cleankutazn

Which one would you choose? Also I have two kids

dreamcatchr23

Obviously I'm biased, but I would go with the E... I think it would hold its value better and it will give you more space for the kids... I had a similar dilemma (older E or newer C) but based on my needs/wants I went with the E... Good luck...

cleankutazn

Other than more space does the E handle better than the new C

New E350W4

Although I have not driven the latest iteration of the C class, I compared the C to the E couple years ago and found the E "head and shoulders" better than the C in every way.
Our E350w4 is the best car I've EVER owned.

Just my 8 cents worth(considering inflation)

wmhjr

Was in your position a couple months ago. Went with the E for various reasons, though I didn't get a base model.

ProV1

are u gonna lease or buy? if lease, E; if buy, get C-class. E-class depreciation is horrible to begin with, and the all new E is just around the corner.

cleankutazn

Thanks for all the replies...I'll stick with the E since i'm leasing. I think the pimp factor is also better with the E

wmhjr

I'm not sure the depreciation on the W204 is any better than on the W211.

EclassFetish

The C are for girls.

JRAMGV8

E-Class

cleankutazn

Ouch...those damn girly men and their c classes

Untertürkheim

The C will hold its value much better than the E. Nobody will want the E once it is the old model, especially a base. The C will be current when you are ready to change out.

The new W204 also handles far better than an E.

wmhjr

Huh? I guess those '06 S Classes are rotting away now..... There is something to be said for the more "premium" classes as opposed to "entry level" vehicles in terms of value. And the handling? They handle different but my opinion is not that they handle better. Of course, that depends on your own taste.

gnma

IF "Base" includes the V8 motors, then go with the E550 or E500. V8 power of either engine is amazing. After that, test drive a C350, then thank me after you post your new E class acquisition.

(OR, give the C55/C32 a serious look - they will spank the mighty E550/E500). So to prioritize:

1 C55/C32
2 E500/E550
3 C350

If you have to buy new, then the decision becomes one of space and luxury appointments vs. handling/driving fun, bec. both C350 and E350 have the same V6 motor. IMO, prestige goes with the E-class.

Good luck!

LB Bnz

The C's new style is cool, but for the space factor -- also having 2 kids-- the E will do you justice!!!

No complaints about my E....looks and drives great....(if only the wifey agreed with me getting an E55 instead!!! )

good luck!!!

Untertürkheim

The 06 S classes are rotting away, the W220 was an embaressment.

Bigger is not better, just because an S is larger than an E or C, does not make it better. The 211 was far better than the 220 in terms of design.

I personally love the CL & S classes, and the 211, but it is a matter of personal taste and the applicaiton of the car. If someone wants a more nimble car, the C is better. The C will also hold its value better than an E since the E will soon be replaced by a newer model. This did not stop me from ordering a new E, but cars are not univerally applicable.

bzliteyear

my best buys have been 3-4 yr old MBs off-lease returns. right now, i see many E500's around $25-30k...i'd invest the $20k that would otherwise go toward the new car. this way, in 3 yrs, that $20k could buy you really nice MB..or 2. in the mean time, you'd still have a really nice E-class to drive that most people wouldn't know was any different than new 08.
p.s. with 2 kids, a new car would look like a used car in about 2 weeks anyways

Untertürkheim

+1, Get an 05 E500

cleankutazn

Thanks for all the advice....check out this lease deal they were gonna give me...I have a 07 r350 as a trade in, it was a lease with 16 months left. The E350 had an msrp of $54,000. Drive off fees of $3,000 and payment of 700 for 27 months. What do you guys think should I bite or make them go lower?

boylston

There is no such thing as a good deal when you are trading a vehicle with 16 months remaining on the lease.

Keep the R and get the new model E lease when it comes out next year.

JMHO

wmhjr

Really? Hmmmm.... Not around here. Or on this board. Matter of fact, I just bought a set of wheels from somebody on this board who replaced his E500 with a pre-owned W221. Methinks you're confusing your own opinion (which may be well founded) with the general public.

LaicepsYdobon

Coming from a C-Class I can tell you flat out that both of those statements are false.

Untertürkheim

I meant to say W220, and I have edited my original post to reflect this.

I happen to love the W221, except for the interior, which, while well made, does not look like a Mercedes, let alone an S class.

Untertürkheim

These statements are relative, and MB models always depreciate when there is a major change. Look at the price diff between a 2002 (W210) and (W211)E class...

QQQ

Since you are leasing you should get a C now and then the new E when the C lease expires.