Zunit83

I am looking to buy an E550 . There is only 2 within a 100 miles of me in Phoenix for sale. One is $34,995 with 51,000 miles on it. Steel Grey on black, P2 with sport pack. It is past the factory warranty, and the wood trim is fading. Mercedes quoted me 3,500 to replace it. It is a known issue with, and if it was under factory it would covered. I really want the car, but don't want to pay 3,500 to fix the wood trim. Is here a less expensive way to change it out? Is there 3rd party kits that don't look tacky?

The other one is a 2010 black on black P2 with 30,000 miles. and is listed at 38,200.

Im not huge on black paint as it is so hard to keep clean. The Steel Grey is a cool color, but I'm stuck on this one.

Thoughts on which one I should buy????

Is anyone selling the dash kits on here that has replaced with carbon fiber? Please help! Anyone looking to sell a 2010-2011 E550 with lower mileage please let me know. Thanks in advance!

Arrie

The car has 51000 miles on it, i.e. 1000 miles outside warranty. Does anyone think that the wood faded just during the last 1000 miles?

MB has a TSB about it. It is a known problem. They should cover it under warranty.

If not, how about taking some wood conditioning on it? If it really is wood like they say, which it does not feel like, it shoulkd be easy to treat it with some oil or something to bring the looks back. It getting faded does not mean it is bad if you want to treat it yourself.

no_mulligan

Welcome Zunit83! You are looking for an E550. What about it is appealing to you? Many look for E350s. Some believe there is no interest in buying E550s anymore and you certainly go against that. I love my E550. To me, there are three reasons why shoppers don't end up buying one. First, availability new or used is very low and when you travel to find the e550, there's not many to choose from. I had to travel 135 miles. Two, there is a premium ($) associated with a V8 and unless you really want the capability, many will get the e350 closely optioned to their wants. Third, fuel economy & insurance are generally higher than e350s. With fuel prices generally on the rise, taking a hit at the pump adds up to some beyond comfort level. No doubt anything beyond a V6 have a gas guzzling connotation to many. I believe these three items contribute to why there are fewer on the road but as a owner, I feel good about my decision to have one.
I would not buy the 2010 (with 50K miles) for the reason that it's out of warranty which means you can't buy any MB warranty unless it's a Certified Pre-Owned which you didn't say. In fact, I would run away from it. Wood typically fades because of UV light. Looks like to me that there is a top coat (like polyeurathane) to the trim and if correct, any wipe on treatment will not get to the wood.
I have black on black and while it shows everything, I have great admiration, more than the other two colors I've had, when clean.

DG_Guy

I just spent 9 months looking for a used E550 and ended up with a silver P2 2010 with 30K miles which I paid 43K for. It was all certified pre owned (CPO) which extends the warranty one year and up to 100K miles. Maintenance on these cars can be pricey so buy one from an MB dealer and have them make it CPO. That usually adds about $1500 but it's worth it.

I love my car so far. It's as quick as a Camaro SS but is great in the snow too.

As for your decision the black one is priced very nicely but I avoided that color for the same reason you are. My wife drives a black R350 and keeping it clean is a major chore. My silver car looks great even after driving in snow. Hers, not so much.

no_mulligan

DG_Guy,
Thanks for your post. There a former e350 MB owner that now drives a Black V6 M-sport (got to say that cause he's really proud of that because it's rare) where he posted on bimmerfest that nobody in interested in 550s. We should rename this thread for nobodys. I don't hate BMW at all. I agree with you about CPO. I've done it myself with no regrets. I'm amazed that you could search for 9 months. Is patience your middle name?


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K-A

How dare you call it a V6. It's an I6.

People are interested in them (E550's). They just don't largely buy them. Look at the alottment of models posted in that very thread as an example. Unfortunately that is why Mercedes is discontinuing them.

OnlyGerman

I would fight to have it replaced.. its such a common issue.

no_mulligan

Oops, but it's still a 6 banger. By your own admission, you are another that like an 8. Money holding you back? Come on, how many months left on your lease? At least I didn't say that you thought the 535 Msport had a "soul".

MB will still offer some a midsize with a V8 4matic and call it whatever because it DOES have a following of enthusiast.

K-A

What are you on about?

And no, it was been reported that M-B is DROPPING the V8 from the non AMG E-Classes. Why do you think that is? "Nobody" is buying them, which IMO is MBUSA's own fault as they've been alienating the enthusiasts who care about such stuff away from the brand. You won't have much luck finding plethoras of P2 or Leather equipped E's as well, IMO for the same reasons.

no_mulligan

OK, AMG 4matic. Are you predicting "Nobody" will buy them too? "Nobody" must have a lot of $$$.

OP is looking for E550, why would he look for "Leather equipped E's" when it's standard?

SoCalCLK

Back on topic, I respect the fact that the OP is seeking a W212 E550. These cars are rare birds indeed and very satisfying to own.

If I were the OP, I would go with the lower mileage E550, in this case, the black one. The steel grey is a nice color, but 51K miles is a bit much.

Good luck with the pursuit, and congrats to everyone else who went with the E550!

olivine28

I leased a 2010 E550 for 3 years and I enjoyed it very much. Just the right amount of horsepower and class. I ended up buying an 2013 Audi S5 which is also a nice vehicle but very different as far as handling and the interior.

You won't regret purchasing the E550.