De badged today
#51
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 18
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I think price is a major factor when deciding 350 or 550, not only the extra monthly payment/sticker price.. but gas mileage and insurance also. For me a 350 was plenty of car, coming from a c300 it was an upgrade. I really didnt find it necessary to get the 550(especially since i purchased a house and 2 new cars within 5 months of eachother) And in no way at all did i cheap out, I have premium paint, and exclusive chestnut leather,pano roof etc.. msrp on my car is 63,240. Im only 26 i have a lifetime of nicer cars ahead of me(hopefully). I'll be the first to admit the 550 is absolutely superior to the 350. As for debadging, my car is debadged its a cleaner look and im big into "modding". I'll admit if i had the 550 i would probably keep the 550 badge on and just paint it flat black. I didnt debadge so people can say "hmm i wonder if thats a 550" NOO! Ive had my car for only 5 weeks and i had plenty of people say "what model is that" they dont even know its an E class.
Of course, technically speaking the 550 is a superior car, as it isn't priced higher for nothing. However, the superiority x value scale is another story. To me, an E350 isn't any less superior, it actually has some aspects that I find superior (MPG, more reliable due to less complexities, and the businesses best vinyl seats as opposed to some of the worst Leather seats).
I'm proud of the E350, proud of Owning one, and have no envy whatsoever toward the E550, so why would I debadge to "pose"? I literally chose my E350 over the E550, after all, didn't I?
The E350 I have on order is $68,000 MSRP. With that price, I could have gotten a E550 with Prem2 (and all mighty leather) but I didn't. As Bigigg stated, the power isn't necessary for me (and if I wanted, the Cayenne S has plenty of power, even in it's SUV form) and insurance and gas mileage also plays a large role. At the age of 60+, I don't need to be flying down the highway at 90MPH. That is not to say that the 550 is not "superior" in many ways (at least on paper) but as KA and Bigigg have pointed out, sticker price is not the only factor but a lot of things come into play as well when someone decides to pick a 350 over 550.
K-A you said it best! "i cant justify spending the extra $$" Do i need a bigger motor with less gas mileage? No, soo i can speed down the NJ turnpike to go to work? Air matic suspesion? would be nice i guess but not necessary.
Immabe- your basically saying you care what other people perceive you as?
Immabe- your basically saying you care what other people perceive you as?
Last edited by K-A; 12-17-2011 at 07:38 AM.
#52
Yea K-A i have nothing to hide, i love my car.. and for the 550 guys to point there fingers and say "you guys are trying come across as if you have a 550 by debadging".. that just shows they have issues within themselves.
#53
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
speaking of posing, what about your fake pano roof, it that part of your cleaner look??
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
#55
Well said! Of course a 550 is better than a 350. My opinion is that if you are in the market for a lets say E, you will look at both. Should your finances allow for it, you will choose the E550 over the E350. It's a no brainer that it's superior to the E350. Back a few years ago I had a E320 (bought new), which I debaged. Would I have loved to have a E500 instead? - Absolutely! Could I afford it? Not at that time, and no not only because the initial purchase price was more, but also the upkeep (gas, etc.) was factored in. Fast forward a few years: Bought a brand new GL550 (first one and only one for a while in our province). Never debadged it. Traded it in for a new GL350 BLUETEC, which first thing I debadged. But it looks identical to what my 550 looked like with the extended fender flares, 21" wheels, etc. The only difference by looking at it was the smaller grill and star in the front. Point is: Human nature (for the most part) is that we like to show off if we own something superior. It's a fact. If one doesn't want to admit to it, they are not completely honest.
#56
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Joined: Jun 2009
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
For the MB purchase, I asked my dealer to look for options and colors on both the 350 + 550 as I do not consider one to be 'superior' to the other - one just has a bigger engine (with worse gas mileage but more power) and more standard features.
#57
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 18
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
In reality lots of 350 owners probably do de-badge because they have an inferiority complex, and that's not the fault of the car, however instead some personal issues within the modder. Just like some guys who drive like snails buy the highest HP cars they can afford to feel better about themselves and fill the void within their own complexes, and ironically are the same ones that usually like to boast about how the less powerful cars are "inferior".
Again, this is generalizing/stereotyping with a negative slant. There are many of us who healthily gauge cars to our best abilities. Some find an E550 necessary and valuable, and some find the 350 level with it, maybe even superior in certain ways, and a far better value.
And I agree with Golfster. It's ridiculous to assume that if someone can "afford it" they would get the biggest motor available. I can technically afford an S65, the ultimate of braggart proportions: Huge, huge engine, huge torque, crap MPG. But I got an E350, and I probably like my E350 as much as I'd like an S65.
Last edited by K-A; 12-17-2011 at 09:36 AM.
#59
I’m going to be brutally honest here. So please keep that in mind when flaming me.
Time for some honest perspective from a guy that’s "been there":
I bought a new 2010 E350 4matic. It was loaded. I even paid the $1700 for the leather package, and I never really even considered the V8. I LOVED the car. I was proud to own it. But I have to admit, that every time I saw another E class, I looked to see if it was another 350 or the mighty 550. And I must admit, every time I saw a 550 I was tweaked. I thought, "BAD *** CAR! What if?" What if my "perfect" 350 have gobs more power to play with? And I guess that made my car feel small, especially when I'd see an E550 with MY COLOR COMBO!!!! HOW DARE THEY?!?! Moreover, I was tired of being asked why I didn't get the 550 and the ensuing discussion on their part. So now I was being “judged” and wanting to defend myself. (FYI: I always kept the retort humble, “Too much money””
Now, I must admit, I was tempted....the thought did cross my mind..... to remove the "350". I assumed others would be looking out for my numbers as well. I told myself it would look better anyway. But in the end, I left it on. A greater fear was that others would know my “true” motivation.
So when I heard the 2012 E550 4matic had the V8 and the twin turbo, I couldn't resist. Don't get me wrong; the extra power is FUN. The motor is a MONSTER and for me, I could never go back to a V 6 now. But, do I feel superior when I see an E350? NOPE. Do I feel my car is better? NOPE. In fact, I see E350 owners being a little more sensible with their money. Do I still always look to see what model the other car is? YES. I guess I always will, because I am a car enthusiast and I love Mercedes.
One other thing: In a matter of months, my mighty 2012 E550 will be obsolete. There will be a newer, even more powerful car. So it really is foolish to feel any pride about a car. There will always be something better, newer and faster right around the corner. Could you imagine if Mercedes put a badge on the car with the model year? As soon as the car was a model year old, EVERYONE would be “debadging”. LOL Just think about that.
e
Time for some honest perspective from a guy that’s "been there":
I bought a new 2010 E350 4matic. It was loaded. I even paid the $1700 for the leather package, and I never really even considered the V8. I LOVED the car. I was proud to own it. But I have to admit, that every time I saw another E class, I looked to see if it was another 350 or the mighty 550. And I must admit, every time I saw a 550 I was tweaked. I thought, "BAD *** CAR! What if?" What if my "perfect" 350 have gobs more power to play with? And I guess that made my car feel small, especially when I'd see an E550 with MY COLOR COMBO!!!! HOW DARE THEY?!?! Moreover, I was tired of being asked why I didn't get the 550 and the ensuing discussion on their part. So now I was being “judged” and wanting to defend myself. (FYI: I always kept the retort humble, “Too much money””
Now, I must admit, I was tempted....the thought did cross my mind..... to remove the "350". I assumed others would be looking out for my numbers as well. I told myself it would look better anyway. But in the end, I left it on. A greater fear was that others would know my “true” motivation.
So when I heard the 2012 E550 4matic had the V8 and the twin turbo, I couldn't resist. Don't get me wrong; the extra power is FUN. The motor is a MONSTER and for me, I could never go back to a V 6 now. But, do I feel superior when I see an E350? NOPE. Do I feel my car is better? NOPE. In fact, I see E350 owners being a little more sensible with their money. Do I still always look to see what model the other car is? YES. I guess I always will, because I am a car enthusiast and I love Mercedes.
One other thing: In a matter of months, my mighty 2012 E550 will be obsolete. There will be a newer, even more powerful car. So it really is foolish to feel any pride about a car. There will always be something better, newer and faster right around the corner. Could you imagine if Mercedes put a badge on the car with the model year? As soon as the car was a model year old, EVERYONE would be “debadging”. LOL Just think about that.
e
Last edited by enzo thecat; 12-17-2011 at 09:43 AM.
#60
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 18
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
And you wonder why I made those comments before?
Please, get into my head and tell me why not.
Is it because I drive like a granny, or because I like the W212's design more than the W221? Because if you were gonna say that, then yes, you're right, those are why I'm just that happy with my car.
You seem to find it hard to believe that someone could like a less than gluttonously powered car, why is that?
Please, get into my head and tell me why not.
Is it because I drive like a granny, or because I like the W212's design more than the W221? Because if you were gonna say that, then yes, you're right, those are why I'm just that happy with my car.
You seem to find it hard to believe that someone could like a less than gluttonously powered car, why is that?
#61
#62
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 18
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I’m going to be brutally honest here. So please keep that in mind when flaming me.
Time for some honest perspective from a guy that’s "been there":
I bought a new 2010 E350 4matic. It was loaded. I even paid the $1700 for the leather package, and I never really even considered the V8. I LOVED the car. I was proud to own it. But I have to admit, that every time I saw another E class, I looked to see if it was another 350 or the mighty 550. And I must admit, every time I saw a 550 I was tweaked. I thought, "BAD *** CAR! What if?" What if my "perfect" 350 have gobs more power to play with? And I guess that made my car feel small, especially when I'd see an E550 with MY COLOR COMBO!!!! HOW DARE THEY?!?! Moreover, I was tired of being asked why I didn't get the 550 and the ensuing discussion on their part. So now I was being “judged” and wanting to defend myself. (FYI: I always kept the retort humble, “Too much money””
Now, I must admit, I was tempted....the thought did cross my mind..... to remove the "350". I assumed others would be looking out for my numbers as well. I told myself it would look better anyway. But in the end, I left it on. A greater fear was that others would know my “true” motivation.
So when I heard the 2012 E550 4matic had the V8 and the twin turbo, I couldn't resist. Don't get me wrong; the extra power is FUN. The motor is a MONSTER and for me, I could never go back to a V 6 now. But, do I feel superior when I see an E350? NOPE. Do I feel my car is better? NOPE. In fact, I see E350 owners being a little more sensible with their money. Do I still always look to see what model the other car is? YES. I guess I always will, because I am a car enthusiast and I love Mercedes.
One other thing: In a matter of months, my mighty 2012 E550 will be obsolete. There will be a newer, even more powerful car. So it really is foolish to feel any pride about a car. There will always be something better, newer and faster right around the corner. Could you imagine if Mercedes put a badge on the car with the model year? As soon as the car was a model year old, EVERYONE would be “debadging”. LOL Just think about that.
e
Time for some honest perspective from a guy that’s "been there":
I bought a new 2010 E350 4matic. It was loaded. I even paid the $1700 for the leather package, and I never really even considered the V8. I LOVED the car. I was proud to own it. But I have to admit, that every time I saw another E class, I looked to see if it was another 350 or the mighty 550. And I must admit, every time I saw a 550 I was tweaked. I thought, "BAD *** CAR! What if?" What if my "perfect" 350 have gobs more power to play with? And I guess that made my car feel small, especially when I'd see an E550 with MY COLOR COMBO!!!! HOW DARE THEY?!?! Moreover, I was tired of being asked why I didn't get the 550 and the ensuing discussion on their part. So now I was being “judged” and wanting to defend myself. (FYI: I always kept the retort humble, “Too much money””
Now, I must admit, I was tempted....the thought did cross my mind..... to remove the "350". I assumed others would be looking out for my numbers as well. I told myself it would look better anyway. But in the end, I left it on. A greater fear was that others would know my “true” motivation.
So when I heard the 2012 E550 4matic had the V8 and the twin turbo, I couldn't resist. Don't get me wrong; the extra power is FUN. The motor is a MONSTER and for me, I could never go back to a V 6 now. But, do I feel superior when I see an E350? NOPE. Do I feel my car is better? NOPE. In fact, I see E350 owners being a little more sensible with their money. Do I still always look to see what model the other car is? YES. I guess I always will, because I am a car enthusiast and I love Mercedes.
One other thing: In a matter of months, my mighty 2012 E550 will be obsolete. There will be a newer, even more powerful car. So it really is foolish to feel any pride about a car. There will always be something better, newer and faster right around the corner. Could you imagine if Mercedes put a badge on the car with the model year? As soon as the car was a model year old, EVERYONE would be “debadging”. LOL Just think about that.
e
No, but really, I never really care. I'm blessed in that HP isn't a weighing factor in my Luxury Car love, it makes me not ever find my car "obsolete". It's all about quality and style for me, really.
#64
how many of those feet are for the cars?
wish I had a garage
#65
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
What is funny is that you are looking at a 350 (with 300+ hp) as being "entry level."
Entry level in reality is the 136hp E200. Oh and BTW, the E550 is sold in the rest of the world as the E500.
The difference between the two cars (350/550) is the engine and the options. The 550 comes with leather, 4matic and ventilated seats as standard (all things optional on the 350) so you're really paying a $6k premium for the engine. That really means that the price difference is about 10% - not a big deal.
If you can't afford a 550 then you probably can't afford a 350 either.
One isn't superior to the other, one just has a bigger engine.
Me? I'd prefer a diesel if it came in AWD.
The Europeans do it right. You can get all the options on any engine size rather than automatically adding options as the engine size increases.
Entry level in reality is the 136hp E200. Oh and BTW, the E550 is sold in the rest of the world as the E500.
The difference between the two cars (350/550) is the engine and the options. The 550 comes with leather, 4matic and ventilated seats as standard (all things optional on the 350) so you're really paying a $6k premium for the engine. That really means that the price difference is about 10% - not a big deal.
If you can't afford a 550 then you probably can't afford a 350 either.
One isn't superior to the other, one just has a bigger engine.
Me? I'd prefer a diesel if it came in AWD.
The Europeans do it right. You can get all the options on any engine size rather than automatically adding options as the engine size increases.
#66
Another way to look at it..(not the kind of person i am but theres people out there like this)If it was all about $$,and hey look at me i drive a 60K + Mercedes, forget about debadging and pretending to be a 550.. your still ahead of the game because the majority of people out there arent spending that kind of $$ on there car. So you would be "superior" to majority of cars on the road.
#67
Clash?
speaking of posing, what about your fake pano roof, it that part of your cleaner look??
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
Pretty lame statement...should every E550, ML550, C350, GL550, S600, CL600, SL600, SLK350 and 550i, 335i, 650i, 760li, GS430, IS350, LS600, M56, G37 etc... owner HAVE to debadge so as not show some sort of superiority and/or small **** complex? really... what an idiot
Hell yeah my 550 is better, it's damn fast and with an adjustable suspension and leather interior standard, the difference is if I had an E350, I would still be the first to defend the E550's "superiority" over the E350. Common sense to me...we all work hard for our money...pretty immature and "superior" of you to call us out as wasting our money for spending extra to get an E550
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ite-black.html
Car forums are so entertaining, but nothing beats a Benz forum. HBO, are you listening?
#68
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
If I were to believe that E550 owners that do not debadge their cars have "small *****" or superiority complexes for merely wanting a V8 powered car, then yes, I to would be an idiot. Right or wrong, I didn't think KA's argument was a mature and/or intelligent reply that he is more than capable of doing based on his past comments/replies...if he or anyone wants to call out people, then expect the same back, that's all
#69
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
'14 ML350 GONE-'12 GL450/'10 E550/'10 ML350/'09 C300/'07 ML350/'03 E320
This is epic. The owner of a white Benz with black grill, star, badges, chrome, spoiler and OEM wheels who thought about a black roof calling out the owner of a white Benz for having a black roof.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ite-black.html
Car forums are so entertaining, but nothing beats a Benz forum. HBO, are you listening?
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ite-black.html
Car forums are so entertaining, but nothing beats a Benz forum. HBO, are you listening?
Now you want to call me out about my mods of blacking out my car while defending other people's "mod" of debadging? What a hypocrite
#70
IMHO, I think we can all agree that putting a fake badged on a car is not acceptable behavior. Badged or de-badged is a personal choice. For example, if one decide to replaced the stock rims that came with a car, this action is view acceptable. No one would question this individual's intention. Others choose to leave the car stock. And that fine too. It's all about choice of expressions.
#75