ngerstman

My bad. Is that one of their "sport activity vehicles"? Kind of looks like a large hatchback or the Acura ZDX? Thanks. Ned.

htn75

The Mdx is by far best bang for the bucks. Just didn't do it for me. And yes, a lot roomier. Never used the 3rd row, so opt for something a bit larger than traditional sedan.
Despite the fact that it's overweight, it out handles the E by a far margin. The twin turbo is much faster than the E. At least that's how I feel.
On the other hand, the E is a much calmer ride. It's great for days that I need to just float around town.
So to answer your question, it all depends on my mood.

Tjdehya

I am not rich but I dont put a price on Happiness. I trade my cars often, whenever I feel the desire and I dont let money get in the way. Try to reduce the financial damage but DONT change your mind about what you really want. If you trade for the 550 and later decide that you want an E63... DO IT!!!

K-A

Interesting to know that the E is still a calmer ride than the 5'er GT. I was wondering that since BMW seem to market this car as, for lack of a better word, their Mercedes-esque riding car (highway cruiser, not meant to be a bruiser, quiet, serene, etc.).

ImInPA

Keep in mind too that if you are in the US, you will still get the $900 tax credit for the Diesel (just to sweeten things a bit more.) For me, I have the Bluetec and just love it!!! For my driving, the thrust up to about 3000 RPM is intoxicating with the Bluetec. Most of my driving is done at or below 3K RPMs. Best of luck with the E500...it is a beutiful vehicle.

cvinfig

Actually it looks like there's a $1550 credit for the E. I, too, love the BlueTEC engine - great combo of power when/where you need it and fuel economy. This car has given me a passion for driving that I've never experienced with any other automobile.

Pntblnk

This deal still isn't closed. It seems that either their standard margins hurdle rates won't let them go any lower or there just isn't much money in the deal for them. Neither one are chasing me now so it's decision time.

Still not sure which dealer to go with. Dealer A has a better price by ~1k while Dealer B has a great financing rate of 1.4% for up to 66 months. That money is almost free! The only other difference is one car has the black ash trim and the other has burl. If dealer B would come off another $500 and stay with the financing this one would be done! I need to crunch some numbers this evening and pick one. Thanks for the comments and insights.

Decisions decisions....

Pntblnk

I signed the papers tonight and the car is being delivered tomorrow afternoon from Atlanta. I ended up at $11,900 difference with 1.1% APR through MB Finance. Not as good as I had hoped but a little better than expected based on the feedback here. I paid $60,900 for the 550 and got $49,000 in trade for my 350.

I will post some pictures of it coming off of the flatbed tomorrow provided I can figure out how to do it.

K-A

Not bad at all. Enjoy.

Tjdehya

So what did you get? Black ask or burl?

htn75

Great job. Please post pics.

BPhillyBenz

I totally agree with what tjdehya said in an earlier post. If it makes you happy go for it. It's only money...If the market has a good 100+ day you probably just made up the difference. Good luck with it. Enjoy.

Pntblnk

Went with the Black / Almond / Burl combo. I haven't seen the black ash live in a black / almond combo so played it safe with the Burl. If I was going black or grey interior the black ash would have been a sure thing. Very elegant with the darker colors.

ngerstman

I have the indium grey with the almond and burled interior. Very nice and soothing combo, elegant. Enjoy. Ned.

K-A

Black/Almond and Burl is maybe the nicest interior color combo I've ever seen. SO elegant, and soothing, and provides for a great sense of occasion. Also, the way the ambient lighting looks when lighting up the almond door inserts is spectacular and rich.

imartin

what was msrp? equipment? congrats!!!

Pntblnk

Identical to yours plus push to start based on your description. Sticker was $67,040 and ended up at $60,900 with a trade of $49,000 on my E350. Got hurt by a grand or two and paid ~$49,000 for the Bluetec originally so happy with the outcome. I still need to get some pictures up but thrilled with this car. I smile every time I push the button to start it which is well worth the $$$ spent!

Tjdehya

You cant put a price on that my friend!!!

dmbordoni

IMO you did a great job with that deal. How the heck did you get 1.1% financing from MB?? They told me the absolute lowest possible is 1.65% with direct pay.

Pntblnk

That was the lowest rate they could give us in December and just assumed the 1.1% apr was part of the January promo. This rate was also direct pay and may have had something to do with the current MB loyalty promo.

dmbordoni

I just asked my CA and he said not true. He never heard of this program and I had loyalty and got the 2k credit.
You got it so it must be true. So much for the glowing review when i get my survey.

imartin

I thought I was great at teh negotiation table, but you guys seems to knock it out of the park. 10% off a new 550? Wow! i'm on Benz #8 and have never heard or been told of a Benz loyalty credit. My guy sells to me at 5.5 - 6% off sticker and says he cant keep his doors open with my business. Maybe he is pulling my chain! I will look out of state next time for sure. Anyway, congrats and great dealing!!!

dmbordoni

I got 10.5k off sticker on my 2011 E5504. $74.1k sticker and paid $63.5k. Invoice - $2k loyalty - $2.5k Holiday rebate. CA called it triple net, whatever that is...