2003 E350 is ready to kill..
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Milwaukee, WI
1992 Ford Taurus with 13" rims
2003 E350 is ready to kill..
Your 2003 E320 value, that is.
In case you haven't heard, especially if you're planning on buying the new E320, this is what's going to replace the 03' E320 by mid-year 2003. Because of this I am passing on buying the new E320...I refuse to let Mercedes rape my cars value, because they couldn't have the new V6 ready on time.
I guess if you're leasing you would only lose the "newness" (if that's a word) of the car you're driving. The E350 will automatically make your car the "old" model. But, if you're intending on buying after your lease--be well aware that the E350 will take a considerable chunk out of the worth of your car.
This makes me so mad. I was going to pick my car up today at 2:00PM. Now I get to wait until next year for the E350, or until the end of next month, if I decide to get an E500.
In case you haven't heard, especially if you're planning on buying the new E320, this is what's going to replace the 03' E320 by mid-year 2003. Because of this I am passing on buying the new E320...I refuse to let Mercedes rape my cars value, because they couldn't have the new V6 ready on time.
I guess if you're leasing you would only lose the "newness" (if that's a word) of the car you're driving. The E350 will automatically make your car the "old" model. But, if you're intending on buying after your lease--be well aware that the E350 will take a considerable chunk out of the worth of your car.
This makes me so mad. I was going to pick my car up today at 2:00PM. Now I get to wait until next year for the E350, or until the end of next month, if I decide to get an E500.
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From: Sydney, Australia
MB 280CE, S-Type 4.2 Jaguar
damn, I wish you hadn't posted that. It is annoying knowing that your car will be superseded not long after it arrives. My E320 arrives in February and few months after that a new engine will replace mine. Question is what does one do? Cancel the order and place a new one for a E350 and wait an extra 5-8 months or stick with the E320? I've looked around on the net and it seems that the E350 will have a 3.7ltr engine.
There can't be too much of a price 'rise' though because it will be getting to close to the E500.
There can't be too much of a price 'rise' though because it will be getting to close to the E500.
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That is why I decided E500. Right now the difference is in base MSRP is $7900, but that is actually less when you consider you get active suspension, 4 zone climate control, leather and metallic paint for free in E500. This makes the difference more like $3700. If they come out with the E350, you would assume it will be at least $1K more than E320 which means the difference between E350 and E500 probably will be no more than $2.5K. I think the engine + bigger wheels will make E500 a better deal than any future E350.
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From: Sydney, Australia
MB 280CE, S-Type 4.2 Jaguar
It's priced differently in Australia.
E 320 Elegance Automatic 3.2 litre V6 165 kW $119,900
E 500 Elegance Automatic 5.0 litre V8 225 kW $151,900
Extras on the E500 (As per E320 including additional
-17-inch alloy wheels, 13-hole design, with wide tyres.
-Dual automatic climate control with activated charcoal filters for eliminating odours, solar sensor and rest mode. Additional ventilation outlets in B-Pillars.
-Glass electric sunroof with lifter
-Airmatic DC (dual control semi active air suspension)
E 320 Elegance Automatic 3.2 litre V6 165 kW $119,900
E 500 Elegance Automatic 5.0 litre V8 225 kW $151,900
Extras on the E500 (As per E320 including additional
-17-inch alloy wheels, 13-hole design, with wide tyres.
-Dual automatic climate control with activated charcoal filters for eliminating odours, solar sensor and rest mode. Additional ventilation outlets in B-Pillars.
-Glass electric sunroof with lifter
-Airmatic DC (dual control semi active air suspension)
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 391
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From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
Dont count on it being a higher price unless they will have 3 engine types, which is doubtful given the typically only have 2 engine sizes / model. Also, they have to be somewhat price competitive with the 5 series
Likely it will still be the e320 with a 3.5 liter engine but i will be surprised if they actually do it this year.
Regarding the valuations, it would impact both the previous e320 and the e500 ... if a post i read a few weeks ago was correctly stating about 47 HP less than the e500.
It's a bad deal if they do it this year BUT keep in mind that 1) we are all buying at the beginning of an approximately 7 year design; 2) there will ALWAYS be something new and better; 3) the 350 is a new engine that they are dropping in the SL this year, if you believe all of the first production run issues posted on THIS site related to the 03 eclass, maybe wait until 2004 on the new engine:-).
I would love to hear some actual dealer feedback on this ....
Likely it will still be the e320 with a 3.5 liter engine but i will be surprised if they actually do it this year.
Regarding the valuations, it would impact both the previous e320 and the e500 ... if a post i read a few weeks ago was correctly stating about 47 HP less than the e500.
It's a bad deal if they do it this year BUT keep in mind that 1) we are all buying at the beginning of an approximately 7 year design; 2) there will ALWAYS be something new and better; 3) the 350 is a new engine that they are dropping in the SL this year, if you believe all of the first production run issues posted on THIS site related to the 03 eclass, maybe wait until 2004 on the new engine:-).
I would love to hear some actual dealer feedback on this ....
Thread Starter
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From: Milwaukee, WI
1992 Ford Taurus with 13" rims
poropat,
I was the 3rd person on my dealers list for my car, so its been in almost a week and a half now. I went back and forth about the price for a week. When I found out about the E350 situation, I made up my mine to not get it. I just called them up and let them know I didn't want it anymore; it wasn't a big deal...they just gave me my $500 deposit back.
Also, as was mentioned before, there more than likely will not be a price increase for the 3.7L V6. I read an internal letter from MBusa about the new ML350. It's going to be the first to get the new engine and there's no price increase with the ML. I too couldn't believe MB would do something like adding a new engine mid-year--but according to that memo, they're doing just that. If i were you, I would spring for the E500, or wait. That goes double if you're buying your car.
I was the 3rd person on my dealers list for my car, so its been in almost a week and a half now. I went back and forth about the price for a week. When I found out about the E350 situation, I made up my mine to not get it. I just called them up and let them know I didn't want it anymore; it wasn't a big deal...they just gave me my $500 deposit back.
Also, as was mentioned before, there more than likely will not be a price increase for the 3.7L V6. I read an internal letter from MBusa about the new ML350. It's going to be the first to get the new engine and there's no price increase with the ML. I too couldn't believe MB would do something like adding a new engine mid-year--but according to that memo, they're doing just that. If i were you, I would spring for the E500, or wait. That goes double if you're buying your car.
Last edited by wesam; Oct 11, 2002 at 03:40 AM.
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You know, my 2cents are that consumer goods always get outdated. Perhaps we'll see a 350 in 2003. I'm sure the 2004 model will also have lots of good stuff we wish we could have had and 2005 will be even better.
These cars are not an investment, they are luxury good meant to be enjoyed. Life is short. I managed to get an E320 on its way to the dealer with standard options (E2, heated seats, leather) so I only had to wait 1 month for it. I'm driving it now and I'll have enjoyed the E experience for a full 6-12 months before the 350 comes out.
Carpe Diem
These cars are not an investment, they are luxury good meant to be enjoyed. Life is short. I managed to get an E320 on its way to the dealer with standard options (E2, heated seats, leather) so I only had to wait 1 month for it. I'm driving it now and I'll have enjoyed the E experience for a full 6-12 months before the 350 comes out.
Carpe Diem
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Does it really matter? Perhaps if you're concerned about resale value, but the HP on the 350 is supposed to be around 245. For that type of difference it isn't worth losing any sleep over. For me the hp doesn't mean a thing, if they offered the E240 here I would get that instead of the E320. The E class is about getting you from point a to point b in style and comfort. Not about getting you from point a to point b in 11.43223443 seconds. That's what my sports car is for. As the head of an IT department, I'm always hearing TCO (total cost of ownership) all the time. The initial purchase price is meaningless compared to what it will cost you to own this thing over the course of lets say 3 years. A car with a larger engine = larger TCO. A car with a bigger brand new unproven engine = much higher TCO.
Not trying to start a flame war. Just my 2 cents.
Rob
Not trying to start a flame war. Just my 2 cents.
Rob
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From: Sydney, Australia
MB 280CE, S-Type 4.2 Jaguar
Totally agree. But you already have your car. Knowing that my car will be superseded a few months after I get mine hurts a little. Of course I will still enjoy it.
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From: West Chester, PA
All of the above
skip the controversy....
Go right to the E500. What a phenomenal car! For less than $60K with a few nice options (fill in the blanks as you see fit) the E500 is a wonderful car. I personally would take the E500 over an S class!
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From: GA
E320, Lexus RX 300, Nissan Xterra
My simple question is: What happens if you wait for the E350 and in 2004 they come out with E400? Do you continue to wait for the next thing? So IMHO go for the E500 now if that is what you want. Hence the statement I made earlier that "Hurry now and avoid the rush".
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From: New Jersey, USA
W211 & Q7
rob is right -- it is the style and comfort in w211
if w212 comes out in the mid of 2003 then you should wait for it. (w212 comes on 2009)
of course, e350 will come out but when ???
i guess it probably comes out in 2004 (the last quarter of 2003 and sale it as 2004 model)
(sl 350 comes in early 2003 then ml 350 then e350.)
e model changes every 6 years. if you care about style and design then you should get it in the first year.
(again, you may lose a whole year to enjoy w211 while waiting for e350.)
switch to e500 may be a good idea but e350 definitely will kill both e320 and e500 because there is only 57 HP difference between e350 and e500. (245 HP vs 302 HP, 350 actually should be called 370; if you compare 0-60 mile performance, there is only 0.3 sec difference, 5.9 sec vs 6.2 sec) i believe after e350 comes out to replace e320; e550 will come out to replace e500 soon.
as rob said, people should enjoy the style and comfort of w211 not the speed. by the way, i don't see people really care about your w211 is e320 or e350 anyway.
this is my 2 cents
of course, e350 will come out but when ???
i guess it probably comes out in 2004 (the last quarter of 2003 and sale it as 2004 model)
(sl 350 comes in early 2003 then ml 350 then e350.)
e model changes every 6 years. if you care about style and design then you should get it in the first year.
(again, you may lose a whole year to enjoy w211 while waiting for e350.)
switch to e500 may be a good idea but e350 definitely will kill both e320 and e500 because there is only 57 HP difference between e350 and e500. (245 HP vs 302 HP, 350 actually should be called 370; if you compare 0-60 mile performance, there is only 0.3 sec difference, 5.9 sec vs 6.2 sec) i believe after e350 comes out to replace e320; e550 will come out to replace e500 soon.
as rob said, people should enjoy the style and comfort of w211 not the speed. by the way, i don't see people really care about your w211 is e320 or e350 anyway.
this is my 2 cents
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Due to other circumstances I can only pick up my car in May so it will be interesting to see if the 350 is around by then .
If it is,or just a month or so away I will wait otherwise I will take the 320 and be happy.
For those of you "pretencious *******s" out their who are upset about getting the 320 than having it superseeded so early you only need to go and buy the 350 badge and stick it on the trunk.
No one but you and your service center will ever know as long as your bonnet stays firmly closed!
Just checked out the other model forums and came across this thread.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=19119
It's getting closer!!
If it is,or just a month or so away I will wait otherwise I will take the 320 and be happy.
For those of you "pretencious *******s" out their who are upset about getting the 320 than having it superseeded so early you only need to go and buy the 350 badge and stick it on the trunk.
No one but you and your service center will ever know as long as your bonnet stays firmly closed!
Just checked out the other model forums and came across this thread.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=19119
It's getting closer!!
Last edited by Callaway; Oct 13, 2002 at 06:26 PM.
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From: SoCal
MB
yea call is right, if it looks outdated just swap the 2 for a 5, or swap the whole thing for a 500, and get 18's on it....plastic chrome, ppl will think it is lil slower cuz the chrome rims
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From: Sydney, Australia
MB 280CE, S-Type 4.2 Jaguar
I disagree with you, it's not about the badge for me. It's about your car being made redundant a few months after you've spent $145,000 AUD. on it. That's more than $70K US. The e500 is not an option as it is an extra $30K here, plus more on insurance every year.
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From: Melbourne, Australia
I'm in the same position as you,trying to protect my expensive investment.
You see, in the States the difference is not much between the 320 and 500, but in Australia where we pay a fortune for these cars, another $30K is alot.
As it is, this car will nearly cost me the price of a new Ferrari in the States.
I almost cry when I hear of the prices of cars and options on this forum in other countries and how accessable they seem to so many.
Without blowing my own trumpet, you have to be quite well off to afford to buy these cars over here,especially the S and SL Classes.
Believe me there are very few new CLK320/500 drivers under the age of 25 over here.
Hense the reason I keep my cars for about 10 to 15 years (BMW is staying,wife's car).
You see, in the States the difference is not much between the 320 and 500, but in Australia where we pay a fortune for these cars, another $30K is alot.
As it is, this car will nearly cost me the price of a new Ferrari in the States.
I almost cry when I hear of the prices of cars and options on this forum in other countries and how accessable they seem to so many.
Without blowing my own trumpet, you have to be quite well off to afford to buy these cars over here,especially the S and SL Classes.
Believe me there are very few new CLK320/500 drivers under the age of 25 over here.
Hense the reason I keep my cars for about 10 to 15 years (BMW is staying,wife's car).
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 391
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From: Nashville, TN
2013 G550
Calloway -- Is the increased cost related to moving the steering wheel from the left hand to right hand side of the car?
BTW, just a joke! It's still cheaper than Singapore, Cheers!
BTW, just a joke! It's still cheaper than Singapore, Cheers!
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From: New Jersey, USA
W211 & Q7
the problem in Singapore is COE
the reasons of car so expensive in Singapore are
the owner has to has a COE (Certificate of Entitlement ) in order to buy a car. this piece of paper is not cheap -- it may be equal to the price of your car !!! (but you cannot drive it.)
for all mb cars we have seen in US are qualified to "category 4" (2001 c.c. and above -- C230 is still 2000+ c.c.)
plus there is 41% vehicle tax for all imported cars.
however you can keep your COE for your new car when you sell your old car.
well, next time when you visit Singapore, then you know how rich Singaporean are. (mb sells 200e model there -- qualified category 3 and its price is around 201,902 Singapore dollars (around 112,167 USD based on 1 USD = 1.8 SGD)
the owner has to has a COE (Certificate of Entitlement ) in order to buy a car. this piece of paper is not cheap -- it may be equal to the price of your car !!! (but you cannot drive it.)
for all mb cars we have seen in US are qualified to "category 4" (2001 c.c. and above -- C230 is still 2000+ c.c.)
plus there is 41% vehicle tax for all imported cars.
however you can keep your COE for your new car when you sell your old car.
well, next time when you visit Singapore, then you know how rich Singaporean are. (mb sells 200e model there -- qualified category 3 and its price is around 201,902 Singapore dollars (around 112,167 USD based on 1 USD = 1.8 SGD)
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From: Sydney, Australia
MB 280CE, S-Type 4.2 Jaguar
skymast,
The increased costs are not because of the steering being RHD. In the UK they drive RHD but their E320 Avatngarde costs A$100K on road, compared to Australia's A$130K on road. Australia has high import taxes and luxury car taxes although they have brought them down.
Currently we pay 15% Import Duty + 10% Gst (goods and services tax) and 25% Luxury car tax (Inclusive of Gst) if the value is in excess of A$55,134. Basically we get screwed. That's why we have so many crappy Japanese\Asian cars on the road, also Ford,GM,Toyota,Mitsubishi, etc.. are all built locally. It's difficult for somebody who's doesn't appreciate European cars to drive one as it costs twice as much.
By 2005 the government will reduce the import tax to 10% and by 2010 they will abolish it completely. But the local car manufactures are not happy with that and I'm sure they will put up a fight closer to the time in order to 'protect' the local market.
Also taking in to consideration shippings costs and the fact that the market is so much smaller even compared to the UK, Mercedes benz has to make it worth their while, because it's easier to mass produce them for example to the states. MB have a waiting list around the world, producing 200,000 E-class's a year is still not enough. The CLK still had a one years waiting list on their old model, but they still introduced a new version. That's pretty amazing.
The increased costs are not because of the steering being RHD. In the UK they drive RHD but their E320 Avatngarde costs A$100K on road, compared to Australia's A$130K on road. Australia has high import taxes and luxury car taxes although they have brought them down.
Currently we pay 15% Import Duty + 10% Gst (goods and services tax) and 25% Luxury car tax (Inclusive of Gst) if the value is in excess of A$55,134. Basically we get screwed. That's why we have so many crappy Japanese\Asian cars on the road, also Ford,GM,Toyota,Mitsubishi, etc.. are all built locally. It's difficult for somebody who's doesn't appreciate European cars to drive one as it costs twice as much.
By 2005 the government will reduce the import tax to 10% and by 2010 they will abolish it completely. But the local car manufactures are not happy with that and I'm sure they will put up a fight closer to the time in order to 'protect' the local market.
Also taking in to consideration shippings costs and the fact that the market is so much smaller even compared to the UK, Mercedes benz has to make it worth their while, because it's easier to mass produce them for example to the states. MB have a waiting list around the world, producing 200,000 E-class's a year is still not enough. The CLK still had a one years waiting list on their old model, but they still introduced a new version. That's pretty amazing.
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Dealer says no E350 for this year's model in E class. I guess he checked with Germany. The 350 is required in the ML because it is seriously underpowered with a 320 and loaded. In any case I believe that E350 would not make much of a difference for city driving and in traffic.
