VinceB

While newer is better, there is a cost break down associated with newer = $$$. This will be used for driving a lot in a sales role so with gas at $4.09/gal...in Bay Area, I've begun to think about a V6 vs. V8.

Just checked the MBZ website... E320/E350 vs. E500/E550 seems like there isn't much difference in mileage so back to wondering about getting the bigger motor. More power to blast down the 101

Sounds like I should be looking for a 2005 or newer. Am I correct? Any significant changes throughout the years? Is it worth spending the extra to get the E350 or E 550 vs. older models or were the changes mainly engine?

Any thoughts appreciated, Cheers!

yongsiklee

Buy a E500 if it will be used for a sales job.

What kind of sales are you involved in?

If you are selling insurance, it's ok to drive E350. If you are selling house, go with E500.

There is still a good milege difference between e350 and e500. You said you will be driving a lot. Buy a E350.

Never buy a 4 matic. That's a gas pig.

You are not to buy a E550, based on the fact that you are worried about gas milege.

vettdvr

Our E500 gets 25 mph highway. In town who cars you will spend much time in idle in traffic.

405 to 101 then north to TO,, after grade take first exit to the west to MO pass the MkeyD's left at light up hill turn right Live there in 90's

Scambo

The only thing I would recommend if possible is to buy an 07 or newer due to braking system improvements starting in 07. One of the board members has a gorgeous silver E550 for sale at an excellent price with low miles.

The rest is merely a cost/option decision on your part if you choose to go with slightly older models. The 04-06 E500's are basically the same vehicle. I hear 03 was not a real good year so I would stay 04 or newer. In any case for 04-06 E's be sure to have the dealer fix all recall items and replace SBC pump per MB 10yr. warranty.

cyclerider

Thanks for the mention, Tom.

VinceB, if you want to check it out, click here.

VinceB

Thanks all-

I'm going to be selling medical device mfg/design services in Nor Cal/Bay Area (other areas as well but I'll fly then rent a car). If I drive 20K/yr the cost differential for a V8 vs. V6 is probably only ~$500, a rounding error to get the more power. Since I'm a power ***** seems reasonable to go with the V8.

What was the brake upgrade in '07? Also when did they convert from Charcoal to Black interior? Really don't care for the Charcoal and not too many stone interiors out there...

Cyclerider, thanks I maybe interested as I like how you optioned the car, but not ready to buy just yet. If you still have it available when I'm ready, I would be interested in chatting...

gnma

E350 = V6 with 260ish hp and 260ish torque
E500 = V8 with 302 hp and 339 torque @ 2,700 rpms.

The V8 has a flat power band. U're at peak torque by 2,700 - 4,500 ish and then peak hp comes on shortly after. It is a sweet power curve.

The E550 has MORE power than the E500.

The V8 is an absolute blast! U will regret not buying it! I highly recommend the RWD model. And search, and u'll see the E500 get 26+ mpg on the highway. (18 city)

Only you can decide, which means test drive them both...






Let me prematurely congratulate you on your V8 purchase.

cyclerider

SBC, the electronic brake-by-wire system present in the '03-'06 models is gone starting with the '07 E-Class. I used to own an '05, and I much prefer the feel of the '07 brakes.

strat

I had a 99 E320 - 18MPG 31 mile round trip here in Chicago - 22 miles highway/10 miles bumper to bumper!

Bought 05 E500 - Average 26 MPG round trip daily!! - same as above

Had an 08 E350 loaner 4 matic for 10 days - as above averaged 20MPG

If you drive mostly highway get a 7 speed as I have with the E500. RWD for best results.

In the city my E500 eats me up in gas (15 or 16 MPG.

Hope this helps.

dw8083

The choice really depends on your budget.

I just bought an 05 e320 last month with 17.1K miles and 4 months left on the MB warranty. I bought it from a non-MB dealer. They were asking something like 32K marked it down to 26K and I bought it for 23.5K. Out the door it was it was $26K.

It had a clean Carfax history as 1 lease owner. I would have preferred the 06 e350 with the 7 spd auto and a little more power, but definately don't regret the decision!

The car is a real joy to drive. Here in the SF Bay Area the e500's are a little cheaper due to the reduced mileage.

I could not imagine a better value than a used e320 or e350.

The car is getting 18+ around town and 25.5mpg on the hwy in C mode. My last overall tank was 24.5 mpg. I tend to drive about 75 on the hwy.

-David

edspider

2006 E350 has 268HP. That's plenty. I get 21mpg doing suburban driving in mine. Mine is pewter with black interior. I have the equivalent options as what they call Premium II on the 2008 models. Now add Sirius, Parktronic, wood wheel, bluetooth and the power trunk. Just about every option.

I got bored though and want something different, so I'm going to sell it privately. I think the sticker was 58,000 25 months ago. It has 21K miles. I'm hoping to get 29K for it.

Nickelmania-Dal

There are eleven 07 E350 on auto trader for under 35K. Many with low miles.There was one for 29K Get a slightly used E350 and save money.
Nickel

HoustonRider

get a new E550 and sell up your clients. lol..

seriously, I have an 08 E550 and if I keep my foot out of it and put the cruise on 70-75, I'll get 26-27mpg... for some reason when I cruise at 100 it goes down to 18mpg.

either way, life is too short..... drive what you want.

oilbelcher

just bought a rare '05 E500 with tan/black, AMG sport pkg, and more, certified pre-owned with extra warranty to take me to 100k miles, 3+yrs above normal wrnty. Low miles, good price,and drives great. The v8's are amazing on these cars. I was going to buy a newer diesel, but used diesel cars depreciate much less, requiring about 7k more for an '05/06 vs just the 6 cyl gas engine. that is a dollar premium above the fuel savings, so I'll pass on diesel for now (make good sense on SUVs though). My E500 will get about the same milage as a ML320cdi, but I'll have MUCH more fun driving...

Nickelmania-Dal

I didnt know they made an AMG sport package in 05. Would love to see it. Any photos? Does it have dual pipes coming out the back? AMG front end look?

E500Newbee

Yes they do made that in 05. Here is an attachment for 05 brochure

E500Newbee

The faster your car goes, the more gas it take a look at the RPM. More RPM, the engine's working harder.

Nickelmania-Dal

I understand that MB built an E55 in 2005 but did MB build a E320 and E500 with an AMG package in 2005?

okc329

there was an AMG package available for both the E320 and the E500. It was even available on the E320 wagon.

Untertürkheim

If you are concerned about fuel economy, and buying used anyway, why not get a E320 CDI/Bluetec? You will use a fraction of the fuel, and it will have more torque at a lower RPM than any V8. As long as you get one with leather (instead of MB-Tex) and good option packages, nobody will know/care which engine is in it.

Nickelmania-Dal

Did the 05 E320 AMG package have the tail pipes like an 08? Also have the AMG front end? Just curious of the looks. Anyone have a photo of the back and front. I am not trying to start a debate. Just never seen one. Would really like to see a E320 with the AMG package.

okc329

E320 with AMG package which consisted of AMG front air dam, dual polished exhaust tips (oval shape), nicely notched rear apron and staggered, ultra-thin spoke mono-block 18" wheels. Very good looking car.

dgiturbo

If your still looking, go with a DIESEL E320 if you can find one. Fast, quite and SIPS fuel. 35+ to the gal.

Nickelmania-Dal

I finally found an 05 E320 with AMG sports package on lease trader. I dont think I have ever seen one. I am surprised MB didnt sell more of those. They look sharp

gnma

Congrats to the poster who just bought his too. I think they're pretty rare. I too have the same car. 2005 E500 RWD with AMG Sport Package

Besides the AMG body kit ($4,000 option back then), it also has the staggered 18" rim setup with 245/40/18 8" F, and 265/35/18 9" Rear. Also has black face gauges and the "AMG" twin ex. tips. Very sharp looking car IMO. I also think all the RWD's have "Mercedes-Benz" written on the front calipers.