I have not seen any in my local dealerships either in preowned or new models, do they not have it in California or is it just that rare?

 

There are no Mercedes diesels in California until 2009 model year thanks to your regulations.

There have been a few "early" E-classes for lease only, but that's it.

 

The R320 CDI does not meet the emissions requirements of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont and is not available in these states.

 

Thanks guys, so I assume the 09 model year will be when the blue tech version comes out that meets emmission standard?

So my only choice would be a 350 or look for a preowned R500 then. Seems like R63 is even rarer and most likely have to be special ordered.

 

You can also get a pre-owned R320 CDI.

 

Not entirely sure, if you check the bluetec E class it too says its not available in California.

As for the R63...its gone. It was only offered as a sold to order option in 2007, which means dealerships didn't even get them in, they had to be already sold before they would build one. There are however a few still floating around for sale, check the R63 thread at the top of the topics page.