MPG Difference Between E350 and E500
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2004 E500
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I'd stay away from the Airmatic, problematic and VERY expensive if/when things go wrong. I was terrified of finding an E-Class I liked that had Airmatic. I had an S-Class and sold it after hearing about all the problems with Airmatic/ABC Suspensions.
I have an AMG Package E350 which comes with an AMG Sport Suspension, it lowers the car a bit and rides more firmly than an Airmatic does (if you like Sporty riding Cars), but nothing beats the luxurious ride and absorbing of bumps like an Airmatic if that's what you're after.
I'd personally go for at least an Appearance/Sport Package E Class as the non Sports look pretty bland IMO.
Here's some Pictures of mine:
I have an AMG Package E350 which comes with an AMG Sport Suspension, it lowers the car a bit and rides more firmly than an Airmatic does (if you like Sporty riding Cars), but nothing beats the luxurious ride and absorbing of bumps like an Airmatic if that's what you're after.
I'd personally go for at least an Appearance/Sport Package E Class as the non Sports look pretty bland IMO.
Here's some Pictures of mine:
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I'd stay away from the Airmatic, problematic and VERY expensive if/when things go wrong. I was terrified of finding an E-Class I liked that had Airmatic. I had an S-Class and sold it after hearing about all the problems with Airmatic/ABC Suspensions.
I have an AMG Package E350 which comes with an AMG Sport Suspension, it lowers the car a bit and rides more firmly than an Airmatic does (if you like Sporty riding Cars), but nothing beats the luxurious ride and absorbing of bumps like an Airmatic if that's what you're after.
I'd personally go for at least an Appearance/Sport Package E Class as the non Sports look pretty bland IMO.
Here's some Pictures of mine:
I have an AMG Package E350 which comes with an AMG Sport Suspension, it lowers the car a bit and rides more firmly than an Airmatic does (if you like Sporty riding Cars), but nothing beats the luxurious ride and absorbing of bumps like an Airmatic if that's what you're after.
I'd personally go for at least an Appearance/Sport Package E Class as the non Sports look pretty bland IMO.
Here's some Pictures of mine:
Traditional suspension wears out too, so either way you will wind up payinf for something. The lack of airmatic was the single biggest factor keeping me out of a diesel E.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I definitely agree with the plus points of the Airmatic and absolutely love the way it feels. Also agreed that both will wear at some point, but I do know that it's no contest in which is riskier when it comes to premature failure. Personally I'd say, if you're gonna have a Warranty for the term you plan on owning the Car and like Airmatic, go with it and don't look back, but IMO, when it comes to non-Warrantied M-B's with Airmatic, I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pole.
To each their own though, I loved my S but ended up wussing out because one side of the Car started to sag (ABC).
To each their own though, I loved my S but ended up wussing out because one side of the Car started to sag (ABC).
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2004 E500
I'd stay away from the Airmatic, problematic and VERY expensive if/when things go wrong. I was terrified of finding an E-Class I liked that had Airmatic. I had an S-Class and sold it after hearing about all the problems with Airmatic/ABC Suspensions.
I have an AMG Package E350 which comes with an AMG Sport Suspension, it lowers the car a bit and rides more firmly than an Airmatic does (if you like Sporty riding Cars), but nothing beats the luxurious ride and absorbing of bumps like an Airmatic if that's what you're after.
I'd personally go for at least an Appearance/Sport Package E Class as the non Sports look pretty bland IMO.
Here's some Pictures of mine:
I have an AMG Package E350 which comes with an AMG Sport Suspension, it lowers the car a bit and rides more firmly than an Airmatic does (if you like Sporty riding Cars), but nothing beats the luxurious ride and absorbing of bumps like an Airmatic if that's what you're after.
I'd personally go for at least an Appearance/Sport Package E Class as the non Sports look pretty bland IMO.
Here's some Pictures of mine:
howmuch do you think the price difference is from a normal E350 and a sport package E350?
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
No prob man, and thank you! Glad ya dig it 
Yeah, I do think the E-Classes are a bit more reliable than the CL's when it comes to their suspension systems, so you'd be running less of a risk, but they do happen, I'd suggest running a search on the 211 Forum on "Airmatic" on the Title and you'll probably see quite a few people posting about problems.
As for the Sport/Appearance versions and the regular E350's (are they called Elegance?) you really shouldn't pay more, there are alot of Sport/Appearance models on the market, so don't let a Dealer try and sell you a Sport for more. I really wanted the AMG Package which is more rare for the pre-07's, so I ended up paying a bit more due to that, but for me it was worth it.
Good luck man!
Yeah, I do think the E-Classes are a bit more reliable than the CL's when it comes to their suspension systems, so you'd be running less of a risk, but they do happen, I'd suggest running a search on the 211 Forum on "Airmatic" on the Title and you'll probably see quite a few people posting about problems.
As for the Sport/Appearance versions and the regular E350's (are they called Elegance?) you really shouldn't pay more, there are alot of Sport/Appearance models on the market, so don't let a Dealer try and sell you a Sport for more. I really wanted the AMG Package which is more rare for the pre-07's, so I ended up paying a bit more due to that, but for me it was worth it.
Good luck man!
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2006 E500
Go for the E500. I recently bought a 2006 CPO E500 with 10K miles on it. I have a 35 mile one way commute and have averaged 24.5 MPG on the freeway...Until you put your foot down, then the only thing you care about is the state police! Plus you get full leather seating and door coverings, upgraded rims, 4 zone climate control, fully adjustable air suspension, ect.
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2004 E500
so ya im actually looking at the 2006 E350 sport now cant seem to find any good deals on one
found one about 20 grand with 60k miles but its driven toomuch 
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E350 4Matic
im guessing ur right but lol im 16 years old and i dont plan on driving slow (stupid? ya i know) anywayz as for the cops lets hope they dont catch me loll
so ya im actually looking at the 2006 E350 sport now cant seem to find any good deals on one found one about 20 grand with 60k miles but its driven toomuch
so ya im actually looking at the 2006 E350 sport now cant seem to find any good deals on one
found one about 20 grand with 60k miles but its driven toomuch 
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
If we all drove on the freeway and used a steady foot, there would be no real difference between the 500/550 and 350. It's the stop and go, idling, city traffic driving that will kill the mpg on the V8s.
And that's where one has to make a comparison. So let's see those actual comparisons. And not using the car's computer based some one time jaunt you make some night out on the freeway, but using the 'analog' method of fill, record miles, then fill again, and over time, etc..
Then figure out if you can live with the difference....
And that's where one has to make a comparison. So let's see those actual comparisons. And not using the car's computer based some one time jaunt you make some night out on the freeway, but using the 'analog' method of fill, record miles, then fill again, and over time, etc..
Then figure out if you can live with the difference....
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06 E500 sport
If we all drove on the freeway and used a steady foot, there would be no real difference between the 500/550 and 350. It's the stop and go, idling, city traffic driving that will kill the mpg on the V8s.
And that's where one has to make a comparison. So let's see those actual comparisons. And not using the car's computer based some one time jaunt you make some night out on the freeway, but using the 'analog' method of fill, record miles, then fill again, and over time, etc..
Then figure out if you can live with the difference....
And that's where one has to make a comparison. So let's see those actual comparisons. And not using the car's computer based some one time jaunt you make some night out on the freeway, but using the 'analog' method of fill, record miles, then fill again, and over time, etc..
Then figure out if you can live with the difference....
At a 75mph AVERAGE speed and over 27mpg, I can say that the car is capable of good mileage.
If what you're saying, that the 500/350 get the same mileage on the freeway, then the only difference (given the same frontal area, tires, weight etc) is the frictional losses or efficiency of the engine itself? I think the fuel required to obtain the torque and the driver's enjoyment of same is the likely cause of the disparity in city mileage. The V8 uses more fuel, but the driving experience is better, IMHO.
Do you think I found a 90 mile long hill and coasted down at 80+ to get that mileage showing? That was part city driving, maybe 15%, then a trip on the freeway with no cruise control on.
And....
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2004 E500
loll ya were im from like 60% of the teenagers drive either mercedes benz or bmw come to glendale for a day and you will see what im talking about
btw almost turning 17 so im not too young?
**** the -->
btw almost turning 17 so im not too young?
**** the -->
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Ok, everyone who has BOTH cars, please respond to this thread.....(crickets)
At a 75mph AVERAGE speed and over 27mpg, I can say that the car is capable of good mileage.
If what you're saying, that the 500/350 get the same mileage on the freeway, then the only difference (given the same frontal area, tires, weight etc) is the frictional losses or efficiency of the engine itself? I think the fuel required to obtain the torque and the driver's enjoyment of same is the likely cause of the disparity in city mileage. The V8 uses more fuel, but the driving experience is better, IMHO.
Do you think I found a 90 mile long hill and coasted down at 80+ to get that mileage showing? That was part city driving, maybe 15%, then a trip on the freeway with no cruise control on.
And....
At a 75mph AVERAGE speed and over 27mpg, I can say that the car is capable of good mileage.
If what you're saying, that the 500/350 get the same mileage on the freeway, then the only difference (given the same frontal area, tires, weight etc) is the frictional losses or efficiency of the engine itself? I think the fuel required to obtain the torque and the driver's enjoyment of same is the likely cause of the disparity in city mileage. The V8 uses more fuel, but the driving experience is better, IMHO.
Do you think I found a 90 mile long hill and coasted down at 80+ to get that mileage showing? That was part city driving, maybe 15%, then a trip on the freeway with no cruise control on.
And....
Anyway, generation of horsepower is directly determined by the amount of fuel combusted. Momentum and rolling resistance is less once at freeway speeds. Moving a given mass from a dead stop requires more energy (motion versus resistance.)
I never implied you coasted your car down a hill, or whatever the scenario was. But what would the mpg of a 350 be in the same scenario. That's the question here. City driving consumes more fuel as the inertia is higher than cruising on a freeway. And in dense urban areas, city driving is all there is; I'd just like to see a genuine test, that's all.
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06 E500 sport
I really have no idea what you are trying to say, sorry......
Anyway, generation of horsepower is directly determined by the amount of fuel combusted. Momentum and rolling resistance is less once at freeway speeds. Moving a given mass from a dead stop requires more energy (motion versus resistance.)
I never implied you coasted your car down a hill, or whatever the scenario was. But what would the mpg of a 350 be in the same scenario. That's the question here. City driving consumes more fuel as the inertia is higher than cruising on a freeway. And in dense urban areas, city driving is all there is; I'd just like to see a genuine test, that's all.
Anyway, generation of horsepower is directly determined by the amount of fuel combusted. Momentum and rolling resistance is less once at freeway speeds. Moving a given mass from a dead stop requires more energy (motion versus resistance.)
I never implied you coasted your car down a hill, or whatever the scenario was. But what would the mpg of a 350 be in the same scenario. That's the question here. City driving consumes more fuel as the inertia is higher than cruising on a freeway. And in dense urban areas, city driving is all there is; I'd just like to see a genuine test, that's all.
I'd say about 2mpg less given any situation.
However, consider that the 500/550 has the option of using MUCH more fuel
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Probably pipe dreaming for that request, but my gut feeling is the 550 consumes quite a bit in the city. How much over the 350?
In the end, it doesn't really concern me that much. Just more psychological than any monetary issue. And then there are the social pressures, etc..
For me, the bigger issue is the Airmatic versus a standard suspension. Now that's another issue altogether!
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06 E500 sport
Yep, that's the issue. EPA says 2 mpg difference. But look up their calculations on how they got that figure. I'd like a real world test of city driving only, to see how the two cars fare. And not computation from the car's computer.
Probably pipe dreaming for that request, but my gut feeling is the 550 consumes quite a bit in the city. How much over the 350?
In the end, it doesn't really concern me that much. Just more psychological than any monetary issue. And then there are the social pressures, etc..
For me, the bigger issue is the Airmatic versus a standard suspension. Now that's another issue altogether!
Probably pipe dreaming for that request, but my gut feeling is the 550 consumes quite a bit in the city. How much over the 350?
In the end, it doesn't really concern me that much. Just more psychological than any monetary issue. And then there are the social pressures, etc..
For me, the bigger issue is the Airmatic versus a standard suspension. Now that's another issue altogether!
To reiterate, the E500 has the capability of using MUCH more fuel in the city than the E350. It's fun to feel that extra torque push you in the seat. However, if driven like for like, the difference should be about 2mpg.
That's about as good as it gets with this thread. I still like my picture, though. I should have photoshopped it.
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Drove to Glendale from San Diego, several steep uphill and same downhill scenarios, long flat straight parts, some city driving, highway and freeway driving, 28 mph with an average of 74 mph but most the time I drove with 85 mph. I don't trust that average speed displayed inside the cluster display. driving for almost 2 hours 80 and 85 miles an hour and the average speed doesn't move up and stays on 74 mph.
But I would say for that speed and the landscapes I drove through pretty good result.
But I would say for that speed and the landscapes I drove through pretty good result.
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gixxa600
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even though she was soooo hot, but she taught me, the hard way, that looks aren't everything). I used to live there long time ago (I had a post about cheap exhaust tips a while back). Lol, I remember when there was barely any Armenians in Glendale (making me a rarity in the town back then, yes back then it was a town). *Sigh, I miss the days when I used to be a kid, but I prefer life in the valley.Mafiozhak, are you Armenian too? Dude, I was talking to Black.E and we said how we should organize a meet or something. Speaking of which, does anyone know when the next meet is going on in the L.A. area (maybe Encino. I've heard of a Benz group that meets up in Encino every thursday night).
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Here in Chicago traffic is crazy which means more idling ... and trust me, you dont wanna do that in an 8 cylinder engine...
Also, snow, sleet/ ice is common, so you dont want a rear-wheel drive
thirdly, you'll get an 06 350 for mid 20s ...
still have doubts ? ... Suit what your needs are as per the area/ weather .... personally, 2 more cylinders do make one hell of a difference in mpg... and e350 is not a slow car, you'll love it in Sport mode!
And lastly, do read some threads here on airmatic suspension repair costs that come standard on 500s ....
350 rulz!!
Also, snow, sleet/ ice is common, so you dont want a rear-wheel drive
thirdly, you'll get an 06 350 for mid 20s ...
still have doubts ? ... Suit what your needs are as per the area/ weather .... personally, 2 more cylinders do make one hell of a difference in mpg... and e350 is not a slow car, you'll love it in Sport mode!
And lastly, do read some threads here on airmatic suspension repair costs that come standard on 500s ....
350 rulz!!
Also, our E500 isn't a 4matic and we've had no problems in snow (we live south of Chicago and get the same weather that you do). The key is proper tires and restraint of the right foot!
Not trying to be argumentative, just stating my opinion based on driving experiences!
I never had problems with rear wheel drive cars in chicago snow. In fact, prefer it, so I can have fun when I want to. Especially with electronics and proper tires, this is never a reason to avoid the more dynamic choice. I bet a rear wheel drive E500 gets the same milage as a AWD E350. And the former is much more fun to drive. The airmatic is worth every penny. In fact, it is the only reason that kept me with MB and not with BMW (different car personalities, I know). I just bought my 46,000 mile 2005 E500 that with AMG visual package ('05 was first year to get 7 speed trans; important for perf. and MPG). I purchased the two extra years of warranty on top of the 1 year with CPO, with total of 3+ years of insured fun. This car is absolutely great. Gas milage is not bad at all, in fact better than my manual G35 6 cyl I had. I was cruising down A1A the other day, blasting a little vanilla ice... rolling in my 5.0 8cyl.
That naturally aspirated torque is so addictive...
That naturally aspirated torque is so addictive...
I do agree with you about the N/A torque though!
It ROCKS!
