lkchris

Have them update the transmission software per recent DTBs. 02/08 or later version.

Frugal1

Okay . . . this is it. This is probably my last night as an "MB free" man. I am slated to commit to the 08 tomorrow evening.

My last concern is P1 vs P2. I've been driving with xenon's since 2002. There are separate threads covering opinions on the headlights and it is not my intention to start that debate here. However, my concern is with resale since this will probably be a 2 to 3 year ownership. On a trade-in, I probably won't get a penny of that P2 money back. On a private sale, the car would be far more desireable. My experience selling cars privately tells me it's very difficult to sell a high end car privately so I'm thinking I'll most likely trade this 08 in late in 2010.

I'm also a little concerned about value retention being adversely affected by the 2010, which I like. In 10 to 12 months the 2010 will be on the ground but I would wait until year end when the discounts get huge.


Any last thoughts?

Thanks!

Alan Smithee

I gotta say...if you're planning to trade it within two years and are at all concerned about resale, why are you buying new? Save $20k and either buy a used CDI with 2+ years left on the warranty or a CPO.

Frugal1

That's easy. Even though the changes were minor, I don't like the 05 or 06 CDI body style. And at the price I'll be paying, you cannot buy a used 07 for what I'll be paying for the new 08. I'm basically getting at least 1 year depreciation free. I try to always buy my cars this way. It's all in my name here!

Of course, I might like it so much that I won't be interested in the 2010 and it's adblue system and run-flat tires. It's probably 50/50 chance keep/trade with me in this case. I had my 2003 TL for 5 years, 5 months and I never planned for that.

Frugal1

Well, I finally did it. After hanging around here for YEARS, I jumped off the fence and bought an 08 E320 Bluetec.

Thanks to all who helped me in this decision in this thread and others!

Okay, is there some sort of initiation ritual?

lkchris

Keeping that transmission updated will be enough!