Does anyone have any thoughts on how well a 2002 E 320 4matic Special Edition will hold its value in view of the new E class being introduced in a few months. My dealer has assured me that the 4matic won't be available in the new model until 2003, but I am wondering whether the new body style will hurt the value of the 2002's. Also, from a reliabilty standpoint, would there be much risk in buying one of the first new E class models. Would it be better to wait a year? Thoughts??

I always like to wait one year after a new generation model comes out. Price is a major factor as the new E will definitely sell for sticker or higher with the demand for the new look. Usually the second year of a new model has a few new adds that some people may take for granted but others welcome happily.

I know that you can steal a 2002 E 320 for invoice at most California dealers right now. If you can get any E-Class at invoice its almost always a good business decision. Keep the car in mint condition and resale should be ok plus you wont owe as much.

 

If the premier of the E420 in '97 is any indication then I would say hold off on a new E untill they've at least had a year to work out any bugs. Although there didn't appear to be much difference between the E420 and the '98 E430 they drive and handle much differently. I just traded a '97 E420 for a '98 E430 and the difference is amazing.

I'd wait to see how the price holds up and to give them a chance to tweak it a little.

The '98 is attached.[IMG]http://[/IMG]

 

she's a beauty. obsidian black?

 

98 E430, which rims are those????? I have the stock 99 E430 rims on my E430, and really do not care for them, however did not want to get something super aggressive from the aftermarket.

 

For a approxamate indication of future value, try contacting a leasing company such as MBCC and see what sort of residual they are putting on these cars. Number should be somwhere between wholesale and retail.

 

Yes, it's Obsidian black and the wheels are probably different because it's a "Sport". I think they are the stock '98 Sport wheels.

 

In my opinion, those are the best looking wheels ever offered on the 210. Nice.

 

Those rims do look like replica by MB of Brabus monoblocks IV or V, I 'd say idenical just not as flashy.

 

interesting choice of trade 97 for 98, how much did you have to pay to trade into this car?

 

Had to pay 8K but my 97 had 67,000 miles and this one has 25000 miles. Also it's a Sport which I really like-flashier look! And the 98 goes 0-60 in almost a second shorter (don't have any idea why) and it doesn't have the tight steering tht the 97 did. OK-that's all the crap I fed my wife (it's still true) I was just ready for a little change.

 

LOL about the feeding wife stuff.
Nonetheless, that's one sharp looking E-Sport.