caeguy

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new(used) E350 or E500/550. During my investigations, it appears that there were some major fixes/changes in the 2007 model year? Just want to confirm if the 2007 MY is the way to go. I'm looking to spend around 35K.

Any opinions are welcomed.

Barry45RPM

The 2007's have that more agressive look, and MB turned off some features in U.S. cars that caused owner complaints from us finicky MB owners if they felt they couldn't make them perfect in time for the '07 release date. They also fixed the whole list of quality problems, and also took out the problematic SBC Brakes & went to a more conventional brake system. My '07 550 has been flawless, and a priveledge to own & drive. If you can find what you're looking for in an '07, and can swing it, its the way to go. The car is superb. By '06 the E's were almost perfect... by '07 they were. Take my word on this. I am well schooled!

The '07s are what put MB back at the top of the list in Quality at JD Powers, up from just about dead last. How's that for a "wake-up call" result?

lkchris

Every Mercedes model gets a "facelift" during its lifetime.

A slightly new look, plus lots of engineering upgrades or fixes.

Facelift models are always preferrable.

BTW, the introduction of new engines (maybe transmissions, too) does not correspond with the facelift. It's usually earlier on E-class, but since facelifts don't occur at the same time between models, i.e. S-class, C-class, it could be later on others.

You can see the engineers' work schedule, then.

K-A

I went with an '06 as it was better overall for me. The prices are alot lower, the quality and reliability improvements started with the '06MY's so you'll be good with either an '06 or '07. The changes and improvements of the '07's are mainly cosmetic and the interiors are about the same minus the steering wheel I believe, Feature wise it seems you can get more with the '06's even (?). I personally thought the pre-face lifts in either normal and Appearance package form weren't aggressive looking enough for me, so I looked hard for an AMG packaged one which is my fav look for the 211.

Untertürkheim

If you are going to buy an E350, there were many more options available for 06 than 07+. For a 550, they remained more similar.

gnma

I strongly recommend the V-8. The power is amazing, 500 is wicked, - 550 is insane. Unless u're one of the "I don't need a V8", types.

Bottom line, test drive all three, ck. what options are available, (premium leather seems to be a point of discussion here -which is standard on the V8's), and choose what you like. Good luck!!

TheRealG

I thought MY05 is when quality returned and that MY07 is simply a style change.
Are there any posts, websites, online guides or what-not on the different options available per MY?

G.

caeguy

Thanks for all the feedback.

Couple of comments.

1. The price difference on the used market appears to be substantial when comparing the 06 to the 07.

2. I'd really like to find a 550 but they seem real tough to find, at least in my area in CT.

3. I'm really concerned about reliability and from the posts, 06 + seems to be a good bet with less issues.

Thanks again.

K-A

Yeah from what I understand '05 is when M-B started getting their act together and quality started to improve, and by '06 it was pretty much on par with what it is today.

lkchris

Nope. Here's a pretty good list of the changes.

Realize that production of 2007 models (in USA terms) began in July, 2006 so the article calls it the 2006 facelift.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=239