1c93707

New member here! I've decided it's time to trade in my 2010 C300 for something new (to me). I would like to buy another Benz mostly because these cars are so solid, even on a base model. I love my C300 and it's reliability, it's been such a joy owning this car. I'm in love with the sound of this naturally aspirated V6. But, I want something bigger and a little nicer and the E350 seems like the perfect choice. Anyways, I was wondering if there is any common knowledge you owners have discovered about these cars after owning them such as common problems, options you wish the car had on it, etc that you'd like to share. I'm finding certified 2011 E350's with P1 Package within my budget. Next week I'm going to test drive a black 2011 at my local Benz dealer and I'm sure I'll fall in love. Is there anyone who can compare the ride of the E350 and C300 performance-wise? Also, are the MB-Tex seats comfortable? My C300 has them and I'm not too fond as my back cramps easily while sitting in them. I might have to opt with an E350 with real leather. Any comments are much appreciated!

thefisch

I can't comment on the ride comparison, but the P1 package is the right place to start. The conveniences of P2 are nice, but not necessarily a deal breaker. Finding leather on a E350 will be tough. Most E550 will have them, but it would be a rare find on the E350.

I would say go all the way on the tech and try to find a P2 with distronic if you can find it and your budget can handle it. You will enjoy it.

SLpat

I agree with the Distronic +. I would rather have that than the P2 but it can be hard to find. The E350 with P1 is readily available and a nice car. From what I have seen with 2014's probably 95% have MB Tex so leather is probably hard to find on the 2011's as well.

Substance

Buy a silver one. It is the heritage color of mercedes and will save you from washing your car every two days. Silver does not show dust/dirt at all.

Xenon option is a must. Its embarrassing to see a mercedes with standard light where even most basic cars today come with them.

Distronic is very nice. I use it % 90 of my driving in city and hwy.

rrayll

I totally agree with thefisch that P2 and Driver's Assist package together is the ideal combo, though very hard to find. My recently purchased CPO 2011 E350 luckily had both, though P2 was among the only "must have" options when I was shopping. I love the extra brightness of the xenon lights and keyless start. However, I was lucky that among the various cars my salesman found was one that had the Drivers Assist package as well. Not being familiar with all of the Driver's Assist features, I was actually most attracted to the Blind side assist. However, after buying the car, I have come to really appreciate Distronics plus as it makes driving, particularly in medium traffic, so much more safe and relaxing.
As much as I initially wanted P2, knowing what I know now, if I had to make a choice (since a car having both is quite rare) I would give up the P2 and choose Driver's Assist package.
Leather is really hard to find in an E350 and is not a "must have" for me.
Good luck shopping. You will love the E car as compared to the C class.

BenzV12

ARTICO / MB TEX seats proved to be very hard to my comfort level after driving 1.45 hours ,that's why I had an upholsterer modified front seats' cushion and bottoms .Rear seats , however, are very comfortable
Keyless Go is a must-have for me but it's up to you .
I don't wanna utilize exact things as some of them has been covered greatly by our fellow forum members
I think I should have opted Thermotronic and multi disk changer

joeyza

The difference from a C300 to an E350 is substantial. My experience with the C300 is limited to service loaners, but the ride quality and space afforded by an E is significantly better. You'll also notice finish improvements and materials are several steps above. The leather v MBtex battle rages on with good cases to be made for either material. Test drive several models of the E before you buy. I own a luxury model and for my long commutes, it is perfect. Best of luck with your search.

rrayll

One final note that may help with your shopping. As I was pricing out the various cars, it seemed that the pricing did not accurately reflect, at least to me, the value of the extra options. That is it seemed to me that the more fully loaded the car is, the better value the listed price seemed. I have seen equivalent cars where one had P2, Driver's Assist, leather, panoramic roof or other options and another didn't, listed for essentially the same price. A little thorough shopping goes a long way.
Good luck again.

thefisch

+1. Some sellers don't know what they have and probably most buyers are looking at mileage and color not options. If you can be flexible on mileage and color you can get a great deal on a loaded car if options are a priority to you.

And I agree about silver - it was my first choice. But price was more important so I am driving a black car which still looks darn good.

1c93707

Thanks for all the feedback I really appreciate it! I'm not going to be too picky on the color- black, white, iridium, or palladium silver. My C300 is iridium silver so I'd like to get something different but if not then oh well. P2 Package would definitely be a nice option and so would distronic + but my absolute must have is P1 Package. My MB dealer has 2 palladium silver E350's I'm looking at. Both 4Matic, one 2010 and the other 2011. The 2010 has 35k miles with P2 Package and the 2011 has 18k miles with P1 Package. Both are listed at the same price and certified. Should I get the 2011 with less miles or do you think P2 is an absolute must? Thanks.

thefisch

Now you are getting into remaining b2b warranty time between the two cars, comparing maintenance history, condition of tires and brake pads, etc. Not knowing anything else I would think that 2010 should be selling for less than the 2011 with fewer miles. So either the 2010 is overpriced or the 2011 is a good value. If you want more feedback you will need to post the asking prices. P2 is nice but not enough to overpay for it.

1c93707

After looking at the dealer's (Tri Star Imports) website I decided to head over and check a couple E350's out. The salesman said the 2010 sold 2 days ago but the 2011 is still available. Here's the catch, the reason why the 2010 and 2011 were priced the same is because the 2011 actually has 38k miles, not 18k the dealer listed it wrong on their website. Of course when I get there I ask for the 18k mile palladium silver and he looks at me like I have 2 heads. They changed it to the correct mileage on their website about 10 minutes before I got there. The E350 is listed at $34,950, in great shape and just got new ContiProContact tires put on. As far as the Carfax goes it's a 1 owner, no accident, I don't see any maintenance though. AWD is a must have for me especially after our last winter here in St. Louis- it was dreadful with my RWD C300. Does this look like a good deal to you? Prices here seem to be a couple thousand more than others but there's a little bit of wiggling room on the price.

Munich77

I would drive both and then decide. 17 K is a large mileage difference.

thefisch

The price doesn't strike as that great, but I am the wrong one to ask as I didn't research the E350. Maybe someone else can share. Or if you search around there are other threads where folks posted auction data and sales prices.

Arrie

All I can say is the P2 is absolutely the minimum for me and if you knew what it means it would be the minimum package for you too. Driver assist package for me is a must too now as I swapped the cars to get it.

The fact is it does not even matter what package the used car comes with as everyone buying old cars are just looking at the mileage just as the sellers are with pricing them.

It really does not matter if one of these MB E-class vehicles has 20000 or 40000 miles on it in what comes in the condition of the car (assuming services were done by the scheduled, which you can check with the dealer). You will get the extended warranty for it and have trouble free driving.

If you want a car you will like you will get one with at least the P2 package and I understand 4-Magic too for the area you live in.

Buy the car you will like and if it is 2000 miles away go get it.

KEY08

P2, panoramic, parktronic, distronic, 4Matic are all great to have. It is a luxury car after all, so why not buy one that is optioned out? The 2010 and 2011 are identical, so maybe a 2010 with less miles is the way to go, if there is a price break. Mileage is a minor concern as long as the maintenance is up to date as these cars run forever if properly cared for. I have only owned one C class and it was an AMG. I'm 6'-3" and it is just too small for me. The E Class is a Goldilocks car for me and is just right. Personally, I would only buy the 550 4Matic as I like leather and all of the other goodies that come with the V8. Good luck finding the right car

shak

If you look around, you can find a clean 2012 CPO for that price range. remember that 12 have a newer engine, more hp, better mpg, dash facelift and I think even Navy software improvement.

I passed on white 2011 with Pano roof, it is a cool option but the fact that they have a cloth screen that does not block the sun, here in FL it could be in issue. My friends 06 E550 has a Pano also, but his has a normal covers that you find on sunroof model.

KEY08

^ That cloth screen cuts 95% of the light/sun. I have the Panoramic roof and don't understand what your are saying. It works extremely well.

ngerstman

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thefisch

For comparison sake, here is a silver/black 2010 E550 4matic P2/parktronic with 40k miles selling for $32k in your area. Maybe not the car for you. They also have a 2010 E350 with 23k miles for $29k.

CEB

Maybe somebody should tell CARMAX that modern digital cameras have a white balance.

Back on topic. What kind of accident and where has the car been since November of 2013 that hasn't been registered and only 1000 miles driven then.

Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!

thefisch

All good questions for a potential buyer to ask. Other than inspecting the car or requesting a police report on the accident from NY, not sure how anyone would know the details of the accident. Could have been a bumper tap or alot worse.

1c93707

I can't find either of those in my area! Do you know what dealer it is?

CEB

did you click on the link in his post?

hyperion667

I'd squeeze the last 2K off that 550 and tell them they have a deal or walk