I wrestled with ordering a new model year 2005, with exact options I want and better resale value cause it is 1yr newer model.

However, All this talk about losing standard features, new engine on the horizon, price increases, has made me worry that I should have settled with an off the lot 04 with less options.

I'm in US and was told that production starts end of june and I will get it end of July.


Anybody have definitive info on prices, packages, dates, changes or at least make me less anxious about my decision.

It's my first MB and I'd hate for it to be a crappy experience.


05 Silver/Ash E320
-panorama
-entertainment
-dvd-navi
-lighting
-keyless go

 

I believe all should go fine. Sit back and relax and wait for your new baby to arrive.

 

yea, i agree, unless you want a car right now. there is no binding agreement, so you dont have to feel a lot of pressure. GL

 

Don't trip on it bro.... The only real advantage you have buying an 04 would be getting a better price because the 05s are just around the bend. It sounds like your getting the 05 just the way you want it so I'd stick it out and get it... It may be a little difficult to get an 04 just the way you want it. Don't settle for anything less than what you really want or you'll regret it every day you get into the car.... As far as the chicken **** things they are removing... Well, there just that Chicken ****.... Perhaps for the exception of the puddle lights the other things will never be missed.

Goodluck with your new ride...

 

The only reasonable answer to your poll is "not sure". That's because, first, nobody outside the M-B organization has good answers to your questions about the '05 models and, second, because only you know what your needs and expectations are. Our opinions on that don't count.

I can try to reduce your anxiety on at least one point, though. It won't be a crappy experience if you go with the '05. M-B can't and won't change the car that much between the '04 and '05 production. Odds are, it will be a very good experience. If having exactly the options you want is important to you - and it sounds like it is - then stay the course.

 

Thx for the confidence.

I have no problem waiting for a new one.
I was only concerned that If I wind up kicking myself by that time I'll be too late to find an 04 available.

AHH SCREW IT!

I'll be happy either way. Its just this waiting sh@t thats no fun and makes you second guess.

I'm gonna call my dealer tomorrow to see when he expects pricing.

Thanks Again!, I'll post pics as soon as it comes in.

 

Hey bro, I feel your pain.... I had to wait through the the order of two different cars when the first one did'nt come in with the active headlights...

 

Hi,

Depends on what you order. If you want the AMG package wait until 05. If you just want a standard E320, perhaps acts now. There is special rate of 2.9% up to 60 months. We all know the interests were jumping up. The 04 still have free mantaince which 05 is been cancel.

Good luck on purchase

 

you can never win with MB. Seems like every year the have to give you different things.. i wish i had waited for the refresh on the CLK but i didnt. You really gotta do your homework to find the best possible deal in terms of new technology. When will the 350 engine come out? when will the 7-G for the 350 come? when will they facelift the car? etc etc..

I dont know honestly, to me buying a benz is like just buy it and then dont ever come back to mbworld again so you wont feel dissapointed when you hear of whats coming out in the next Model year.

 

rusnakmb,
I hear what your saying, but I got a rate locked in for 4% (I'm an employee at Citibank)
I never heard of the 2.9% on anything other than pre-owned cars here in NY.

Besides the 100bp spread is what, 20 bucks a month. The resale value of an 05 model 2-4 years from now is going to be better than an 04 anyway (Unless they really screw up the 05, which I doubt)

As for the miles, I'm lucky if I put 8000 a year and it see's an oil change once a year.

But thank you for your input.

Tezta,
Interesting point of view. Interesting & Honest! That's the fun though isn't it? however painful? looking for the next thing.

Thanks Again!

 

Hi,

The special rate were not post on MBUSA.com

But MB is offering special rate for E class at 2.9% up to 60 months to help dealership selling E class. Most of dealership will not tell you the rate nor MB will post on its web site.

Will the increase of interests rate, if you are planning to finance the car with large sum amount of finance, perhaps now is a good time to do it. The 05 C class even have 0.9% financing.

 

The residuals on the '04s are within 2 points of the '05 (CDI). So, IF YOU ARE LEASING, there is no price disadvantage to an '04.

A late build '04 should have similar decontenting as an 05. So no difference there.

Prices are up 2% on options for '05, and you can assume the price will do the same. The loss of free scheduled maintenance is worth about $1000 over three years.

On some options, like the premium package, MBUSA really screwed the pooch and raised the effective price from $3650 to $5200. And dropped standalone heated wheel or even the availability of 4-place climate control as options.

No that option stuff is probably irrelevant, since you are not likely to find a well equiped '04.

'06 is the upgrade year, so if you are buying, and can wait (til next summer), get an '06.

So, if you are LEASING, and can find an '04 with options/colors you like, get it.

If you are BUYING (including a loan), and can't wait one year, get an '05 (but have the dealer commit to fixed discount % off MSRP or fixed margin above invoice.

If you are buying and can wait, wait for an '06.

And if you are getting an '05 E320, why aren't you getting an E320 CDI?

David

 

the CDI will not be avaliable in CA, maybe in 2007

 

Nor any of the other states that follow CA's emissions laws... which includes NY.

 

my pleasure...but really i know the E class is a nice car and i hope you enjoy it.

 

I thought the w212 was sheduled for a 2009 intro?

 

'06 is a midlife kicker. Slight restyling. 350 DI V-6. 7G trans. Possible end of Sensotronic brakes. Expect the interior to get a new C-class like set of dials.

I also expect the '06 introductions no later than July, and maybe as early as April. One of the reasons for an early '05 introduction I think.

 

for the market point of view, mb will add something different every year.

if you like it, buy it and enjoy it.

 

Although there are usually changes every year, manufacturer's haven't done annual changes since the early 1970s. Each year the cars looked signifcantly different. However, that was only for US cars (Ford, Chevy, Dodge, etc.).

These days, year to year there may be small feature/option changes (e.g., 7G trans, CDI engine). Major revisions are on a 5-8 cycle (W210, W211, etc.). Mid-life, there is usually a more significant revision. The C-class got it for '05. the E-class gets it next year. The W210 got it in 2000: new front end, etc.

The changes could be major. Could be less so (like C-class). MB has a new 6 and needs a new 8. The new 6 with the 7G is vitually definitely an '06. Unless you lease or need a car now (my wife and I fit that bill) you should wait for '06 (which we would have liked to do).

Also the wait will allow you to see the new Lexus GS, Cadillac STS, Infiniti M45, Jaguar S-type, Audi A6...all things that may excite you or may give you extra bargaining power.

David

 

2006 MY will surely see the E350 with 7G - this segment gets much more competitive over the next year. Automobile magazine (current issue) had a story on the Caddy STS, M45, and Acura RL targeting this segment. Not to mention the new A6 and new Lexus GS. For what its worth, the new STS won.

 

Caddy is definitely coming up strong. They have a 32-valve V-8, however they are behind on direct injection technology.

One problem with the tests is that the testers, although they sample many different cars in a year, are generally not luxury car buyers. Occasionally they will comment about "if they had the money to buy" this car or that. For the most part they don't.

As a result, they may not appreciate some of the features in the more expensive cars (nav, phone integration, ventilated seats) that many buyers in this class do (especially on the various forums.)

On paper, all of the new cars are above the current W211 (power, features, price). In reality, maybe not.

 

The Lexus GS and the Acura were given low marks - with respect to being able to compete with the E and the 5 series. I've read some decent reviews of the new A6, but they say that the new quattro for 2006 will give it more rear wheel drive feel. The STS and M35/45 appear to be the "contenders", based on preliminary data. The steering wheel in the STS is ugly, and I've read some complaints about the orange lighting in the Infiniti gauges being blurry and hard on the eyes.

 

DavidNJ,

can you tell us more about the Premium Package effective price increase?

 

This happened in two stages.

The original 326 Premium Package consisted of:

Ventilated Seats
Drive Dynamic Seats
DVD Nav
Sunroof
Rear Shade
Side Window Blinds
HK Logic 7 Audio
CD Changer

The '04 price was $3650.

When the '05 E320 CDI was priced the same package as increased to $4720, an increase of $1070. Premium Leather, which is standard on the E500 and included on the E320 Appearence Package, was required.

Then, on May 27th, 326 Premium Package was replaced with 426 Premium Package. That Package is the same EXCEPT no ventilated seats:

Drive Dynamic Seats
DVD Nav
Sunroof
Rear Shade
Side Window Blinds
HK Logic 7 Audio
CD Changer

The price was changed to $3950. And now Premium Leather is not required (it was required before for the ventilated seat.)

The ventilated seat is a standalone option for $1250. Premium Leather is required for the ventilated seat.

So to equal the $3650 package of '04 you need to buy the $3950 premium package and the $1250 ventilated seat for a total of $5200, an increase of $1550!!!

 

They didnt have the cars to drive did they? They LExus GS won't be out until next spring. The article was more stating these 3 cars (The Lexus was a sidebar) have a good chance to make up some ground as they pretty much blow in their current forms.