RSK

I am getting my first MB and was wondering if I should get a 2006 E350 4Matic or 2006 E500 4Matic? Both are CPO, around 28K, and under 30K miles.

I love the fact that I don't see 500's in every parking lot but am concerned that I will have a hard time reselling it if needed and will hate the gas mileage?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2006 Silver with Light grey interior, navigation, etc...

Benz-O-Rama

Gas mileage is pretty much identical, believe it or not. Get the 500 and don't turn back..

Barry45RPM

I Agree... and there IS a difference between the 2 cars.

aceman

Get the 500. Of course we're biased BUT if you drive a lot, nothing beats the 500. Also - you get leather, 4 zone climate, airmatic suspension to boot.

Aceman

LaicepsYdobon

Having never owned a 500 but being on my second 350 I would say you could not go wrong with either car. If I were you I'd definitely get the 500 if the two cars are very similar in price. The 500 has one very nice feature that the 350 doesn't have; the airmatic suspension.

lkchris

FWIW the 500 has an engine first sold in 1998.

The 350 has an engine first sold in 2006.

The 550 is the V8 version of the new engine.

Also FWIW the old V8 is still used in the SLR and anything labeled AMG 55.

gaazmon

I'd go with the 500. Definitely regretting it since gas around here is $2.49. Big thing I like about 500 is 4 zone climate control. Really good for people in the back (I've sat in the back like 3 times and hate not having the 4 zone with my own adjustment in the back and the 4 zone has side vents by the doors. Yes, the engine has been around for a longer time. Also, it's 3 valve system, not 4 like the 350 or 550, so there are more mods out such as pulleys and that sort. If I was going to buy a 350, I would just bite the bullet and buy the 550 instead, but the 550's don't have as good options as the 500.

gnma

To me, the most imp thing is the power. 339 torque @ 2,700 rpms vs. 258 @ 2,400. Not to mention 302 hp vs. 268hp.

The V-8 motor is amazing.

<<Also FWIW the old V8 is still used in the SLR and anything labeled AMG 55.>>

Thank u for that piece of info lkchris. That's very cool.

Choose the E500 and as one posted above, don't look back. (U won't have to - the E500 flies!)

Good luck!

K-A

I purposely chose the 350, newer tech motor, 4 Valves, feels and sounds nice at WOT for a 6'er, better Gas Mileage (mainly in the City, in traffic, etc), I don't like Airmatic for the simple fact that it would force me to sell my car after the Warranty period even if I didn't want to.

However, nothing beats the smooth ride and feeling of a V8, and NOTHING beats the sound.

HP wise you're looking at not the biggest HP difference, whilst the delivery of both Engines is completely different. But like what was stated above, the Torque is where the big difference lies.

It really just comes down to which suits your personal needs better.

aceman

I was looking at the infiniti M35/45 in 2005. Went and test drove the E350 4matic and was VERY impressed w/ the ride/feel. Wanting to see some different colors, i had to go to a different building (about a mile/two away). The sales guy gave me the keys to a different car than the one we just test drove (it was an E). I drove to the warehouse with him, not knowing it was the E500 4matic until i stepped on the gas. I still remember telling him as we're driving to the warehouse "what car is this" - it was that much more of a different driving experience than driving the E350.

Secondly - as i was thinking about dropping hte extra $$$ for the E500, i thought the airmatic was a gimmic, something i'd rarely use. Well - i was wrong. My use of the airmatic changes with my mood. If i want sporty, i use it to firm the car up. If i'm on the hwy for a long ride, i soften it up for cruising. I am amazed at how often i use it!

Anyway, they are both great cars. There are enough used ones out there that you should be able to drive both back-to-back and judge for yourself.

Good luck,

Aceman

RSK

Thanks everyone for the help. I have my 2006 E500 4matic in my garage and love it!!!

Polar Bear

Congratulations!

Now how about some pics and options list?

dvmak

RSK,

Post pics .. what options did you end up with? I have the '06 E500 as well ... great car. I have thought of some mods but aside from the bluetooth puck I just don't see anything out there that really impresses me.

blkamgsl55

I've had both and the 500 wins hands down. The only downer would be the airmatic. Great when they work, but they have far too many problems. A must to carry warranty coverage if only for this one issue. Gas mileage difference is insignificant.