PUZZ1

First, both cars are amazing IMO. The 500 pulled very hard but I don't know if it pulled $10,000 harder than the CDI (difference in the sticker price). The CDI was surprisingly quiet and very fast in its own right. I did note that the leather in the 500 seemed of better quality that the CDI and it did have some other creature comforts like the climate control and CD changer. The standard 17 inch wheel on the 500 is also nicer than the 16 inch on the CDI.

I feel that the decision will be a difficult one. E500 4matic or the CDI. Adding 4Matic would put the price spread at around 12,500 or so and I just don't know if its worth the premium. Is it safe to assume that with negotiation, the effective differential could be halved? I suppose for $6,000 I would go for the 500, but I also like the idea of getting 35 miles to the gallon. What would you all do??

northbenz

Go for the E320 4-Matic and you now have the best of both worlds. (Reduced fuel expense and needed 4-Matic for where you live.)

marksatex

Don't think you will get much more than $1500-2000 off MSRP. Even that will be a push.

I agree with northbenz- Although I love the appointments and 4zone on my 500

Barry45RPM

You can get much, much m,ore than $1500 - $2000. off list on an E 500 if the dealer believes you've got the credit approval & you will buy right now.

BudC

The best I've heard of on an E500 is $4,000 off MSRP. I doubt you'll get anything off the CDI for a while.

Did the CDI have the full leather option? If so, I would expect both cars to have the same leather.

kort677

FWIW

I got $1500 off list on my new e320 cdi

onpaws

The 2004's 4matic is missing 7G-Tronic and Nano-Paint, so you should factor that in.

Md_Benz

My dealer is giving $4750 off the E500, but only $500 off the E320CDI.

theitalianjob

Go for the CDI....just IMHO

tntmcj

diesels are very good merchandise right now, but our customers or for that fact any customer who is willing to commit to buying and we have the car, we are selling it. we earn a new customer, make a little money and move a car. remember a customer who has a bad expeirience tells everyone a customer who has a great expeirience tells 10 friends, and eventually 3-4 of those people will buy from you. i am living proof of that 200 plus sold in 2003, most by referral.