E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

'04 & '05 E320s/E350s?

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Old Jul 27, 2008 | 02:52 AM
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'04 & '05 E320s/E350s?

Hey Guys,
I'm thinking of trading in my '05 C230 Kompressor Sedan for an E320 or E350. Any difference between the 2004's & 2005's? On a C Class, there's a difference in the interior. Please advise. . .

Thanks,

Rdscklasse
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Old Jul 27, 2008 | 02:54 PM
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Need help
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Old Jul 27, 2008 | 03:59 PM
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2013 E350 4MATIC
The e-class model change occurred with the 2003 models from 2002's w210 to the current w211. The 05 and 04 are the same cars inside and out, and both have the 3.2 liter engine with 5 spd automatic. I'm driving an e320 2005 and just love it. I like the 06 e350 with the 7 spd automatic. I personally prefer the 5 spd over the 7 spd, but only slightly.

If I remember correctly, the phone system is different in the 05 and cannot remember if the phone system change occurred in 03 or 04. The only reason this matters, is if you want to add the hands free phone system if not phone was installed already. The upgrade cost is higher.

One other point, 2003 was a low point for MB quality. Quality improved dramatically by 05.

Good luck in your hunt!

-David

Last edited by dw8083; Jul 27, 2008 at 04:02 PM.
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Old Jul 27, 2008 | 06:52 PM
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2004 E320, 2004 Lexus GX470
You may want to search the forum on whether the ability to play the multifolder music CD's changed for the better during these MY's. I'd tell you but I can't remember.
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Old Jul 27, 2008 | 11:22 PM
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In short - the 2004 and 2005 are the same except 2005 will have digital Tele-Aid which is still usable in the US - 2004 has analog and is useless. 2004 will be mostly prewired for a phone, 2005 will not be unless it was ordered that way. In short, the newer the better for quality, and 2005 was the last year you could get some goodies on the V6 models in the US, such as ventilated seats, dynamic seats, etc.

Not sure regarding Sirius prewiring - perhaps someone could pitch in here...
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Old Jul 28, 2008 | 11:14 PM
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The '04s had a couple of other things as well over the '05s. One is the REST function, which allows you to circulate air in the cabin when the car is off, runs for about 20 minutes. Also, the 04s had the butterfly type armrest (unless you can find a really early production 05) instead of the just wood one, way better comfort and two rows of compartments. Also, with the '05s, if you get it with premium package it doesn't come with ventilated seats (have to have seperate comfort package for that). Also, if you can find an 04 with original warranty still active (not just certified), maintenance is covered. Also, that means that their is a chance that some people who bought 05s didn't want to cough up the money for scheduled maintenance (and yes, it is amazing how some people, and I know these people, buy an S-class or CL-class and don't perform the regular maintenance).

With all due respect (I know I'm gonna get it from a lot of you, but hey it must be one of those weeks since someone called my work yesterday and told me to go f*ck myself and f*ck my business), screw the 7 spd transmission.
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 12:02 AM
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Forgot the points above - the REST feature was removed in late 05s but I am not sure the cutoff date. My 2005 CDI has it, and if you find one with the REST feature, you will also have the older style console.
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 12:13 AM
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Thanks Guys. Keep it coming. . .

I found an '04 E320 w/ Sport Package, 44K miles and an '05 E320 49K miles for the same price of $24,499.00. How's the price? Should I take the '05? The only think is I like the Sport package on the '04 E320 (dark wood trim, ventilated seats, headlight washers & maybe more. . .). If I can only find an E350 w/ sport package for reasonable price. I'll jump on it. Anyway, E320 or E350 is an upgrade for me for what I'm drving now.

rdscklasse
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by rdscklasse
Need help
My '04 was a problem ridden dog. My '07 is absolutely flawless. The '07s have many many electronic & mechanical changes. I'd steer clear of '03 & '04 & maybe even '05s.
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 02:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
My '04 was a problem ridden dog. My '07 is absolutely flawless. The '07s have many many electronic & mechanical changes. I'd steer clear of '03 & '04 & maybe even '05s.
Problems? Can you elaborate? It would really help.

Thanks
rdscklasse
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 04:01 AM
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Sports package also gives you air suspenion, bixenon, blue glass, and led tail lights. If your going to buy an E-class, definitely get it with sports package and entertainment package (harman/kardon and 6 disc changer). I would probably think the 06's would have more engine and transmission related issues since it was the first year of the 3.5L V6 on this car. The 3.2L has been around for a while, I think since 95. Also, the 5 spd has been around since 2000, the 7 spd was introduced in 2004.

Obvisiously the advantage of the 07s are the new facelift and less problems because it's later in the model life, but you have to pay a lot more and you also miss out on a lot of possible options (air vent seats, dynamic seats (not even the E63 has dynamic massage seats), air suspension on V6 models, and a little more stuff).

Oh, I forgot, I believe the 05s allow for MP3 CD's, but don't quote me on this.
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 04:03 AM
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Oh, and I would recommend staying away from the electronic trunk closer option. Couple of bad experiences on the CL500. Really not worth it. And don't even think about an 03, really not worth it especially since the 04s have come down a lot now.
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 06:09 PM
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Originally Posted by rdscklasse
Thanks Guys. Keep it coming. . .

I found an '04 E320 w/ Sport Package, 44K miles and an '05 E320 49K miles for the same price of $24,499.00. How's the price? Should I take the '05? The only think is I like the Sport package on the '04 E320 (dark wood trim, ventilated seats, headlight washers & maybe more. . .). If I can only find an E350 w/ sport package for reasonable price. I'll jump on it. Anyway, E320 or E350 is an upgrade for me for what I'm drving now.

rdscklasse
I thought E350 was 06 and higher
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Marshall_K
I thought E350 was 06 and higher
'04, '05 or better
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 10:13 PM
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Nope, E350, i.e. the M272 engine, arrived in 2006 (in USA).

2005 is first year for the new phone system, i.e. the one currently in use.

M112 V6 came to USA in 1997. The 5-sp is only trans ever offered with it--it's a fabulous improvement over the previous trans.

Last edited by lkchris; Jul 29, 2008 at 10:19 PM.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 01:31 AM
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Originally Posted by lkchris
Nope, E350, i.e. the M272 engine, arrived in 2006 (in USA).

2005 is first year for the new phone system, i.e. the one currently in use.

M112 V6 came to USA in 1997. The 5-sp is only trans ever offered with it--it's a fabulous improvement over the previous trans.
Actually the 1997 W210 was an I-6 with the electronic 5-speed transmission. The W210 received the M112 in 1998 along with the SmartKey.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Polar Bear
Actually the 1997 W210 was an I-6 with the electronic 5-speed transmission. The W210 received the M112 in 1998 along with the SmartKey.
Yep, slipped a year there.
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Old Aug 26, 2008 | 03:18 AM
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'06 E350 Airmatic

I finally bought one. It is a silver '06 E350 w/ Sport Package 42K mikes. I've been driving it for 2 days now and I'm totally in love with it. It has Airmatic suspension, dynamic seats, Nav., BiXenons and more. . . What an upgrade from my '05 C230K. I took my rims of my C230k and I hope it will fit my new W211. Now the modding starts. . .

My list of Mods to do (for NOW):
-If the wheels from my C230K fit, 19" AMG replicas: 19"x 8" & 19" x 9", I need to lower it. Airmatics: Rentech or Star Diagnostics?
-AMG Conversion: front, side skirts & rear bumber covers (OEM)
-Trunk Spoiler

RDS
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Old Aug 26, 2008 | 07:52 PM
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congrats!
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