edspider

I wanted reasonable gas mileage when I bought my 06 so I went with the E350. I considered the CDI, but it had 16" wheels. MB seems to add luxury and comfort options as you get larger engines. My pet peave is the air suspension is standard on the E550 and not available as on option on smaller engine cars. In 2006, the V8 got slight uptick on the HVAC controls.

I wish they would let me have all the luxury and toys in a Bluetec when I get my next E. I'll pay for them. I just don't want a gas guzzling engine since I don't drive in a manner that would benefit from it.

cyclerider

The E550 only gets 3 mpg lower than the 2007 E350, so it's not that big of a penalty in fuel consumption.