dubber350

I am looking at a new to me 2014 E550. I am seeing a few differences in the 2014 model. I have seen the models produced in 2013 and the ones produced in 2014. I was told that they got rid of folding seats and the button for folding headrests in this model. The car I am looking at has every option except Distronic Plus. Is it missing that option and that is where the folding back seats and headrests come with? I have almost pulled the trigger. Can someone shed some light on this?

Thanks

threeMBs

Folding (rear) headrest (I assume you refer to rear headrests as was in W211) was never available in W212 from 2010 introduction. Folding back seat is a stand alone option that has nothing to do with Distronic Plus or any other option. The information you were provided in this regard is false.

thefisch

there is a button to drop the head rests in the rear if they've been raised. Perhaps that was removed in 2014, but they never folded down as threeMBs pointed out.

The biggest difference is the facelift and extra year of warranty with a 2014 versus a 2013. Doubt you'll be deciding on folding seats or other minor feature.

If you want input on the car you are shopping, post a link or some pictures or ask for a build sheet by giving the VIN. Then others can chime in on what features that car has.

PeterUbers

It's a great car.. Like mentioned ... Post some details on the car and people can give you a better idea

Is it cpo? Mileage? Cost?

dubber350

If you look at a 2014 E550 built in 2013 it has folding rear seats. This is the new body style. It also had the button to lower the rear headrests. This is all the images I have seen. All of the ones built in 2014 have no folding seats or headrest button. I just figured it was an option because the car is very well equipped.

dubber350

The vehicle is certified mileage is 28000 and cost is about 50,000.

thefisch

Just helping out OP. Here is the car: http://www.mbwestwood.com/car/222504...ass_E550_Sport

threeMBs

Just keep in mind that trade-in on this car, with current W212 incentive, is $38K tops.

PeterUbers

It's a good looking car ... Clean car fax, average miles for 8/14 car....no big items reported on car fax

The led lights alone would make me get the 2014 over the 2013 and the one you're looking at has the advanced led system

Johnny Rad

Agreed, nice looking E550. It's well-equipped, too. Depending upon where you live, the heated steering wheel might be really nice to have!

I stuff my road bike in the trunk all the time, so fold down rear seats are a must for me. They may or may not be important to you.

I read that Distronic is a life-changer. I don't have it, so I don't know what I'm missing. This car doesn't seem to include it.

I'm not following prices much these days, but this car seems high to me. I also think you wouldn't have much difficulty finding lower mileage examples if that's important to you.

Happy hunting!

dubber350

I know that I am really upgrading to a new car. I have the options that I really want. Distronic is something I would like to have but not a deal breaker. I have a roof rack for my mountain bike. I have folding seats in my current c300 and have never used them. I have been looking around for e550 and found most vehicles with more mileage, The ones with less mileage have less options. I did find one in NY and the deal was not there. I really wanted a light car most of them I have seen are black/black. So my pickings are very slim. This car is close by where it is not a long ride to see it.

The car is very clean and has a warranty until 2018 and the certified kicks in to cover until 2019. It also has the 360 cam.

What do you mean incentives?

PeterUbers

Distronic is not a game changer

threeMBs

There are huge manufacturer incentives from Mercedes USA to MB dealers to move remaining new W212 inventory before W213 arrive (any day now). Manufacturer to dealer incentives/rebates greatly effect used market (specifically trade-ins) during this time. If one trades-in above pictured car now, the trade-in (this varies somewhat by the region) specifically in the South East of the USA, would be about $38K (maybe upto $39K, North and North East). The minute one buys this used (not new) car, one looses $10K on the spot. Normally this is not the case, but due to incentives/rebates (manufacturer to dealer) it is now.

LINKBXQ

I just purchase one about 3 weeks ago. Has everything but illuminated door sills and auto contour seat and with taxes it was about 47k. E550 definitely harder to find especially with low mileage. I am in the tri state area and many didn't want to deal so I bought from a dealer in Delaware. There are deal just need to look a bit, I was searching all over the country for mine. Like other say no folding button except the rear headrest to lower it. Honestly I set my seating position once and save and never touch any of the button anymore.

Great car, still put a smile on my face when I get in.

Johnny Rad

So true! Black on black is indeed rather sinister, but I've been there and done that already. I didn't look at single one and it severely limited the pool. If you throw out grays and silvers, you'll really be in a pickle! Happy shopping.

BetterTomorrow

Unless MB changes its mind, 2014 was the first and last model year with refreshed look and with 4.6 TT. That alone could be a very good reason to consider 14 E550.

As for options, these are my personal preferences, Distronic Plus was in the required option list. This package was like $2800 vs lane tracking package which was about $700-$900? Even entry level cars like Civics have dynamic cruise control these days. Airmatic was in the list as well, I would not consider E without it. Lighting package was another one, it just completes the intended look of E. Lastly 360 parking assistance, one of those things that once you are used to it, you would really want it again. I almost got a S6 before I found a E550 with all the options I wanted. I agree, there aren't many E550s to begin with and finding one with right options is even harder.

fosterelli

My 2014 E350 has the button to lower rear headrests. I wish they had folding seats. I like to keep my laptop in my trunk when I'm driving around...but the trunk gets too hot in Texas heat on my black car. I could solve that with A/C if the seats folded.

There are many differences between the pre-facelift and post-facelift. Not just cosmetics. Search around on here, someone made a great list of everything. Some of it is strength/safety related.

I can promise you Distronic is cool, as I have had versions on our Acura MDX, Toyota Sienna, and now our Escalade ESV. However, it definitely isn't a deciding factor in my opinion. In fact, the Escalade's version is quite annoying to get used to. I typically don't use it...but to each their own.

BetterTomorrow

http://www.mbrvc.com/used/2014/merce...HF9BB3EA791233

How about this one?
Similar milage, better price, similar options?
Personally I had good experience with this dealership but who knows.

sleeperZ96BT

I like the 2012/2013 look better, but there has been a STARK price difference between the 2012/2013 & 2014's in my area. You can find the 2012/13's all day long in the 30's here. I got my 2013 E550 for $36,900 with 40k on it, CPO and MB was offering 2 services included with the purchase. MSRP was over $72k. The car came with new tires, new brakes, repainted hood/bumper due to rock chips, etc. They even gave me the complete interior mat set, locking lugs, and trunk mat.


A 2014 CPO, outside the MB incentives I got, with 28k miles with an MSRP of about $70k (P1 car versus my P2 car, otherwise similar) just sold at the same dealer I bought mine at for $48k or so. It was listed at right under $50k and sold the first day they had it on the lot. Actually, THAT IS THE DEALER I BOUGHT MINE AT! Small world. Like I said, it's in prep and sold.


Not only are these cars uncommon, but they typically sell quick. I had people offering more than what I got my car at while they were prepping it. I was even approached to sell it before I took delivery by one of those people. It's nuts.

timlippold

I suspect a big reason for the price differences between 2014 and 2014 models is another year of model depreciation vs a premium for the facelift. In 6 months the 2014 models will be much cheaper.

sleeperZ96BT

Yeah, no doubt, but all that being said, I'll take the $12g in savings (especially where I prefer the look of the 2012/2013 over the 2014)

cetialpha5

I believe the Bixenons are supposed to be brighter than the LEDs, but they cost more. Most 2013's probably just had the halogens so the LEDs would be a step up from halogen, but not from bixenons. The bixenons also had the headlamp washers which they got rid of on the LED and the active curve illumination is still an option for the LED. Bixenons also auto leveled,

Munich77

I have the LED in my 2014 - they sure are brighter than my 2008 BMW bi-xenons.

cetialpha5

Xenons get dimmer with age. They also take a while to fully warm up and achieve maximum brightness.

BetterTomorrow

This may be so, only time will tell.

But technology built into those cars between 13 & 14 are pretty significant. Even if 13 has all the gadgets, radar cruise, blind spot, etc, they are just old and do not work as well. 14 model has basic standard driver assistance package that surpasses anything in 13 and older. Optional assistance package in 14 is derived from 14+ S Class with stereo cam, etc, still one of the best if not the best, in the industry. So people who are into getting the best safety tech for their family that MB has to offer in their cars and still want 550, 14 is the only way to go (14 is the one and only year for refreshed 550). Somehow I suspect a lot MB customers and potential customers may not see the value in it though, thus most likely making your statement true.