hi guys,

I would like to know which one you'd go for? performance wise are they close or is there a big difference???

for info the E500 (306 bhp) is silver/ black with full AMG package 18"rims, panoramic sunroof and full option

the E350 is black / black, and normal options.

both cars have low mileage.

10x for ur help

 

I would go for the 2006 E350. 2004 was an iffy year for the E-Class.

 

Much higher risk of continuous problems with the '04. By '06 almost all of the problems had been worked out on the E class. The options in the more loaded car are fun though. Tough call for you... In hindsight for me, between those 2 cars it would be the '06.

 

Generally, quality wise, you are better off with 06.

There is a huge power difference. The 500 has a little over 300 hp with about 339 torque while the 350 has 268 hp with 258 (i think) torque.

Is either a CPO or does either of them come with extended warranty from MB?

 

I would go with the 2006, in fact I own one. Awesome car and has plenty of power. The '06 may still be under factory warranty too. Get the VIN and ask MB when it expires. By the way, what is the mileage on each?

 

10x for the info... well the 500 has only 43k miles certified and the 350 like around 70k. both are under 1 year warranty!!! thats y i find it hard to choose.

 

well both have 1 year warranty. I know that the 06 will be a better choice but perhaps those few pics can give you a hint y im so lost between the two cars. I dont have pics of the 350 but its because its a classic one...

 

The big differences are power, fuel economy and suspension. The E350 is perfectly fast. The E500 is almost to me scary fast. The E350 is going to give you better mileage in day to day driving measurably so. On pure highway driving not so much. I don't have much experience with the E500 airmatic suspension. To me the E350 is the better engine given the power mileage combo. So it comes down to how much better you like the airmatic. If it isn't a notable improvement (which it might be) I would go for the E350

 

Is that the 500? Damn, that is nice

 

whats funny so far all the 350 owners that posted have a 350...... Its hard to say the other if the only car you own/driven is a 350.

For me, a heavy tank like an e class, I would say v8 or bust. If you want to be in the ball park of highschool kids in their mustang gts then i say 350 but then again i do all my work myself and own a e500 i say drive them both and pick the one u like better not the one others say

 

I said 350 because it's newer and that particular model year wasn't plagued with problems as the model year for the 550 was. On the other hand I do prefer the 350 over the 550 myself as well. I've driven both and ended up settling for the 350. As a matter of fact my last two E-Classes were 350s and I think my next one will be as well. I don't need to prove anything to anyone

 

Ya, we are mostly basing this on quality since the 06 was leagues ahead of the 04.

 

I would take the E500. 06 e350 first year for that motor.

 

I'd take the extra torque in the 500.

 

Get the 2006 E350. 2004 was the worst years for the W211. Tons of issues and recalls. The E500 is a wonderfull car but 2004 was a bad year for the W211.

 

i would say E500. I own one and plan to run it to the ground. Maybe Ive just been lucky, but for me it has been reliable. Its wicked fast too. The only repairs after 5 years have been one front air damper and i just replaced 2 parktronic sensors ($105 repair). But I admit, from what Ive seen in the forums, in general the earlier years required more repairs.

 

Phone system significantly modernized in 2005.

 

lol, 2003 was actually the worst year.

Also, the later built 04s (mine was 02/04) were better off than earlier built 04 models.

 

If u're into power - E500 all the way. Nothing like a MB V8. U'll get 26+ mpg on the highway and u'll get 339lb-ft torque at 2,700 rpms! That's what makes these motors insane - its peak torque right up front. And as rpm's increase, u'll enjoy the 302 hp! The power curve on this V8 is simply amazing. (And its not even an AMG)! Go drive both, and notice the difference in how each car launches.

Additionally, u're getting the AMG package which is eye candy, but was a $4K option back then and is actually pretty rare on a V8. It looks simply amazing. And its not an E55"wanna-be" because it has its own distinguished AMG dual tip mufflers.

Airmatic is second to none. But $$$ to repair. (Not sure if you get the awesome 7 speed auto in the 2004 model).

The V8 has excellent braking with 4 piston calipers up-front. Don't know about the V6...

After all that, you should be wary of the 2004 reliability issues.....

U may want to hold out and look for a 2005 E500.

OR consider a W210 E55 - 350hp, 380ish torque.

EDIT - I just looked at your pics. Is this really an E500? Its debadged, and it does not have the original AMG 18" rims which came with the AMG package (at least in 2005). Notice how mine are in my sig. (I have the 2005 model). Also notice the quad mufflers - Def. not part of the original AMG Sport Package. The package included dual AMG mufflers. If this is indeed an E500, the previous owner made the effort to make it look like an E55, but be advised this is not the original AMG package from the factory.
Make sure the mufflers upgrade was professionally installed without any hacking around the bumper. No doubt the car looks stunning.

Is this an MB dealership?

Good luck!

 

[QUOTE=gnma;3830434]If u're into power - E500 all the way. Nothing like a MB V8. U'll get 26+ mpg on the highway and u'll get 339lb-ft torque at 2,700 rpms! That's what makes these motors insane - its peak torque right up front. And as rpm's increase, u'll enjoy the 302 hp! The power curve on this V8 is simply amazing. (And its not even an AMG)! Go drive both, and notice the difference in how each car launches.

Additionally, u're getting the AMG package which is eye candy, but was a $4K option back then and is actually pretty rare on a V8. It looks simply amazing. And its not an E55"wanna-be" because it has its own distinguished AMG dual tip mufflers.

Airmatic is second to none. But $$$ to repair. (Not sure if you get the awesome 7 speed auto in the 2004 model).

The V8 has excellent braking with 4 piston calipers up-front. Don't know about the V6.../QUOTE]

Ya, the 500 V8 is a great engine. Massive torque. You can really feel that push.

Yes, you get the 7 speed on 2004 E500. E320 doesn't have 4 piston calipers, instead 2 and not the brembo style look either. However, the E350 might have 4 piston I believe if it has the AMG sport package, but again not sure.

 

7 speed auto only if the car is RWD.

That car is debadged, so its hard to tell if its RWD, and even if its a V8. Hopefully the OP is looking into these 2 issues as we speak,, err. I guess type/read?

I also noted the "AMG" engine cover. No way that's standard on an E500 or E350.

To the OP, make sure this car indeed is a V8. It may be, but double check, and it seems that the previous owner went to lengths to make give it the AMG look. The car also looks lowered, which means the suspension has either been lowered electronically, or by using "the washer method" which can be found here somewhere in the forum.

If I am right, I would be wary of this car. Not trying to scare you, but please make sure the car is what it is claiming to be - an E500. And find out if the suspension was modified, and how. (U sure those are 18's, and not 19's?) - that would explain the dropped look....

Good luck!

 

right, if the car is 4matic it has the 5 speed. Oh, and I think if it is 4matic, even 500, it won't come with the nice brakes that say MB on them.

 

Oh Snap!!! Did anyone else notice in the pic of the engine compartment, the engine cover says AMG on it??? I just saw it now. WTF???

 

Ck. my post #21. Also, car looks dropped to me, or it has 19" on it. Hard to tell...

Gaazmon, shame on you! Note the quad mufflers too. That's not standard factory equipment either.

 

sh*t. this cold medication is really not allowing me to think straight

This car is fishy by far