AMG sport package or no
 

Hi guys. New here and to Mercedes so please bare with me. I have my eye on a 2008 E350 with about 80,xxx miles. First question, is this a reasonable purchase in regards to reliability. From my research I gather this was a okay year. I just want to know is their anything I should be on the lookout for. 2nd question, what exactly does the AMG sport package include AND would it be cheaper or more efficient to just buy one without the sport package and add the parts be it AMG or another tuner piece by piece. Appreciate the help! Again sorry for the ignorance.

2008's are fine but 2009's are much better for the w211's because of it's newer infotainment system. Reliability wise on an 08 or 09 e350 RWD is very good.

The AMG Sports Package is basically just another sports package with AMG inspired styling, the e63 amg does not have the same bumpers. You also get a different set of 5 spoke AMG wheels with the AMG sports package. It will not be worth it to swap out the parts for an AMG sports package, most people here (like me) will opt for the aftermarket E63 AMG style body kit.

You've found a very rare 2008 then, very few had the AMG package, mostly seen on 2009 models. Does it have the P2 package? Usually whether it has the AMG package or not doesn't affect the price much, they go more by year and mileage. If you punch it into nadaguide, the only options which add value are the sport package, 4matic, navigation, harman kardon stereo. Not sure why they have an option of without leather as most places consider MB-Tex to be leather when it really isn't.

For a description of the all options look here:

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2008/...kages_options/

The AMG package is listed as:

AMG Sport Package - $2,000
Alloy wheels: 18"x; AMG Front Airdam; AMG Rear Bumper with Dual Chrome Exhaust; Transmission: with paddle shifters; Luxury trim: alloy & leather on shifter

Awesome! Thanks guys, exactly what I was looking for. Btw, what does the update to the infotainment in 2009 include?

You can review marketing brochures here http://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes_benz.html - should answer all your questions.

Might want to make sure the engine is clear of the Balance shaft issue (it should be but why risk it) and yeah it will have the upgraded unit in 09

I think the AMG sport package looks great, definitely not as aggressive as the E63 but still a cool facia and look. As far as reliability, really just what everyone else has mentioned about the known issues... Mercedes vehicles are reliable if you maintain them, meaning to say they are (from my experience) higher maintenance than other cars, but if you put the money into them they will run forever. I had a decent number of repairs at around 110k but I am pretty much over that large maintenance hump from items I expected to have to replace anyway, but it wasn't anything I was shocked with. The main cost on this vehicle for me has been Airmatic suspension failing to the tune of several thousand dollars and a lot of inconvenience, but the E350 does not have airmatic so you should be good there.

The main thing is parts are generally more expensive for German cars, but in the end you'll be rewarded by a great driving experience and a car that will last a long, long time. Since the AMG sport package is appearance only, I think you'll find the E350 is pretty fuel efficient.