So I'm looking to purchase another car in the near future. I have owned a couple older Benz in the past and my wife drives a GLK currently. I'm also mildly skilled enough to do basic repairs. So I am looking for some insight. I'm considering a 2007-2009 E550 as it seems like it would have all the power I want and many of the early issues have been worked out. I'm wondering if this would be a good daily driver. Should I be concerned about major maintenance issues? I'm wondering if the air suspension is a weak point that will require expensive repairs. I'm sure I would end up with a car with about 80k miles or more. I would also like a 4 matic. The other option I'm considering is a manual 3 series if that helps at all. So, would a 2007-2009 e550 be a good daily driver that would not require an absurd amount of maintenance with lots of issues? Or would I be better off with a 3 series? Thanks all.

 

Don't rule out an E-350, unless you really want the "thump" value of the V8. FWIW-I drive an '09 E 350 4Matic which (oddly) has the older 5 speed transmission. This trans is a bit slow off the mark, but otherwise fine. And overall the car is a real pleasure to own/drive. We've had BMWs in the past...another fine car but not in the same luxury class as the Benz.


relinuca

 

That's a good point. I will test drive both. I guess I shouldn't let the higher milage put me off then? Are these models pretty reliable after 80k mi?

 

I have an 07 e550 that is my daily driver. I picked it up with 125K miles and I'm now at 230K. The only maintenance items have been rotors/pads and ball joints, all of which I did in 5 hours one weekend.

The power is good, especially at freeway speeds an up hills. My overall city/hwy mpg for the last 60k has been 28.3 (mostly freeway) and I routinely get over 30 mpg on my commute.

I change oil every 3 months with Mobil1. I'm hoping to get to 300k (which is about 2 more years).

 

Oh, I changed out a steering angle sensor too which cost $150 and took all of 45 minutes.

 

I've had my '08 E350 4Matic for a couple of months now and just love it. It's currently sitting at 87k miles and runs and drives like a new car. Even though it's the V6 it has plenty of power, and the 5-speed transmission is pretty quick off the line with the transmission program set to Sport. With the trans in comfort mode it starts in second gear so it's a little slower from a stop. Either way, acceleration is very smooth. 90% of my driving is in town, and I'm always impressed with how smoothly this car gets moving when pulling away from a light.

4Matic was a must for me as we get a lot of snow here, and I have to say that combined with good winter tires (Blizzak WS80) the car has been unstoppable so far this winter. With the transmission program set to comfort mode (2nd gear start) I haven't experienced any slipping or loss of traction, and even driving on icy roads the ESP almost never comes on. Also with 4Matic you get the older 5-speed transmission that is more reliable/cheaper to fix than the newer 7-speed in the RWD cars.

As far as reliability, I think a lot of it comes down to the history of the car. I would definitely try to find one with a full service history, preferably a one owner. Asking a dealer to run a VMI on the car is also a good idea, they'll be able to verify the services performed at any MB dealer, but more importantly give you a warranty claims history. I'd be suspicious of a car that has had a lot of work done under warranty, especially repeat visits for the same issue.

Some 2007's are still affected by the balance shaft/gear issue, both V6 and V8. Absolutely run the VIN and make sure that the motor isn't within the affected range. Apparently 10-20% of cars in that range will have problems, but it's a very expensive repair if you do (requires engine removal).

Airmatic...You'll eventually have leaks, just the nature of the beast with air suspension. The good news is you can get rebuilt struts from Arnott for about half the price with a lifetime warranty, and they're supposedly better than OEM.

 

I have had an 09 e550 4matic for going on three years now. I bought the car with 60k miles, and it now has 96k miles. I have replaced the following:

Drivers side front and rear door handles (the lock/unlock feature would no longer work)
Thermostat
Brake lamp switch
And passenger side inner and outer tie rods.
Heater control/bypass valve.
rubber plugs at the back of the cylinder heads (started to seep oil)

The car is due for the drivers side inner and outer tie rods, and also both lower ball joints.

Been as reliable as any other car I have ever owned. Plenty of power, and just plane fun to drive! I love it.

 

I just bought a 2007 E550 4matic with 106K. Been changing Filters (cabin & engine), new oil and oil filter. Getting new tires for the rear and just had the front brake pads replaced. The car drives nice, very tight. It is the wife's commute car. Is there anything I should be particularly aware of at this many miles? The rear passenger side door lock will not work automatically. Perhaps there is a child disable switch? The Driver's side wheel was bent/dinged, could not be balanced. It is being repaired. Lastly the car came with only one key Fob. Any suggestion on how to avoid the dealership to get another one. I have seen these "virgin" key fobs on EBay. Getting ~ 18mpg. so far. I hope to improve upon that. Thanks.

 

When you decide to make that move ensure you get a PPI. Purchased my 05 E Wagon w/146k on the dial, and she's a dream to drive. Definitely worth it, but maintenance is a must! I will always say "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later"
GL.

 

Depends on your needs. Get a 2009 whatever you do.
v8 is a lead sled and you have air ride
v6 more practical for a non car enthusiast/commuter type or simply someone who doesn't want to fill up more often or lives in the city.


i have a 09 550 2wd.... If i could re do things, i'd get a w212 with a bi-turbo engine 2wd, but that's my opinion....

 

My next one will be a w212 bi turbo. Some day.