2014 E550 w/ 140k "highway miles" Price Check
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 21
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From: CA
2012 CLS 550
2014 E550 w/ 140k "highway miles" Price Check
I was browsing FB marketplace for an E55 or CLS55 when I stumbled upon this E550. Doing a quick google search it's not really that much slower, and for the price it caught my eye.
Looks to be fully loaded, seller says that too. Has a decent amount of service history and the seller is the first person I have ever seen actually use the Carfax Car Care app to track their service history, which I take as a good sign. The 140k miles threw me off because this car looks like your average 50k mile car. Leather is in perfect condition, just a little shiny from the body oils as usual. Interior is really clean, exterior is even cleaner. Makes me wonder if he rolled forward the odometer.
Anyway I'll stop beating around the bush, he's got it listed for $15,500 firm. The reason I was interested in a 55AMG was due to the reliability of the M113k, can the same be said for the M278 of this era? Unlike the current owner, I don't think I will exceeding 5k miles a year. With all the overpriced E55s asking near $20,000 with almost 200k miles on the clock, its making 140k miles seem like nothing.
Any insight would be great, thanks.
Looks to be fully loaded, seller says that too. Has a decent amount of service history and the seller is the first person I have ever seen actually use the Carfax Car Care app to track their service history, which I take as a good sign. The 140k miles threw me off because this car looks like your average 50k mile car. Leather is in perfect condition, just a little shiny from the body oils as usual. Interior is really clean, exterior is even cleaner. Makes me wonder if he rolled forward the odometer.
Anyway I'll stop beating around the bush, he's got it listed for $15,500 firm. The reason I was interested in a 55AMG was due to the reliability of the M113k, can the same be said for the M278 of this era? Unlike the current owner, I don't think I will exceeding 5k miles a year. With all the overpriced E55s asking near $20,000 with almost 200k miles on the clock, its making 140k miles seem like nothing.
Any insight would be great, thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 72
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From: Chicagoland
2014 E550 4matic 180k Mi
Same situation. My simple search shows your target is the cheapest E550 at this time. imo, price is market for the mileage. Mine had extensive MB service history (+) and I requested (and paid for) a PPI at a local MB dealer (+). I used the PPI to negotiate the price further down. In this single experience, the dealer PPI seems to be primarily focused on safety because certain 'minor' issues were not mentioned in the PPI, but could become major problems later if not addressed. I was annoyed at a few of these 'misses. So, the PPI imo is quite helpful, but not absolute. Also, the SA would not give me the VMI (do a search if needed), but he did answer my polite, well-informed, specific questions since I created an unofficial calendar of maintenance. In my case, I asked about missing pieces to the maintenance calendar and last major repairs. Your mileage may vary 
The M278 is generally very reliable and many other members, who have longer history than me, have written in other threads. If you are experienced in the MBWorld (no pun intended...) you know that there are sensors for sensors. The upshifting/downshifting (read in other threads about the details) should be tested in-person or by someone knowledgeable to make sure it has not been abused. One of the Vin services can (may have already?) provided you with details about the vehicle. imo, I would stay away from any significant mods to the car. I do understand why some are attracted to built in mods. I am very pleased with the package I have and consider it an excellent DD. Is this 4matic? Dealer or Private seller? GLWP
The M278 is generally very reliable and many other members, who have longer history than me, have written in other threads. If you are experienced in the MBWorld (no pun intended...) you know that there are sensors for sensors. The upshifting/downshifting (read in other threads about the details) should be tested in-person or by someone knowledgeable to make sure it has not been abused. One of the Vin services can (may have already?) provided you with details about the vehicle. imo, I would stay away from any significant mods to the car. I do understand why some are attracted to built in mods. I am very pleased with the package I have and consider it an excellent DD. Is this 4matic? Dealer or Private seller? GLWP
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I can’t believe an E55 AMG with 200,000 miles is $20K, but whatever. My 2014 E550 has been trouble free, but only has less than half of those miles. It is loaded with every option and Maybe I could get $25K for it? Get a PPI and if it checks out buy it. That is a great deal on a very rare car. They are very fast and handle like a dream.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
M278 is known for cylinder scuffing which is a fatal condition or requires resleeving. Well documented on this site.
Check cam position sensors and cam magnet connectors for signs of oil in the harness. Well documented on this site.
Confirm by reading the service invoice(s) that the transmission has been serviced at least twice.
Check cam position sensors and cam magnet connectors for signs of oil in the harness. Well documented on this site.
Confirm by reading the service invoice(s) that the transmission has been serviced at least twice.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Illinois
2013 E350 4Matic P2 Pano
I can’t believe an E55 AMG with 200,000 miles is $20K, but whatever. My 2014 E550 has been trouble free, but only has less than half of those miles. It is loaded with every option and Maybe I could get $25K for it? Get a PPI and if it checks out buy it. That is a great deal on a very rare car. They are very fast and handle like a dream.
Chris
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560SL, 380SL, E350
I paid 22K for a P1 2013 4matic E350 with 26000 miles on it, clean Carfax, iffy maintenance (but at 26k how much was needed) in May 2021. I thought that i got a deal (considering the times), and still do.
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Yesterday, I was offered 15k for my E350 4matic with 83,000 miles and 12k in options including P2. Still thinking about it.
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2013 E350 4Matic P2 Pano
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
My "CarFax Car Care" app says my 2016 E350 (4 years newer) with 36,000 miles (6,000/year) should trade in for $25,000. I'm pretty sure if I tried one of the internet services, my trade-in would exceed $30,000 in this market. I haven't investigated further, as I have no interest in selling.
Oh, and for the OP... As much as I love my MBs, I would not buy one over 100,000 miles, no matter the cost. My 2001 C320 cost me nothing in repairs its first 100,000 miles/15 years, but 8-10 times the car's worth in the 46,000 miles since.
Last edited by DFWdude; Mar 30, 2022 at 05:54 PM.
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Agreed, the only inexpensive used cars around here are Maserati's LOL. I am just shopping.
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
I don't think you were offered enough in this inflated market. Maybe OK in normal market conditions. 83,000 miles for a 10 year old car (8,300/year) is IMO midrange of the usage curve... not higher mileage at all. Not low mileage, either.
My "CarFax Car Care" app says my 2016 E350 (4 years newer) with 36,000 miles (6,000/year) should trade in for $25,000. I'm pretty sure if I tried one of the internet services, my trade-in would exceed $30,000 in this market. I haven't investigated further, as I have no interest in selling.
Oh, and for the OP... As much as I love my MBs, I would not buy one over 100,000 miles, no matter the cost. My 2001 C320 cost me nothing in repairs its first 100,000 miles/15 years, but 8-10 times the car's worth in the 46,000 miles since.
My "CarFax Car Care" app says my 2016 E350 (4 years newer) with 36,000 miles (6,000/year) should trade in for $25,000. I'm pretty sure if I tried one of the internet services, my trade-in would exceed $30,000 in this market. I haven't investigated further, as I have no interest in selling.
Oh, and for the OP... As much as I love my MBs, I would not buy one over 100,000 miles, no matter the cost. My 2001 C320 cost me nothing in repairs its first 100,000 miles/15 years, but 8-10 times the car's worth in the 46,000 miles since.
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
Could be right, I just retired and I have the '12 with 30k just sitting, I have started it five times since Thanksgiving, but it hasn't gone further than around the block, I have test driven all the German mid-size sedans, a Tesla and the Lexus and Infinity, Haven't found anything that's head and shoulders above the "13 yet, but as I mentioned , just shopping.
My current thought is to keep driving it until someone makes an EV sedan that appeals to me and has extended range. I like the Teslas, but the range isn't quite there, yet. If that day never comes along, I'll keep driving the 2016 W212.
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Yes, I'm 62 now, my plan is to keep the blue "12 luxury for another ten years, or as long as I can if I end up staying in the rust belt, the plan was to move to Texas or Arizona soon, we'll see how that works out, just like cars, real estate is way up in value.
The differences between the sport "13 and the '12 luxury are night and day, since I go back and forth all week it's very obvious to me. I like them both a lot, but the '13 is getting higher mileage and has been in the salt for eight winters now, the undersides between the cars is also night and day, blue car has never seen salt, grey car still looks new outside and inside, but is rusty underneath , especially rear subframe and brake lines. but again, have found nothing that excites me enough to sell and if I can get the '13 to the desert soon, I may be able to save it.
The differences between the sport "13 and the '12 luxury are night and day, since I go back and forth all week it's very obvious to me. I like them both a lot, but the '13 is getting higher mileage and has been in the salt for eight winters now, the undersides between the cars is also night and day, blue car has never seen salt, grey car still looks new outside and inside, but is rusty underneath , especially rear subframe and brake lines. but again, have found nothing that excites me enough to sell and if I can get the '13 to the desert soon, I may be able to save it.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 771
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From: USA
E550
I’m considering parting with my 14 E550 with 72k on it. Recently got an offer from Driveway for 25,800.
Given the miles I think the price is OK, but I’d get a PPI done to see what it might need before committing
Given the miles I think the price is OK, but I’d get a PPI done to see what it might need before committing
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what options do you have on your E550? Pano, Parktronic, driver assist with Distronic +, dynamic seats, etc.?
Super Member
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From: USA
E550
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Not to compare, but DFW must be right my offer was low, of course yours is worth more, one year newer, E550, lower miles, I have everything but parking, distronic and pano.
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
My Brother owns the Jaguar- Range Rover dealership in the next big city down from me, he thinks we are at the peak of used car values in May and June and things will recover by fall as far as new car inventory goes.
My son lives in Jersey City, he says the BMW import lot has at least 5000 plus new BMW's and they're parking them in the aisles and on the grass, he's never seen it like this, maybe none of them have chips, but they're built
That being said, I can easily see it going the other way and I'll still have the '12
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
A W212 is something to behold. I think they will continue to appreciate simply by virtue of what they are and what most enthusiasts consider them to be; the best E Class generation. Remember, Mercedes spent a BILLION dollars on the 212 design campaign, far, far more than any other new gen refresh. The 212 generation was a big deal.I'll never sell my 212 or my 221
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
I should probably address the OP Lol
OP, $15k for a 212 M278? Even at 140k mi, I would totally jump on that! Especially if it's as clean as you say!
High mileage doesn't scare me. In fact, my used car criteria are either really low miles, or really high miles. The former for obvious reasons, the latter because that just means the car was taken care of well enough to MAKE IT to 140k mi. It's the in-between cars you have to really scrutinize and vet.
OP, $15k for a 212 M278? Even at 140k mi, I would totally jump on that! Especially if it's as clean as you say!
High mileage doesn't scare me. In fact, my used car criteria are either really low miles, or really high miles. The former for obvious reasons, the latter because that just means the car was taken care of well enough to MAKE IT to 140k mi. It's the in-between cars you have to really scrutinize and vet.
Last edited by Senecat; Apr 3, 2022 at 08:28 PM.
