wassy

I know there is a power difference, especially for 2007, but does the airmatic make THAT much of a difference in handling? the E350 is lighter and more nimble, I am told.

those who have driven both, what the real deal here. I can get a sick deal for a 2007 E350 vs. the E500 or E550... question is, is it worth it?

the deal is about $5000 less for a 2007 E350 vs the 2006 E500 leftover, over a 27 month lease, single pay.

cyclerider

I would think that your opinion is the only one that matters, since you are paying for the car. Why don't you test drive each one and decide for yourself? The weight difference is very slight.

wassy

you are right.. my opinion will be the final one, BUT, I also value the members here.. if there is an overwhelming opinion for or against, it's good to know that.

AndrewAZ

Save your money unless you want the power of the V8 but I will tell you that the 3.5 V6 is quite a good engine and is only a bit behind in power from the V8. My sales guy had nothing really positive to say about arimatic suspension he said a lot of people complain about the ride behind harsher than the standard suspension.

wassy

thanks! what I was looking for. any others?

tbone

Haven't driven the 350, but I love my 500. The extra torque makes it that much more fun to drive.

Do you plan on lowering your car? If so, go with airmatic. It's easier to lower, cheaper, and doesn't ride as harsh as a car lowered on springs.

Benz-O-Rama

I second that!

If you plan on lowering, go with the 500. My car is slammed and still rides like a dream. And it's cheap to lower it.....real cheap.

55fanatic

well here is what I say... IF you cant feel the difference, go with the 350...

Personally I enjoy my E class in sport 1 and sport 2 much more then I enjoyed driving my E350 rental for a week...

Thats just me... I would say airmatic comfort... too soft, Sport 1- Perfect for daily driving, sport 2 - maybe a little soft for performance

In any case I think the E350s suspension is dialed in somewhere between comfort and sport1... although the wheel and tire package was different to allow for more comfort

wassy

hey, thanks guys. i did drive the E500, and it was "nice".. i am driving a 2007 550i now.. looking for a change in scenery, but yet, still want some performance.

i also have a great deal on the e350 vs. the 500.. that is one big dilemma. not that the dealer won't cut to the bone the price of the e500, but the lease just isn't there for me.

sklasse

do you pay the lease in one payment ?

ATS

Get the airmatic and an extended warranty.

The airmatic is very cool. On my way to work this morning I had it on comfort as I was waking up and then went to sport when I was going through corners. It just makes things fun.

wassy

Well, I never have before, but there happens to be a nice return on my investment by paying upfront. not that I want to, but it is a significant savings. the $5000 difference is the difference between a 2007 E350 and a 2006 E500. the difference to a 2007 e550 is $12,000 or so. also the 2006 e500 doesn't have as much "stuff" on the car as the 2007 E350. that is why the handling issue is important. if it is still a great handler, than no biggie.

got to tell you, i am so darn confused. I know this is probably also the biggest forum for MB.. with the BMW, we have one specific for our model where every little issue is brought up and discussed. is there another forum that is more technically oriented?

listen, I would love the airmatic, and unless I go with a 2006 leftover with just the premium package (that is the car with $5000 difference), it's out of the question. on a monthyl basis, it's a difference of about $150...

cyclerider

If you get an '07 E350 and handling is your priority, be sure to get the sport package. The wheels and tires are more aggressive, the suspension is lowered and stiffer than the luxury version, and you also get the front brakes from the E550. Stay away from the 2-tone interior unless you are prepared to spend $1500 or so extra for premium leather.

wassy

thanks. i had planned on the sports package, but am not too sure i like the wheels. whats the deal on the premium leather? any good? worth it?

also, too bad you can't get ventilated seats in the E350, only the e550!

Flash Gordon

Unless MB has changed, the ventilated seats in my car hardly doe any good It works well when it is not that hot. On a very hot day, when you really it, you can hardly notice any ventilation from the seats. By the way, I am pretty sure, these seats don't use A/C vents, just the inside air.