E350 vs. E500?
With the power increase to the 350 with respect to the 500, it does not seem like the 500 is worth the additional cost if one were to choose between the two. Aside from that, what would be the differences? Assume some options are purchased on the 350 to make it comparable, feature-wise.
Another question...how much has the base price of a 350 changed from the previous 320?
An E350 with full leather (like the E500) has an MSRP of $52,270. MBUSA quotes the E500 at $58,520. The major differences in standard equipment between the E350 and the E500, apart from the engine, are air suspension and four-zone climate control. I don't believe those items are available as options on the E350. Whether the additional horsepower, the air suspension and the four-zone climate control add up to $6,250 - whether the E500 is worth the additional cost - is a matter of personal opinion.
The E500 adds the Aimatic DC suspension, and 4 zone climate control, and full leather seating surfaces. If you ask me the E350 price is a bargain in the grand scheme of things.
Just my $0.02C
$50,770.00* 2006 E350 Sedan Brilliant. 5-speed, all-new 3.5-liter V-6 engine, dual-zone climate control, leather seating inserts, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Burl Walnut wood interior trim and 9-speaker audio system with automatic speed-sensitive volume.
3.5L 24-valve V-6 engine - 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm CITY 19 MPG HIGHWAY 27 MPG
$51,070.00* 2005 E320 CDI CITY 27 MPG HIGHWAY 37 MPG
Groundbreaking. New CDI technology makes the diesel engine more powerful, more fuel efficient and quieter than ever, complete with all the E320 standard appointments.
3.2L inline-6 diesel engine - 201 hp @ 4,200 rpm
$58,520.00* 2005 E500 Sedan CITY16 MPG HIGHWAY 24 MPG
Enchanting. Driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic transmission, 4-zone climate control, premium leather upholstery, Burl Walnut wood interior trim and 9-speaker audio system with automatic speed-sensitive volume.
5.0L 24-valve V-8 engine - 302 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Trending Topics
Second comment: Had the 350 been available last summer, I may have ended up with it based on what I'm reading on this thread. Bottom line is that most of use these cars for basic commuters and I doubt that a 5.8 0-60 time versus a 6.5 or 6.7 0-60 time is going to matter or be noticed.
Then again, I love my car and so glad I went for it rather than the 320. It's basically a smaller S500. Also, the 500 comes with 17inch wheels versus the 16's on the 350. The larger wheels for me are nearly as important as the other goodies.
Good luck with your decision. Bottom line is you can't go wrong either way.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Last edited by Mirage; Apr 2, 2005 at 09:39 PM.
A good friend of mine has a E500 and he loves it

Thanks for the opinions all.
The pleasure of owning a brand new car fades quickly. The pride of owning an E500 instead of a lesser model will remain as long as you own it.
My $.02
Last edited by livetodrive; Apr 10, 2005 at 08:03 PM.



