E320 vs S500 Dilemma
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 513
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From: NYC
W220
E320 vs S500 Dilemma
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 $$$ spent?
Any suggestions?
I was shopping for a new E320 (pretty leaded – xenon/premium/rear seats/TPMS etc.) and now facing quite a decision:
Brand new E320 (loaded) costs more than 3-year old (under 45k) S500 (which is quite loaded by default).
Calculating a feature expense (i.e. insurance difference, fuel economy, warranty pricing, etc.) its comes out that within 5-7 years ownership both cars (new E320 and ’01 S500) comes out to be pretty much the same in ownership cost.
I understand the newer features added to E-class vs. ’01 S-class (such as new Navi, Brake-by-Wire, etc.).
What would you buy considering the same $$$ spent?
Any suggestions?
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: McLean, VA
S4
Re: E320 vs S500 Dilemma
Originally posted by 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 $$$ spent?
Any suggestions?
Hi everyone,
I was shopping for a new E320 (pretty leaded – xenon/premium/rear seats/TPMS etc.) and now facing quite a decision:
Brand new E320 (loaded) costs more than 3-year old (under 45k) S500 (which is quite loaded by default).
Calculating a feature expense (i.e. insurance difference, fuel economy, warranty pricing, etc.) its comes out that within 5-7 years ownership both cars (new E320 and ’01 S500) comes out to be pretty much the same in ownership cost.
I understand the newer features added to E-class vs. ’01 S-class (such as new Navi, Brake-by-Wire, etc.).
What would you buy considering the same $$$ spent?
Any suggestions?
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 820
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From: Chicago Western Burbs
'06 SL65
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.
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.
Last edited by LIONHEAD; Mar 14, 2004 at 03:20 PM.
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From: Atlanta, GA
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.
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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.
Last edited by Mercedesfan; Mar 16, 2004 at 07:34 AM.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: NYC
W220
Thnx
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.
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.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ohio
ML-350, Maserati Quattroporte
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Houston Texas
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
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.
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.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: NYC
W220
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
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
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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.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 346
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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.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
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.
). 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.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: NYC
W220
Originally posted by Samoan_Ridah
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.
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.
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
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 513
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From: NYC
W220
Originally posted by Samoan_Ridah
...
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.
...
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 524
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From: Baltimore/DC area
2014 E350S4
Originally posted by 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
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
