Hello Everyone, this is my first post here and I'm sure it won't be my last. I'm thinking about getting into the market for a W211 E-class, and I want to make sure I'm not going to dig myself into a hole buying a used one. (I simply can't afford a new one and will put too many miles on the car each year to lease) My father has a 2003 E500 that I love, and the W212's are a bit too expensive for my budget. So, I'm focusing in on a 2009 E350. I'm currently driving a 2012 E350 that belongs to a work associate and the 350 paired with the 7 speed is surprisingly potent and efficient compared to the older 320 (the same engine that is in my Crossfire). I'm not in a hurry to buy one, so I can take my time researching and wait for a car to pop up that fits the bill for what I'm looking for.

Now for the questions. Thank you in advance to anyone who has some input.

One thing I LOVE about my father's car is the AirMatic suspension, and I have not found a 350 that has it. Was it available on the 350? If so, was it reliable? My father had to replace both front units out of warranty

I'm going to try to go to a dealer that is around the corner from me to get some info on the options that were available, are there any that I should stay away from?

Besides the engine, what are the features that are only available on the 550?

Once again, thank you very much for your input. I'm really looking forward to getting my first Merc, they have been my favorite car since I was a child and I've always wanted to own a nice one. Now is my chance!

 

Airmatic was not available on MY09 e350 sedan. Here are the marketing brochures you can start here most if not all questions will be answered http://www.ragtop.org/mbbrochures/

 

If you drive a lot, I would check out the E320 Diesel. Very good mileage (mid-30's highway) and great driving car. I just picked up a slightly used 2008 E320 - extremely happy.

 

Thanks for the info, The brochure was very useful, and although I like the idea of the Diesel, I have decided to look for a 2009 E350 w/sport package and Premium 2 package. From what I've seen, they are hard ti find outfitted that way, but I have time to wait for the right one to pop up.

Thanks again for the input. It was exactly what I needed!

 

I bought a '09 E350 4Matic Sport w/Premium 1, M-B Tex seats, three months ago, and I am very pleased with this package. I keep my daily drivers 7-9 years and pile on big miles (my 04' Jag XJ8 had 183K miles!). When I began my search for the Jag replacement, I really didn't want the 4Matic system, but that's all you'll find in the Great Lakes Region; so...but so far I haven't noted any undesirable abnomalies w/the AWD.

relinuca