Edmunds E350 First Drive
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From: Chicago, IL
Edmunds E350 First Drive
Edmunds E350 First Drive
It may take some time to load; their site seems slow today
Highlights (some, or all, of this is old info):
- 51 hp bump over the E320, to 272; torque to 258
- Fuel economy jumps a 1/2 mpg with the 7Gtronic (neat trick)
- AWD models still get the 5 speed auto
- 0-60 in 6.9 (MB est.)
- Sports Pack (available on the wagon, too; and the E500, I would guess, but they don't say) includes shift buttons on the steering wheel, firmer suspension, 10% quicker steering (14.7:1), the same size wheels as the E55 (245/40 in front; 265/30 in back on 18's), better bolstered seats, and stainless steel pedals
- Supposed to be available in March
It may take some time to load; their site seems slow today
Highlights (some, or all, of this is old info):
- 51 hp bump over the E320, to 272; torque to 258
- Fuel economy jumps a 1/2 mpg with the 7Gtronic (neat trick)
- AWD models still get the 5 speed auto
- 0-60 in 6.9 (MB est.)
- Sports Pack (available on the wagon, too; and the E500, I would guess, but they don't say) includes shift buttons on the steering wheel, firmer suspension, 10% quicker steering (14.7:1), the same size wheels as the E55 (245/40 in front; 265/30 in back on 18's), better bolstered seats, and stainless steel pedals
- Supposed to be available in March
Last edited by RohithT; Jan 8, 2005 at 02:08 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,492
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
It looks great.. With the sports package? Does it come with airmatic?
They also, don't mention, the sports package come with some nice exhaust tips.
Also, anyone have the part # for those pedals.. They look great.
They also, don't mention, the sports package come with some nice exhaust tips.
Also, anyone have the part # for those pedals.. They look great.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 339
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From: Michigan, USA
'05 E320 CDI, '07 VW Touareg V10 TDI, 2007 Porsche GT3
Originally Posted by GDawgC220
probably will even be quicker when the V6 CDI comes out 
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 35
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From: New Hampshire
2005 E500
The picture of the interior that Edmonds is showing for this car (over to the right of the article) shows what looks like the old split-top, fold up armrest-style console instead of the sliding tambour-style console currently being put into the '05. Interesting -- I wonder if this is an old-pre '05 interior shot? Or if they are planning on changing the center console again for the '06 refresh?
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,281
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From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
You know, I bought the E320, but I don't feel so bad about the 350 since it will still have a 5 speed transmission for the 4 Matic. If they made a 7 speed for the 4 Matic, then it would be a bigger deal to me since I like the 7 speed.
At least the body style is the same and most people have no idea what the numbers mean on the trunk lid. Also, in Europe, the 320 is considered a huge engine anyway.
Now I would love the new CDI with a 7 speed and 4 matic. Also, if they made the E400 CDI 7 speed 4 matic I would immediately trade! Otherwise the very reliable and proven E320 will have to do for me.
Steve
At least the body style is the same and most people have no idea what the numbers mean on the trunk lid. Also, in Europe, the 320 is considered a huge engine anyway.
Now I would love the new CDI with a 7 speed and 4 matic. Also, if they made the E400 CDI 7 speed 4 matic I would immediately trade! Otherwise the very reliable and proven E320 will have to do for me.
Steve
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
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From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Originally Posted by SAguirre
You know, I bought the E320, but I don't feel so bad about the 350 since it will still have a 5 speed transmission for the 4 Matic. If they made a 7 speed for the 4 Matic, then it would be a bigger deal to me since I like the 7 speed.
At least the body style is the same and most people have no idea what the numbers mean on the trunk lid. Also, in Europe, the 320 is considered a huge engine anyway.
Now I would love the new CDI with a 7 speed and 4 matic. Also, if they made the E400 CDI 7 speed 4 matic I would immediately trade! Otherwise the very reliable and proven E320 will have to do for me.
Steve
At least the body style is the same and most people have no idea what the numbers mean on the trunk lid. Also, in Europe, the 320 is considered a huge engine anyway.
Now I would love the new CDI with a 7 speed and 4 matic. Also, if they made the E400 CDI 7 speed 4 matic I would immediately trade! Otherwise the very reliable and proven E320 will have to do for me.
Steve
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 86
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From: San Francisco
Play their game
I've decided that from now on, I'm only going to buy the second generation of any model, to get the best benefit from that model. You also typically pay less by doing so as well (similar price, better spec, more equipment etc.). I too was going to get the E320 with those end of year fabulous offers, but my wife suppressed my primeval urges - thanks (I think)!
Consider this:
MB E320 / E350
MB ML320 / ML350
BMW 528i / 530i
BMW 325i / 325i
Ferrari 360 Modena / F430
etc.
I would say in 90% of the time or more, given all factors, I would hands down prefer to buy the later version. Perhaps there will be less problems as well, since the first release bugs are better ironed out.
However, I do also appreciate that many people due to leases coming up, immediate family needs etc., do need a car right away, and pick what they think is best at the time.
But, I'm going to try and hold out as long as I can for that new model, planning accordingly! Suppress the impulse buy.
Just my opinion.
MBchris.
Consider this:
MB E320 / E350
MB ML320 / ML350
BMW 528i / 530i
BMW 325i / 325i
Ferrari 360 Modena / F430
etc.
I would say in 90% of the time or more, given all factors, I would hands down prefer to buy the later version. Perhaps there will be less problems as well, since the first release bugs are better ironed out.
However, I do also appreciate that many people due to leases coming up, immediate family needs etc., do need a car right away, and pick what they think is best at the time.
But, I'm going to try and hold out as long as I can for that new model, planning accordingly! Suppress the impulse buy.
Just my opinion.
MBchris.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by mbchris
I've decided that from now on, I'm only going to buy the second generation of any model, to get the best benefit from that model. You also typically pay less by doing so as well (similar price, better spec, more equipment etc.). I too was going to get the E320 with those end of year fabulous offers, but my wife suppressed my primeval urges - thanks (I think)!
Consider this:
MB E320 / E350
MB ML320 / ML350
BMW 528i / 530i
BMW 325i / 325i
Ferrari 360 Modena / F430
etc.
I would say in 90% of the time or more, given all factors, I would hands down prefer to buy the later version. Perhaps there will be less problems as well, since the first release bugs are better ironed out.
However, I do also appreciate that many people due to leases coming up, immediate family needs etc., do need a car right away, and pick what they think is best at the time.
But, I'm going to try and hold out as long as I can for that new model, planning accordingly! Suppress the impulse buy.
Just my opinion.
MBchris.
Consider this:
MB E320 / E350
MB ML320 / ML350
BMW 528i / 530i
BMW 325i / 325i
Ferrari 360 Modena / F430
etc.
I would say in 90% of the time or more, given all factors, I would hands down prefer to buy the later version. Perhaps there will be less problems as well, since the first release bugs are better ironed out.
However, I do also appreciate that many people due to leases coming up, immediate family needs etc., do need a car right away, and pick what they think is best at the time.
But, I'm going to try and hold out as long as I can for that new model, planning accordingly! Suppress the impulse buy.
Just my opinion.
MBchris.
You bring up very valid points. However, I would not consider buying the very first year of the E350 or of the new V6 CDI. The main thing is to have a current body style (I think). If you get the E350, you are getting a new engine that MIGHT (note the use of MIGHT) be more problematic at the start. If you can wait, then wait even longer for a 2006 E350. By then, they should have most bugs out of them.
Remember, the E320 had terrible oil consumption problems when they started the FSS oil changes and they did not use synthetic oil. This was not an engine flaw, but it was definitely a growing pain issue. There are tons of innovations on the E350's engine. This engine is also not popular at all in Europe, so the US market will be testing the engine! Like it happened with the E320. As for the V6 CDI, that will be much more popular in Europe and should have the bugs out of it sooner than the E350. Remember, Europeans don't go for big gasoline engines, but the US market likes them.
However, I can totally relate to where you are coming from. The 528 was totally gutless at this altitude and the 530 was much much better. Also, do you know about the old BMW V8 problems in the US? The E350's 7-speed transmission should be OK since it has been in production for a while, but that engine seems to be brand new.
When you get a second-generation car (or the same body) you are also experimenting. The safest way to go is to buy one of the last models of the body generation, but then it looks outdated when the new body comes out. There is no simple solution.
Just my opinion,
Steve A.
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Posts: 2,596
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From: NY/NJ
Just FYI to you chaps, the new "350" engine is quite different from what most of us are used to. It is far more willing to "rev" and responsive to agressive gearing.
Those who get the E350 are in for a very pleasant surprise.
Cheers!
Those who get the E350 are in for a very pleasant surprise.
Cheers!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
'05 E320, '07 MDX
It seems that buying a new car is similar to buying the latest and fastest PC; the minute you take it home its obsolescence is already looming around the corner with a newer and faster replacement. You go crazy trying to keep buying the latest and greatest version. Some people with E320s are lamenting the arrival of the 350. In due time the folks with the 500s get to look forward to the same thing.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
2005 E500
Originally Posted by marcos
Does anyone know if the sports pack will be offered with a dieasel engine or not?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by dacbiet
It seems that buying a new car is similar to buying the latest and fastest PC; the minute you take it home its obsolescence is already looming around the corner with a newer and faster replacement. You go crazy trying to keep buying the latest and greatest version. Some people with E320s are lamenting the arrival of the 350. In due time the folks with the 500s get to look forward to the same thing.
If you are one of those who likes to always have the newest best thing, you will be in eternal flux.
Steve A.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by SAguirre
If you are one of those who likes to always have the newest best thing, you will be in eternal flux.
Steve A.
Steve A.
BTW, I sincerely hope it doesn't happen with the new CGI engines but at IBM we always talked about *leading edge windburn*. Some early owners of the E350 could very well experience it.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 315
Likes: 2
From: Orlando, FL
2008 E350
Originally Posted by BudC
And broke
BTW, I sincerely hope it doesn't happen with the new CGI engines but at IBM we always talked about *leading edge windburn*. Some early owners of the E350 could very well experience it.
BTW, I sincerely hope it doesn't happen with the new CGI engines but at IBM we always talked about *leading edge windburn*. Some early owners of the E350 could very well experience it.
Thanks.
GGM
