One thing to consider (and this is a big thing for some folks like me), the W212's brakes do not dust up at all because they use a new compound. My dad got a 2010, and the rims are always spotless. Of course for me, I could only afford a 2007 CPO, so I'm stuck with the dusting brakes and dirty rims. But if you are cross shopping a used 09 vs. a new/used 10, consider that, especially if you wash your car and can't stand dirty rims.

i havent experienced any brake dust yet, but i've only had the car a week. is there any replacement pads that correct the dusting issue?

From what I'm seeing within 200 miles of Charlotte NC, anything under 38k is a great price, surprising how almost no private sellers out there, all dealers. I was considering selling mine and wondered what I could get for a super clean car, dealers want over 40k, carmax had one for like 36k just like mine, I was like darn is that how low I would have to go. Anyway sounds like you got a great deal.

General rule of thumb:

The dustier the brakes, the softer they are.
The softer they are the better they grab.
The better they grab, the less likely they are to squeal.
But... the harder they are, the longer they will probably last.

I have owned 2 W211s (1 Lux 500, 1 Sport 550) & didn't find that they went thru brakes at any objectionable rate.

The dust/dirty wheels is only a problem if you don't take your car to the car wash every week or so. It comes off really easilly in an automatic car wash as long as its done weekly & doesn't stay on the wheels & bake in.

Its really not a problem unless you show your car at a Concours d' Elegance daily... and the clean car will always make you feel good.

There are no upgraded OEM pads that dust less. The service guys said that's just how Mercedes decided with the softer pads.

I usually wash every two or three weeks because she's garaged, and rinse/wash the front rims only once a week. But again, I can't stand dirty rims because it makes the car look dirtier than it actually is.

Well one thing i love about my dealship is they give unlimited complimentary car washes. good thing they are close to home. and as a bonus the rep lets me test drive the cars on my wish list while i wait the 15- 20 minuts.

If you respect the car, don't let the dealer wash it. :p:

Have a pro detailer do a $200 wax and seal, and then just hand wash it with mild soap when needed.

Hey! Not everyone lives in Southern California buddy! :)

lol :crazy::crazy:

:zoom: chicagoland

Why? i've watched them wash the car. they hand wash with clean towels and sponges? if it's free why not. They do a fantastic job. What are they going to mess up that i wont?

I can see some dearls dont give a rats ass about any of the customers car, But the SA and the mangers that takes cars of those back of the dealership things are friends with me. So when I come there for a car wash, they know to be extra careful and i Couldnt expect more especially when it free. A 12pk here and there always helps out too. haha

Charlie, i'm with you on greasing the palms of the SA and washers. $5.00 goes a long way with them.

I just don't like seeing swirls in the paint. It's inevitable unless you wash it properly yourself with super mild detergent and blow dry or use microfiber towels that haven't been already used. There's no dealer on earth using hourly wage laborers who will not eventually destroy an expensive wax and sealant paint job. And $5 sure doesn't get palms very greasy in this day and age. ;)

Yeah, I live in a mild Mediterranean climate, but I still wash once a week or at least every two weeks. Detailing the car properly from the beginning will go a long way in protecting the paint even if you don't wash it very often.

Anyway, it's your call.

p.s., you could just use this service :)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ry-motors.html

i ran into a couple of those. But when i saw the one i purchased, i new i had to grab it. Its in pristine condition, still has that new car smell with no dings or scratches lol

My turbo breaks that rule for sure! Super dusty but squeals like a freight train. :nix:

Im looking at buying an 08 e350 4 matic sport package with lux pkg and panoroof 15K miles 1 owner private, extremely clean for $36K. is that good price?

What is the asking price?

Options include P1 or P2?

It was $40K other dealers had them $41K. Its mint not a scratch on it, rims everything perfect

I agree about the W212 interior being inferior to the W211. Further, all the seats are shaped/felt funny, esp the rear. If anyone has tried sitting in the back seat, it's just not has comfortable as the W211, imho. Good luck and enjoy.

P.S. I still don't get why for less money, Infiniti/Lexus/Hyundai/Chevy Camaro's squeezed out 300+hp for V6, and MB and BMW didn't/couldn't get it done earlier/sooner.

PL

Try Akebono pads. They are virtually dust free and OEM on the later W211's and W212. I'm having them installed on my 07 E550 next week.

What is sport pkg with luxury pkg? Cant have both of them!

Anyway, try using Edmunds or KBB to see what is gauging price with colors mileages, and options of the car you are looking at....

Didnt follow the E350 4M prices closely, and I am assumed they are about the same as the regular E350s. So, 36K with P2 package is a good price in my book.