jonathanw

Hello Everybody!

I'm in the process of trading in one of my cars for either E350 or a R350 (both CPO). Can anybody offer any advice/reasons why a R class is great or should be avoided? Also, this car is (as everybody can probably guess) for family outings, which is why we're leaning more towards the R than the E class, so I'm extra concerned as the missus (ahem, bosslady) would be driving it often with the kids as well.

Also, for the R model, how does the DVD thing work? Does the COMMAND module play DVDs on it? Or does the CD/DVD changer play it to the optional entertainment package? Can the entertainment package be added if the car doesn't already have it?

Thanks in advance for any opinions, insights, and suggestions!

P.S.
Both E and R cars in consideration are 2009 models.

mercdriver

On a 2009, the command module holds 6 DVDs that are accessed thru the front slot.

Rear entertainment screens can be easily added, but are horrendously expensive for the small, obsolete system that they are. As has been previously discussed, you could add TWO headrest mounted iPads full of movies, for less than half the price.

taranch

I got the wife a 2009 R320 Bluetech new in November 2008. The wife *****ed and complain for the 1st week that the car was too big. Now, she wouldn't drive anything else. The only thing she missed from her previous car (ML 320 2003) was the height.

We drove down to Florida (from Montreal, Canada) in August 2009 and couldn't believe the comfort level this car had. Also, I was cruising at 130-140 km/h and the trio computer was showing an avg fuel consumption of 9.9 litres/100km which is amazing considering the sheer size and weight of this vehicle.

Hope this helps in your decision.

Cheers

Ted Flynn

The R is great for a family and when taking out other adults.

I love all the leg room and the kids have options for how they sit. (In back, in the middle, or a combination of both.)

My diesel gets about 26 on the highway while averaging 80 mph.

I don't think the leg room is the greatest on the E.

fstshrk

Same here with our 2007 R320 CDI. So far we have been getting 22-23 around town.

Excellent car.

rosswell

I'd buy the R. The older style E class (and the E63) is a beautiful car (and there are some beautifully done adverts on youtube) but for eating up hwy miles in supreme comfort there's only one choice. Just check out the 2011s and you'll be sold on a used older style with essentially the same interior - for a lot less green.

jonathanw

Thanks guys for all the feedback!

While we were at the dealership, some stranger saw us looking at a new R Class in the showroom and approached us - said that he has one on lease that's ending and he's considering another one. Nothing but great comments on his R lease (I think there were some computer glitches that MB fixed for him easily during that time, but other than that, nothing but good comments from him).

We stared hard and long at 2 used Rs - one 2009 (looked like base) and one 2008 (lots of goodies, including the rear entertainment package), but then the wife reluctantly decided that she thinks that she'll prefer the E for the simple reason of the R being too big for her (there were other reasons as well, but they were more minor reasons.) Even though she's driven my S500 multiple times, she has always felt that it was a little big when navigating smaller streets or parking spots (NYC). Funny thing is, originally, she wanted something closer to a minivan and I wanted a sedan, but when she decided on the E, I actually tried to convince her on the R!

Again, I just wanted to say thanks to everybody for the feedback!