Brettboytn

Just wanted to let you guys know the E43 configurator is up on the MB USA website. I'm impressed with the amount of standard features it has. Configured mine the way I would like it and it came to around $77,000. These will be great cars to buy used after they depreciate a couple of years. Guessing I could get one for around $40,000 after a couple of years.

Lanzz

Mine came out about the same - would be a nice CPO in a few years, I agree. A P3 CPO off lease would be a hell of a car.

ngerstman

I guess that makes me the chump buying one now. Glad to be of service! Regards. Ned.

Brettboytn

Just let me know when you're ready to sell! Treat my baby well😆

Lanzz

Ned, I wouldn't say that at all... If I could make the money work, or there would be one in my driveway now. :-)

HBerman

Just configured an E43 with the same options as my current E300W4 P3. The difference in the price was $9250 more (MSRP was $87450). The E43 P3 had Napa leather which is a step up from my sport leather, but that was all. Do you think it's worth $8000 plus for a V6 engine? I'm not certain I would given how the 4cyl engine works now. While my former 2013 E550 could blow past my current ride without much strain, the power train combination now is more than adequate for my spirited driving style. I'm definitely going to wait for the E63 in 2019 for my next ride.

threeMBs

Well, its not just 4cyl vs. 6cyl, its 240 HP in E300 vs. almost 400HP in E43AMG (396HP vs. W212 E550's 403HP); its many AMG upgrades: enormous brakes, better handling suspensions, etc.. As per MB's official 0-60 numbers, E43 is 4.5sec (it was "only" 5.2sec for W212 E550 TT, yes I know it feels faster, but these are the numbers MB posted, probably mostly due to E43's 300lbs lower weight, 9sp transmission vs. 7sp and other improvements) vs. E300's 6.2sec. E63 will be quicker than E43 by about a sec or so, but will cost three to four times more the $8K+ difference in question. So yes, IMHO its absolutely worth extra $8K. W213 E300W4 P3 was $78.2K? My '14 E550 was only $76.7K (all options except Distronic).

kotsumu

No designo interior option , I kinda knew that but guess I just didn't want to believe it.

HBerman

Hmmm.... The sport package adds the same brakes on the W300 as the E43 (front brakes are massive, drilled rotors, etc). I already have Air Body Control which is the same as on the E43, and the dual screen, etc. So, it seems to boil down to the engine and a different seat trim material/pattern. I'm good with the 6.2sec 0-60, seat of the pants is fine (not rocket ship like my former E550), but perfectly acceptable. I also assume that this is the last year of the V6 engine to be superseded by the IL6 in 2018 which should have even more power. Meanwhile, I'll save my $$$ up and wait for the E63 (with a real AMG V8 engine) in two years. My dealer already has my preliminary ordering specs in the drawer

threeMBs

I do not think E300's sport wheel package (yes it adds drilled rotors, but they are the same 323mm diameter as non-sport, and MB logo on calipers) gets the same massive 361mm front rotors (not for only $650 which also includes AMG wheels) as E43 (it also gets "AMG" on the calipers and rear drilled rotors, "AMG" must be worth much more than "MB" logo in Mercedes' parts catalogue). Other V6 "AMG" cars, like C43, and V8s cars, like E550 cpe/cap and CLS550, get the same massive 361mm front rotors as E43.

PeterUbers

my nicely equipped 2014 e550 was $77k, acquired it for $68k before taxes

don't forget more maintenance costs for your amg, amg brakes and rotors are pricey ... cost of ownership of e43 is more than e300

threeMBs

Poster above got E43 brakes on his E300...

threeMBs

Same here - about 11% off MSRP. But none of the tranny issues and associated headaches.

ngerstman

What tranny and associated issues are you speaking of? Thanks. Regards. Ned.

threeMBs

Peter's two '14 E550s. You've been away too long, Ned.

ngerstman

He had tranny issues? I haven't had any issues with my 2011 e550 other than an air shock and engine mounts replaced under my extended warranty. It is with much trepidation that I have the e43 on order for December delivery for my Florida ride, always fraught with danger being the early adopter/test case, especially with ever more technology. Regards. Ned.

threeMBs

Not in one, but in two '14 E550s (second was a "replacement" from MB). Both were eventually bought back by MB. So he got his '14 E63 instead with none of the tranny issue his experienced in E550s (MCT "issues" aside). There are several loooong threads on the subject in W212 forum.

ngerstman

Is there a widespread tranny issue with the 2012-2014 turbos that don't affect the prior naturally aspirated engines? Thanks. Regards. Ned.

threeMBs

Not that I know of. Some people demand buttery smooth shifting and are able to and are willing to push MB. There were reports of rough shifts for E350s as well. I have no problem with how my '14 E550 shifts. Its not like there were massive issues with W211 when tranny was destroyed (happened to me too as soon as the warranty expired) due to faulty radiators MB knew (but did nothing) about.

c4004matic

I just ordered mine. Ran the tab up to 90K! Pretty much completely loaded except for the 3D Burmester. The car is simply a beast. Ive always have been a fan of the matte paint so I had to have it, 20 inch rims too.
I took out for a test drive the first one that showed up at the dealer, it was still full of boxes and junk.
I was obviously duly impressed. Basically if feels like a 300 version but dialed up to 11. the ride is just as comfortable but all its reflexes have been markedly sharpened. It even banishes the 300's understeer that shows up when driven past it generous limits. Powerwise, its not in the same planet. It even sounds great given the engine "music" piped in when driven in sport and sport plus. AMG fans may be dismayed that a mass production car steals their thunder, but personally I could care less about the badging, it simply takes the superbly capable new E300 and makes it a very satisfying everyday sport sedan. I don't think that buyers of real AMG's will be "confused" at all, particularly since I suspect a "plain jane" E63 will be running around 20K more! Delivery time expected is 3-4 mths.

ngerstman

Hope you're not concerned with resale, the matte finish is not to most people's taste. I'm expecting my e43 loaded with the Burmester upgrade later this month. Was your test drive equipped with the stock 19 inch rims or the optional 20's? Thanks. Regards. Ned.

c4004matic

Not really worried about resale, in a heavily optioned car its very bad to begin with. Yes, the car had 20's with ulta high performace pirelli tires. I dont know how popular the dull paint is but Ive been lusting for it since they started offering it, it makes the car appear like it means business. Since its also quite rare it makes the car stand out in an ocean of shinny cars. A lot of people worry about its care but the fact is that as long as you dont buff it or use brushes on it actually takes a lot less work to maintain, wash, dry and thats it. If you want some sheen meguiars detailer spray or ultimate quick wax is all youll ever need.

ngerstman

Did you get any discount off msrp? Thanks. Regards. Ned.

c4004matic

Sure! How do free floor mats sound as one?

ngerstman

So basically msrp. Evedently no competition in your area. Regards. Ned.