YYZ-E55

The 3.5L V6 in the 2012 is significantly better than the 2010/11. More power and better fuel economy, not to mention the car actually feels "lighter" with it. Add in the other features (color IC, updated Navi, etc), and it's a compelling story. Heck, you could trade LEDs with a 2011 owner who wants the straight-bar if you like.

While the $8k delta you mentioned is not insignificant, remember that both cars will continue to depreciate at similar rates over the first four years of their life (until out of warranty), thus in three years the 2012 should be worth roughly $8k more than the 2011 if you buy it right, and assuming all other things equal.

ImInPA

I would not say the 2012 motor is better. I would say it is more efficient. Predictions on future values based on the engine is flawed. Most MB buyers are not going to give a crap about 30 extra hp and an extra mpg. Most folks buying a three year old MB are looking for price. The only reason a 2012 will command a higher price than a 2011 in three years is because it is a year newer. It makes no sense to begin your statement of depreciation over four years, then draw your conclusion from a value in three years. I bet car dealers love seeing customers like you walk in the door. lol.

YYZ-E55

I wasn't suggesting that the new engine will increase the value of the car. I was merely suggesting that as a car ages, it depreciates. Hence my comment "assuming all other things equal".

At four years when warranty runs out, the value of the car plummets - regardless of engine, interior, options, whatever. In this example, at the end of three years, one of the cars will be four years old! This is why I used a three-year comparison. Obviously when one car is ten years old and the other is nine, the value won't differ much.

I've had a 2010 E350 sedan and now a 2012 E350 sedan (both petrol, obviously). Based on my experience, the DI engine is significantly better to drive. The powerband is better, the sound is better (minus the ticking idle ticking), and the economy is... wait for it... better!

ImInPA

Understood. And I agree with everything you just stated. I have had bot 11's and 12's as loaners and the 12 is noticeably peppier. I still don't think the difference is enough to sway a used car buying decision.

K-A

There's noooo way a 1 year newer E will be worth near $8K more after several years.

jspira

So does my MY2011 for that matter. Same exact COMAND and new color display.

ImInPA

True enough, but only the latest build 2011s have that. They were forced to put them into the end of year run due to the tsunami in Japan and the manufacturing impact. Probably better than 90% of 2011's do not have that. Thanks for sharing that you have one of the few 2011's with the 2012 Command system.

jspira

No. All 2012s and 2011s manufactured starting in June 2011 have it.

mbluver111

Any difference between luxury and sport sedans?

mbluver111

Most used 2011's I'm lookin at seem to be sports package

ghstudio

I think the ratio is about 90:10 of sports to luxury. Personally, I prefer (and drive) the luxury...smoother ride, symetric tires and I prefer the straight driving lights. I guess I'm in the minority

I also have a late 2011 bluetec with the 2012 Comand 4.5 system.

Mbenz260e

I am in the same minority as you and really only considered luxury. I am glad the sport is out there though, see it as a better competitor to the 5 series but Luxury just seems more E-class like to me somehow.

Mbenz260e

Which dealer so you use in PA? down in MD is all C's, used to get an M on occasion and never lucky enough for a CLk when they used to have it but now all Cs. Down in FL where my family is they have Es. Not a big deal but just curious.

ImInPA

MBENZ260E: Sun Motor Cars. I usually get a C or GLK, but have had E's on a few occasions. Sun has been wonderful to work with, and from what I read on this site, they also seem to be quite reasonable with their service charges. For example, on my 30k mi. service, a line item said "top off DEF tank with AdBlue" and cost is listed as $0.00. I have not felt nickeled and dimed by them and so far, would recommend them to anyone. They have addressed all of my initial purchase issues satisfactorily and without breaking other things. What more can one ask for?

I too am in the same minority as you and also only considered the luxury configuration. I love my round DRL and Fogs, the additional chrome on the bumper and the way it flows with the bodyside chrome, the additional inch of height, and most of all, that the Luxury Bluetec drives and feels just the way one expects a largish Mercedes Benz sedan to drive and feel. All wrapped in what has been a trouble free wrapper. I love my Bluetec.

mbluver111

UPDATE: Went to 3 dealers today and prices were about the same for used ones. One of the Mercedes Benz dealers told me if I get a new 2012 model, they will offer me the same price as the used one. Might as well get the 2012 right? Also does all E350 sedans come with P1 or P2 packages??

BM2BZ

if they get you the 2012 same as 2011's msrp, well, then it's a deal as the 2011 are used. but if they can get you the 2012 same as the after discount 2011 price, it'll be heck of a deal. as for p1/p2, i think it'll be extremely rare to find a car w/o either.

Mbenz260e

ImInPA,thanks for the response I'll keep it in mind if I am up there near a service.

mbluver, agree I think it will be extremely rare to find a car without P1 or P2. You will probably need to special order and dealer may want a decent deposit as if you don't take the car they will have a tough time selling it. In '09 there was an ML on a lot around here for a while with no P1 or P2, the dealer was offering 10k off MSRP in August...

Saeedg48

hawt

mbluver111

@K-A, you stated that "The downside to the 2012's motor is a clacky-tapping sound that you can hear when you're standing next to a 2012 V6 that's on, and longevity of the DI is in question (but should be fine, hopefully)."


Any owners of the 2012 E350 experience what this guy has with the "clacky sound"? I would doubt the motor would sound like that since it's new and more better than the 2011.

dfordham

I've heard it described as a "ticking" sound. I think it is a characteristic of DI motors in general.

Regards,
Don

MinnBobber

I test drove a 2012 E this week. From the interior I could hear no ticky ticky.
Standing near the hood I could hear no ticky ticky with the engine running BUT my hearing is not perfect so others may experience something different.
With the hood open, there was the ticky ticky but very subdued. The hood had a big pad attached to it that sits directly above the engine, a sonic barrier if you will, that absorbs the engine sound when closed.
I was expecting more noise.

As Don said, the ticking is characteristic of Direct Injection motors.
Bob

mbluver111

It's hard to choose between the 2012 sport and luxury sedan. What are your opinions and expertise between the two? I just want my first experience with a Mercedes Benz car to be the best ever. Also are there more sports than luxury available? My ideal car is Black exterior and interior with burl walnut wood trim.

jspira

I don't think anyone else's opinion matters - but yours. You need to take both for a test drive and decide which model you like. I believe you'll find you'll have your answer very quickly.

K-A

Yeah, it's a characteristic of the D/I motor. A Salesman at the Dealer I was at even mentioned that M-B reps schooled them on it, telling them that it will be "tickier" than the old motors.

It's no real big deal, but I've walked by some 2012 E350's that had a noticeable "tick/tap" audible from the outside.

mbluver111

Thanks for your helpful answers. I will test drive both the luxury and sport sedan to see which one I prefer so I can make my final decision. By the way, those of you who bought a new 2011 or 2012 model, did it come with a 50,000 mile warranty or 100,000 mile warranty?