aprevo15

I was fine with my 350 until I test drove the 550. But not much I can do at this point. I only have a year left on my 2 year lease so I can wait. Definitely getting something with more power.

ImInPA

Honestly, I would probably keep the thing until the all-new E comes out, and, then get the E63. The non-AMG E would not be my first choice for a sports sedan. In any event, you have a nice vehicle for now. Get to know the MB you have. You will appreciate your next one even more. Just my 2 cents.

ngerstman

I was you in December 2010!! I had bought a very nice e350 and after one week had the same buyers remorse. I traded it back for my e550 and took the couple of thousand dollar hit. Unfortunately, from the dealers perspective, it puts him in a tough situation, wanting to make you happy without taking a bath on the trade, because at the end of the day, your current car becomes a used car that they must sell. I don't regret my trade at all, although with the newer v6 engine I might have not felt compelled to trade up to the v8. The new v6, which was introduced in 2012, is a much more lively, fuel efficient engine. I know a few people with the newer e350 and they all love the car. The fuel efficiency is great! Make sure that you are putting the car in the sport mode every time you get in the car, makes a huge difference. Always defaults back to economy every time you start the car. Good luck. Regards. Ned.

rjej84

Thanks guys, my dealer over the phone quickly quotes me roughly 48k for my car. I put 40k down but the it works out is be giving up basically 12k. Doesn't seem very smart. I think I'm going to go test drive just to know what I may be missing. As I said before, the v6 is a very fun car to drive and I do typically put it in sport every time I get in. I imagine I'll keep this car for several years and in time get the new e63. I've never been one to lease and I also don't put many miles in vehicles. Last vehicle I bought for myself was in 06 and that vehicle has 42k miles on it. So if anything this E will have good resale value when the time comes. I may be better served to go ahead and build the big 4
Car detached garage so i have places to put everything!

ngerstman

Is that $12,000 to trade up or a $12,000 hit just to get out of the e350? Test driving the e550 may just torture your soul even more! Be careful tempting yourself, leave your checkbook at home! Regards. Ned.

rjej84

Well my OTD price for my 350 was 59.8. I put 40k down so I owe 19.8 so before I ever talk about the 550 im throwing 12k away. Dealer said they'd give me roughly 48k for my trade. Also said that due to lack of 550 inventory they're isn't as much negotiation in price with the 5.

ngerstman

Ouch! That hurts. I got off easy when I did my buyers remorse, but I literally only had something like 200-300 miles on the car and it cost me something like $3,000 if I recall. The dealership had trouble selling my trade-in for what they wanted to get. These new e350's are absolutely great cars, the definition of a luxury sedan with a little sport thrown in. The reliability and build quality is absolutely amazing, so much better than just six or seven years ago. Mercedes got religion when their reputation for quality started to sink in the 2000's and really got it together. They may not be the "ultimate driving machine" but they achieved great balance and stay out of the shop. The best of the luxury sedans for the 2%ers, IMO. Thanks. Regards. Ned.

Live Oak

Oh! The pain!

When I had a 2011 E350 on order, I changed my mind before delivery (business really picked up). The dealer told me my E350 was damaged at the port in FL <G>, but he really wanted to do the E550 P2+ deal -- which we did.

The E550, in this western mountain region, is simply a delight to drive. It literally idles up long mountain grades --- quietly, softly, "What grade?" 3,000 mile trips, including those mountain grades and desert hauls, including 110+mph semi passes, 27.5 mpg! And a steep uphill Interstate on-ramp to 70mph? "That was uphill?" Not bad for a honking, nearly silent, V8!

Nobody should overlook the comfort, beauty and solid performance of the E550 --- unless, of course, you would be driving it in downtown Newark, or on the 405 in LA.

ZeroMB

When I was looking around before buying my 550 I noticed there was a ton of 350s around, new, used, a lot. So I can't imagine the dealer working out too much of a deal on buying a used 350 -- he's going to have it on the lot for a while.

Like I said before, I think there's a huge difference between the 350 and 550, but at that price and given you're eventual goal of getting into an E63, I'd save that 12K, wait 2-3 years and pick up the next gen E63 or pick up a used one.

PeterUbers

life sux -- shoulda got the 550....

BenzBee

We might have talked to your dealer in NOVA today - they told us about 3,000-5,000 off. We went to the local dealer and wanted to order an E550 but there are none you can customize anymore . So we were able to negotiate for one in inventory - we got about 10% off a car that is going to arrive this weekend. We feel we got a pretty decent price - with the E550s being rare - as in about 13 in the country or on the way not spoken for (there might be more being built) it is definitely a seller's market.

2006_C350

Unless you have a tranny problem...LOL

FastE

I drove a 350. Nice ride, but I wanted to be slammed into the back of my seat when I put the peddle down. So, I drive a 550.

I drive all year and we have a full on winter here, so the 4Matic 550 was a perfect fit. The E63 RWD was not. Now in 2014 with the 63 being 4Matic (though fixed ratio) I can see why they are dropping the 550.

I love my Air Ride suspension too - enjoyed raising the car up as we have a lot of snow on the ground today

next up - E63 4Matic for me!

rjej84

I think I've decided to stick with my 350. I am thankful to be able to have it. A lot of people out there would love to be able to drive it. It's my first mb so I'll enjoy it every time I drive it. In a few years if circumstances allow I'll get into a new E63. Thanks for all the responses.

marvinlee

If you can wait a few months for delivery, a factory order can give you exactly the colors and other options you want. Price is negotiable since the dealer has no excess costs involved.

hyperion667

good for you man, no looking back!

enjoy your beautiful Benz

GregTR

The only reasonable choice you had. And that'sout oof the way, drive the snot out of it!

ngerstman

I think you will come to appreciate the balanced package that your e350 is. You have to remember that the Mercedes throttles are very soft and laid back. Your engine has plenty of power and torque. Don't be afraid to step on it to make it move and downshift the transmission. I think you'll find it has more pep than you think. If they had your engine in 2011, I might have kept the e350 for just enough power and the great fuel economy. No matter if you can afford it or not, one never enjoys stopping for gas more often than you have to. Don't look back and enjoy your good fortune to own such a great vehicle! Regards. Ned.

PeterUbers

if you and your family have your good health, you have everything you need already

rjej84

Amen!!

rjej84

Something I just thought of. If I wait 2 years I can find a '14 e550 with lie miles and trade then. Since I love the new body style. That is unless the next gen E is even better!

omgitselaine

Not for nothing but life's too short ?? If you can tolerate the hit on your current E then gooo for it

One doesnt know what's gonna happen two years from now so why not enjoy while you can IMHO !??!?!

alexunlv

Wise to wait it out. Enjoy the ride for now.

hyperion667

paid 88 for the W212 AMG I had, got 77 208 days later for it......so yeah, a big hit

gavin1911

E550 is RWD only, isnt it? how's it on snow/icy roads?