E-320 or E-500
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 100
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From: CONNECTICUT
2010 E350 4-Matic, Silver, Blk Leather, P2 package, Sport pkg, Drive Dynamic Seat
E-320 or E-500
I'm ready to order a 2004 AWD w/ Sports Package and other options. My difficult decision is whether to go with the E-320 or pony up an additonal $6G's for the E-500.
I know I can't go wrong with either model, but it seems as though bigger engines with greater horsepower are driving the industry today. I'v owned two E-320's and have been satisified.
Appreciate any thoughts or comments.
I know I can't go wrong with either model, but it seems as though bigger engines with greater horsepower are driving the industry today. I'v owned two E-320's and have been satisified.
Appreciate any thoughts or comments.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: NY/NJ
What do YOU think?
Keep in mind, the V8 is more gas hungry, has a gas guzzler tax, higher insurance premium and other negatives.
On the other hand its a silky smoooooth 302hp V8 with power to embarass most saloons on the road. Mmmmmmm V8.
Excuse me while i wipe the drool from my face.
If it were up to me, I'd get the 500. But if you have been pleased with your 320s, you cannot go wrong with the E320 again.
Cheers!
P.S. By the time you add the price of the sport package to the E320, you are pretty close to the price of the E500 which includes more equipment already and a V8. The choice again, is yours.
Keep in mind, the V8 is more gas hungry, has a gas guzzler tax, higher insurance premium and other negatives.
On the other hand its a silky smoooooth 302hp V8 with power to embarass most saloons on the road. Mmmmmmm V8.
Excuse me while i wipe the drool from my face.
If it were up to me, I'd get the 500. But if you have been pleased with your 320s, you cannot go wrong with the E320 again.
Cheers!
P.S. By the time you add the price of the sport package to the E320, you are pretty close to the price of the E500 which includes more equipment already and a V8. The choice again, is yours.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Houston, TX
2003 E500
I haven't "priced out" a 320.. but when you add the extras that the 500 has std that are "optional" on the 320 (i.e. 4 zone climate, premium leather, airmatic dc)... I think the v8 only costs an extra few thousand (maybe like 3 or something). The 500 is a REAL BARGAIN compared to the 320.
I'd get the 500 no question. The Sport package is a nice "appearance" package.. but doesn't do much for the performance of the car. Just FYI.
BTW: To get the Sport package on the 320.. you HAVE TO ADD THE Airmatic DC.
Hope this helps.
I'd get the 500 no question. The Sport package is a nice "appearance" package.. but doesn't do much for the performance of the car. Just FYI.
BTW: To get the Sport package on the 320.. you HAVE TO ADD THE Airmatic DC.
Hope this helps.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 926
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From: VA
03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
When I evaluated this choice the consideration hinged on where I would tend to drive. Most of my driving is in a heavily congested area where the E500 power would be wasted. The three times I test drove the E500 I could not find a stretch of interstate road to accelerate, or pass. 
I decided the E320 is best in my situation. Connecticut has lots of twisty, uncongested back roads which could be lots of fun in an E500. I 95 around New London, Old Lyme, and New Haven tend to be crowded, at least when I visit there. However, I95/93 stretches to MA can give you plenty room to clean the pipes.
I decided the E320 is best in my situation. Connecticut has lots of twisty, uncongested back roads which could be lots of fun in an E500. I 95 around New London, Old Lyme, and New Haven tend to be crowded, at least when I visit there. However, I95/93 stretches to MA can give you plenty room to clean the pipes.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 550
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From: San Antonio, Texas
04' E500 w/Appear. PKG, Panorama Roof
I priced both units and drove both. I drive a lot in West Texas or South Texas so there is a lot of opportunity to "open er up". ( always keep your eyes on the horizon and mirror and the radar detector on )
Both cars had wonderful power and smoothness. I decided on the 500 because of the slight edge it has in power. I just also must say that part of my decision was that it was the "cooler" of the two.
As I explained to my wife- the E500 - is the type of car that people will slowly roll up next to , peering in, looking to see who is behind the wheel of that hot vehicle. Especially in black with the tinted windows..... She responded immediately- "SOLD"
Just my .02 worth
Both cars had wonderful power and smoothness. I decided on the 500 because of the slight edge it has in power. I just also must say that part of my decision was that it was the "cooler" of the two.
As I explained to my wife- the E500 - is the type of car that people will slowly roll up next to , peering in, looking to see who is behind the wheel of that hot vehicle. Especially in black with the tinted windows..... She responded immediately- "SOLD"
Just my .02 worth
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: CONNECTICUT
2010 E350 4-Matic, Silver, Blk Leather, P2 package, Sport pkg, Drive Dynamic Seat
Originally posted by NitroShredder
I haven't "priced out" a 320.. but when you add the extras that the 500 has std that are "optional" on the 320 (i.e. 4 zone climate, premium leather, airmatic dc)... I think the v8 only costs an extra few thousand (maybe like 3 or something). The 500 is a REAL BARGAIN compared to the 320.
I'd get the 500 no question. The Sport package is a nice "appearance" package.. but doesn't do much for the performance of the car. Just FYI.
BTW: To get the Sport package on the 320.. you HAVE TO ADD THE Airmatic DC.
Hope this helps.
I haven't "priced out" a 320.. but when you add the extras that the 500 has std that are "optional" on the 320 (i.e. 4 zone climate, premium leather, airmatic dc)... I think the v8 only costs an extra few thousand (maybe like 3 or something). The 500 is a REAL BARGAIN compared to the 320.
I'd get the 500 no question. The Sport package is a nice "appearance" package.. but doesn't do much for the performance of the car. Just FYI.
BTW: To get the Sport package on the 320.. you HAVE TO ADD THE Airmatic DC.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for everones input. Since it's raining cats & dogs here in Connectiuct today, I'v got nothing better to do then ponder my decision.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 550
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From: San Antonio, Texas
04' E500 w/Appear. PKG, Panorama Roof
Nitro- I LOVE IT - Looks awesome, but-
It does require a fair amount of cleaning to keep it sharp- I fully Zaino'ed and keep it handwashed 2 times a week. Wax 1 X a month. Interior conceals dirt much better than the lighter colors IMHO.
I would opt next time for the ventilated seats and solar activated ventilation as the cabin gets hot when parked in San Antonio. I always use the roller shades, , close the pano completely, and use a windshield solar deflector. I will say that opening the car upon return using the summer feature vents it very fast. The A/C blows COLD FAST and offsets any cabin heat buildup.
It definately attracts attention as a vehicle and the color. The pano roof sure earns a lot of wows, but on very sunny days my daughters opt for the shades up. I cruise with it at least shade open. Kinda weird using glass wax/polish over the entire roof of your car too!
This is a picture of my E500.
It does require a fair amount of cleaning to keep it sharp- I fully Zaino'ed and keep it handwashed 2 times a week. Wax 1 X a month. Interior conceals dirt much better than the lighter colors IMHO.
I would opt next time for the ventilated seats and solar activated ventilation as the cabin gets hot when parked in San Antonio. I always use the roller shades, , close the pano completely, and use a windshield solar deflector. I will say that opening the car upon return using the summer feature vents it very fast. The A/C blows COLD FAST and offsets any cabin heat buildup.
It definately attracts attention as a vehicle and the color. The pano roof sure earns a lot of wows, but on very sunny days my daughters opt for the shades up. I cruise with it at least shade open. Kinda weird using glass wax/polish over the entire roof of your car too!
This is a picture of my E500.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 100
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From: CONNECTICUT
2010 E350 4-Matic, Silver, Blk Leather, P2 package, Sport pkg, Drive Dynamic Seat
Originally posted by NitroShredder
I haven't "priced out" a 320.. but when you add the extras that the 500 has std that are "optional" on the 320 (i.e. 4 zone climate, premium leather, airmatic dc)... I think the v8 only costs an extra few thousand (maybe like 3 or something). The 500 is a REAL BARGAIN compared to the 320.
I'd get the 500 no question. The Sport package is a nice "appearance" package.. but doesn't do much for the performance of the car. Just FYI.
BTW: To get the Sport package on the 320.. you HAVE TO ADD THE Airmatic DC.
Hope this helps.
I haven't "priced out" a 320.. but when you add the extras that the 500 has std that are "optional" on the 320 (i.e. 4 zone climate, premium leather, airmatic dc)... I think the v8 only costs an extra few thousand (maybe like 3 or something). The 500 is a REAL BARGAIN compared to the 320.
I'd get the 500 no question. The Sport package is a nice "appearance" package.. but doesn't do much for the performance of the car. Just FYI.
BTW: To get the Sport package on the 320.. you HAVE TO ADD THE Airmatic DC.
Hope this helps.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2003 E320
It has been my impression from reading this forum that E500 owners complained a lot more of various problems in drivetrain and electronics, than E320 owners. Also, 500 models have uneven front-rear weight distribution because of heavier engine.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 618
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From: Kansas City
2010 E550
Marksatex,
Can you close all the windows and roof when you have used the summer opening from the inside of the car? I tried it with the unlock button on the dash and the fob and they wouldn't close.
Can you close all the windows and roof when you have used the summer opening from the inside of the car? I tried it with the unlock button on the dash and the fob and they wouldn't close.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Commerce City,Colorado
2003 E500
all close
if you are driving and want to close everything at once. and the air ( or the charcoal filter is off ) Just hold the button for the charcoal filter and all the windows and roof will close. Other way is if you are outside of the car ( and have the keyless GO ) you can hold the lock button on any door and all will close.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 618
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
2010 E550
Thank you. It sure is odd that you have to short circuit the design to get that accomplished. I read about that in the owners manual but it was in the context of something else and not how to close after summer opening from inside the car.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 679
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From: McLean, VA
To get back to the original question, E320 vs. E500, you may want to wait a few more months and wait for the 3.7L engine to be placed in the E-class, which will be dubbed hte E350. It will have ~245 HP (I believe) which should make it pretty quick, but you wont have the V8 premium ( in inital price, fuel economy and gas guzzler expenses).
Hope this sheds some light on your decesion
Hope this sheds some light on your decesion
