gman.too

Greetings fellow MB forum users.
I am in the search for my next new used vehicle. I have narrowed down to the MB E350 2wd. I am looking at the price range between the 2006, 2007 and stretching the dollar on the 2008. Here is where I need your help directly from E350 owners or former owners. Please feel free to provide your feedback.
1) Any problems with these models and years or issues with any particular options?
2) Recalls and issues that Mercedes should handle as recalls and does not?
3) Anything I should be aware of when inspecting the E350 besides the obvious for repairs and damage.
4) Can I ask for the history of the vehicle if the dealership serviced the E350, if I’m not the owner?
5) Would you say the E350 is reliable and would you recommend the extended warranty (doubled in price?)?

I have read what I can on this forum regarding the E350 (W211), however the above questions remain.

Thanks in advance. Great forum!
Gman

Barry45RPM

At the very least, buy the 2007. It is rock solid, and has no SBC like the 2006 does. I wouldn't have an MB without an extended warranty. These cars are very expensive to repair... $125/Hr labor around here with crazy expensive parts. The warranty will insure your continued happiness with the vehicle. Its just part of the price of the car. The price IS negotiable even on the MB warranty. Any dealership that won't budge on its price is too independent.

If the car has coverage it will be taken care of with no hassle. The service Dept can run a Master Inquiry of all service performed on the vehicle at MB Dealerships. Don't make Service people crazy running histories on a million cars, they've got things to do.

werewolf34

General rule of thumb, 2003-05 were the problem yrs for the E

2006 is pre-facelift but prices do reflect that

1) Any problems with these models and years or issues with any particular options?
General problems - ball joints, cam angle sensors

4) Can I ask for the history of the vehicle if the dealership serviced the E350, if I’m not the owner?
Case by case basis, privacy laws generally protect the records but get the right service advisor on the line and he can interpret the service records for you.

5) Would you say the E350 is reliable and would you recommend the extended warranty (doubled in price?)?
2007-09 E's are as reliable as german counterparts (5 series) probably more than an A6. I bought an 09 with the extended warranty. Dammed (like a beaver) if you do and if you don't. The late model years are less likely to have issues but you pay for the failures on the earlier models thru the increased warranty price. MB owners seem to be a risk averse crowd and favor the MB warranty.

One thing to keep in mind is that E class depreciation is pretty steep so make sure your ownership strategy works for you with that in mind

GL

Badfish

I too was in the lower end of the E market and picked up a choice '06 with only 28,000 miles on it. I got a good price for a almost new car. But if I was to do it again, I would get the 07 or 08 with more miles. My factory MB warranty runs out this month, even though it only has 29,000 miles now, verses going with a 07 or 08 with 50,000 miles on it, I would have 1 or 2 free years of warranty left.

Of course if you buy a MB Certified car, you get all the updates, fresh brakes and tires and other referbishments, and 1 extra year of warranty.

I ended up buying a second year of warranty for almost $2K. Thinking back on that, I just added $25 to my payments that will last 5 1/2 years. Kinda stupid, but like everyone says, those warranties pay off with these cars with just one good repair visit.

So far, kicking myself aside, I am completely pleased with my first MB purchase. After I get this paid for, I guess I will see if I like all the worry that goes along with it.

bosendorfer

2007

K-A

I'd go with whatever the newest CPO model you can afford is. Really gives you that piece of mind with the M-B, and gives you a Factory Extended Warranty, along with a freshening of the vehicle. Some cars I don't care as much, but for a Benz or the like, I just feel it's gotta be either CPO or bust. Plus you want to have at least another 2-4 trouble free years.

When I bought my car my #1 pick was an '06 (about on par reliability wise with the '07's, a lot of the Face-Lift tech, drivetrains, etc.) with an AMG Package. With the pre F.L it had to have an AMG Package for me, which was hard to find, if not I was gonna go with an '07+. IMO as well the pre F.L's have slightly better interiors, with more features/options (which kept getting de-contended seemingly every year).

gaazmon

if you can swing it, go 2007.

gman.too

Thanks Barry45RPM, werewolf34, Badfish, bosendorfer, K-A and gaazmon for your feedback.

Barry45RPM
What does SBC stand for?
I will only ask for the history on the vehicle I make an offer on.

So the suggestions is to obtain a 2007 (CPO) Certified Pre-Owned 2007 E or as newer.

Clarification or difference with MB Certified car vs a Factory Extended Warranty? Or are they the same?
I spoke with a seller on a 2006 E350 with an extended warranty to 100k miles or 6-7 years
1) Does MB offer this warranty to 100k?
2) Seller states this warranty is transferable. If it is MB, are the warranty coverages the same as the original factory warranty?

Thanks again for all your help.

Gman

hawk25

SBC = Sensotronic Brake Control... a electronic system that controls the braking system. The system is a good system but has its issues here and there but a proper working system should be no issues.


Certified car means that mercedes looked over the car carefully. Updated all the modules in the car...changed fluids that needed to be changed...changed out bad breaks....bent rims...etc.... its like a refurb basically which is very good. After all of the switch outs then they slap on unlimited mile 1 year warranty....


Go 2007 it has the new nose job and looks better... Also if you dont need 4matic then you will gain the 7 speed transmission on the RWD model vs the 5 speed on the all wheel drive model.

gaazmon

with the 07 ur pretty much just getting a newer body style and no SBC. the SBC is the biggest issue IMO, but I haven't heard any problems with the 06 cars. also, air suspension was a big issue since it is expensive to replace. the 06s had these as an option for the 350, but 07+ only get them on V8 variants. there is a big price difference between the 2. I think the 06 had more options offered, but they are harder to find on 03-06 cars vs you can easily find an 07 with sport package and P1, even pano.

the engine and tranny are the same (3.5L V6 and 7 speed auto).

mrizzo1963

RWD IS GREAT AS LONG AS YOU D'ONT DRIVE IN THE SNOW!!!