uthustler

I can get the e320/350 in the low $50s, and the e550 for the low 60's.

1) is the 550 worth 7-8k more?

2) would you get the 350 or 320?

3)what dealership would you buy from?


thanks

AndrewAZ

1) depends on if you want a V8 and more power, if not the V6 still has plenty of power to take out 98% of the cars on the road.

2) depends I assume you are talking about the E320 CDI diesel? If you plan on keep the car more than 3 years and you are not leasing then I would get the CDI, it will take about 2 years worth of gas milage saving to cover the $1k difference between the gas and diesel engine.

3) what everyone gives you the cheapest price, you can always go somewhere else for service. But then again you tend to get better service from the dealer you bought the car from.

noyu

X2

Its really depending what you really want.

If you need the punch the speed get the 550 and if you drives a lot of miles and planning on keep it for a while (more than 3,4 years) the CDI can't be beat!


I would suggest you test drive all of them and make the decision then.

Barry45RPM

It also depends on what levels of options you can get in each one. Personally, I like my car to have all of the "Bells & Whistles"... You might have to give up some displacement in order to have them. If you don't, why wouldn't you opt for a smooth running very quick V8?

As to which dealer... The one that gives you the lowest price for the most car. It depends how big your personal shopping radius is. Service it wherever you want, but always go for the low price.

cyclerider

You can only get Airmatic suspension and 4 zone climate control with the V-8. That was the deciding factor for me. The icing on the cake is the 382 hp.

emilner

I only considered one, the 550. For me it all came down to power, and the 550 is a screaming car at a great price...

JRAMGV8

For Transportation... the E320 Bluetec

pinebaron

E320 Bluetec for sure; I did. But for many other reasons too.
Daily commute 3000 miles a month, Engine will probably last much longer than a gas engine
Gas station visit 1.25 times a week (as opposed to 2.5 times a week (not that I care about cost since I write it off as expense)
Lots of silent power for a diesel and it is quiet
Love confusing the gas attendant who tells me I am at the wrong pump till I say Diesel. Gas attendent gets irritated by other customers who also follow me to the same pump thinking I am filling gas (folks are not used to diesels)

Best try all of them then apply criteria and use your personal judgement.

FormerC32Owner

For me - I like to get everything I can, while I can. I don't want to be in a position of "would'a/should'a/could'a". But that's me. I do have my limits though - and an E63 would've been nice, but right now, that's out of my reach.

So the E550 is a perfect car for me. It's more than fast enough, and looks outstanding.

Untertürkheim

This is only half true, the Designo package includes 4-zone on all models. I'm really looking forward to the designo espresso Bluetec.

That being said, I cannot see any reason to buy something other than the Bluetec in the US. It can hit 150 at least when the limiter is removed, and it is as fast to 60 as the gas V6. Basically, only a 63 AMG will give you a higher top speed, and torque on the diesel is amazing.

pinebaron

I had boosted my Ford Expedition from 345ft/lb to 400 ft/lb and I could go from 85 to 100 or more in less than seconds. Now with the Bluetec, a vehicle much much less weight, I have so much fun with its torque though I am being slightly conservative with the vehicle, till the mileage crosses 5000 miles, getting there fast. Then some chip tuning and who knows what else.

harkgar

Definitely the Bluetec if you want to have a great daily driver.
If you want to race buy the E550.
Ignore the E350.

If you buy a strip-down version of the Bluetec its the cheapest. The E350 does not have the fuel economy of the diesel, minimum advantage in horsepower and less torque.

Bluetec.

emilner

In the US, top speed is nearly irrelevant. Aside from being reckless when I was younger, I could not imagine taking my car up to 150mph. It comes down to whether you want speed or mileage, figure which is more important to you then buy that car.

cyclerider

I was not aware of this. I'll check out a 6 cylinder Designo the next time I see one.
No, it's not. This is from the May 2007 Car and Driver magazine:

"The bad news is that the E320 BlueTec is slower than the E350 in every respect. Our E320’s 0-to-60 time of 6.8 seconds trails the E350 Sport’s by 0.9 second, and the E320 is also slower than the 6.6 seconds claimed by Mercedes-Benz. The diesel might feel faster, but the numbers don’t lie."

pinebaron

I feel this is relevant only if one is racing at the track or chasing a faster car on a country road. In practise, on the highway, IMO speed is related to an individual's need for speed and adrenalin rush. For the first few days, even while breaking in the engine, I would whizz in and out of traffic (like a fool); then I got bored and following some stern talking to myself, I decided I would use the massive torque to get me out of a situation quickly. With speed limits at 65, most traffic on the highway in NJ moves at 80-85 mph (the faster crowd); no point in risking long periods at 100+, too risky in heavy traffic & can get expensive due to possible speeding tickets; not to say I don't do it for short periods to leave a bunch of cars behind; nothing left to prove now. Like I said before, the Bluetec is a pleasure to drive; speed at low rpm without the engine whine.

Hoop

Yes, by all means ignore the E350 for a Bluetec. However, you will be giving up the option of having a (no cost) sport model which gives you a better handling and better looking car. Oh yeah, you also lose one sweet exhaust note under throttle.

harkgar

You are right about the no-cost Sports Package. Very nice M3 like.

The Bluetec suits an older guy like me.

jimm

We are probably ALL going to recommend the one that WE have.
Me included with my 350 sport.

1. I like the gas mileage: gas is expensive AND (very important)
I don’t have to stop and refill as often.

2. The E350 has PLENTY of power.

3. I thought there was about 9,000 difference in the 350 and 550,
but I could be wrong. But - even 7-8,000 buys a lot of other stuff.

4. I thought I wanted the air suspension .. and, still think it would
be nice, but just don’t think my 350 sport could handle any better
than it does!

Soo - I, too, have voted “as you would expect.”

jimm

==========

‘08 E350 Sport, P2, Black/black,Parktronic,
Voice, Bluetooth, Burl Walnut, Split rear seat,
Wood/leather steering wheel

edspider

I don't think the V8 is worth the extra $. You get the air suspension, but you also get a gas tax. The V6 is plenty of power. I'd get the Bluetec. I think you'll see $4 a gallon in the next 1 or 2 and that will make the Bluetec resale go up. I assume purchase of course. If you lease, get the V6.