E500 vs E350
1) V8 vs V6 gas mileage and performance (a biggie)
2) handling/steering: sport pkg on the E350=sport suspension=better handling?
3) stand out factor/prescence...which one will stand out more? (another biggie)
4) overall value...which one would be better in the long run?
plz comment

I think it is a safe bet that the Obama Administration will soon do much to discourage consumption of fossil fuels with the imposition of additional fuel taxes, so I would think twice about the purchase of any car with a V8 engine.
2. The E500 has the airmatic with adjustable settings so you can run in comfort or sport mode. I've driven both and the airmatic IMHO is much better.
3. The sport package may stand out a bit more but overall differences are subtle .. keeping the car nicely detailed will make it stand out regardless .. as will changing the rims ..
4. In the long run they will both be worth about the same.
You should be able to find an '06 E500 in that price range which would be better. An '08 E350 would be several thousand more and defeats the purpose of buying at the best value. With an '07 E350 you get the face-lifted version. Not sure what other enhancements were made for '07. Mercedes claimed over 100 changes but I've never been able to find a list nor noticed anything significant ...
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The current Administration will start to pass into history soon. You'll have this car longer.




The performance difference isn't that big between the 350 and 500, that's why they came out with the 550. However, it's the torque in the 500 that makes the difference: 330 vs. the 350's 258. Hp wise: the 500 is 300 and the 350 is 268. But remember, the 350 comes with the newer engine build (i.e. 4 valves instead of 3 valves system), better intake system, etc. Also, I had a C350 loaner once and it was quite fast.
The looks of the 07 will stand out way more than the looks of the older 500.
Back to quality, the 07 350 will probably be better off than the 05 500.
Handling, the 350 is quite firm. My uncle has one and even complains about it. The 500 gives you the option of soft or sporty. Also, IMO, with the aimatic in sport mode, even sport II mode, the car is firm, but yet it is very comfortable. I really like the airmatic.
Honestly drive both. Another thing is, from my research when I was looking at cars, the 03 - 06 models where harder to find with options. With the 07+s, almost all of them have the sport package, some have the AMG sport sport package (09's only offer AMG sport package, not regular sport package). Also, a lot of the 07+ have the P1 package. Only thing is P2 (xenons, keyless go) are hard to find. Another thing: the 500 has leather. The 07+ 350's have leather as an option, another hard feature to come by, but no biggie.
One of the grandparents likes to drive on the track and gets the MPG down to about 8.
1) suspension/handling- alot of you guys are saying that the 500 rides better and handles as good as the 350 cuz of air suspension...but will it ever break?? ive heard some horror stories about the S500
2) what are the options differences b/w the 350 and 500? xenons, leather are kinda important considering this was once a 50k+ car (heck even my IS has lthr and xenons standard)
3) as far as looks go, the 500 does look a bit dated to me, so the 350 would look better (even better in AMG if only i could find one)
4) far as what im hearing most of you would agree that i should just opt for a 350?
OR should i wait another year and buy the 550?
OR should i wait another year and buy the 550?
Pro's of the E500: More Luxurious options and interior standard, Xenon's standard I believe, smoother and more linear acceleration and engine.
Pro's of the E350: Updated exterior, Better MPG's (especially in the city), higher-tech newer motor.
Personally, unless I have a nice and long Warranty available, I would stay away from an Airmatic car.
Also, M-B did away with some great options in '07, and did some little changes and cost-savings in the interior, I personally prefer the pre face-lifts interior and options.
IMO, exterior styling-wise, in bone stock or even Appearance package form, the pre face-lifts look a bit bland IMO, the '07's look a bit more aggressive and defined out of the box. However, when it comes to AMG Packages it's a different story IMO, I personally think the pre face-lift AMG package is the nicest (at least on par with the face-lift AMG package) looking W211 example.
My advice to you, try and find an '06 E500 WITH AMG Package and a good CPO Warranty, I guarantee if you do, and drive it back to back with a regular Sport ''07 E350, you will be cutting a check for the E500.
I found some Photo's of both examples, keep in mind one is an E55 as the pre face-lift example, but it looks almost identical to any AMG package pre face-lift save for different wheels and side-skirts, and double exhaust tips instead of single (these are the only two of this particular kind of picture I was able to find, also the face-lift car's picture quality aren't as sharp for some reason)::











Last edited by K-A; Mar 24, 2009 at 10:37 PM.
1) E500 w/AMG pkg
and if not
2) 08 E350 w/AMG pkg
but is the airmatic basically the only downfall to the 500? honestly how expensive is it to repair it? and also DOES ANYONE KNOW THE 0-60 TIMES ON BOTH CARS?? that would help alot cuz if the 350 can make it in the low 6's then ill be fine...otherwise i have no choice but to opt fer the V-8 b/c of my ego
1) E500 w/AMG pkg
and if not
2) 08 E350 w/AMG pkg
but is the airmatic basically the only downfall to the 500? honestly how expensive is it to repair it? and also DOES ANYONE KNOW THE 0-60 TIMES ON BOTH CARS?? that would help alot cuz if the 350 can make it in the low 6's then ill be fine...otherwise i have no choice but to opt fer the V-8 b/c of my ego

Yeah, the major downfall to your pocketbook would be the Airmatic if you've not a Warranty. However it obviously does provide a great ride. I love the way my E rides and sits, a bit lower than an Airmatic car too. However nothing matches the smoothness of Airmatic.
Also, the City MPG will be a good 2-3 lower than a 350, I wouldn't call it a deal breaker but it'll be there.
I dunno about 0-60, but I know the E350 is supposed to be a mid-high 14 second car in the 1/4 mile, and E500's can be anywhere from high high 13's to mid 14's from what I've seen. The torque is where the big difference lies.
Yeah, my racing days are long gone, so I drive like a grandpa now. I drove my moms old W211 E320 before and it felt WAY too sluggish for me however, which proved that I needed at least some ***** to come with my cars still.
I personally thought the E350 was perfect, more power than I need, more than enough torque to get you around town and not have you feeling like "where are this cars *****"? And I still get impressed when I step on it, it moves well and has a nice and aggressive 4V wail to it.
I think having the E500 would mainly give you the extra luxury of the smoothness that comes with that torque. However I went with the E350 over the E500 because I didn't need the extra power (can't use it anyway in L.A), wanted the extra Gas Mileage, and didn't want Airmatic (although I have a 4 year, 100K CPO Warranty so Airmatic wouldn't have been a problem for me to have).
I'd say, before making a decision, go and drive and thoroughly look through any E500 and '07+ E350, that should give you a better idea toward which will suit you better.


