Need Forum help on purchase, 2014 E550-4 vs. 2013 E550-4
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
Need Forum help on purchase, 2014 E550-4 vs. 2013 E550-4
I've searched and read the forum, but haven't seen this comparison. Please let me know your overall thoughts on the 2 cars. I am currently driving my 1 owner 2004 E500 w/ 248k highway miles, moving up to the new style. I think I like the 13 front better, but basically the same car as the 14 except for Eco button and some small refinements on the 14. The 2013 I'm looking at is $52k. The 2014 is $72k. Let me know pros and cons or which way you would go. Thank you all for any input.
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
You could get a used 2014 for about $60-65k per the autotrader listings I've seen, anywhere from 2k to 10k miles. Hell, I saw my 'used' 2014 E550 (checked the VIN to confirm) used in Colorado for $65k asking, and I paid $72k new for it, then it was bought back after the transmission was replaced. It was loaded with most of the popular options.
I don't think there is a strict con to going one way or another -- if you like the look of one over the other, that's the way to go. They drive the same, interiors are essentially the same. Obviously check the carfax, service records, etc. Don't be afraid to buy from out of state if it's CPO'd.
Sounds like you keep your cars a long time and drive them many miles, so a '13 or '14 shouldn't be an issue for you regarding depreciation over time.
Drive the 2014 and see if you think the 7-spd is smoothly shifting... i had problems with two 2014 E550's with bad transmissions -- both brand new cars.
When I surveyed a bunch of people on the forum here, many 2013 owners seemed to suggest their transmissions were very smoothly shifting. The problem seems more pronounced among all benz 2014 owners in my anecdotal experience and survey.
Best of luck
I don't think there is a strict con to going one way or another -- if you like the look of one over the other, that's the way to go. They drive the same, interiors are essentially the same. Obviously check the carfax, service records, etc. Don't be afraid to buy from out of state if it's CPO'd.
Sounds like you keep your cars a long time and drive them many miles, so a '13 or '14 shouldn't be an issue for you regarding depreciation over time.
Drive the 2014 and see if you think the 7-spd is smoothly shifting... i had problems with two 2014 E550's with bad transmissions -- both brand new cars.
When I surveyed a bunch of people on the forum here, many 2013 owners seemed to suggest their transmissions were very smoothly shifting. The problem seems more pronounced among all benz 2014 owners in my anecdotal experience and survey.
Best of luck
Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
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From: Boston Area
2021 Mojave Silver E450, 2024 Black on Black Jaguar F-pace P400, 2011 335d (RIP), 2010 E350 (sold)
$72k is high for a 14. New they would be giving >10k off (if you could find one that is), unless you are looking at the convertible at MB of Georgetown (which is still high if you ask me).
If it were me, I'd go for something like this: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...3036/overview/
<2k miles loaded (distronic cruise even), asking $64k.
If it were me, I'd go for something like this: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...3036/overview/
<2k miles loaded (distronic cruise even), asking $64k.
Thread Starter
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
The 2014 $72k is with the 5 yr. pre-paid maintenance so I didn't think it was that high, but compared to almost the exact same car in 2013 w/ only 21k miles, the $20k diff makes me lean to the 13 just for sheer value on cost/reward.
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From: Los Angeles
2014 E550, 2015 E63S, 2017 G63 - RIP
2014 has a lot better tech as compared to 2013: 360 degree camera(s), better navi, a lot cleaner bluetooth integration, parking assist (will actually parallel park for you!), distronic plus, etc.
Just something to consider
Just something to consider
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
two weeks?! I got my PPI done the same day - very thorough inspection for almost 3 hours. Also took it to an indy shop but that was a once over. But mine was out of warranty.
Since yours is still in warranty, a clean carfax and a once over for signs of damage or leaks should be enough.
Since yours is still in warranty, a clean carfax and a once over for signs of damage or leaks should be enough.
Thread Starter
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
Further pre-sale inspection found all 4 rotors needed to be replaced due to rust. Import dealer up north agreed to replace them prior to shipping the car to me in TX.
Thread Starter
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
I am getting them to CPO the car up north first, and then I'll buy it if it passes within reason. Better risk management play for me. I'm very excited and will keep you posted on how much they charge me to CPO the car. If they say +$22k IM OUT....Hopefully it will be new tires and pads and you're in it.
Thread Starter
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
Game over. No way to CPO the car before I buy it unless a MBZ dealer buys it and CPOs it first. Dealer up north wont buy it. That is WACKY, but I understand. I'm not shipping a non CPO car down to TX for service. When the hairs tingle on the back of your neck during the process, that means don't buy it. Maybe some of you long timers can attest to this. I'm out...!! ps. but Damn that was a nice car.
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
Yeah, only MB sold cars are in CPO program. Didn't know you wanted a CPO. I guess you have your reasons. Since the 2013 is still within B2B warranty, you can still get the MB extended limited warranty which offers more comprehensive coverage than CPO for up to 3 years past original warranty and up to 100k miles IIRC. I am not sure what advantage you get with a CPO unless you really needed the unlimited miles on the extended warranty.
Thread Starter
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
Yup, that was the plan for the warranty purposes. I'm pretty sure you need it long term, especially since I priced the turbos just for fun and they are $2100 ea., just for the part. The more I thought about it, the shadier this deal got, and without MBZ certifying the car I have no protection.
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2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Yup, that was the plan for the warranty purposes. I'm pretty sure you need it long term, especially since I priced the turbos just for fun and they are $2100 ea., just for the part. The more I thought about it, the shadier this deal got, and without MBZ certifying the car I have no protection.
If I was you I would do a careful math here if you really like the 2013 model car.
The car now is still 2 years+ under factory warranty. You can get extended MB warranty for an extra 3 years up to, I guess, 100 000 miles. It used to be up to 135 000 miles that I purchased for my own 2010 model E550.
Anyway, the 2013 model car has 21 000 miles on it so you would have 79 000 miles to drive during the coming 5+ years. Are you sure you would run the miles out before the warranty times out? The unlimited mileage warranty also times out at the 7 years max time regardless of the miles driven.
It is about what really takes the warranty out, time or the miles.
I would go with the 2013 model and purchase the extended 3 extra years of warranty from MB if I liked it like you seem to like it but the decision is yours, of course.
Last edited by Arrie; Sep 2, 2014 at 01:30 PM.
