Boolie125

I understand that there are no additional costs to absorb w/Euro delivery re: inspections, shipping, etc. Nada. All you pay for is airfare to Germany, and any lodging in excess of your first night's stay -- MB picks up your first night at any one of a number of luxury hotels. They even throw in a free breakfast or lunch on your pick-up date -- I believe at the factory. All of this is arranged via your MB dealer; they are the gatekeeper.

Another plus is that they drop the $800+ destination charge that you would normally pay w/standard purchase. Net-net is that the 7% firm/no haggle discount plus zero destination charge can save you nearly $5K on/a nicely appointed E350, especially if you fly free w/points. You can price out your Euro delivery car on the MB website and see where you net-out in savings.

Also, I understand that the 7% discount ends up being 1% below invoice since the dealer has a 6% cushion between invoice and MSRP. If anyone can verify, pls advise but I heard this from 2 dealers.

The only downside is that it COULD take up to 60 days after you leave Germany to get your car delivered to the dealer. If you can risk waiting that long, it sounds like a great deal and a worthwhile experience.

Personally, I plan to fly to Germany and back pretty quickly. I have no interest in driving my new car through Europe -- I'd much rather rent one and be carefree about where I end up driving/parking, etc.

btrepper

ordered mine today,specs only with estimated pricing. Delivery probably in Sept.

Boolie125

That's great. I'm still waiting for firm pricing on the Bluetec -- I heard that pricing will be available in July but no one knows for sure.

My Benz dealer showed me a sheet from MB that listed the Bluetec as being avalilable as late as November but others are stating July -we'll see.

For now, I just purchased (of all things) a Toyota Prius as a second vehicle to tide me over until the Bluetec shows up.

YYZ-E55

September production for E BlueTEC... expect them on ground mid-October

shoes

December is the earliest arrival date for the US. Anyone have the real poop for the delay?

FEGELEIN

What are the bluetecs? What's the difference?

Blk04cobra1

Just had training on the new E550 cab and they said the Bluetec's were definitely delayed until September 2010, but could not say exactly when they would be available yet.

Boolie125

The "Bluetecs" refer to MB's "Bluetec" diesel engine. It's been around for years but MB did not include it at the launch of the new E350 although it is mentioned in the brochure. I expect that it is delayed getting here so that MB can burn through their inventory of 2010 vehicles and make it a succinct 2011 offering.

You get higher MPG (30s) and a good deal of added torque so diesels make for more spirited driving than the standard 6-cylinder E350 gas engine. Historically, pricing of the E Class Bluetec is a few hundred less than the 4-Matic (but you CANNOT get 4Matic w/the Bluetec -- only rear wheel drive).

Diesel engines typically outlast standard gas engines if that's important to you.

ccimocm

Finally! I have received word that production of my 2011 E350 Blutec diesel will be in the first 10 days of July with Mid August delivery.

shoes

Are there any new options (besides the engine of course) on your car? Are there any options you are not permitted to order on the diesel?

ccimocm

Most every option on the 2010 model was offered on the 2011. There is a new, special order, external color option called Cuprite Brown which I ordered. Also, now the LED Daytime Running Lamps are standard.

btrepper

Did you get per option pricing yet?

ccimocm

No pricing yet but suspect it will not be dramatically different for existing 2010. I will post when it comes through.

HBerman

I have a 2011 E350 Blutec on order since April, 2010. One of the key issues for me is whether this car will require run-flat tires and urea injection (and the corresponding tank). The dealer told me that he believed that the engine was using a "dry" system and, therefore, no run-flat tires. However, he didn't have specifics on the engine then or now. The run-flat tires are a "deal breaker" for me. Also, I was told that the car wouldn't be built until after September, 2010. What do you know about the engine specifics and the tires?

ccimocm

There will be no spare tire. The tires are 'run-flat' and the space where the spare would have been is where the tank for the urea injection is placed.

HBerman

Thanks for the quick response. I'll wait for my dealer to confirm, but I also have a 2011 E550 on order as well just incase the diesel needed urea injection. My build date for that car is July, 2011 with delivery in August 2011. I find it disappointing that the CDI version of the engine which is available in Europe is not being imported into the US. Run-flat tires are rather stiff and negatively affect the ride quality.

DerekACS

The 2011 E350 Bluetec will most definitely have RFTs (run flats), described as "Tire Fit" tires in the Canadian MY11 Change Summary. All MB Bluetec models for North America now have the urea system to make them 50 US state compliant (you can thank the Clean air folks in California for this addition) and all Bluetecs have RFTs (no spare tire).

Unfortunately, according to MB Canada information, the MY2011 E350 Bluetec will not perform as well as the previous E320 Bluetec: 0-100 km/h will take 7.8 secs compared to the previous model @ 6.7 secs.
The MY2011 weights about 100 kg or 220 lbs. more than the 2007-2009 E320 Bluetecs.

Yes, you are quite correct on your comments about RFTs, although it depends on the tire brand. For example, the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP are much better riding than the Bridgestone RE050A RFT.

Good luck on your decision !

MB_FanAddict

If anyone's interested, I came across the 2011 U.S. market BlueTEC Diesel Colors, Packages and Options info here.
No prices yet sorry.


2011 E350 BlueTEC Colors, Packages and Options


2011 E350 BlueTEC Colors:
Obsidian Black
Jade Green
Capri Blue
Steel Grey
Iridium Silver
Palladium Silver
Pearl Beige
Diamond White
Indium Grey
Black
Quartz Blue
Cuprite Brown (special order)
Arctic White

2011 E350 BlueTEC Interiors:
Black MB-Tex
Almond MB-Tex
Ash MB-Tex
Black Leather
Almond Leather
Ash Leather
Chestnut Brown Leather (special order)
Natural Beige Leather

2011 E350 BlueTEC Option Packages:

Premium 1 Package:
Rear View Monitor, COMAND with Navigation and Voice Control, iPod/MP3 Interface,
Power Rear-Window Sunshade, harman/kardon Sound System, Heated Front Seats

Premium 2 Package:
All of Premium 1 Package plus Lighting Package, 115V outlet, Electronic Trunk Closer,
KEYLESS-GO

AMG Sport Package:
17″ 5-Twin Spoke Alloy Wheels, Black Roof Liner, Sport Suspension, Sport Trim

Standard Non-Sport Package:
17″ 5-Split Spoke Wheel, Comfort Suspension

Driver Assistance Package: Distronic Plus, Active Blind Spot Assist,
Active Lane Keeping Assist

2011 E350 BlueTEC Stand Alone Options:
Illuminated Door Sills
Chrome Door Handle Inserts
Rear Deck Spoiler
Accessory Styling Package (Rear Deck and Roof Spoilers)
PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance
Split Folding Rear Seats
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel (Luxury Only)
Side Airbags in Rear
Panorama Sunroof
Driving Dynamic Front Seats
Night View Assist
Rear Seat Entertainment
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats (special order)
Heated Steering Wheel (special order)

DerekACS

The Canadian version will include 18" alloys (code R96) as standard or 18" AMG 5 twin spoke (code 791) as an option. The AMG sport Package, Bi-zenons, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, fold down rear seats and Parktronic are also standard.

DrRx

No E350 BlueTEC will be built until late September 2010, so earliest delivery is late October / early November. I have the full Canadian Standard Equipment / Option Packages for the entire 2011 E-Class line-up (350/550 Sedans, Wagon, BlueTec, E63 AMG) if anyone wants. They are stuck in TIFF format so I can't post them (unless someone would like to convert them for me )!!

HBerman

The build date information agrees with that originally supplied by my dealer in Cary, NC. I'm waiting for firm information on specifics for the engine and tires. This might be available sometime in June.

HiTach

That's why you can't have an E Class with 4Matic and Bluetec - not enough room for the letters...

cr1t1icalm4ss

Post more Bluetec info

Blk04cobra1

According to one's we have on order, it looks like the last part of July is when they will go in to production. It does say that the LED running lights are standard and you can get the optional 321 sport package. It also says they will be equipped with RF tires and 50 state certification. It did not specify if the standard wheel will be 17" or 18". History would tell me that the non-sport will come with 17's and the sport will come with 18's. Hope this helps.

DrRx

Attached are the full 2011 E350 BlueTEC standard equipment, packages and options for Canada. First build date for E350 BlueTEC is SEPTEMBER 2010. I couldn't wait so went with a 2011 E350 4Matic Avantgarde AMG to be built 3rd decade of June with end-July delivery. Distronic is also delayed to September 2010 so that didn't make it onto my car either .