E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Need Help Quickly - Thinking of buying 05 E500

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Old 02-01-2007, 11:52 AM
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Need Help Quickly - Thinking of buying 05 E500

Hi All,

I just recently found what seems to be a great deal on an 05 E500 (RWD). The car has 21,500 miles, and has everything except for Xenons and heated seats. I've seen the car and driven it, and it is in great shape. They are asking $35,000 for it, which according to my research, is way below the value of the car. It was a fleet vehicle for an executive at the company I work for, and the guy that was using it retired. They just want to unload it to make some of their money back. Before I take the plunge, I have a few questions:

1. I live in the northeast, and therefore snow is a problem during the winter months. How will this thing behave in snow (or even rain)? I nervous that this thing will be virtually undrivable.
2. I know that I can upgrade the headlights to HID, but how much does that typically run?
3. Is there any way to add Sirius radio to the Nav system? There is a button for satellite, but when I clicked it, it just said that no satellite radio was installed.
4. Is there any clean way to connect an iPod to the Nav system?

Thanks for your help. Any comments you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Old 02-01-2007, 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Supraman1977
Hi All,

I just recently found what seems to be a great deal on an 05 E500 (RWD). The car has 21,500 miles, and has everything except for Xenons and heated seats. I've seen the car and driven it, and it is in great shape. They are asking $35,000 for it, which according to my research, is way below the value of the car. It was a fleet vehicle for an executive at the company I work for, and the guy that was using it retired. They just want to unload it to make some of their money back. Before I take the plunge, I have a few questions:

1. I live in the northeast, and therefore snow is a problem during the winter months. How will this thing behave in snow (or even rain)? I nervous that this thing will be virtually undrivable.
2. I know that I can upgrade the headlights to HID, but how much does that typically run?
3. Is there any way to add Sirius radio to the Nav system? There is a button for satellite, but when I clicked it, it just said that no satellite radio was installed.
4. Is there any clean way to connect an iPod to the Nav system?

Thanks for your help. Any comments you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
I had serious concerns about RWD in NY metro area and ordered 350 4matic.
Just my 2 bits
Old 02-01-2007, 01:11 PM
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1. I live in the northeast, and therefore snow is a problem during the winter months. How will this thing behave in snow (or even rain)? I nervous that this thing will be virtually undrivable.

I love on Long Island and drive my 500 RWD all winter with no problems. W when there is a snow emergency are you a Doctor who HAS to be at the hospital?? Most people stay home when the snow is deep enough so that you won't get through with RWD.

2. I know that I can upgrade the headlights to HID, but how much does that typically run?
It can be done even if the dealer say no way.

3. Is there any way to add Sirius radio to the Nav system? There is a button for satellite, but when I clicked it, it just said that no satellite radio was installed.

The unit in the dash is not the NAV unit. It is only a display screen for the various units that send audio & video to the screen. (The unit is called COMAND.) The nav gets mounted in the trunk... so does the Satellite unit. Some cars can have satellite dealer installed some can't. ALL can have it installed by Steve.

4. Is there any clean way to connect an iPod to the Nav system?
Either use the aux input jack in the glove compartment or have the iPod kit installed. Most of the guys seem to like the aux input method so far.

Last edited by Barry45RPM; 02-01-2007 at 01:13 PM.
Old 02-01-2007, 01:24 PM
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I can't help you with 1 through 3, but concerning 4, see:

http://www.mbusa.com/features/iPod/index.do

It's not cheap, but it sure seems clean. With display and control integration you can leave the iPod in the glove box instead of having it on your lap or sliding around the console.
Old 02-01-2007, 01:34 PM
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DWP, thanks for the tip.

Do you know if the 05 E500 is one of the vehicles that this can be set up on? Also, I didn't see a price on the website...any idea of cost?

Thanks.
Old 02-01-2007, 01:37 PM
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Barry45RPM, thanks for the information.

No, I'm not a doctor that has to be at a hospital. I do live about 45 minutes from work, so driving in the snow can be a little nuts sometimes, even with a front wheel drive car.

Regarding the satellite radio, who is Steve and where is he located?

Thanks again.
Old 02-01-2007, 01:42 PM
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This is who he is. He makes frequent trips to the US to upgrade/add Europe only options to American 211's. Many people here have used him. http://mbenznl.com/

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Old 02-01-2007, 03:09 PM
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'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Originally Posted by Supraman1977
DWP, thanks for the tip.

Do you know if the 05 E500 is one of the vehicles that this can be set up on? Also, I didn't see a price on the website...any idea of cost?

Thanks.
According to the MBUSA web site, the integration kit is available for 2004 and later E-Class vehicles. The cost of the kit is $299, not including whatever the dealer charges for installation. Steve would probably do it for less if you're having Sirius installed anyway.
Old 02-01-2007, 04:03 PM
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The price seems good. But what's up with not having heated seats? Personally, I wouldn't consider a car without heated seats. You say the car has "everything else." Does that mean it has the upgraded audio system, navigation, drive dynamic seats? Still, it is a good price. If you like it, go for it. If you can shave off a bit from that price, apply the savings toward a good warranty. Happy driving
Old 02-01-2007, 07:57 PM
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WEBSRFR,

It doesn't have heated seats because the car was previously driven in California, and so the owner didn't feel they were necessary.

It does have NAV, Harmon Kardon stereo, drive dynamic seats, sunroof, etc...so it seems to have just about everything except for the couple of things I noted above. At this price, I think I would be foolish to walk away. I could probably buy it and turn it around for a profit...

My father just purchased an 07 SLK55 AMG today, and the sales manager said that this car (the 05 E500) would be selling for 47-49K.

I have to make a decision by tomorrow....so we'll see what happens.

Thanks for your help.
Old 02-01-2007, 08:24 PM
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It MAY be a good deal but, do some research on prices. The dealer is "yankin your chain" with $47K value.
E500 prices have dropped
Old 02-01-2007, 09:04 PM
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New E350W4,

Based on the used cars in the MB database, his price doesn't seem to be that far off. I easily found cars that were very similar to the one I'm looking at that are in the price range that he's noting. The blue book value on the car if purchased through a dealer is 49K...
Old 02-01-2007, 09:12 PM
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CPO prices...and negotiable.
I'm simply pointing out that it isn't a "no brainer" deal and not something you can turn around and easily make a quick sale at a profit.
I was offered a NEW E500w4, heated seats, nav, etc for $49K and passed but, that's just me, hate the MPG's on the V8
Old 02-01-2007, 09:15 PM
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Price is ok but I think you could get a similar car with all the options you want for $2k more. My 2006 E500 has a jack in the glove compartment that I plug my Ipod into. I keep the Ipod in the center console and use the controls on the Ipod. It is not elegant but the sound is good and the cost was 0.
Old 02-01-2007, 10:22 PM
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New E350W4/nantucketsleigh...

Where do you find these amazing deals? Everyone that I've spoken with feels that I'd be an idiot not to get this car.

I've looked at prices at dealers and private sellers, and none are even remotely close to this price.

I understand that all prices are negotiable, but there is about a $10K gap between the car I'm looking at and the cars I see for sale. Nobody in their right mind is going to negotiate 10K below what they are asking.

Am I missing something somewhere?

Thanks.
Old 02-01-2007, 10:35 PM
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Supraman,

Where are you?
Deals are often simply a matter of timing. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't appear to be a bad offer, just do your homework. Part of which was coming here for advice.
My decision was based, in part, on certain features I wanted and required me to order the car but, I came here to learn, too.
If I'm spending big bucks, I'm going to get exactly what I want.
Old 02-02-2007, 01:14 AM
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The deal you have is pretty good. It's about what you should pay, meaning it is a good deal but not an unbelievably good deal. That's about what you should be able to negotiate a similar vehicle.

As for the heated seats, I would not consider a Mercedes without heated seats. I actually use this feature in the fall/spring and sometimes cold summer days but that is beside the point. If it is not important to you, it is not an issue. The car seems well equipped otherwise

Don't pay attention to what the Blue Book or what any dealer says. $40K-something for a 2005 E500? Only an uneducated buyer will pay that. Before the 2007s came out you could have bought a NEW 2006 E500+4matic for about 49K. As for negotiating 10K off the asking price, that is not such a big deal either depending on how much the car is priced to sell. Someone posted a few days ago about buying a 2004 E320 wagon for 30K and the it was listed for 40K. Basically forget how much they are trying to get. Do your research, figure out how much people are paying and don't budge. You'll get what you want for how much you want to pay. Good luck!
Old 02-02-2007, 12:03 PM
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note, 06 E500 prices, brand NEW are in the low 50k range if you can find one. So an 05 with mileage will not be 49k.

05 E500 can have satellite radio installed, newer ones cannot.
Old 02-03-2007, 10:23 PM
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make sure it is not a buy-back from mercedes for some "tranny" issue. have the car checked out by a mechanic before you buy just in case it has been in a "major" accident. the price is excellent if it is checked out okay.

oh make sure it was not a flood car too.

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