mshedb

Am considering my fist benz, and am looking at an E-class wagon. Found an '06 E350S4 CPO, but am concerned about it being underpowered. But, am aslo concerned about all the horror stories with MB reliability. What is the real scoop? This would be a daily driver. Thanks And what a great forum.

cgcedisto

You might be able to find an 04 E500 still under warranty, which for the 04's includes service which is a good deal. Make sure all the recalls/service campaigns have been completed (SBC brakes, etc.). The E500 is a great ride and have had no problems with mine which I bought used with 19K miles.

jallison12

I bought mine second hand last Oct, with 88k miles on it. Driven daily since then, and have 97k miles now. Planning a big party for the 100k mark

It's been great. One power drain second week (I think I left the glove box door open over a weekend) and my rear hatch needs a new shock. Other than that it's been an absolute dream. Power on my E500 is wicked especially considering it's a 4 ton car.

nantucketsleigh

Unless you are really into performance I don't think you would find the 350 underpowered but the 500 would be more fun IMO. Moreover there are a host of differences in terms of suspension, brakes, etc. as well features of the 500 vs. the 350.

Barry45RPM

The 500 is more fun to drive when you want to whip it around. For normal everyday driving there is almost as much fun in the 350, but not quite.

The horror stories on earlier E class cars are not all myth. The difference between my 04 and my 07 is astounding. While many people here have had enjoyable experiences with their early E's the people driving 06 & later years are in fact driving higher quality cars.

Go for the newer car.

Davel

Drove my 03 as a daily driver for 3 years, other than a radio software reflash ZERO problems...