually think the resale value on the V6 is better than the V8, but please correct me if I am mistaken. I can tell you first hand that there is nothing more satisfying than planting your foot and feeling the thrust of a Mercedes V8. Not that the V6 is bad, hardly, but the V8 gives the car a more substantial feeling IMO. Before I bought the ML I had a 400E with a V8 and only had to drive the 6 and 8 side by side to realize I had to have the 8. Once you have the 8 I think its hard to go back. As far as pricing, I would definetly opt for the V8, I dont see the value in loading up a 320. If you were comparing base vs. base maybe stay with the 320, otherwise step up.

Nobody has even mentioned the airmatic suspension either. hmmmmm the plot thickens.

OldBenzman5

I ordered the 500 for my wife. She currently drives a 95 S320 and informed me that one of her requirements was something not as big and with more power. Hope she enjoys it. Her folks have a 97 E320 and she likes the size of that better. I have a 01 CLK 430 cab and prior to that drove the S320 so I certainly think having the v-8 is a great decission.

Today I saw the Sport package and happened to order it back in May for our 500. I think I might have just ordered the bi-xenon package instead had I have seen it prior. There is a little emblem on each fender near the doors just above the body molding that say SPORT and the shift knob is brushed aluminum and it has SPORT engraved on it also. The black maple looks good with charcoal or ash leather, however I don't know how it would look with stone. My CLK has the black maple and I didn't think I would like it at first however I really do. The wheels are plain five spoke with the sport and the stnd model have the double five spoke. Both look great if you ask me. Also the wood and leather steering wheel now a $500. option instead of $800 looks great also.

Hope that you enjoy your new ride. What kind of wait time is there for these new rides???

bmms8

very very very very long....especially on a 500.....you will get yours in oct, or december...i ordered my e500 in feb........and i was the 12th car...and now i am getting it in middle of oct! Does that soiund right to you guys..?because once they screwed up the order, so i am scared if they put me back????can someone respond to that, or is it right?

rayscar

I'd get the 500 but drop the sports package and get E1 instead.

99ML430

Wait list?? Dealer had two available today. BTW that jade black is amazing.

bmms8

yea but dude, this isnt toyota, wouldnt you want what you wanted...that was prob someone elses car, and they cancelled..but if youi dont care wat you get, go for that....

jco-amg

the other issue is that the 320 motor is soon to be replaced with the 350 V6 so that will reduce the value on the 320...