Buying E-class need advice please.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: CT
bmw 528i gone but not forgotten...
Buying E-class need advice please.
Hi to everyone I am new here.
Used to own bmw 2000 528iA and look for now 2007 E60 BUT, started to look on MB 2005-2007 and I like them so much and I have a couple of questions to owners. I did use the search but I could not found right answers for me, so can you please:
1.What engine should I look for: E320 or E350? I heard that E320 are more economical over E350 - true? Is that really Big difference in mpg between 'em? (talking about ONLY NON 4 MATIC)
2. What years were the best, should I look for 2005 or 2006 or 2007? Which ones have the best reliability records? I don't like cars what have too much electronics and problems connected to that so which ones have the less electronics?
3. Try to convince me why should I choose MB E-class over BMW E-60?
4. Any advices what should I check when I getting to buy.
Thanks in advance.
Used to own bmw 2000 528iA and look for now 2007 E60 BUT, started to look on MB 2005-2007 and I like them so much and I have a couple of questions to owners. I did use the search but I could not found right answers for me, so can you please:
1.What engine should I look for: E320 or E350? I heard that E320 are more economical over E350 - true? Is that really Big difference in mpg between 'em? (talking about ONLY NON 4 MATIC)
2. What years were the best, should I look for 2005 or 2006 or 2007? Which ones have the best reliability records? I don't like cars what have too much electronics and problems connected to that so which ones have the less electronics?
3. Try to convince me why should I choose MB E-class over BMW E-60?
4. Any advices what should I check when I getting to buy.
Thanks in advance.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Buy no earlier than an '07
E 350 is a great solution if your not gonna get an E 550.
You ride IN a Mercedes. You DRIVE a BMW.
Whe have an E550 and a BMW 128i Conv
E 350 is a great solution if your not gonna get an E 550.
You ride IN a Mercedes. You DRIVE a BMW.
Whe have an E550 and a BMW 128i Conv
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6
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From: CT
bmw 528i gone but not forgotten...
why no earlier than '07? Explain please.
Tomorrow I am going to have look '05 4 matic E320 I guess 96k miles, price is $16800 private party. Isn't it too much? Are t
hey pretty reliable? Cheers.
Tomorrow I am going to have look '05 4 matic E320 I guess 96k miles, price is $16800 private party. Isn't it too much? Are t
hey pretty reliable? Cheers.
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Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
E350 is significantly more powerful than the 320. Airmatic suspension system can be problematic so you might want to consider an e350 without the airmatic option.
Brgds
Brgds
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Palm Coast, Florida
2019 E-450 Wagon
It all depends on budget...As always.
As previous poster said, stay away from Airmatic. Good ride, but just the front struts cost $4K to change at the dealer, I know because I did recently. Got warranty however on my 2004 E-500 so it only cost me $250.00.
For a do it yourself type, the struts can be had for $400.00 each on the internet, but still pain to change.
I love my E, but if I buy one again, it would be 07+ and 550..To bad they don't come as wagons in this country..
When the warranty expires on my 2004 in a couple of years, I am not sure what to do.
Need wagon and addicted to V8. The AMG Wagons would certainly fit the bill, but twice the price and probably even costlier maintenance and repairs.
A basic E-350 with no options would probably fit the bill, but they are still electric cars.
As previous poster said, stay away from Airmatic. Good ride, but just the front struts cost $4K to change at the dealer, I know because I did recently. Got warranty however on my 2004 E-500 so it only cost me $250.00.
For a do it yourself type, the struts can be had for $400.00 each on the internet, but still pain to change.
I love my E, but if I buy one again, it would be 07+ and 550..To bad they don't come as wagons in this country..
When the warranty expires on my 2004 in a couple of years, I am not sure what to do.
Need wagon and addicted to V8. The AMG Wagons would certainly fit the bill, but twice the price and probably even costlier maintenance and repairs.
I don't like cars what have too much electronics and problems connected to that so which ones have the less electronics?
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 6
From: Virginia
17 E300, 17 C300, 14 C250
I currently have a 2002 530i and a 2009 E350 which I traded in my 2006 E for. If you like the BMW handling go for the Sport Package on the E350. It handles way better than my standard 2006 E.
Only downside of the Sport Package is the high cost of quality replacement tires ($300 ea. out the door). They can't be rotated but I got a decent 30,000 highway miles on the rears.
There were some brake issues on the 2006 which is why most people here say to avoid.
E350 engine has decent acceleration, not as good as my former E430 but mileage for the E350 runs about 25 city, 28 highway. Last thing to look for is the premium package with NAV and SIRIUS.
Lou
Only downside of the Sport Package is the high cost of quality replacement tires ($300 ea. out the door). They can't be rotated but I got a decent 30,000 highway miles on the rears.
There were some brake issues on the 2006 which is why most people here say to avoid.
E350 engine has decent acceleration, not as good as my former E430 but mileage for the E350 runs about 25 city, 28 highway. Last thing to look for is the premium package with NAV and SIRIUS.
Lou
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Big difference between 320 & 350 in performance. Drive one of each.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6
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From: CT
bmw 528i gone but not forgotten...
thank you guys for help - appreciate that.
Tell me do they all have air suspension? I mean both E320 and E350? How can I recognize where is Air and where is not? Another one is 4matic - is it really worth it? I lolve RWD and I know how to drive it in winter but no idea how RWD Mercedeses acting in winter...? Could be really sucks or is not that bad?
Tell me do they all have air suspension? I mean both E320 and E350? How can I recognize where is Air and where is not? Another one is 4matic - is it really worth it? I lolve RWD and I know how to drive it in winter but no idea how RWD Mercedeses acting in winter...? Could be really sucks or is not that bad?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 447
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From: Orange County.CA
12E350, 12ML350, 08C350
E350 from 2007 & up (most people call them as facelift E350) are a much better car, all the problems of earlier years had been sorted out in 2007. The 2006 E350 had the same engines as the 2007 E350, but it still had SBC brake system, a problematic headache, in 2007 MB drop this SBC, go back to normal brake fluid system. 2007 also had 7 speed automatic trans (5 speed auto for 4matic, across the board facelift or not, with E550 7 spd trans start in 2005). Earlier years E320, airmactic is an option, airmatic are stardard for E550 across the years. Some people like airmatic, the problems for this suspension are : after 4, 5 years, the pump, the airshock are worned out (pump), leak air (shock), replace (or repair) is expensive, easily cost $1000 to $1500 each corner. Hardcore MB love this suspenton, but in your case, you are shopping for the second hand, E350 without airmatic is a better choice. Also from 2007, MOST of the electronic gremlins (of the earlier E class) is resolved. In summary, the newer E350, the better, start with 2007 model year, not earlier. Some member DO have a solid E320 car, but the majority, there are problems all along the years. Hope this info's from an earlier (2004 E320, lease) to the owner of the 08E350 will help you make your choice. Good luck.
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
From 2003-2006 SBC brakes were fitted and there were some minor problems, ALL of which when fixed once are fixed. Despite that, the warranty on this system is extended to 10 years. We've had zero problems on our 2006, which might be expected as the later cars always have fewer problems than the early ones.
As for the "facelift" that started in 2007 I can comment having just purchased a 2007 (the 2006 went away with ex wife!). The brake pedal feel sucks just like my GL and I like the feel of the earlier pedal better.
Nevertheless the SBC system is gone as is lots of other stuff with the "facelift," as this time it was mostly decontenting except for things like standard Sirius and phone.
Most annoying is the cheapening of the interiors, mirroring the "alabama cars" in only offering black, light gray, and tan interiors. Our 2006 had a nice charcoal gray interior which is much more elegant.
There is ZERO reason to avoid a 2006 on general principle.
More to the point, earlier models with 320 engine (M112) come with 5-speed transmission and later models (starting 2006) come with 350 engine (M272) which comes with 7-speed transmission, which is lots nicer.
2WD Mercedes suck about as bad as 2WD BMWs in snow/ice, and 4Matic is good to have if you'll need it. If you choose 4Matic you by default get the 5-speed in all years of W211.
Last edited by lkchris; Nov 7, 2010 at 01:52 PM.
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
It all depends on budget...As always.
As previous poster said, stay away from Airmatic. Good ride, but just the front struts cost $4K to change at the dealer, I know because I did recently. Got warranty however on my 2004 E-500 so it only cost me $250.00.
For a do it yourself type, the struts can be had for $400.00 each on the internet, but still pain to change.
I love my E, but if I buy one again, it would be 07+ and 550..To bad they don't come as wagons in this country..
When the warranty expires on my 2004 in a couple of years, I am not sure what to do.
Need wagon and addicted to V8. The AMG Wagons would certainly fit the bill, but twice the price and probably even costlier maintenance and repairs.
As previous poster said, stay away from Airmatic. Good ride, but just the front struts cost $4K to change at the dealer, I know because I did recently. Got warranty however on my 2004 E-500 so it only cost me $250.00.
For a do it yourself type, the struts can be had for $400.00 each on the internet, but still pain to change.
I love my E, but if I buy one again, it would be 07+ and 550..To bad they don't come as wagons in this country..
When the warranty expires on my 2004 in a couple of years, I am not sure what to do.
Need wagon and addicted to V8. The AMG Wagons would certainly fit the bill, but twice the price and probably even costlier maintenance and repairs.
As much as Airmatic is maligned around here, it's a suspension that can actually smooth out any road you throw at it. Steel suspension can't do that very well. I had an E350 and the ride was a lot rougher. In addition, the AMG Airmatic is tuned for different valving and is stiffer for handling yet still smooth. The only real downside is the expense when they do fail. I think that's really what scares people away. It the replacement costs were a lot less, then it would be fine. Although I once replaced a set of steel coilovers (Motons) on a Porsche and it cost over $5k.
And if Airmatic was so really horrible, then Daimler would have eliminated it by now (it's still current.)fwiw, the only real big difference in maintenance with current AMGs are the brakes. Performance brakes with large two piece rotors are expensive. And you will go through tires a bit more esp if you're heavy footed. Plus driving all the time in Airmatic ADS Sport II setting introduces more negative camber and can wear the inside edges of the tires quicker. Otherwise they really aren't any more expensive to maintain. Repair costs (other than brakes) are similar.
Of course if the engine self detonates then that's a bit different.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6
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From: CT
bmw 528i gone but not forgotten...
yo. I drove 2005 E320 4Matic this evening. Firstly car is very very slow in accelerating 0-60mph took approximately 8 or 8.5 sec -don't like it 
but drives very smooth, transm changes smoothly - nice. Brakes and SBC: I was amazed how sharp these brakes could be - this is a bit heavy car anyway and SBC worked great in this car A+ , also the guy told me that he replaced brakes all over the car recently (pads and rotors) so he told me the truth - I've checked visually brakes and they looked decent. What else? I liked room for the legs as I am 6,3 tall so when I put the seat all way back still had a room behind me and the seat was too far for me so I had to put it a little bit back - I like it. It does not handle as tight as BMW on the corners but still gives a pleasure to drive , if only this acceleration would not be that bad....
Anyways the car has 86k miles small crack on the windshield, leather on the front seats looks a bit worn and the car is a little bit dirty inside and the buttons from headrest controls are missing in both sides, good thing is car had 2 owners and is selling by the 2nd owner, has 2 keys and well maintained also has set of Continental new tires, set of new brakes all over the car and the price is $16800 negotiable - what do you think? Only 1 thing what I don't like in this car is lack of power
(
Should I look for E350 instead? Big difference in mpg between 320 -350?
What tranny would be better: stick to 5ers or look for 7 gears??
Any reliability issues in 4 matic's?
(I am not considering Air suspension and V8's engines)
Thanks guys once again for any answers.
but drives very smooth, transm changes smoothly - nice. Brakes and SBC: I was amazed how sharp these brakes could be - this is a bit heavy car anyway and SBC worked great in this car A+ , also the guy told me that he replaced brakes all over the car recently (pads and rotors) so he told me the truth - I've checked visually brakes and they looked decent. What else? I liked room for the legs as I am 6,3 tall so when I put the seat all way back still had a room behind me and the seat was too far for me so I had to put it a little bit back - I like it. It does not handle as tight as BMW on the corners but still gives a pleasure to drive , if only this acceleration would not be that bad....Anyways the car has 86k miles small crack on the windshield, leather on the front seats looks a bit worn and the car is a little bit dirty inside and the buttons from headrest controls are missing in both sides, good thing is car had 2 owners and is selling by the 2nd owner, has 2 keys and well maintained also has set of Continental new tires, set of new brakes all over the car and the price is $16800 negotiable - what do you think? Only 1 thing what I don't like in this car is lack of power
(Should I look for E350 instead? Big difference in mpg between 320 -350?
What tranny would be better: stick to 5ers or look for 7 gears??
Any reliability issues in 4 matic's?
(I am not considering Air suspension and V8's engines)
Thanks guys once again for any answers.
Last edited by boss22; Nov 7, 2010 at 11:38 PM.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 234
Likes: 2
2006 E320 CDI
CR
If you look in CR owner surveys, you will see there is no reason to fear 2006`s. They are reliable cars.
I have an E320 CDI and zero problems (other than the AC system funky smell problem once).
- nopcbs
I have an E320 CDI and zero problems (other than the AC system funky smell problem once).
- nopcbs
Maybe should state this correctly ...
From 2003-2006 SBC brakes were fitted and there were some minor problems, ALL of which when fixed once are fixed. Despite that, the warranty on this system is extended to 10 years. We've had zero problems on our 2006, which might be expected as the later cars always have fewer problems than the early ones.
As for the "facelift" that started in 2007 I can comment having just purchased a 2007 (the 2006 went away with ex wife!). The brake pedal feel sucks just like my GL and I like the feel of the earlier pedal better.
Nevertheless the SBC system is gone as is lots of other stuff with the "facelift," as this time it was mostly decontenting except for things like standard Sirius and phone.
Most annoying is the cheapening of the interiors, mirroring the "alabama cars" in only offering black, light gray, and tan interiors. Our 2006 had a nice charcoal gray interior which is much more elegant.
There is ZERO reason to avoid a 2006 on general principle.
More to the point, earlier models with 320 engine (M112) come with 5-speed transmission and later models (starting 2006) come with 350 engine (M272) which comes with 7-speed transmission, which is lots nicer.
2WD Mercedes suck about as bad as 2WD BMWs in snow/ice, and 4Matic is good to have if you'll need it. If you choose 4Matic you by default get the 5-speed in all years of W211.
From 2003-2006 SBC brakes were fitted and there were some minor problems, ALL of which when fixed once are fixed. Despite that, the warranty on this system is extended to 10 years. We've had zero problems on our 2006, which might be expected as the later cars always have fewer problems than the early ones.
As for the "facelift" that started in 2007 I can comment having just purchased a 2007 (the 2006 went away with ex wife!). The brake pedal feel sucks just like my GL and I like the feel of the earlier pedal better.
Nevertheless the SBC system is gone as is lots of other stuff with the "facelift," as this time it was mostly decontenting except for things like standard Sirius and phone.
Most annoying is the cheapening of the interiors, mirroring the "alabama cars" in only offering black, light gray, and tan interiors. Our 2006 had a nice charcoal gray interior which is much more elegant.
There is ZERO reason to avoid a 2006 on general principle.
More to the point, earlier models with 320 engine (M112) come with 5-speed transmission and later models (starting 2006) come with 350 engine (M272) which comes with 7-speed transmission, which is lots nicer.
2WD Mercedes suck about as bad as 2WD BMWs in snow/ice, and 4Matic is good to have if you'll need it. If you choose 4Matic you by default get the 5-speed in all years of W211.
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
yo. I drove 2005 E320 4Matic this evening. Firstly car is very very slow in accelerating 0-60mph took approximately 8 or 8.5 sec -don't like it but drives very smooth, transm changes smoothly - nice. Brakes and SBC: I was amazed how sharp these brakes could be - this is a bit heavy car anyway and SBC worked great in this car A+ , also the guy told me that he replaced brakes all over the car recently (pads and rotors) so he told me the truth - I've checked visually brakes and they looked decent. What else? I liked room for the legs as I am 6,3 tall so when I put the seat all way back still had a room behind me and the seat was too far for me so I had to put it a little bit back - I like it. It does not handle as tight as BMW on the corners but still gives a pleasure to drive , if only this acceleration would not be that bad....
Anyways the car has 86k miles small crack on the windshield, leather on the front seats looks a bit worn and the car is a little bit dirty inside and the buttons from headrest controls are missing in both sides, good thing is car had 2 owners and is selling by the 2nd owner, has 2 keys and well maintained also has set of Continental new tires, set of new brakes all over the car and the price is $16800 negotiable - what do you think? Only 1 thing what I don't like in this car is lack of power(
Should I look for E350 instead? Big difference in mpg between 320 -350?
What tranny would be better: stick to 5ers or look for 7 gears??
Any reliability issues in 4 matic's?
(I am not considering Air suspension and V8's engines)
Thanks guys once again for any answers.
but drives very smooth, transm changes smoothly - nice. Brakes and SBC: I was amazed how sharp these brakes could be - this is a bit heavy car anyway and SBC worked great in this car A+ , also the guy told me that he replaced brakes all over the car recently (pads and rotors) so he told me the truth - I've checked visually brakes and they looked decent. What else? I liked room for the legs as I am 6,3 tall so when I put the seat all way back still had a room behind me and the seat was too far for me so I had to put it a little bit back - I like it. It does not handle as tight as BMW on the corners but still gives a pleasure to drive , if only this acceleration would not be that bad....Anyways the car has 86k miles small crack on the windshield, leather on the front seats looks a bit worn and the car is a little bit dirty inside and the buttons from headrest controls are missing in both sides, good thing is car had 2 owners and is selling by the 2nd owner, has 2 keys and well maintained also has set of Continental new tires, set of new brakes all over the car and the price is $16800 negotiable - what do you think? Only 1 thing what I don't like in this car is lack of power
(Should I look for E350 instead? Big difference in mpg between 320 -350?
What tranny would be better: stick to 5ers or look for 7 gears??
Any reliability issues in 4 matic's?
(I am not considering Air suspension and V8's engines)
Thanks guys once again for any answers.
The 350 does have more "umph" and "pep" than the 320 gasoline. With 4matic you will only have option of 5 speed auto.
The me it boils down to this for you: 06 E350 (prefacelift) or 07 E350 (post facelift). There are a couple of factors in play here then: price, styling, SBC, and couple of minor things:
1. The price difference between an 06 and 07 has quite a difference.
2. If you REALLY like the prefacelift styling (which some people do) then 06. If you really can swing extra money and want the sportier facelifted version, go 07.
3. SBC was removed for MY07. I mean, the system works great IMO, takes much time to get used to, but I rather not have it and just have one less electronic thing to worry about (brake-by-wire). Now, if they only got rid of drive-by-wire
4. Few other things: Quite a few options were removed and things were shuffled around. Also, some interior changes and cut down on materials. Reliability is better on the 07 (with the w211, the higher the year, the better the reliability).
So, it's really up to you. I mean, if someone did want to save the money and get a 320 gasoline and didn't care about the added power of 350, you could get an 05 E320 for less than an 06 E350. 05 was a pretty good year as well. But your best bet will probably be an 06 E350. G/L with the find
Thread Starter
Newbie
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From: CT
bmw 528i gone but not forgotten...
appreciate answers. I booked test drive 2007 E350 4Matic on Saturday then we'll see but as you adviced I would go on E350 instead of E320 because of power 
reliability and I don't want to take my chances in SBC. Not sure about 4 matic - much heavier car less mpg but winter in CT may suck sometimes is it really work good? No problems with 4 matic system?
Which one of the transmission will be better, more reliable, better work, faster response on kickdown etc? 5 speed or 7 speed? I guess 5 speed is already checked an work good, not sure about 7 speed...?
Edit: gazmoon your Mercedes looks great on the picture!
reliability and I don't want to take my chances in SBC. Not sure about 4 matic - much heavier car less mpg but winter in CT may suck sometimes is it really work good? No problems with 4 matic system?Which one of the transmission will be better, more reliable, better work, faster response on kickdown etc? 5 speed or 7 speed? I guess 5 speed is already checked an work good, not sure about 7 speed...?
Edit: gazmoon your Mercedes looks great on the picture!
Last edited by boss22; Nov 10, 2010 at 10:56 PM.
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2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
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From: Palm Coast, Florida
2019 E-450 Wagon
You do realize of course that a V8 means Airmatic suspension.
Sounded like the original poster was shopping for older E cars in the $16K range, most likely without extended warranty and then Airmatic could be really expensive.
I love the Airmatic ride and can tell the difference when driving my bud's E-350 without. (Speed bumps gets bigger without Airmatic
)
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
You do realize of course that a V8 means Airmatic suspension.
As much as Airmatic is maligned around here, it's a suspension that can actually smooth out any road you throw at it. Steel suspension can't do that very well. I had an E350 and the ride was a lot rougher. In addition, the AMG Airmatic is tuned for different valving and is stiffer for handling yet still smooth. The only real downside is the expense when they do fail. I think that's really what scares people away. It the replacement costs were a lot less, then it would be fine. Although I once replaced a set of steel coilovers (Motons) on a Porsche and it cost over $5k. And if Airmatic was so really horrible, then Daimler would have eliminated it by now (it's still current.)
fwiw, the only real big difference in maintenance with current AMGs are the brakes. Performance brakes with large two piece rotors are expensive. And you will go through tires a bit more esp if you're heavy footed. Plus driving all the time in Airmatic ADS Sport II setting introduces more negative camber and can wear the inside edges of the tires quicker. Otherwise they really aren't any more expensive to maintain. Repair costs (other than brakes) are similar.
Of course if the engine self detonates then that's a bit different.
As much as Airmatic is maligned around here, it's a suspension that can actually smooth out any road you throw at it. Steel suspension can't do that very well. I had an E350 and the ride was a lot rougher. In addition, the AMG Airmatic is tuned for different valving and is stiffer for handling yet still smooth. The only real downside is the expense when they do fail. I think that's really what scares people away. It the replacement costs were a lot less, then it would be fine. Although I once replaced a set of steel coilovers (Motons) on a Porsche and it cost over $5k.
And if Airmatic was so really horrible, then Daimler would have eliminated it by now (it's still current.)fwiw, the only real big difference in maintenance with current AMGs are the brakes. Performance brakes with large two piece rotors are expensive. And you will go through tires a bit more esp if you're heavy footed. Plus driving all the time in Airmatic ADS Sport II setting introduces more negative camber and can wear the inside edges of the tires quicker. Otherwise they really aren't any more expensive to maintain. Repair costs (other than brakes) are similar.
Of course if the engine self detonates then that's a bit different.
Brgds
