philfna

It seems like a buyer's market. I was all set to buy a 2006 E-320 CDI(CPO) Mercedes with Premium Pkg1 for 35,000 (the dealer would throw in ipod integration kit, new floor mats (since it only had all season), and I could buy 2 more years on CPO for 1925. the unit has 18k

Now I find out a different dealer will sell me a 2007 Bluetec with bluetooth (which I would have to add to the above car), xenons, premium pkg1, and this unit only has 9k but no CPO, and I would have to ship it for 400. 34,800 for this unit.

I know I've read the debate between engines, but can someone helpe me decide which one to get? I am pretty confused on which one would be better. E320 CDI owners seem to favor that, but the bluetec seems pretty stable too and this one has xenons and bluetooth which I want.

Can I buy the mercedes extended warranty from the dealer any idea on cost on that for the bluetec car?

155

There's a saying that one should buy the newest example they can afford. Seems like the 07 would be the right choice given the extras and low mileage. Maybe some of the diesel experts can chime in?

K-A

I'd say look at each and see which looks better to you. Looks are always subjective and each have their plus points IMO, but the '07 of course is newer so that's a plus, also the Bluetec is a newer technology of diesels.

I chose an '06 with the AMG package since I found it to be better looking overall than the Sport packaged '07'+'s, but find that when in their regular trims, the '07's are a bit more pronounced and aggressive looking than base pre-facelift.

Newer means longer Warranty, etc. '07's got some added Features, and got some Features/Options taken away, other little interior changes are subtleties and subjective.

I'd say if you're looking at equal prices, the '07 is the way to go since it's newer and worth more. The great thing about '06's are that they are being let go for REALLY cheap right now, and the deal you seem to be getting on one is too high IMO. I'd say shop around for another '06 and see if you can find one that suits you, or in this case, taking equal prices into the equation, you're better off with the newer one with lower miles.

Untertürkheim

I thought Xenons were only available with P2? Are you sure the bluetec is P1 and not P2?

If it has P2 and leather, so for it.

Ol'School

I sort of agree with K-A, not particularly about the looks but a bout liking the car, which is mainly about looks and about the feel of the interior and the drive. Trust me this is all whats going to matter later on ... so take a good look at each, sit down in both, take a good look at the interiors (maybe examine some of the gizmos), have a ride in it ... and then decide based on which one you liked better.

is there an option where E classes come without leather in the states ?!

philfna

No xenons we pulled the datacard thanks to polarbear. But still a good car. There is another car for 38 with touchless, xenons, bluetooth, ipod, etc. But it is 4k more...

philfna

Quick update for everyone. I ended up with a 2007 Bluetec which I put a deposit on, and will be wiring the money for. With brand new tires -- probably need to buy winter tires when it gets here, but here is the low down.

353 Platinum Blue
141 Black MB Tex
P02 Premium Package II, DVD Nav
389: Hands Free Com System
530: DVD command Navigation
536: Sirius Sat Radio
540: Power rear window shade
600: Headlamp washing system
615: Bi-xenon active lighting system
619: Cornering fog lamps
873: Heated Front Seats
869: Keyless Go
881 Truck Closer

Added Ipod Integration kit by previous owner
17 inch wheels NEW all season
B service just done
Harmon Kardon audio
24k in mileage
Pretty happy with the price (38.5k)

Phil

Polar Bear

Should be a VERY nice car. Keep us posted.

philfna

I should mention polarbear found the car, helped me research it. This forum has been invaluable to me. I thank everyone he contributes. This premium loaded car is awesome -- the one thing I have learned is there are a LOT of stripped down CDI's and Bluetecs out there, but the P2 package is a rare bird indeed to find.

155

Those are some really great options there. Congrats on the purchase!

philfna

Question is how will the 17 inch all season tires do in the snow in Wisconsin. I am thinking I will need to buy snow tires and new wheels and just take them off each season. Dealer will store for 75 per season. No idea how the pirelli all season do.

cains10

We had a '06 E320CDI; it went back off lease last month. It was certainly a pretty good car. MPG was 26 MPG, mostly 3 miles to work. On trips it got 36 MPG. The torque is wonderful; I'd highly recommend it. As to its comparison to Bluetec, I of course can't say. My guess is they aren’t really much different. The Bluetec has the latest body style and next generation technology and engineering. It costs more. It has more of the options you want. What about the interior/exterior color schemes? Buy what you want (and can afford), otherwise you’ll probably have buyer’s remorse latter on. Although, it sounds like the '06 you mentioned is a fairly good deal. Ours had 17K or so on it and was still truly solid. But, IMHO, not when compared to the ’07. Are their track records both clean?

philfna

SGS Inspection, Carfax, and Autocheck all clean. Not much I can do beyond that. Platinum blue with black interior. I like the combo. I went with the Blutec. Now I need winter tires.

gaazmon

Congrats on the buy. Ya, there are a lot of stripped down E-classes period. However, with the 07+'s, especially the 550s, they come pretty loaded, unlike before. It took me a while to find the car I wanted with the paint color and options (wanted appearance and premium package, so only thing I missed out on was navi and sunshades, but got pano instead).

philfna

Yeah -- the only option I am missing is pano...oh well -- can't win them all.

thegeneraltso

I guess I am chiming in a little too late but am doing it anyway for the next reader.

I would see if diesel fuel is readily available where you are. Yes you get better MPG but if you had to drive a distance to get it, it would be a hassle in a long run. For example, I live in a big city and there are at least 5 regular gas stations within 1/2 mile of my house and many more along my work route. To get to a diesel station, I would have to go out of my way (along I-95) which is 10 miles from my house.

There are plenty of diesel stations along major highway corridors like I-95 but off the 'beaten path,' I am not sure especially if I am on vacation. Sure, there could be one a block away but I wouldn't know ...

Just a thought ...

philfna

There are about 20 diesel stations by my house. The closet is 1.1 miles so I am good. But it is a good point to know if you have diesel in your area.

Polar Bear

How is the car working out? Was it what you expected?

philfna

The car is awesome. I am thinking about getting a KD box, and I am wondering if it is going to be worth it. I also bought an S550 AMG.

MJ50

i was gonna say 07 bluetec... lol
just debadge "bluetec" and put "CDI" tho...

philfna

Yeah -- no adblue in the 07 so I6 versus V6 -- I love the V6...just wondering if KD box is worth it. I got the dealer to give me a deal on it. So I am going to get it -- we'll see how it works.

pinebaron

The KD Box is absolutely worth it.

philfna

I just ordered it. Thank you for the validation I take it you're enjoying the benefits of it? The dealer here will install it no problem and said they would honor the warranty as if it wasn't there.