Amitmi

Newb here looking to get into a cpo for the sake of time and simplicity if all things consistent ...( I'll flesh out the variables when time allows for it)

Both CPO both specced similarly both similarly priced.... But the Mileage on the 550 is 57k vs the couple of e350s I'm looking at are all about 30k.

Anything I should look for which would be deal breakers either way.

I'm young so a bit biased towards the 550, but the 350 seems like a more responsible choice.

One big difference that is relatively simple to type out is that the 350 is from a dealer while the 550 is private party....

Looking to hear all advice please no bashing.

Thanks.

David

Mad Dawg 350

If the 550 you are looking at is a MB "CPO," check to see if the CPO warranty transfers to the new owner. I would think it does. Ask for the CPO documents from the seller to prove it is a MB-CPO vehicle. Also check the service history and ask for copies of the service records. If there is ever a problem and the previous owner did not follow the recommended services, MB may give you a hard time about warranty related repairs.

Good luck on your search for a MB!!

Amitmi

Alrighty ... heres more info

E350- 4matic/ P1/ sports Package/ Halogen Headlamp washer/ Ipod Kit/ Rear split seats/ sun shade/ single sun roof/ Sienna Black on Cashmere MBTex .... pretty much all thats relevant. Listed at $34,895 I am ball parking probably $28,000-$29,000 all said and done. From a dealer/ CPO, 30K miles

E550- P1/P2 ... pretty much all specced out.. AMG package. Silver on black (lister didn't specify, just seeing from pics). Listed for $29,000 I am ball parking $27,000 (probably will offer $1000 over trade in value) From private party/ CPO, 57K Miles

Tough call.

CharlyE500

I would go with the E550. The price is about the same just a few more miles. 57K miles is nothing on this cars. The 550 is much strong and powerful engine compare to E350. Plus, the 550 is with AMG Pkg, much better looking. Any car you purchase in used, you got to spend some money to maintain anyways so....... plus, maintenance cost is about the same, not much more. Go with V8 ! 380Hp !!!

WEBSRFR

I'd go with the 550. It's a totally different car with the extra power and you'll feel so much more comfortable/confident on the highway. I've yet to run out of power or truly have the opportunity to push the engine for any sustained period of time with my car as it is scary how quickly you can go from 60-90 without even really feeling it. You also get real leather, 4 zone climate control, and Airmatic. Though Airmatic is expensive to maintain I love the "float" it gives you in day-to-day driving when you want to take it easy and the car automatically stiffens up if you do any spirited driving.

BUT I am a huge proponent of 4MATIC for safety reasons. I personally would not buy a car without 4MATIC if it is a daily driver. Where do you live? If you are in an area with snow, ice, lots of rain all the time, I would not consider anything without 4MATIC.

For safety reasons I'd go with a E350 4MATIC over a non 4MATIC E550. Why not find a E550 4MATIC for a bit more?

Amitmi

Can you guys comment on pricing....

What is a good deal/ fair deal ... Or I'm just getting ripped off. Working for uncle sam, I'm looking for a good good deal. Appreciate the insight.

David

WEBSRFR

About $27K-$31K is what I'd aim for depeding on the options and whether you go for the 350 or the 550.

FWIW I paid $32K for my CPO 2007 E550 4Matic with about 31K miles back in December and it had the following options. It took me about 8 months to find a car with the options I wanted but I'm glad I waited as I found exactly what I wanted with the exception of the parking sensors. Hope this helps you by giving you some idea about the market values.

775 Iridium Silver
824 Cashmere Leather
P02 P02 Premium II Package: DVD Navigation
889 : KEYLESS-GO
619 : Cornering Fog Lamps
615 : Bi-Xenon Active Light System
600 : Headlamp Washing System
540 : Power Rear-Window Sunshade
536 : SIRIUS Satellite Radio
530 : DVD COMAND Navigation
401 : Heated and Active Ventilated Front Seats
389 : Hands-Free Communication System
289 Wood / Leather Steering Wheel
396 Voice Control
413 Panorama Sunroof
881 Electronic Trunk Closer

Amitmi

Websrfr.... That is pretty much the car I'm looking at.

Any suggestions for a good spot to look?

WEBSRFR

Assuming you live in NA, cars.com

I checked cars.com almost every day for about 8 months. It took so long mostly because I can't stand black interiors and it took while to find a car with a the cashmere light interior and brown wood. They have a feature where you can specify some features, such as mileage, model, 4Matic, etc., and you can save your search to make it easy to rerun your exact search. I also expanded my search radius to about 250 miles and ended up driving the car home for about 4 hours to bring it home. All in all, very glad I expanded the search radius because I eventually found what I wanted. The car I bought was very clean and in almost pristine condition.

I might have paid $1-2K more but I think knock on wood I bought a car in decent shape. I also paid extra to have the warranty extended to 7 years/100K miles.

Good luck with your search!

Vik888

I own an 08 E550 so I'm biased .. but LOVE THIS CAR.

CharlyE500

Go for E550 with AMG pakg, they look and perform excellent. Don't underestimate 550, its very fast machine, powerful with 7speed !

CharlyE500

Why not autotrader.com