DMI+RY

Hi everyone,

I was shopping for a new E320 (pretty leaded – xenon/premium/rear seats/TPMS etc.) and now facing quite a decision:
Brand new E320 (loaded) costs more than 3-year old (under 45k) S500 (which is quite loaded by default).
Calculating a feature expense (i.e. insurance difference, fuel economy, warranty pricing, etc.) its comes out that within 5-7 years ownership both cars (new E320 and ’01 S500) comes out to be pretty much the same in ownership cost.
I understand the newer features added to E-class vs. ’01 S-class (such as new Navi, Brake-by-Wire, etc.).

What would you buy considering the same $$$ spent?
Any suggestions?

moa4r

IMO, without a doubt go with the e-- my experience: a couple of months after purchasing my e320 i went out and test drove a couple of 2-3 year old s-classes (which would've ran me less than what I paid for the e) and was very very disappointed with their performance and driving feel, especially the ones with mileage above 30K, which says something about their durability. Some of the s-classes I drove were highly optioned with the amg sprort package and some other features that were optional on the s-class at that time, and, while I have only a few options on my 320, I found that the s-classes showed wear quite quickly, and that the material and build of the new e-class is just a lot better overall. Another reason I decided to stick with the e-class had to do with personal preference as the midsize sedan is the perfect size for me, and the large s-class, even with its bigger and more powerful engine, just seemed sluggish and "boat-like" in comparison and was a lot harder to throw around and drive aggressively. gl with your decision:p

LIONHEAD

That's a tough question. It all depends on what you are looking for?

Some features I like on the S that aren't on the E are Pneumatic Doors, the Standard Leather is nicer/softer than the standard E's leather (hard/stiff), larger cabin, S500 is a full second quicker to 0- 60MPH (6.1 sec) compared to E320s 7.1 sec., I get more looks when I drive the S500 than my E500 (IMO).

Some features I like on the E over the S: Better/Larger NAV than pre '03 S class, refresh styling, Interior/Exterior is sportier, E will run around the S in twisties, stiffer ride.

Some things you have to consider is the S will be redesigned in the next year or two (if that matters to you). If you are looking for something more sporty get the E. If you are looking for something more room, confort and prestige, get the S. Just my opinion.

rickyfanmdr

I had the same decision to make. I chose the E320 and haven't regretted it for a minute!

rksharma

Here's my thought. If this will be your first MB and you don't mind buying an older car, go with the S class. I do believe the interior of an older S class will not be as attractive as the E class. A friend of mine has a 3 year old S class. The dashboard looks pretty dated compared with the E class. If the interior matters to you at all (after all you spend more time looking at the inside of the car than the outside) I would consider the E class.

Silvergt02

From some of the reviews Ive read, the s class is pretty dated.

BUT, I would probably opt for the s class Unless you could scape up a few more bucks for the e500

DMI+RY

Thanks for your opinions..

Mercedesfan

If you are looking for a real deal on the S Class then wait about one year. That is when the new model S will be out and current S class owners will be dumping theirs like flies. Keep in mind that whatever you pay now for a used S will drop in value and saleability at that time too so unless you are planning on hanging onto it for the long haul I would say a current purchase of a used S Class is a poor choice. (This really has nothing to do with whether an E Class is better though which was your original question. On this subject I have to agree you do get more prestige with the S and you do get much better back seats if you have adult sized rear seat passengers who will be stuck back there for long trips.) If the S Class meets your needs better (which in my view are pretty well limited to more prestige and the aforementioned larger back seat) I would get a short term lease on the E now and plan to move into the likely to be much more discounted used S (or if finances allowed even go for the new one) when the new model comes out. Of course you face the risk of falling in love with the E and saying to heck with the extra presitge and as a result never getting into that S.

DMI+RY

Thanks for your opinions.

The original question came up when I found that MY01 S500 with a decent mileage would cost me initially about $5K or so less than new MY04 E320 with options I am interested in.

So even considering fuel economy difference, additional warranty costs, etc. for 5-6 years term both of the aforementioned cars comes out to be relatively the same at cost of ownership.

Silvergt02

So whats it gonna be? Have you made your decision?

DMI+RY

Working on it

jprescott

If it means anything, I just "rightsized" from a 2000 s430 to an 03' E500. I felt uncomfortable driving an S at 40. Yes there is status, but you may be judged. Going from big to small is tough. I miss the dead quiet of the cabin (huge difference). What I like about the E is that I am more in control of the car. The s really is a boat. Overall if you go S it's hard to go anyplace else. I think I will be going back to an S ,A8 or BMW 7 next time around for the comfort and luxury. I guess at some point performance gets old as we get old.

IluvS500

About being judged, I noticed when pulling out of school in an S500 that all the moms in their cheaper SUV's wont even look when they see us coming they like see us but as we go by they act all snobby like they dont see us, but some others stare in mean ways but when you get on the highway you get mostly positive attention it seems like since nobody knows who you are. I noticed lots of people giving us thumbs up or just smiling and pointing. I never thought the S500 would get that much attention. The person who picks me up though told me though, alot of people act like she doesnt deserve or need a car that exspensive, which pisses me off cuz she is so nice to everybody and does things for the community etc. I think I am going to say go for the S in terms of luxury but if you want fun get the E.

DMI+RY

Well, S500 - outdated interior / features, but damn I like the V8 and ride quality...
E320 is a very nice piece of wheels, with great new toys and better interior (design, not quality though).

Too bad I can't afford E500 cuz I need many options installed, so from E-Class the competitor is E320 (for me).



I probably will wait till the CDI shows up in a few weeks and then will decide

Mercedesfan

Before you go with the used S your dealer is offering you owe yourself a little comparison shopping. Check on the websites of a number of Mercedes dealers who offer cars under the Starmark program. You might be surprised. Also check with the dealers in Canada. They have no problem exporting used Mercedes to the U.S. and I know the dealer in Vancouver keeps a website listing of available cars that were really competitively priced.

Mercedesfan

Before you go with the used S your dealer is offering you owe yourself a little comparison shopping. Check on the websites of a number of Mercedes dealers who offer cars under the Starmark program. You might be surprised. Also check with the dealers in Canada. They have no problem exporting used Mercedes to the U.S. and I know the dealer in Vancouver keeps a website listing of available cars that were really competitively priced.

DMI+RY

Thanks for advice

Will check Canada offers now...

DMI+RY

IluvS500

and??????

DMI+RY

Does anyone knows any Canada dealers to take a look at for used S500?

Mercedesfan

ONe of the posters on this board is from Vancouver. Check in the Smart Car forum as I believe he(they) have posted there recently regarding the new Smart coming to Canada.

Brian_I.

Wow, this is exactly the situation I am in right now. Have you made a decision yet or are you still thinking about it? I am really leaning toward the S-Class because I just love the car and all the "little" things it comes with (like rear passenger vanity mirrors ). The only thing I am really struggling with is the fact that the E is a 2 year old model and shouldn't be replaced for at least 3 more years, the S is already scheduled to be updated next year.

Although now that I think of it, I do like the E39 and the w208 so who's to say that I won't still like the w220 better than its successor.

DMI+RY

I end up with S-Class (of course).
Spent weeks debating over this dilemma...
Even waited for 320CDI to show up… I am 6’3” about 210 lbs and in W211 is not as comfortable to me as in W220.
No doubt that for over 10K less I got much better vehicle (including all S-Class standards as xenon, Airmatic, pneumatic doors & trunk, v8 5L engine, etc.).
The car is not new though and I liked W211 COMAND better then '01 W220. Yet, the look, comfort, performance and all the extras (like AMG package, distronic, A/C seats - see my sig) - I could not resist W220.
The W211 is a great car with very cool design and I like it very much… But not as much I like W220…
Another point was that from a few hundred feet away you can't really say from behind if its W211 or Camry - this doesn’t happens with W220 though…

Just my 2 cents

DMI+RY

RE: new 06/07 S-Class - see this thread

Incendiary

Congrats on your decision! Hope you like it as much in 5 years (or however long you plan to keep it) as you do now.