Cairorex

The 06' E 350 now boasts almost 270 HP quite an increase from 05'..
06' E500 not available yet though the 05' has just 30HP more than the 06' E350. Is the cost difference worth the 30 HP?

I have not driven either so I am looking for input. I currently drive an 02' S500 but am thinking of getting something new.
Thanks,
Al

HELL ONA HARLEY

The cost difference covers more than just HP. There other creature comforts that come standard on an e500 and not on the other.

Cairorex

Please...

HELL ONA HARLEY

For starters.... 4 zone climate control and full leather.... (I'm going by 04 spec's)...I suggest getting a sales brochure and researching your decision carefully.... There are a few here that don't do this and them moan about there desicion(s).
Good-luck with your purchase.

B.T.W.... You should also consider the V8 vs V6 (higher reving) aspect as well.... Also the gas milage difference isn't enough to consider.

rusnakmb

Torque???? That is what you need to know from everyday driving.....

TPAbnz

If torque is the question in the E-Class, MB has an answer!

And an apparent $4000 income tax credit in HB 6 (Energy).

CE750

That's looking like it might go thru I hear... Gonna soften the tax axe for this year, that's for sure.

aceman

The engine just kicks but! I'm hearing that the incentives from june are now over ($5000 factory to dealer) and that for july nothing has been announced (yet?) so right now you'll be pretty much looking at invoice for the 500, whereas 3 days ago, you could of gotten the car for invoice - $ 5000.00.

Also - as Hell on a harley said, due your research. Best of luck, at $ 55K, i thought the 500 4matic was a good buy, at current pricing (60K stripped), i think its overpriced - just my 2 cents!!!

Aceman

sacguy

The availability/selection of the 05 E500 is not at all good due to the month long $5k incentive and the fact there are no more to be manufactured. 06 comes out this month to dealers. I ended up getting an 06 E350 with premium and appearance packages - which includes full leather and airmatic system, like the E500. The only item missing is the rear temperature controls (still has air vents to the rear) and of course it has the 272 HP V6 engine Vs. the 302 HP V8. 0-60 acceleration is 4/10ths of a second slower than the E500 - 6.3 sec. vs. 5.9 sec. I figured that getting a 1 yr later model year, the colors I wanted and almost the same equipment was worth the power difference, plus it was over $4,000.00 less than the 05 E500.

Cairorex

I guess the thing to do is be patient then.
I would feel like a fool paying $5,000 m ore than everyone else did just a few days ago.

If anyone hears anything please post.

Thanks for the help!

TPAbnz

Here's the article I saw and the CDI was specifically cited:

http://www.mixedpower.com/modules.ph...=print&sid=488

This is great since it's an income tax credit as opposed to a deduction.

CE750

a $4000 tax credit would be a Godsend, I was expecting just tax deduction... we'll see.



As for E500's on sale, I heard the same thing, they're all sold out here in AZ. I would wait for the '06 if you're going to pay full price.. they may come with 7-spd or other improvements, like a much more powerful V8.. And make sure you research the options list, as a lot of what you might expect to be standard on a 60K car isn't.

sacguy

The E350 and E500 (without 4Matic) currently come with a standard 7 spd transmission and the new V8 won't be coming for this (06) model year introduction.

CE750

wow, so the '05 500 came with 7 spd? didn't know that.

why was MB in such a hurry to blow them out if there isn't going to be a major change in the car then? No more power, or speeds, makes for the same car... who cares if it's an '05 or '06..

sacguy

The dealer said they had too many in stock and needed to move them before the 06 model came in to showrooms in July. There is a difference between an 05 and 06, an 06 will always be 1 year newer and 1 year less depreciated than an 05!!

BudC

If you keep a car as long as I do, the model year doesn't make any difference. I bought my 1991 300E at the end of the model year and I'm still driving it. I bought my 2004 at the end of the model year and got free maintenance, clamshell console and a really good price. Given what sales tax and license plates cost in Arizona, I won't be buying another new car for a long, long time.

sacguy

Agree, but to those of us that only keep it 3-4 years, it does make a difference. My main point though was really that a 1 yr older model should be a better price than the next years model.

HELL ONA HARLEY

So did the 04's....

CE750

so I guess the 4matic and diesel don't have it due to space.. makes sense.

So does the E500 come with full leather or just the inserts like the 350/320?

BudC

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container...00W&class=05_E

HELL ONA HARLEY

My guess is it has to do with mechanical limitations rather than space. I know the 4matic has a smaller passengers footwell due to the space needed.... Does your CDI have this bulge on the leftside passengers footwell also???

rusnakmb

E500 comes with full leather standard.

CE750

there is more of a "arc" or bulge on that side, yes, and with the engine being an I6 the length probably limits the size of the tranie which I assume is bigger on the 7spd. too bad...

The E500 seems to come well equipped, and for frankly only a little more cost, is in my opinion a great value compared to the E350/320.. If you equip a 350 or 320 to the same level, Leather, 4-zone cimate, airmatic DC, 17" wheels, etc.. you'll exceed the cost of the E500! Lesson learned for me... ironically I came in to buy a E500 and only went to the Diesel after a quick test drive which made me fall in love with the concept.. With only 4 to choose from, I went with color.

Once bitten, twice shy..

After 5 or 6 years, if MB doesn't change their marketing, I'll just custom order my next car.. hopefully a V8 Diesel...

HELL ONA HARLEY

I never really considered a diesel until I started hanging around here. I guess I'm old school and remember those smoking rattle cans of yeter year. I've heard nothing but good things about the new ones and perhaps will look harder at them when it comes around to replacing my current ride.... By then cali should have there **** together and allow them in the state.

Cairorex

Give some idea?